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

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

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

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

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

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

You may be wondering why this isn’t in every car if it is so great. Well, every year, more vehicles in the American market add CVTs as an option, though it has happened quietly, as many people are leery of new technology, especially in cars.

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

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

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

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“This video is part of a series of videos developed by students in Doctor Crazie’s introduction to management information systems class to showcase new technologies and how they might impact the world tomorrow. This video introduces three new automotive technologies.

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Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap car insurance for young drivers from respected insurance companies.

Whether you’re dreaming of beginning a career in the pit crews of NASCAR, thinking about getting a tech job at one of the major car or aftermarket companies, or just exploring the many possibilities within the industry, follow the information provided, to make informed decisions about your future.

A degree from a good automobile repair school helps to know the trade, makes you more comfortable with the norms and technicalities in the automobile field. It also gives higher-level openings such as master mechanic or mechanic positions depending on your experience. Whether you’re dreaming of beginning a career in the pit crews of NASCAR, thinking about getting a tech job at one of the major car or aftermarket companies, or just exploring the many possibilities within the industry, Automotive Schools contains the right information for you to make informed decisions about your future.

Automotive School Programs:

Automotive Technology
Diesel Technology
Collision Repair & Refinishing
Motorcycle Technology
Marine Technology
Aviation Maintenance
Applied Service Management
High Performance
Street Rod & Custom Fabrication

General Automotive Courses with Top Level salary estimation:

Automotive Technician – $58,000-108,000
Automobile Mechanic – $60,000-100,000
Diesel Technician – $60,000
Auto-Body Technician – $60,000
Paintless Dent Repair Technician – $50,000 – $300,000
Automotive Electrician – $20/hr
Motorboat Technician – greater than $21/hr
Motorcycle Service Technician – more than $41,000
Aircraft Mechanic – greater than $29/hr
Alternative Fuels Technician – $60,000-100,000

Ways to choose a Good Automotive School:

Mentioned below are some ways that may help you in choosing a good automobile repair school:

School Reputation: You need to find out the reputation of a school. This factor is important, as it will have a good impression on your curriculum vitae (CV). There may be several reasons for a good reputation of an automobile school. Generally the most common reason for having a good reputation is graduates from that particular school have performed exceptionally well in the automobile field. You may even cut short your list of schools whose reputation is not known or questionable.

Degree Program: Mostly all schools offer an associate’s degree to help you start in the auto industry. These degrees are short time courses, which on completion allow you to join the respective field as soon as possible. Many schools also provide a master’s degree to help ambitious people to attain positions that are more respectful. Do a good research on the degree program you want to join and check that the program teaches all the skills and techniques required in the field. You also need to ensure if the school provides an ASE (Automotive Standards of Excellence) certification or not. It is extremely important as it allows the company to know your skills in a particular area. Also, see if the school is offering internship or employment opportunities.

Resources Offered: You need to check for what resources the students get from the school. Generally, all automobile schools offer various resources to their students. Please check if the school is offering job placement assistance. Make sure that the school has a good program for graduates or students who are searching for a job. The school also needs to have programs like creating good CV, providing job listings and teaching interview skills.

Cost of the program: This is also an important factor while choosing an automobile school. A good school needs to be affordable too. You need to carry out a research on the cost of the program and need to know what all features are included in the cost. For instance, some schools provide everything in the listed price, while some schools may provide only the course for the listed amount leaving the books, tools and other necessary things required for the program. These need to be bought separately.

These are some ways to choose a good automotive repair school. Do thorough research and choose an automobile training school, which will give a boost to your auto career. Learn the differences between automotive diplomas, degrees, and certification.

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Mobileye’s vision applications serve both day and night scenarios. The visual processing modules can also be adapted to accept Infra Red spectrums – Near and Far.

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Bobe -
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I love automobiles. Fast sports cars, classics, luxury vehicles are some of my favorites. I am also a certified ASE Technician and auto GURU.

Today’s automotive engineers are focusing their attention on improving the way we drive — and the way we live. Some automotive improvements make life easier to navigate, like GPS systems with visual and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions. Other innovations help protect vehicle occupants and save lives, such as “active safety” technologies, which warn drivers so they can take action to avoid an accident. Of course, yet another focus of automotive engineers, garnering much attention today, is improved fuel efficiency. Green vehicles are catching the attention of consumers rapidly. To meet this demand, nearly every automaker in the world is expanding with clean, fuel-efficient models in their lineup.

