Basic car maintenance tips

by Mark Lorenzana

Your car might be ranked first or second among your most prized possessions. And with good reason— you paid good money for it. Here are some maintenance tips on how to keep your car in tiptop condition so you can avoid unnecessary breakdowns and expensive repairs.

• Regularly changing your car's engine oil and filter is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well. Over time, engine oil breaks down and your filter becomes clogged with contaminants.
  
  
• Wash your car regularly (at least once a week) and wax it once in a while to keep it shiny and free from corrosion. However, the most important thing to remember when washing your car is to use products that will be able to gently lift away dirt and grime without damaging the underlying surfaces or strip away existing wax or sealant protection.
  
  
• Always try to use genuine spare parts as replacements. Sure, generic spare parts are a lot cheaper but it’s a better idea to stick to the more reliable originals.
  
  
• Take good care of your tires: check your tires’ pressure regularly - at least once a month; if your tires are worn, have them re-treaded right away or better yet, replace them; improper alignment causes increased tire wear, and in worst cases, may throw your car into a skid especially on a wet road. Have the alignment checked.
  
  
• Have your car checked by a mechanic at least once a year -- and not just a quick visual inspection by one of the fast lube places. Have a competent mechanic inspect major components of your car such as brakes, suspension, etc. while having your tires rotated. This is important because many vehicle components (ball joints, for example) cannot be inspected visually.
  

As soon as you feel there is something wrong with your car like any kind of irregular noise or vibration while driving, have it checked soonest. You don’t want a car that’s unsafe to drive.

For complete information on how to maintain your car, it’s a good idea to refer to your owner's manual or better yet, pay a visit to your local vehicle repair shop.

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Some Features that Used Cars Can Do Without

by Bianca Villares

Buying a used car is cheap. But due to the premise that buying used cars means more savings, most used car buyers are given the excuse to spend a lot more on added features and accessories which are not only expensive but also unnecessary at times. The natural temptation of “new car features” for used cars may seem appealing, but it won’t do much good to your pockets once it gets broken.

If you want to upgrade your used car, check out the following features. Maybe you and your used car can do away without them.

Carputer. It is a general purpose computing platform which basically enables your car to support a number of features. To name a few, the Carputer or CarPC allows your vehicle to play videos, provide location tracking through GPS, enjoy internet connection through an eligible cell phone or wireless connections, and even synchronize files between your desktop and the Carputer. Of course, the benefits of the Carputer come with a hefty price. If you prefer to work and enjoy the perks while driving, better start saving.

High-definition Audio System. For music lovers, a car audio system is an important accessory for personal enjoyment while driving. With cassette players outdated, most car owners prefer audio systems compatible with USB playback support or an I-pod auxiliary port. Good car speakers also give definition to any audio system, and car owners/music buffs can even mount two speakers at the rear and two in the front. But high definition audio support is more of a luxury rather than a necessity. If listening to good music without all the bass and treble is enough for you, then stick to your current audio system.

Body Kits. Aftermarket ground effects parts are called body kits, and they are designed to enclose the gap between the bottom of the fuselage and the ground. Vehicles which include ground effects in its original design allow airflow manipulation in such a way to create a down force on the car, reducing the lift and thus increasing control. However, aftermarket body kits only simulate the appearance of a vehicle in ground effect and usually do not provide significant aerodynamic benefit.

Custom-hinged Doors. Unlike conventional doors hinged at the front-facing edge of the door, custom-hinged doors have fixed hinges located in unique locations. For example, scissor doors have a fixed hinge near the end of the windshield so the door open upwards rather than outward and are useful in tight parking spaces. Aftermarket conversions are becoming popular among car owners who own less exotic automobiles. Though custom-hinged doors are stylish and somewhat useful, the manufacture cost of the door hinge is more than that of a conventional door.

Hubcaps. Also known as the wheel cover or wheel trim, the hubcap is a decorative disk on an automobile wheel that covers at least its central portion. It often bears the trademark or symbol of the maker of the automobile, but more car owners prefer to have them custom-made. Custom-made hubcaps are generally expensive, and most of them have the tendency of falling off due to hitting bumps on a bad road. Though retention systems have been developed, this problem persists until today.

Rather than spending money on features and accessories you can do without, why not spend money on parts that can improve your vehicle’s performance or increase its safety? Keep your used car running for a long time by investing on useful parts wisely and save yourself from spending too much money.

