Daimler Chrysler is offering two new diesel passenger cars ‘А” the Jeep Liberty CRD for 2005 and the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI for the U.S. Market. And they’re a hit with customers: The planned yearly output of 3,000 E 320 CDI vehicles for the U.S. was already completely sold out five months after the sales launch, and by the end of the year this figure will have been markedly increased.
Combine legendary Jeep off-road capability with state-of-the-art search and rescue technology; the Jeep Rescue is designed to reach areas in the harshest, most daunting mountainous and desert areas.
“Diesel & the U.S.” is a dream combination for automotive engineers. Many drivers in the U.S. prefer vehicles with high torques and towing capacities ‘А” for off road driving, for instance, or for towing heavy loads. And these are exactly the advantages that a diesel engine offers.
Diesel passenger cars don’t even account for a one-percent market share in U.S market unlike in Western Europe, where diesel consumption account for 43 percent of all newly registered passenger cars. Many associate diesel with attributes like “sluggish,” “noisy,” “soot-belching” and “foul-smelling” ‘А” a judgment based on experiences with the diesel passenger cars that were still fairly common sights on America’s streets and highways in the 1980s.
The cruising range of the Mercedez Benz E320 CDI and its low fuel consumption is typical of diesel engines: 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers (measured according to the NEDC), which corresponds to a respectable 40 mpg. In comparison, the E 320 equipped with a gasoline engine uses 9.9 liters per 100 kilometers (30 miles per one gallon of gasoline). The high efficiency of the diesel, which has never been matched by other internal combustion engines, simultaneously ensures wide-ranging mobility and savings on the part of consumers.
The same advantages goes to the Jeep Liberty CRD. The four-cylinder 2.8-liter turbo diesel with common-rail direct injection (CRD) has the torque of an eight-cylinder; its 160 hp delivers acceleration like a six-cylinder; but in terms of fuel consumption the engine is very minimal, even by four-cylinder standards. The values are 22 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. Compared to the vehicle’s 3.7-liter, six-cylinder gasoline-engine variants with comparable performance, the Liberty CRD’s diesel delivers fuel savings amounting to a hefty 30 percent. Especially this year, when gasoline prices have also increased sharply in the U.S., the two economical diesel variants from DaimlerChrysler are appearing at the ideal time.
The Jeep Liberty CRD and the E 320 CDI operate according to the common-rail principle, which has since been further improved.
Compared to the gasoline engine, the diesel offers several advantages: A diesel engine emits about 20 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2), and its hydrocarbon (HC) emissions are lower than those of comparable gasoline engines. Yet, the fact remains that a diesel still emits more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and soot particles.
Complete with a fold-flat windshield, retractable backlights and four removable doors, the Rescue concept provides a hint at the future of Jeep styling and functionality. To shop for Jeep Liberty CRD parts, online stores come handy with all sorts of parts needed for your vehicle. One of the most trusted and reliable online stores is Parts Train. Access partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/JEEP and you’re on your way to top quality and affordable Jeep Parts.
Dodge eyes Police Car Market
Dodge is set to conquer the police car market later this year with its all-new 2006 Dodge Charger police vehicle. A four-door sedan with all the power, handling and functionality required to effectively patrol streets, the 2006 Dodge Charger is perfect for the job. “With rear-wheel drive and available HEMIВ® power at the pavement, the Dodge Charger provides optimum police car pursuit performance,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President – Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Dodge has a strong police heritage and is proud to offer vehicles armed with modern muscle and cutting-edge technology”. The Dodge Charger police vehicle will join the Dodge Magnum, another Dodge model previously announced to charge into the market. The two models will round out Dodge’s growing fleet of bold, powerful and capable vehicles designed for law enforcement agencies.
“We listened to what law enforcement officers asked for and paid attention to the details that are important to them,” said Ray Fisher, Vice President – Sales, Service and Parts Operations, Chrysler Group. “By integrating features and functionality into the original design of the Dodge Charger, we can give our police customers an affordable, capable vehicle with industry-leading innovations.”
The Dodge Charger police vehicle will be available with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 340 Horsepower at 5000 rpm and 390 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The V-8 HEMI engine also features Chrysler Group’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS). This system effortlessly alternates between smooth, high economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is required. With the MDS in place fuel efficiency is also improved by up to 20 percent without compromising performance. The HEMI engines will also allow the Dodge Charger police vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Dodge Charger is also available with a powerful 3.5 liter High Output V-6 engine hat provides 250 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 250 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. Other excellent features include a fully electronic five-speed automatic transmission with an Electronically Modulated Converter Clutch offering improved shift feel to match a variety of driving styles, situations and road conditions. This will prove to be very useful in police operations throughout the country. This transmission is standard in all Dodge Charger police cars. Meanwhile, tough brakes and linings will provide a secure and stable deceleration and braking capability.
With these two models, Dodge will once again dominate the police car market which it lorded over in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. During that period, the former Chrysler Corporation had a market share of 45-60 percent in the US. Some of the police vehicles manufactured by the former Chrysler Corporation include Dodge Monaco, Dodge Royal Monaco, Dodge Coronet, Dodge Diplomat, Dodge Dart, Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Fury, Plymouth Gran Fury, Plymouth Volare and Chrysler Newport.
Dodge, Chrysler’s best selling brand, currently enjoys a US market share of seven percent, making it the fifth largest nameplate in the US automotive market. Dodge also continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent share of the market. Meanwhile, when it comes to Dodge auto parts, one of the leading online suppliers is Auto Parts Train. With years of industry experience and an excellent reputation, Parts Train is one of the best sources of low priced but high quality Dodge Parts in the US today. They have a large inventory of Dodge parts available anytime.
Volkswagen Touareg Achieves World Altitude Record
BlueTooth technology is now available for almost all 2005 BMW models providing a new standard of convenience for in-car hands-free calling. This is BMW’s second major in-car communication/entertainment initiative for the 2005 model year. Likewise, Sirius satellite radio as a factory-installed option can also be availed according to the carmaker.
With a compatible Bluetooth cell phone, drivers can place calls, answer calls and select numbers from the phonebook by simply using the multi-function steering wheel or dashboard controls. It provides wireless connection between select compatible cell phones and the vehicle for hands-free calling.
A compatible Bluetooth phone is required once and the owner must complete an initial pairing procedure in order to create a private wireless connection between phone and vehicle. All subsequent connections occur automatically. Up to four pairings may be held in memory. Shipped fully activated, Bluetooth equipped vehicles needs no further activation or installation.
BMW conducts a variety of compatibility test on all available Bluetooth phones on the market to ensure utmost customer satisfaction. It must be noted that not all available Bluetooth phones are compatible with BMW’s Bluetooth option. A complete list of all approved phones for every major cellular service provider will be available on all BMW centers
Standard equipment on the 2005 5 and 6 Series models as well as the M3 Convertible and X5 4.8is, Bluetooth technology is included in all other vehicles equipped with BMW Assist or a Premium Package. It is not offered on the 7 Series, which comes standard with a fully integrated portable cell phone. Some early production 2005 model 3 Series cars are not equipped with Bluetooth. Consult a BMW center for specific availability.
For all of your BMW parts and accessories needs, one online store stands unique among the rest where you can get superior quality BMW replacement parts. Just go to partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW and choose from the wide array of BMW parts.
Go, Go, Go, With the TomTom Go Car Navigation System
The TomTom Go is a rather small package which contains everything you need for automobile navigation. It’s designed as a ready-to-go product with software, maps, and car mount that works straight out of the box (well, almost). Let’s take a look at what it can do.
It does require a little set up. Connect the unit to your PC, load one of the CDs, and choose the region you intend to travel. Now we come to the first handy thing about the TomTom Go. Other brands limit the region choices to only one configuration.
