Land Rover Introduces Its CO2 Offset Program

Land Rover Introduces Its CO2 Offset Program
by: Carol Mitchel

Due to the alarming risks brought about by global warming, greenhouse effect and other environment and health threats, Land Rover has come up with a program that will contribute to clean the environment. The program was named CO2 offset program - the largest and most comprehensive environment program ever undertaken by an automaker in the United Kingdom.

The motivated pilot has been specifically made for Land Rover vehicle. The program has key components – the first one is to offset emissions generated by Land Rover vehicle assembly - like in the manufacturing of Parts for Land Rover Freelander as well as other Rover parts and vehicle. The second aim is to provide mechanisms to offset emission from the use of their vehicle. As an aftermath of this aim, environmental technologies across Ford as well as its Premier Automotive Group will be developed. The equipment will be made by 3,000 engineers based at Rover’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The pilot will run until the end of the year 2008. The program is estimated to setoff approximately 2 million tons of CO2 over said period. The figure is equal to an average of 125,000 CO2 generated by homes over the same period.

According to Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, "This announcement is part of a multi-stage and ongoing approach by Land Rover to environmental care and sustainability. Our CO2 offset program is the second demonstration from Land Rover in five months that it is helping to minimize the impact of its manufacturing processes and vehicles on the environment.

He further added, “This industry leading initiative follows hard on the heels of our Land-e technological exhibit which showcases innovative hybrid electric powertrains and biofuel capability – real world technology which will be seen on Land Rover production vehicles of the future. The announcement made by Ford yesterday will have a considerable impact in enabling us to develop that technology. It also acknowledges the challenges of climate change and recognizes our responsibility to take action now."

Mike Mason, director of Climate Care, added, "It will take time to incorporate the new technologies into the full model range so rather than wait, Land Rover have chosen to act immediately and, in addition, introduce a comprehensive CO2 offset program. This will start to reduce the climate impact of Land Rovers immediately."

About The Author Carol Mitchel is an executive assistant in one of the leading automotive magazine in Los Angeles, California. She is a certified car lover and loves extreme sports. For more info kindly visit http://www.landrparts.com

Car and Truck Alternators

Car and Truck Alternators
by: Matthew C. Keegan

Has your vehicle’s alternator failed? Are you absolutely certain that it isn’t your battery or starter? Determining which part has failed is essential toward avoiding unnecessarily replacing something that hasn’t failed, like your battery. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to determine that your alternator, in fact, has bit the dust.

If you own an alternator testing machine, you can test to see whether your car’s alternator is charging correctly. For most people this isn’t practical as few motorists own such an expensive piece of equipment. For everyone else, there is a practical way for you to easily check to see if your alternator is working properly:

Connect a volt meter to your car's battery

Start your car

Observe the voltage output on the volt meter so that you can make an accurate determination.

If there is an increase in voltage when you start your car, then your alternator is more than likely working just fine. Likely, you battery is the culprit; check the battery itself and the connections to make a final determination.

If there is no increase in voltage, you are likely looking at having to replace your alternator.

The next step, of course, is to determine whether you will replace the alternator yourself or have someone else do the job. Some things to keep in mind as you weigh your options include:

If you trust your vehicle to a mechanic, what will the total cost of the work be including the part and labor? Is there a guarantee?

If you decide to do the work yourself, do you have all the tools on hand to get the work done? Do you own a repair manual? Do you want to purchase a new alternator or will a remanufactured unit suffice?

Your choices today are much greater than they were ten years ago, before internet shopping became a strong factor in reigning in high auto parts prices. Several online wholesalers, including the Auto Parts Warehouse, are in business to sell auto parts directly to you. Costs are generally much lower than local retail establishments and parts are from well known manufacturers, names you can trust in the business.

Doing the work yourself can save you time and money as well as give to you a sense of accomplishment. With a trusty repair manual at your side you can replace your vehicle’s alternator quickly and accurately.

About The Author Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Warehouse [APW], an online wholesaler of high quality performance and replacement parts for passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. You can replace an [http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/alternators~pop.html] auto alternator yourself; at APW we sell premium [http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/replacement_sm/bosch~alternator~replacement.html] Bosch alternators and [http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/replacement_sm/valeo~alternator~replacement.html] Valeo alternators at heavily discounted prices.

Lincoln MKZ Reborn With Undeniable Driving Attitude

Lincoln MKZ Reborn With Undeniable Driving Attitude
by: Pamela Hewitt

To meet the car demands of the new generation, Lincoln has come up with a reborn version of Lincoln MKZ. The 2007 Lincoln MKZ is given fresh façade and power upgrade to satisfy the needs of Lincoln fanatics and young drivers.

Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain Operations also noted, "Our new 3.5-liter V-6 coupled with an advanced 6-speed automatic provides an innovative solution for better fuel efficiency, more refinement, more power and clean emissions, without any sacrifices."

The midsize luxury sedan proves its worth as it gathers multitude in the Lincoln showroom. In connection with power and performance, all-new MKZ is given a more powerful 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, which is paired with smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission. Said car is also available in an all-wheel drive (AWD).

According to Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales, "Customer demand for Lincoln’s mid-size luxury sedan has exceeded our expectations. We have taken a brand-new, well-received car and significantly improved it to draw a new generation of customers to the Lincoln brand." Giombetti added, "Judging by reaction in the showroom, customers are clearly ready for an American entry-level luxury sedan."

2007 Lincoln MKZ is able to readily respond to modern demands. It is also designed not just for power and performance but for comfort as well. Peter Horbury, executive director, North American Design says "The figured maple gives the interior a fresh and exciting look. The dark ebony is classic elegance for a traditional sense of luxury. The satin nickel, with its lightly raised ribbing, is technical and modern. We were able to establish three completely different ambient settings through use of these materials."

About The Author Pamela Hewitt is marketing consultant of a successful auto body shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 39 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. She is also an offroad enthusiast. For more info kindly visit http://www.partsship.com