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How some used car accessories jack up price but diminish value

by Edon Canada

A regular person’s dream ride, no matter what type of car, will have high tech features just short of James Bond’s vanishing Aston Martin. It wreaks havoc on our sense of proportion when we find a used car with an entertainment system, navigation, and all the gadgetry that we associate with the car of our dreams. A vehicle priced too high could end up looking like a rare bargain. If you want to buy a used car like a pro, you may want to steer clear of these new car features.

Navigation Systems. Many authorities on assigning used car values consider this as an additional asset. The fact is that this accessory usually only works in the vehicle’s country of origin. Some of them only require you to upload maps of your area for the system to work. But downloading the maps to your flash drive still presents an extra cost. So do your homework and find out the type of navigation system you are buying and if maps of your area are indeed available.

Built-in DVD Monitors. LCD screens that are built into the car are becoming quite popular. Sometimes they are imbedded in the front row’s headrests, mounted on the space between the front row seats, or even on the dashboard panel. You’d probably gladly pay a bit more for this gorgeous extra. Don’t. They easily malfunction and are quite expensive to replace. Instead, buy a portable DVD player. It has a bigger screen and is easier to use in and out of the car.

Satellite Radio Receivers. This high tech accessory is perfect for those who demand crystal clarity when tuning in to their favorite radio stations; provided, of course, that they are willing to pay an outrageous sum for subscription. Companies which provide satellite radio service have their own specific receivers which can let you listen to their own specific radio stations, depending on your specific subscription. As to which of these companies will continue to exist in the near future, I’m afraid there is nothing specific at the moment.

Removable Third-Row Seats. This ingenious feature, just like the SUV craze, is all but gone now. Not just because people are now looking for more fuel efficient vehicles but because they realize that if you needed the space while you are away from home and you manage to survive removing the 50 pound third row furniture, there’s no place to store them. If you are really willing to shell out some cash for an extra space, look for third row seats that fold on the floor.

Panoramic Roofs. Glass sunroofs that stretch from the back to the front of a vehicle are dangerous. Debris can crack and break the glass during an accident and there were even cases when passengers were thrown through them. Besides, a damaged sunroof is tough and quite expensive to fix.

Run-Flat Tires. If you are worried about running a flat tire, use the spare. Run-flat tires will give you a harsher ride. Although they can keep you from worrying about holes in your rubber, run-flat tires will still slowly but surely drill a hole in your pocket as they lower your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Keyless Entry. Yes, James Bond never used a key. He never worried about replacement cost in case the remote got lost or damaged either. And when the gadget failed, the director can always call for a second take. Because these tiny contraptions do fail; and when they do, I hope you don’t get mistaken for a burglar when you try to jimmy the lock on your car, Agent 007!

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Maintaining the peak performance of your car’s battery

by Jovir Amatong

For those of you who are first time DIYs, the battery is one of the integral components of your car; it is rechargeable and is the power source of the ignition system and other electrical devices in your car.

Initially there’s the maintenance free and low-maintenance types to choose from. A maintenance free battery is sealed and will not require replenishing the battery fluids over a long period of time while the low-maintenance type requires constant check up and replenishing once a drop in battery fluid levels can be seen. Battery fluid (Alkaline) can easily be bought at local gas stations and car yards or you can use distilled water as a substitute.

In layman’s terms the battery is the heart of your car but is often times the most neglected simply because nowadays it’s bought “maintenance free.”

Recent trends and technological advancements have made maintenance free batteries a standard on every vehicle out in the market today.

Don’t get the impression that since you’ve read on the label that it’s maintenance free, you will just simply put it in its place and forget about it. Your car’s battery is not entirely that. Just like any other sensitive equipment of your car, it also requires your constant care and attention for it to function well.

Here are the basic maintenance tips that will certainly save you a lot of trouble and will not leave you clueless by the roadside while on a very important trip.

As a rule before doing maintenance checks, always see to it to disconnect the clamps off the terminals to avoid untoward injuries from shock.

1. Check the cell casing and cover
Run an ocular inspection on the battery cell casing, box and cover for signs of moisture and pungent acidic smell. These are indicators that your battery is leaking and it needs to be fixed or replaced right away.

Maintain caution when handling leaking batteries for hazardous chemicals are present.

2. Clean terminals, clamps and cables
When you happened to see white powdery specks or see colorful substances around the terminals, they are signs of corrosion and needs to be cleaned right away. Make a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda immersed in 1 cup of water) and with an old toothbrush, clean the terminals, clamps and cables. Also clean the battery cover for accumulated grime and dust.

3. Make sure everything is dry
Make it a point to have everything dry before going further with your check up. With a dry rag, wipe off the remaining dew and moisture from the battery and terminals.

4. Check the wiring and connection
Run a check on the wires and clamps for strips or corrosion. If you have stripped cables, patch the affected part with a good electrical tape or have them replaced by a mechanic. Make sure that the battery is placed securely in its place. If your battery is equipped with a hold down bar, be sure to replace it.

5. Lubricate the terminals
With a lubricant (Petroleum jelly) place a small dab on the terminals. This will keep your cables clean and free of corrosion longer, while making it easier for you to put the cables back on the battery terminal.

6. Change your battery
Change your battery at the maximum of 3 to 3.5 years or after reaching the warranty period. For accidental battery drain (Such as leaving the lights on or stereo on) a lot of auto technicians would just recommend re-charging.

Car battery maintenance is that easy! Do it frequently to extend the life of your battery.

Safe driving.

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How to Detect Hidden Defects in a Used Car

by Edon Canada

Imagine yourself in the seller's shoes. You are trying to sell your old coupe for a bigger sedan. You gather the keys, rummage through your pile of junk for the owner's manual and old service records. You clean the engines, vacuum the interiors, rub out the stains on the cushions and put your coupe through a car wash.

When you get home to admire the sheen of the freshly polished wax, you notice some scratches and dents. Luckily, you have the cosmetics for such a contingency. And if your luck holds out, buyers wouldn’t even notice the dents and scratches. You are now ready to meet the buyers with a smile borne out of a clean conscience.

Imagine and remember this because this is exactly how a private seller with an ounce of business sense would prep his or her vehicle before a sale. Dealers could do it a lot better when they try. So, how do you see past the haphazard paint job? There is a way to detect hidden defects on the vehicle.

Body

• Check if the paint on the outside of the car matches the paint inside the door frame. Check for gritty surfaces and paint overspray on chrome – possible signs of a new paint job or masking body dents and scratches.
• Check if the panels line up evenly. Also check if there are any scuffs, scratches, dents or irregular protrusions in the wings and bumper – these could be warning signs of past accidents.
  

Doors and Trunk Lid

• Make sure that doors and lid open without any creaks and close smoothly without being slammed. A door or lid that doesn’t fit evenly could indicate that the vehicle was involved in a collision or was regularly driven in rough roads.
• Check that the locks work properly.
• Look for rips and stains on the interior panel of the door and scrapes on the bottom edges.
  

Windows

• See if there are any hairline cracks or tiny holes in the glass.
• Make sure that they move up and down smoothly and if they fit snugly when fully rolled up or down.
  

Tailpipe

• Check if the tailpipe is damaged from poor reversing.
• Examine the rear bumper for excessive soot from the exhaust. If the tailpipe has black gummy soot, this may indicate that the engine has worn rings or bad valves, which could mean expensive repairs.
  

Tires and Shock Absorbers

• Check the tires (don’t forget the spare) if they are unevenly worn as this may indicate either bad alignment or worse – damaged suspension.
• Put your full weight on a corner of the car and release – if the car keeps rocking up and down, be wary about the condition of the shock absorbers.
  

Interiors

• Check if the steering wheel points straight when the wheels are aligned ahead.
• Check the upholstery for cigarette burns, rips, stains or scuffs. Low mileage readings but worn out driver’s seat and brake and accelerator pedals could mean that the odometer has been tampered.
• Musty smell, dirt under the mat, moisture inside the trunk and watermarks on the interior panels of doors are likely indicators of flood damage.
  

Lights and Mechanical Devices

• Make sure the lights, air conditioner, heater, windshield wipers, radio and other accessories work properly.

Already sounds like too much work? This doesn’t include checking out the engine and gauging the vehicle’s driving performance yet. That’s a long topic that needs to be addressed in a separate article. Nevertheless, what we’ve discussed could help you unmask any hastily dressed up lemon to reveal its true colors, so to speak.

If you want convenience, buy from a reputable dealer who sells the vehicle “as is.” The dealer does the checking for you, documents all the dents, scratches and damages worth noting and includes the information in the vehicle description. Then all you need to do is negotiate the price.

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Vehicles Men and Women Want

by Amalia Aviles

We’ve seen how vehicles evolved through the pictures in history books and museums. They had different forms and functions. However, function wasn’t the only important factor to designers and consumers. Aesthetics and style played crucial and constant roles as well.

Ancient civilizations have started the tradition of designing and embellishing their chariots, wagons and other ancient forms of transportation. Egyptian chariots of gold and silver decorated with date palm branches, animals and other motifs were the most preferred.

Today we see how different people especially the men, choose to buy cars with slick wheels and other parts and accessories. The whole craze is absolutely nothing new and as the famous saying among men goes- “you don’t drive a car, you wear it”. A car can magnify a lot, if not all of the traits of its owners and here some of those clues.

• For the women, safety, reliability and value are at the top of their list while men prefer performance, power and style.

According to Imre Molnar, dean of College for Creative Studies (Detroit), men’s desire to showcase power and aggression with the vehicles they drive stems from an “animal nature”. They dress up their vehicles as if it’s “mating season,” he quips. Molnar further elaborates that these attributes of masculine, big wheels, flush or protruding wheel faces and high “shoulder line” and taut lines can be found in most vehicles men drive today. Predator-looking vehicles that sit higher at the back have the “ready to pounce” look and this has become very common among sedans. At the top of the list are vehicles made for looking good and going fast or as Molnar calls them “testosterone show-off devices”.

• Studies, however, prove that most women prefer vehicles that are understated, opulent and with a comfy interior.

“Ease of entry and useful interior storage, including space for a purse, are elements that make vehicles especially attractive to women,” states Brigid O’Kane, a design professor and coordinator of the Transportation Design Track program at the University of Cincinnati.

• To create a distinctive look, women wear jewelry, high-end fashion and expensive handbags rather than cars while men create an image of wealth and influence by the cars they “wear”.
• Buying used vs. buying new: While men are most likely to buy used vehicles if they can’t buy the flashy new one, women are prone to settle for a new affordable car rather than their dream model.
• In general, men are more willing to sacrifice a smooth ride for sharp handling than women or to overlook an impractical cargo arrangement for an engine more pep, experts say.
• Strategic Vision’s new-vehicle experience study shows that 31 percent of men said driving is one of their favorite things to do, while only 18 percent of women said the same.
• According to the experts, SUVs with a “big and powerful” look resonates with men, while small, inexpensive vehicles are preferred by women.

So now you’ve got clues on what vehicles most men and women want. These studies and indicators fairly explain what vehicles both sexes prefer to drive or “wear.”

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Electric Car Batteries: Benefits and Drawbacks

by Guile Canencia


So you’re thinking of getting an electric car? Well, one of the first things you need to do before getting one is to learn a few basic things about these vehicles — especially with regards to how they run and where they get their power. And like all things electric, an electric car relies on an independent power source — the battery.

A normal car (powered by an internal combustion engine) only needs the battery to start the engine as well as run the air conditioning system and the car stereo. That isn’t the case with electric cars. In fact, the battery used in electric cars runs about everything. When electric cars were first introduced, the primary concern was (and still is) the quality and reliability of the electric car battery, i.e. how long can the battery last before it needs to be recharged. Fortunately, the last few decades has produced significant improvements on how electric car batteries are made. Now we already have nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lead-acid and lithium-ion (Li-ion) types that are rechargeable and readily available in the market.

Compared to normal car batteries, how do electric car batteries fare? Here’s a look at the benefits:

Cost-effectiveness. For five bucks worth of electricity, your electric car can run for more than 300 kilometers. Now if you do the math and compare that with your current gas costs and equivalent mileage, you’ll see that going electric can be quite economic in the long run.

Cleaner & Greener. Although you still need to burn fossil fuels in order to generate the electricity needed to recharge electric car batteries, the pollution produced is very minimal compared to the pollution caused by internal combustion engines. Plus, with better power generation sources like nuclear plants, the level of carbon emissions in the process of recharging becomes even lesser.

Re-usability. Electric car batteries can be reused and recycled. So you don’t need to worry about how you can dispose of your battery pack.