Automotive engineering today focuses on utilizing a range of technologies to improve fuel economy. Not a day goes by when automotive engineers are not working toward the development of new and improved fuel technologies. As part of the quest for fuel-efficient technology, current hybrid vehicle systems are constantly being evaluated and expanded. For example, many automakers are now creating integrated high-tech hybrids.

The concept of the high-tech hybrid vehicle makes more sense if we consider the challenges faced by automotive engineers. Automotive engineers must find creative and cost-effective ways to integrate hybrid systems, helping original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increase efficiency and provide value to the consumer. For example, cars do not need to use combustion engines; it is just that — at least in the mass market — they always have used them. In the face of new technologies, the classic combustion engine seems poised for change — especially when we realize that automotive engineers are successfully expanding hybrid technology. It is this new technology that increases the feasibility of mass manufacturing hybrids for the general public. When designing the new high-tech hybrid models, automotive engineers depend on the best thermal management components, electronic/electrical powertrain systems and wiring architecture. The key is to leverage industry leaders with the extensiveness and depth of systems integration and power electronics proficiency to provide this advanced technology.

With rising oil prices, power electronics awareness is gaining popularity with both consumers and vehicle manufacturers. Hybrid vehicles are hitting the streets in North America, helping drivers save money on the cost of operating vehicles. Consumers understand that hybrids offer significant advantages, such as fuel efficiency and low cost per mile in addition to environmental benefits. If nothing else, high-tech hybrid technology — and the willingness to liberate it — may reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help decrease emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone precursors.

As if this were not enough motivation, there are a variety of mechanisms and sources at work to excite the green car industry even further. In one example, an organization is on the hunt for a car that achieves fuel economy in excess of 100 miles per gallon without sacrificing key capabilities. The fuel-efficient prototype must be able to carry four passengers on varying terrain, pass federal crash and emissions guidelines and yield sales profitability in a volume of 10,000 units or more.

Indeed, there is plenty of encouragement in today’s society for increased fuel efficiency and green cars. Consumers, environmentalists, economists and technologists are all eager for new automotive technology. Thankfully, some of our best and brightest automotive engineers are working to answer the call successfully. After all, improving the way we drive and live today is only part of the equation. These new technologies will also serve future generations.

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Whether you need a tune-up, transmission or break service, or even routine maintenance, Automotive Technologies is the place to call in Fort Pierce, FL. We are ASE certified mechanics, so you know you are only getting quality work at affordable prices. Call us today at (772) 919-7187. www.elocalprofiles.com

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Mike Trudel, Freelance writer.

Delphi Corporation is committed to providing state-of-the-art automotive innovations and designs. To learn more, visit www.Delphi.com/4green.

Most modern cars are now fitted with a low maintenance battery and these either require little electrolyte topping up and in some cases, none at all. This is a result of advances in automotive technology where alternators ensure that the battery is not subjected to an abnormal voltage charge.

The battery charger that you use in your workshop needs to be as versatile as your vehicle’s charging system to ensure that your battery’s life if not cut short by a defective process.

The big problem encountered with maintenance-free or sealed batteries is gassing, this is where electrolyte is lost as a result of too high a charge. Battery chargers designed to deal with these maintenance-free batteries are referred to as automatic and they cut off the voltage between around 13.8v and 14.5v to prevent gassing taking place. Some of these automatic chargers allow the battery to be permanently connected, topping up the charge when necessary. This float charge is very useful when you have a motor caravan or a car that is laid up for a length of time. CTEK and some of the Gunsons range of chargers are designed with this function. These chargers also have reverse-polarity protection with a built in cut-out feature and are supplied with a decent length of cable and obviously, a decent pair of clips. CTEK produce a lead where the charger can be fitted to the engine compartment of a vehicle and plugged into the mains when required.

The Calcium/Calcium battery began being fitted to vehicles with SMART charging systems from 1997. Failure to fit the correct type of replacement battery could result in damage being caused to your vehicle’s electronic control unit; so it is absolutely vital that you fit the correct battery to your vehicle and invest in the correct charger to maintain it.

