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strong>Author: Levi Quinn

Sitting to watch any of the ever-popular “Herbie” movies in which a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own becomes involved in an increasingly absurd range of wacky capers, it is difficult to believe that the widespread recognition and market share of the Volkswagen brand owes no small amount to the patronage of Adolf Hitler. Nonetheless, the Beetle and other Volkswagen cars continue to be popular today. After all, a good company and a good name does not stop being good simply because a dictator attempted to co-opt it into his increasingly insane plans.

The name “Volkswagen” sums up the idea of the ethos behind the company. Literally translated, “Volks” means “people’s” and “wagen” translates as “car”. The intention was that Volkswagen cars would be available to the average German worker, as long as the worker was willing to save their money to buy one, usually by putting aside five Marks a week. This savings scheme was bought into by well over 300,000 Germans. To get an idea of how extensively the Volkswagen name and brand has imbued the German nation, one must only look at the city of Wolfsburg. Built in the 1930s as “KdF-Stadt” (KdF being short for “Kraft durch Freude” or “strength through joy”), Wolfsburg was a city created for car workers. Today, it is one of Germany’s most well-known cities, and is identified with the company that made the city its home.

In 1945 it became abundantly clear that Hitler had lost the war and the state ownership of the Volkswagen brand was transferred to a British officer, Major Ivan Hirst. Those who would turn their back on a Volkswagen today because of the company’s past association with Hitler should know that it is what it is today far more because of Hirst than Hitler. It was Hirst that ensured the protection of the factory in Wolfsburg, and Hirst who secured the order for 20,000 Volkswagen cars for the British forces who remained behind in the area after the war as part of the normalisation plans in post-war Germany. Rather than the reflection of the Nazi ideal that Hitler would have wished, the Volkswagen name has come to reflect durability and quality.

Exports of Volkswagen cars were initially slow, but the extremely innovative advertising campaign for the Beetle that we know and love today saw it pick up rapidly, and become by 1972 the most popular car of all time – interestingly, the “Beetle” or “Bug” names were in fact just nicknames, as the car itself was marketed in America by Volkswagen as the “Type 1”.

Despite the overwhelming popularity of the Beetle’s shape and durability – and that film with the sentient one – there are a great many other Volkswagen vehicles. The manufacturer has shown itself to be adept at developing cars that people will want to buy. Given that the company name, badge and aesthetic are all things that could have been lost to posterity but for Major Ivan Hirst, it is truly one of the automotive stories of the 20th Century.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The History of the Classic Volkswagen

strong>Author: Carazoo.com

Ford Motor Company was established in June 1903 by Henry Ford. The company has its headquarters in Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Henry Ford revolutionized the mass production of cars by introducing innovative means of designing.

The first revolutionary production from this car company was the Ford Model T, in 1908, that is called the first people’s car. It came with a price tag of around Rs 46,000 during those days. The car manufacturer has rolled out many car models with the best of design cues and technologies. At present, Ford Motor Company has various brands such as Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo Cars of Sweden, and a small stake in Mazda of Japan and Aston Martin of England. As of 2009, Ford Motors is considered the fifth largest car manufacturer of the world, following Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen and Hyundai-Kia.

Ford Motors employs around 245,000 employees at around 100 plants and facilities established around the world. The history of Ford Motor Company has many interesting things to tell. Tell us have a quick look at them.

The Model T was introduced on October 1st, 1908 with a four-cylinder engine that generated 20-horsepower and reached a top speed of about 72 km/h. The Model T came in nine body styles but all on the same chassis. Ford Model T had many nicknames out of which “Lizzie” was the most popular nickname.

In 1909 the Model T stood first in the New York to Seattle race giving an average of 12.4 km/h. In 1910 the production of Model T was shifted to Ford’s Highland Park Assembly Plant, also known as the ‘Crystal Palace’ because of the vast expanse of windows. The price of the Model T was reduced for some time to Rs 13,000. This low price was attributed to the fact that Henry passed on the production savings to the customers. The 2 millionth Model T was produced on June 14th 1917 and on 28th May, 1921, the 5 millionth Model T was produced and on June 4th, 1924 the 10 millionth Model T was rolled out of the production facility.