However, like any new technology, electric car batteries are not perfect. Here are the drawbacks:

They’re heavy. Because electric car batteries are designed to provide more power, they need to be connected to battery packs to ensure heavy duty performance. And these battery packs are not light. A battery pack can weigh as much as half a metric ton. But don’t worry, there’s hope — manufacturers are designing electric cars with lighter body frames to offset the battery’s weight.

Recharging time. Unfortunately, there’s no technology available yet for quicker and easier recharging. You still need several hours of downtime before your electric car can run again.

Maintenance. Electric car batteries are still uncommon, which means the number of service stations which can do repairs is still fairly limited, too. And since they’re quite fewer, maintenance costs might be a bit higher, too.

No doubt, electric car batteries are still a work in progress. It has its own set of limitations but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. But in a few years, the new generation of batteries will be lighter, more economical and most importantly, more powerful. That’s certainly a comforting thought.

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Ford Fiesta Named Scottish Car Of The Year

The all-new Ford Fiesta has been named "Scottish Car of the Year 2008" at the 11th annual Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) awards dinner in St Andrew's, Scotland.

A jury of 17 Scottish automotive journalists reviewed every new car available and, in an exhaustive selection process, short-listed eight category winners. At the ceremony, the all-new Fiesta was crowned with the prestigious award thanks to its qualities of style, dynamic driving and value for money.

This is the second successive year that the ASMW has honoured Ford with the title of Scottish Car of the Year – in 2007 the award went to the Ford Mondeo. Also this year, recognition was given to the new Ford Kuga, which collected the category award for "best 4x4 crossover" vehicle.

The awards were presented by President of the ASMW, Bill Caven, who commented: "To win the Scottish Car of the Year once is a marvellous achievement for any manufacturer. However to triumph again the following year is absolutely unbelievable.

"The all-new Ford Fiesta was simply streets ahead of everybody else when it came to offering something fresh, dynamic and value for money. Within hours of getting our first drive in the car we were all blown away by the experience.

And when you consider the high calibre of the other new models up for consideration it is a truly tremendous feat by the Blue Oval." Continued

Bill added: "There is always a degree of trepidation amongst motor manufacturers when it comes to replacing a best-selling model with the next generation car. Will it live up to past reputation and appeal? Will it take the brand forward? Ford has maintained from the outset that the new Fiesta would set the benchmark in its sector. It has certainly delivered big time and been true to its word. This is going to be an enormous seller for them in the coming months, and deservedly so."

On receiving the award, Ian Slater, Vice-President Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe, said: "We are delighted the new Ford Fiesta has been voted the 2008 Scottish Car of the Year. I am especially pleased for the Fiesta project team of designers and engineers, that their vision and hard work has been so generously rewarded. Everyone at Ford joins me in thanking the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for this accolade."

Source: http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/..2868.html

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When the going gets tough, the tough drive compact

by Jovir Amatong

As the global problem with the scarcity of fossil fuels runs deeper with each passing day, prices of oil and its by-products soar to levels that burn holes right through consumers’ pockets.

Everywhere these days, driving huge Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV)- for leisure and lifestyle enthusiasts, Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPV) for work and business – even luxury cars (For those who consider maximum comfort) for traveling in and around cities has now become a wasteful indulgence! Purpose and design has become irrelevant because of one thing – rising fuel cost.

Driving around in gas-guzzlers just doesn’t make sense anymore. Good thing car manufacturers are boosting the production of their compact, subcompact and even mini lines to meet this growing need.

Come to think of it, why would you choose to drive a compact in the first place? If you had asked that question a couple years back, the answer would’ve been laughable. Compacts were never taken seriously back then – as affordable as they are, they held true to their name where the values of safety, space and comfort is seen as compromised. While compacts may not come as comfortable as large vehicles for the car aficionado, owning one offers some big advantages: convenient parking, the much needed fuel economy and, of course, the cheeky look!

With recent trends however, engineers and designers have come up with design changes to accommodate the hip and younger market segments and even the older markets through added safety and security features. Engines have been redesigned for improved fuel economy. Car prices are made more competitive and a host of payment options are now offered to attract budget conscious buyers.

Major brands and car manufacturers worldwide now offer compact and subcompact model lines suited to individual or family needs and varied lifestyles. Stiff competition among the brands open even more opportunities up the highway for consumers.

For choices, one can always go for the brand new models, the advantages of which are: assurance of quality, getting the latest models and technologies, and excellent payment and financing schemes. The thrifty on the other hand, can always go for used models readily available online or through local dealerships which sometimes offer great financing schemes as well! A lot of compact models from the past still remain popular on the road to this day. Some are even available with improved features, proving they pack the kick and stamina like their bigger competitors. A few market favorites from the past decade include:

A. European

1. Volkswagen- Golf, Touran
2. Renault- Scenic
3. Opel- Zafira
4. Fiat- Multipla

B. United kingdom

1. Renault- Megane
2. Vauxhall- Astra
3. Citroen- C4

C. American Tops

1. Ford- Focus
2. Chevrolet- Cobalt

D. Japanese

1. Nissan- Sentra, Micra
2. Honda- City, Civic, Fitz/ Jazz
3. Toyota- Corolla, Yaris, Vitz/ Echo
4. Mitsubishi- Lancer

E. Korean

1. Hyundai- Elantra, Accent
2. Kia- Avella, Rio
3. Daewoo- Racer, Matiz

The disadvantages are common to just about every used car, meaning: outdated models, greater mileage and decreased vehicle road worthiness. Fortunately, parts centers that cater to the used car market are largely flourishing these days and in the case of hard to find parts and accessories, (allowing for the patience needed to wait for shipment deliveries) one can always browse and order thru hundreds of parts dealers online.

Dubbed as “econocars,” compact and subcompact lines are now benchmarks for customer taste.

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Press Release: Global Automotive Logistics

Bharat Book.com presents a new report on the Global Automotive Logistics (http://www.bharatbook.com/productdetail.asp?id=51010)

The automotive sector has traditionally been at the forefront of developments in the logistics industry. Supply chain strategies implemented by Vehicle Manufacturers such as Toyota have resulted in highly efficient, lean organizations.

Gain real insight into the latest automotive supply chain strategies

The sector is also highly complex. No two VMs are the same in the way in which structure their business models or the way they perceive and treat their logistics providers. With profits in the sector low, the supply-side of the industry has become increasingly squeezed, with expectations to innovate at the same time as cutting costs.

In a major new report, Transport Intelligence's experts have for the first time compiled an in depth analysis of all sections of the global automotive logistics sector. Years of experience of the industry and unrivalled access to the key players involved - both the VMs and the logistics service providers - have enabled the development of a report which will deliver real value to the reader.

How will you benefit from Global Automotive Logistics 2007?

Global Automotive Logistics 2007 will enable you to gain insight into:

The leading Vehicle Manufacturers' supply chain strategies and their relationships with their logistics providers.
The development strategies of the key global logistics service providers.
The automotive business specific to the shipping, rail and integrated logistics sectors.
The structure of the industry in the Americas, Asia Pacific (including Japan and China), Western and Central European regions.
The inbound, spare parts and finished vehicle logistics markets.
The market size and future growth forecasts for the market in the key regions and segments.
Market trends, developments, size and forecasts

Global Automotive Logistics 2007 is packed full of qualitative analysis and quantitative data which will give you an all-round understanding of the market. It examines the significant trends which are affecting the demand-side of the industry and how these impact the key logistics sectors associated with it. It includes market sizing, broken down into inbound, spare parts and finished vehicle segments for the North American, European and Japanese markets as well indicative growth forecasts.

Vehicle Manufacturer profiles and demand-side trends

To understand the automotive logistics industry, you must first have an in depth grasp of the production and supply chain strategies employed by the leading Vehicle Manufacturers. The report contains extensive profiles of all the leading players, with special focus on the relationships which they have with their logistics service providers.

In addition to extensive VM profiles, Global Automotive Logistics 2007 provides the latest industry data on production and sales by region as well as trade in auto products. It also contains an appendix of maps showing the location of every major assembly plant in the world.

Extensive shipper and forwarder surveys

Global Automotive Logistics 2007 contains profiles of all the main logistics service providers from the main sectors: Rail, Shipping and Integrated Logistics. Each profile provides background and analysis of the companies' strategies to penetrate the automotive sector as well as a range of operational and financial data.

In addition, the report examines all the key supply-side trends in the inbound, spare parts and finished vehicle logistics sectors

Source: http://www.prminds.com/pressrelease...=6671

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