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A quick look at the the Agilent Network Test forum, pefect for all your CAN, LIN and FlexRay questions and discussions. www.agilent.com/find/automotive-network

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Nishik -
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A comprehensive range of battery chargers
covering all requirements can be found at Motor spares UK

With everyone over the age of 13 seeming to carry a cell phone, there’s a whole lot of texting and talking going on in today’s world. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that we are entering an age of advanced technology in which our cars will be in real-time communication with the cars around them. Our vehicles will be able to share useful data that will help us get to where we need to go more efficiently and more safely. Using a combination of global positioning navigation devices, short-distance radio communication and input from existing in-vehicle sensors, which is also referred to as Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), cars equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V) can tell each other where they are and calculate whether danger threatens.

Welcome to the world of car-to-car safety networking. And most intriguing of all, it’s affordable in comparison to much of the other advanced technology in the pipeline. All your car needs is a GPS receiver, an economical, short-range radio working at 5.4 GHz (the unlicensed frequency also used by WiFi) and a connection to the braking system. Of course, the effectiveness of V2V safety networking will never be fully realized until a majority of vehicles on the road are in the network, but that day may be here sooner than you think. And you won’t have to buy a new car to get in on the fun. Because the technology is uncomplicated, unequipped cars can be easily retrofitted at a very reasonable cost.

The prospects of such technology are dizzying and government agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are looking to integrate DSRC into roadway infrastructure, including stoplights and traffic monitoring systems. And once the government gets its interest piqued, you can expect a lot of momentum directed at this technology.

Vehicle-to-vehicle technology is truly a big leap. If vehicles are able to communicate with one another, the need for traditional traffic control devices could become a thing of the past. Setting speeds based on road and traffic conditions is one possibility. Traffic also could be tailored so that more cars can safely occupy the same stretch of road. Delays and wasted gas at stoplights could be significantly reduced, and the cost of roadway infrastructure could come down. Traffic might be easily rerouted around accidents or road construction in an organized manner. A car-connected network of electronic information could give future dialed-in vehicles an automatic advantage over non-equipped vehicles.

A vehicle-to-vehicle-equipped car constantly sends information about its position, accurate to 2.5 meters (half the width of a highway lane), and its direction of travel (compass heading). Optionally, V2V might send data on the vehicle size – 4,000-lb. car or 80,000-lb. semi-trailer – and lane-change intentions, or at least whether or not the left turn signal is blinking. A driver’s car would receive data from other cars nearby.

Crash avoidance is also part of the plan. For instance, you’re traveling down the highway and a disabled vehicle is ahead on the road. Suppose you encounter a brief distraction that minimizes your ability to notice the disabled vehicle. As your car and the disabled vehicle begin to communicate with each other, the disabled vehicle’s brake and backup lights could begin to flash. On the IP of your vehicle, a warning flashes, the seat vibrates and the anti-lock brakes bring the vehicle safely to a stop, short of disaster, all with no driver interference. This type of networked communication could have a dramatic impact in terms of saving lives and saving money.

Naturally, there will be many potential features that will spring up as this type of technology begins to unfold. Some of us may not appreciate the benefits, as some of these features will likely raise privacy concerns. Similar to how some states utilize electronic toll collection through transponders mounted on windshields, V2V technology could take this type of tracking capability to a more wide-sweeping scale. There may come a day when you receive a traffic ticket in the mail, which includes highly detailed information including the exact location of where the transgression occurred, exact speed at the time of the transgression and perhaps even pictures of your vehicle while in the act. You may receive a revised automotive insurance premium notice from your agent, with a higher rate since it’s become obvious, now that you have vehicle-to-vehicle communications, that you were seriously under reporting your annual mileage, which can now be very accurately measured.

Clearly, V2V technology will have its challenges, but once we’re all connected, there can be no doubt that our roads will be safer places to travel.

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Nov. 9, 2009 Berkeley Lab Environmental Energy Technologies Division lecture: Mark Verbrugge, Director, Chemical Sciences and Materials Systems Lab General Motors Research & Development Center. The first portion of the lecture will relate global energy challenges to trends in personal transportation. Following this introduction, a short overview of technology associated with lithium ion batteries for traction applications will be provided. Last, I shall present new research results that enable adaptive characterization of lithium ion cells. Experimental and modeling results help to clarify the underlying electrochemistry and system performance. Specifically, through chemical modification of the electrodes, it is possible to place markers within the electrodes that signal the state of charge of a battery through abrupt voltage changes during cell operation, thereby allowing full utilization of the battery in applications. In closing, I shall highlight some promising materials research efforts that are expected to lead to substantially improved battery technology.

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Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer.

Delphi Corporation is poised to apply its expertise and know-how to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity. To learn more about Delphi Corporation, please visit www.Delphi.com/4Connected.