Ford introduced an electric starter for the Model T in the year 1919 so that the car owners could easily drive the car without any need to crank the engine to start it. It is believed that more than 15,000,000 Model T’s were built and sold. After about 19 years of production Ford Model T marked a formal ending at a modest ceremony held on May 26th 1927.

In 1914, Ford produced around 300,000 cars with only 13,000 employees. On the other hand, other car manufacturers could produce only 280,000 vehicles with 66,350 employees.

Ford Motors reported its largest annual loss in 2006. In the company’s history the first red ink marked a loss of 12.7 billion dollars. The former UK subsidiaries of Ford, Jaguar and Land Rover, were sold to Tata Motors in 2008.

In India, Ford Motors has rejoiced a long and glorious history with all its winning cars. Ford India was recently unveiled its small car, Ford Figo in India.

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Carazoo.com is the First Car Portal in India with Interactive Car Animations.ArticlesBase.com – A Quick Look at Ford Motor Company

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Author: Levi Quinn

The history of the motor car is a testament to something that more than a few people treat as something approximating a religion and a code to live by. The motor vehicle, which started as something just to get us from one place to another in relative comfort and good time, has evolved again and again over the years into something that constitutes a status symbol, an identifying mark (think about how you often know that someone is on their way before you see their face because you recognise their car, sometimes even by sound), and nothing less than a piece of American history (or Italian, French, German… you get the picture). It makes sense, then, that there should be societies set up to carry out the veneration of something as important and as classic as the American automobile.

The AACA itself says that its aim is to keep in the forefront of people’s minds the pioneering days of automobiles by bringing them to people’s interests and giving them the information and the opportunity to advance their understanding of these cars. It also seeks to promote sportsmanship among its members and allow a cultured, relaxed and above all civilized environment in which to discuss and appreciate automobiles. Incidentally, the AACA’s understanding of the term “automobile” is not just limited to cars, comprising any form of self-propelled vehicle whether that be a motorcycle or a truck. It is more to do with the design and engineering than any idea of “four wheels good, two wheels bad”, or any similarly divisive philosophy.

To further its advance towards its goals, the AACA holds regular meetings and events of a competitive nature or otherwise. This allows them to bring the experience of classic cars to people in the way that the people imagine them. Its headquarters, along with its museum, are located in Hershey, PA, and this is where they hold their annual meeting – an opportunity for members to meet and discuss the classic automobile in an environment devoted to its continued support. During the course of the annual meeting there are conferences, workshops and lectures regarding any aspect of classic cars that you could hope to name, whether it be restoring old classics or just a look at their history.

Founded in the mid 1930s, the AACA has gone from being an organisation for people interested in what at the time was a relatively new phenomenon – antique automobiles – to being an organisation that celebrates every aspect of automotive transport. It seems almost surreal to think that as long ago as 1935, people were gathering to celebrate the antiquity of something that has always seemed relatively modern to successive generations, but no car aficionado can deny that it is sometimes fun to look back in time at cars which influenced the industry of today, ones that fell by the wayside for one reason or another, and ones that are still being driven by many. If you have an interest in the classics, the AACA could well be for you.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – AACA – The Antique Automobile Club of America

strong>Author: Waldo Bernstein

While automatic transmission can do wonders for a four-wheel drive, don’t ever think that riding a motorcycle is just as easy. Getting from point A to B requires more than just firing up the engine and setting it to drive. When riding a motorcycle, you have to embrace the adventure that goes with maneuvering a two-wheel drive. Remember that a motorcycle actually weighs just a few more pounds than you, and in able to control it, you have to be “one with it.” Any shift in movement and body weight would result in instant swerves and turns.

Perhaps for a lot of people, riding a motorcycle is most appealing because of its thrill, with wind blowing past your face and your feet mere inches from the ground. Add to that the benefits of fuel efficiency as well as speed and power that only a motorcycle can offer. For a real motorcycle rider, however, it’s also about accepting all the risks that comes with balancing a two-wheel drive and taking on the responsibility for a safe journey.

Much has been said about motorcycle riders and what it takes to be a good one, but little do some people know that behind a good motorcycle rider is a high-performance vehicle such as a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Investing on a Harley

Harley Davidson motorcycles have been around for more than a hundred years. Apparently, what started out as a dream for creating the first ever motorized bicycle has become one of the most influential names in the world of two-wheel drives. Thanks to Arthur Davidson and William Harley, the world has come to know a motorcycle brand that etched its legacy based on engine performance, handling, speed and power, and its classic look. It also doesn’t hurt that Harleys are seen in many films that involve fearless riders and crazy stunts. Another good reason for keeping a Harley Davidson motorcycle is that it is one of the only two motorcycle manufacturers in America to have survived the Great Depression.