For example, your choice may be Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. That’s fine if you plan on staying within that region. But what happens when you want to travel to Illinois, too? This can often be a problem because data (map) storage space is limited. It is likely that uploading that additional region requires a larger capacity data storage card which means extra bucks. The TomTom Go allows you many choices of combinations of states so it is very likely that one of the choices easily covers where you are going without extra hassle and expense.
After an easy car installation, it’s time to tell it where to take you. There are three main ways to start navigating. You can enter an address, use the map and point to a place on the touch screen, or select from the thousands of points of interest (POI). Some of the POI categories are: food & drink, shops, parks, airports, and lodging.
Other navigation options allow you to go home, go to a recent destination, or a “favorite.” A place you may go to over and over again can be saved as a favorite.
The loud and clear voice directions will say, for instance, “turn left in 200 yards.” It will again announce the maneuver closer to the turn. All the time, the TomTom Go is displaying a map of your progress. It has your choice of 3D or 2D views with different displays for day and night use.
TomTom has built in a lot of customizing. There are several choices of voices in different languages and you can program the unit to give you additional voice prompts such as distance since departure or time to instruction. You can make it left–hand friendly or change the map colors. You can even flip the display 180 degrees in case you need to mount it upside–down.
The negatives? This item is not for geeks. In other words, it is limited in its technical aspects — it was designed for the consumer. For instance, there is no choice for fastest/shortest routing or navigating by longitude/latitude. I also found it lacking a number of points of interest.
Overall, the TomTom Go is a well thought out piece of gear. It’s available online in the range of $550 to $800 US.
How to Save Money on Motorcycle Repair
Getting the most out of your bike’s repair job is good. But it would be better if you yourself are able to make the repair instead of having others service it. Doing your motorcycle’s maintenance is important for you to realize its fullest potentials.
Bike enthusiasts may not be familiar with the structure of their vehicles and could be missing out on the possibilities of maximizing the use of their motorcycles. Knowing your “horse” is very important if you want to understand it and give it the attention it needs.
The beauty of motorcycles is that is has a relatively open design meaning it is easy to be familiar with the inner workings of the bike. And this fact is going to save you money if you just know what to do and when to do it.
Personal maintenance of your bike is both a learning and rewarding experience. Of course you may opt to have others check-up your bike but nothing beats the satisfaction of having done a good job on your beloved motorcycle. It is fun and very much a worthwhile activity.
If you choose to be your bike’s personal physician, a good number of repair manuals are available that are filled with important information about motorcycles. It will provide you with the needed know-how regarding troubleshooting and maintenance. It also presents a detailed discussion of the engine, clutch, transmission, electrical system, wheels and final drive. The book will also give you tips on how to improve the bike’s performance.
The basics of motorcycle repair are outlined in manuals like this making it easier for you to tinker with your bike. Making the necessary repair will be very easy with these manuals as they present you with a clear picture of what it takes to bring your bike back to life. There even also are pictures to further familiarize you with what part of your bike the manual is referring to. With this manual in hand, you need not just limit yourself to making minor repairs but you can also rebuild your engine if you wish so.
Even if you choose to keep your hands clean, it still would be good to understand how you bike works and what it needs to run smoothly. Troubleshooting is easier since you’d know beforehand what is wrong and can relay this information to the repairman. You can give him additional information that is sure to help in making the needed repair for your bike.
Don’t Be Afraid To Give Problem Customers The Boot
Q: In a recent column you made the point that the customer is always right, which I agree with. However, in the same column you also said that it is sometimes necessary give problem customers the boot. If the customer is always right, at what point do you think they become so problematic that you should stop doing business with them? — Gary M.
A: That column brought a number of emails similar to yours, Gary, requesting that I clarify the line between “the customer is always right” and “sometimes you have to give a customer the boot.” Here’s the bottom line: if you, as a business owner or service provider, are willing to take a customer’s money in exchange for providing him with goods or services, then the customer has what I call “the right of expectation.” This means that the customer has the right to expect you to deliver everything promised in the transaction between you. For example, if you own a restaurant the customer has the right to expect that their meal will be prepared and served to their satisfaction. If you are a dry cleaner the customer has the right to expect that you will launder their clothes without returning them in shreds. If are hired to perform a service the customer has the right to expect that the service will be provided to their satisfaction within the terms of the defined task.
As the business owner, it is your responsibility to meet the customer’s expectations and provide good customer service. Even if your business does not involve a formal contract that spells out to the letter what should be expected, there is generally a clear understanding of what the customer expects and what you are willing to deliver. If you back peddle on your end of the bargain, let’s say by serving a bad meal or losing a customer’s laundry and refusing to make things right, then you are guilty of not meeting the expectations of your customer and thereby are guilty of providing bad customer service.
Unfortunately not every entrepreneur puts emphasis on delivering good customer service. They are in it for the money and damn the customer if they have a problem. Such entrepreneurs were the topic of the column you mentioned, the point of which was, if you make a habit of not meeting your customer’s expectations, you will not be in business for long.
Now let’s look at the flipside. Just as the customer has the right to expect that he will get his money’s worth when doing business with you, you have the right to expect that your customer will not demand things that are beyond the scope of realistic expectations (or the contract). If a customer orders hamburger, he shouldn’t expect it to taste like steak unless you have advertised it as such. If a customer brings you a cotton shirt to launder he should not expect a silk shirt in return. It’s when the customer’s expectations get out of sync with what should realistically be expected that you will have problems.
We have all had customers who expected far more than was their due: customers who were unreasonable, overly-demanding, condescending, hard to please and sometimes, even dishonest in their dealings with you. When a customer’s reasonable expectations become unreasonable demands you must decide whether or not that customer is doing more harm to your business than good.
So here is the line in the sand between the “customer is always right” and “sometimes you have to give the customer the boot” – if a customer crosses the line from being an asset to being a detriment to your business, you should consider giving that customer the boot.
This is easier said than done if that customer constitutes a large chunk of your revenue, but even then you have to consider what your business might be like if that problem customer was not in the picture. Would the time you spend dealing with the problem customer be better spent on sales calls that might expand your client base and grow your business (a business that is dependent on one client is a house of cards)? Would your employees be happier not having to deal with this customer? Would you sleep better nights knowing that you don’t have a dozen phone messages from him on your desk every morning?
The easiest way to decide how much trouble a customer is worth is to look at the amount of revenue this customer brings in versus the time and expense of meeting his expectations. If this customer pays you $1,000 a month, but costs you $2,000 in time spent keeping them happy, this customer is actually costing you money. Just a handful of these kinds of customers will put you out of business fast..
For example, I once had a client whose business was worth several thousand dollars a year to my software company’s bottom line. However, this client proved to be problematic from the second the contract was signed. He and his employees called our office ten times a day and dominated my tech support team’s time with IT problems that were not even related to the service we were contracted to provide. It got so bad that my employees cringed every time the phone rang because they were afraid it was this client calling again.
When the time came to renew this client’s contract it wasn’t hard for me to decide to give him the boot. I simply did the math. This client had added thousands of dollars to my company’s bottom line, but had cost me at least that much in handholding and support, not to mention the mental anguish he had caused my employees. I opted not to renew the contract and politely invited the client to take his business elsewhere.
The perfect customer relationship is win/win, meaning that your customer benefits from your product or service and your company prospers by delivering the product or service. The relationship must be built on mutual respect and honest intention. It is when the relationship becomes win/lose that you must be ready to take action. If the customer thinks he can hold you over a barrel and get more out of you than he has paid for, the relationship and your business suffer for it.
Look, you don’t need me to hit you in the head with a stupid stick on this one. You know who your problem customers are and you know that you will eventually have to deal with them. You have to consider the value of every customer in the long run, not just their value today.
Is the customer making demands that are beyond the scope of what should be reasonably expected? If the customer constantly demands more than they are entitled to and gets angry when you refuse to comply, consider giving them the boot.
Is the customer taking advantage of your good graces? Some customers may mistake your willingness to please for weakness and try to wring more out of your relationship than they should. If the customer has a record of trying to take advantage of you and plays every angle to get more from you than they deserve, consider giving them the boot.
Is this customer a threat to your reputation? Let’s face it; there is nothing more harmful to your reputation than a dissatisfied customer with a big mouth. And it does not matter who is at fault in the disagreement, a disgruntled customer is going to bad mouth you in the end – especially if they were at fault. If you suspect a customer might be the sort to one day air dirty laundry in public, consider giving them the boot.
Does the customer pay in a timely manner? If you have a customer that is consistently 90 to 120 days late in paying even when your contract clearly outlines your payment terms to be otherwise, it may be indicative of other problems to come. If you feel the client is a payment risk, consider giving them the boot.
What’s the best way to avoid a customer booting? The best answer is to have a contract that clearly spells out the specifics of the relationship. The contracts I use in my various businesses clearly define the services to be provided, the cost of those services, and the timeline and terms under which those services will be rendered. If there is a deviation from the contract, we write an addendum that details any changes and their effect on the contract. Do I still have to give some customers the boot? You bet, but not very often. It’s hard for a customer to cry foul when everything is there in black and white right above his signature.
What if your business doesn’t use contracts? Then hang a poster in your shop or have a hand-out that clearly defines what your customer can expect from your business and then deliver what you promise. If you have a poster or hand-out that clearly outlines your services, your rates, scheduling, return policy, etc., there should be very little that the customer can complain about.
I know, famous last words.
Here’s to your success!
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Drivers 16 years of age are at high risk for traffic accidents due to their immaturity and limited driving experience. A series of five research papers published in a September 2002 supplement of Injury Prevention addresses this risk among young drivers. The papers make a compelling case for graduated driver licensing (GDL), the system of laws and practices that gradually introduce young drivers into the driving population.
Graduated Driver License programs can be found in 31 states around the country. The GDL program permit young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges and are generally targeted towards 14 17 year old teen drivers.
Most states require an adult with a valid driver’s license be present when the teen is driving. Additionally the teen driver is required to enroll in a certified Drivers Ed course and must hold a learner’s permit for at least 3 6 months before taking an “operators driving license” test.
It is during these 3 6 months when teen drivers with learner’s permits mostly drive the family vehicle with their parents. While GDL programs allow the teen driver to gain experience in a family vehicle with a parent, other drivers are not aware who is behind the wheel of this vehicle.
Notifying other drivers will give them the ability to consider choices when approaching a vehicle operated by a teen driver. We can increase traffic safety and awareness. Car magnets have become a viable possibility as the notification tool. Easy to put on and easy to take off! No hassles or concerns about permanent bumper stickers that may not come off.
Auto Safety Magnets has a focus strictly on car safety for teen drivers, their parents and driving schools. Help keep the roads safe.
Parents of Teen Drivers
So, what does a parent think while sitting in the passenger seat and their teen is driving with a permit license? A “bump” in the parking lot with another car? Traffic tickets for moving violations? Insurance rates sky-rocketing?
If you visit search engines you can find several resources to assist you on this subject. Try searching on the phrase “parents with teen drivers”. Alternatively we have tried to make this easy for you if you visit our news page on this very topic.
A few resources on the web for parents are:
Parent-Teen Contract
You might also consider using a driving safety contract between you and your teen. This is an agreement that your child signs, in which he agrees to be a safe driver by following all restrictions you have imposed or risk losing his driving privileges. An example of this can be found at:
ipromiseprogram.com/
Talk It Out
Work with your teen driver to talk through their thought process while driving. Let’s not over-do this to the point that they cannot concentrate on driving. More specifics can be found in the book for parents at:
safeyoungdrivers.com/
Helpful thoughts for parents in brief are:
Drive by example
Watch your emotional response while your teen is driving
Work with your teen on various driving conditions, not just dry sunny days.
Large open fields or empty parking lots are good sources for practicing
Of course while you’re working with your teen driver and their permit license, we have to keep the drivers around us in mind too. Auto Safety Magnets has a focus strictly on car safety for teen drivers, their parents and driving schools. Our magnets will increase road awareness and traffic safety. Help keep the roads safe for you and other drivers. We invite you to sign-up for our free newsletter covering Driving Schools, Car Safety and Teen Drivers at our website.
Volkswagen Touareg Achieves World Altitude Record
Volkswagen’s Touareg has accomplished new heights in the realm of off-road capability. It has set a new world altitude record for a motor vehicle of 6,080 metres. Accomplished by a standard-engined Touareg 3.2 litre V8, this record has been officially recognized by the Guinness World Records Book.
This feat was achieved on January 29 in the slopes of the world’s highest volcano. The expedition team battled against icy winds and lack of oxygen to achieve this record. The altimeter and GPS system displayed the result of 6,080 metres. Currently, this is the highest point on the earth’s surface that a vehicle can reach and safely return from. By reaching this altitude, the Touareg proves its abilities in extreme conditions and surpassed the performance of all other off-road vehicles.
Headed by Rainer Zietlow, the team of eight first went through the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest area. The base camp is located above the salt lake Laguna Santa Rosa, famous for its pink flamingoes, 4,400 metres above sea level. From here the trail continues over stones and pebbles with an 80 per cent gradient, snow fields and soft volcanic sand. Driving the Touareg was Ronald Bormann, previous winner of the European Truck Trail competition.
In some sections of the mountainous terrain, huge rocks blocked the path. A winch, fitted as standard accessory to the Touareg Expedition, a special edition version, helped the team on its way. There were also spotlights fitted to the roof rack, which also accommodates spare wheels and rescue equipment. Because at 5,000 metres the air becomes thinner, the crew was given additional oxygen by altitude specialist Dr. Rainald Fischer, to prevent potentially life-threatening altitude sickness.
The route of the expedition was selected with the help of the Institute of Cartography at the University of Dresden following a four-week survey of the summit region for the purpose of making new maps. In return, the knowledge gained in the expedition will help the cartographers verify their work.
The Institute for Cartography at the University of Dresden helped to select the route to the summit following a recent four-week survey of the summit region for the purpose of making new maps. The knowledge gained by the expedition will help the cartographers verify their work. But the most important scientific aspect of the expedition was the installation of a seismographic station, managed by the Geological Research Centre in Potsdam in this region endangered by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
With this achievement, the Volkswagen Touareg establishes its reputation as a tough off-roader capable of meeting challenges such as extreme weather conditions and rocky terrain. Volkswagen’s renowned excellence in automotive design is manifested in the Touareg, along with other models including the Golf, Jetta, and the new Beetle.
Meanwhile, whether on such extreme conditions or on sleepy town roads, any Volkswagen deserve excellent maintenance for it to offer the best functionality and longevity. Maintenance involves not only taking care of the parts but it also involves replacing parts that are worn out which could jeopardize the health of the vehicle and the safety of its passengers. Luckily, it is very easy to find excellent quality replacement Volkswagen parts nowadays. A simple search in the internet will yield dozens of websites offering Volkswagen parts. One of the leading online stores where you can get guaranteed high quality parts at incredibly low prices is Auto Parts Train. Just go directly to their Volkswagen Parts page at partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN and check out the wide array of VW parts on stock.
DaimlerChrysler Unveils New Fuel Cell Vehicle in Geneva
The next generation of fuel cell technology was unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show by DaimlerChrysler, the pioneer of fuel cell drive. Sports tourers are now the new members of the family of fuel cell vehicles with the Mercedes Benz B-Class sporting the enw F-Cell. This F-Cell’s unique sandwich concept developed by Mercedes Benz is perfect for this type of drive unit.
The fuel cell’s emission free operation is congruous with sporty, dynamic driving. the technical data proves this fact: the high-torque electric motor will develop more than 100 kW — 35 kW more power than its predecessor generation. And because the fuel cell reduces fuel consumption and further enhances storage capacity, the operating range has now been increased to almost 250 miles (400 km). Also, component reliability and longevity has been enhanced.
“With this car, we are continuing our highly successful practical tests on an even larger scale,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, member of DaimlerChrysler’s Board of Management with responsibility for Research and Technology and for the development of the Mercedes Car Group.
Since 1990, DaimlerChrysler engineers and researchers have been working on the automotive application of the fuel cell technology. The first fuel cell vehicle, the NECAR 1 was introduced in 1994. More than 20 other research vehicles and prototypes have since been presented. The performance and reliability have been steadily enhanced while the size and weight of the drive system have been reduced. This new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell is another significant milestone along the road to market maturity for the fuel cell.
In 2003, DaimlerChrysler launched the world’s most extensive series practical tests for the fuel cell in cars, vans and regular service buses. There are now more than a hundred fuel cell vehicles that are currently in everyday application. These fuel-cell vehicles provide DaimlerChrysler engineers with vital information for the development of this future oriented technology. This encompasses optimization of the vehicles and their components, the establishment of an infrastructure, and the increased acceptance of hydrogen technology among drivers and passengers.
Elsewhere in the world, fuel cell technology continues to flourish. Since 2003, there have been 30 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses with fuel cell drive that are now on regular route service in ten major European cities. Three buses are now in operation in Perth, Australia and in Beijing, China. These vehicles must prove their worth in the most varied of climactic conditions. On average, these buses have now covered more than 300,000 miles (500,000 km) and transported more than two million passengers, who have been convinced by the advantages of this quiet, emission-free technology. There are also several fuel cell-powered Sprinter vans that are currently used in delivery operations in Germany and the United States.
Since late 2004, 60 Mercedes-Benz F-Cell’s have been operating in the United States, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. Approximately 190,000 miles (300,000 km) have now been covered in this first test phase under highly diverse conditions and documented with these vehicles. In the long term, the fuel cell provides the best opportunities for securing uncompromisingly environment-friendly mobility for the automobile: the fuel cell runs on either pure hydrogen or hydrogen media, and is thus a genuine zero-emission power unit: electrical energy is released in a chemical reaction between the hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen to drive an electric motor.
Moreover, the fuel cell has an efficiency factor approximately twice that of the internal combustion engine. In order to focus expertise and resources, and to press ahead with the development of the fuel cell, DaimlerChrysler has entered into a strategic alliance with Ford Motor Company and the fuel cell specialist Ballard Power Systems. Partnerships are an important part of fuel cell technology development.
The fuel cell is the key technology for emission-free driving of the future and is the long-term objective of DaimlerChrysler’s five-stage Energy for the Future roadmap. DaimlerChrysler is continuing to optimize the internal combustion engine, since the potential of gasoline and diesel engines has by no means been exhausted. The aim is to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, while at the same time enhancing driving pleasure, power development and comfort. DaimlerChrysler is also committed to optimizing fuel quality worldwide and is supporting the fuel evolution from crude oil to largely CO2-neutral fuels derived from biomass. Hybrid drive is a significant interim solution along the road to emission-free mobility with the fuel cell.
As the pioneer in fuel cell technology, Chrysler continues to innovate and create better and more future-oriented automobiles that are proof of the company’s stamp of excellence in the automotive industry. Fuel cell technology will definitely enhance the entire driving experience and will improve the operation and maintenance of these vehicles. Meanwhile, one of the best ways to maintain the quality of a vehicle is by replacing worn out and outdated parts with new ones. By doing this, a Chrysler auto acquires a new life with excellent quality parts.
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