Top reasons for investing on a Harley could also be one of these:

*Flying high with a classic ride

The name itself is recognized as a seal of quality and high performance. Though modern brands have lured many motorcycle riders to pick their own style and performance-driven two-wheel vehicles, you could say that Harleys are bound to stay. There are BMWs that are built for high performance for almost any road condition. The same may be true for Japanese brands such as Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda. But surely, owners of any Harley Davidson would say that nothing beats the original and the leader in motorcycle engine evolution for more than a hundred years. When you say Harley Davidson, what comes to mind is versatility, quality, and speed.

* Picking a Harley that suits your style

For any type of road condition, may it be a rough road or smooth pavement, on terrains or highways, you surely can find one that matches your riding style and capacity. Currently, there are CVOs (custom vehicle operations), Dynas, Softails, and VRSC models to choose from. Owners of Harley Davidson motorcycles would also have to say that it this brand is best for touring and roughing it out on the road.

Not just any motorcycle rider

Buying a Harley Davidson could spell a world of difference for the type of rider that your are. The model and make of your Harley Davidson could tell much about your preference for speed, comfort, style, and flexibility. The engine is also a prime consideration for many Harley Davidson motorcycle riders and owners. For such as classic ride, you surely have to know much about tuning, building, and maintenance to properly care for your Harley Davidson.

Whether for street or race riding, any motorcycle rider have to be mentally alert and physically prepared for what could be an intense ride. As they say, riding a motorcycle is 90% mental preparation. This means that much thought is given to every swerve and turn you take. Many Harley Davidson riders are also known for their classic sense of style that goes with their choice of jackets, helmets, and other original Harley Davidson accessories and merchandises to accentuate their riding style.

About the Author:

Waldo Bernstein is a proud owner of a Harley Davidson and avid motorcycle rider for more than 10 years. Through a Harley Davidson forum, he learned how to maintain his motorcycle Harley Davidson and has made good use of his favorite vehicle.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What It’s Like to Ride a Harley

strong>Author: David Halbert
The number of Car Accident claims and Car Accident Injury Claims made to several insurance companies has always been on a large scale. Accidents in the thousands are caused all over the UK in a single day. Accidents can occur due to a fault in the car, but most of the accidents that take place are due to a mistake or negligence on the driver’s part.

The greatest cause of most accidents is recklessness by the driver. Recklessness usually cause roll over accidents, which are a major cause of fatalities. Accidents can also be caused due to intoxication or lack of driving experience. The use of drugs and alcohol by drivers can be very dangerous on the road. Age is also an important factor and is highly correlated with Car accidents. Research shows that accidents occur the most in young people between 15 and 20 years of age, and old people who are above 70. This is because of the lack of control over the vehicle and in case of young people, the lack of experience. Insurance companies specify the driver’s age and experience before providing insurance and they don’t entertain any Car Accident Compensation Claims if any of the conditions are violated.

Many accidents are caused due to the driver’s negligence, for example, not wearing a seatbelt. Other than this, most accidents are caused by the driver’s distraction. The most common of these is the driver talking to passengers and not paying full attention to the road. Other than that, being occupied with the radio or CD is also a distraction that causes accidents. Talking on the mobile or playing with any other gadget while driving really distracts drivers, and may result in an accident.

Rubbernecking is another major cause of Car Accidents. Rubbernecking refers to the act of quickly slowing down the car and paying attention to something outside (such as another accident). This can be very dangerous, and another car may run into yours. Tailgating is also a cause of many car accidents. Tailgating is when a driver follows another car at a very close distance. In such cases, it is very difficult to slow down or stop the car immediately and you may hit the car in front of yours. If insurance companies discover that an accident was caused by the driver’s own fault, they might not fulfil the Car Accident Claim.

Keeping all these causes in mind, many different road regulations have been introduced and following these rules is an obligation. Some of these are the use of seatbelts, prohibition on use of cell phones and other gadgets while driving, and age and speed limits on the road. These regulations have contributed to some extent in reducing the car accidents and their fatalities.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents