The Mercedes B-Class, a line of compact cars about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, is expected to be imported to the U.S. market within one or two years time. This model is unusual in that it will be the first vehicle marketed by Mercedes in the U.S. that is not a true luxury car. Instead, the German automaker is hoping to capitalize on its venerable name by serving a greater share of the American populace by marketing a more ordinary model. Soon after the B-Class debut, yet another small vehicle derived from Mercedes will also make its appearance in the U.S.: the Dodge Hornet. Both the B-Class and Hornet are being developed to revolutionize their respective brands, pitting DaimlerChrysler against some of the leading youth brands in the world.

Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.

For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.

For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brands current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for 8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.

While plans havent yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.

To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around 10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.

Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.

Volvo calls this vehicle the true convertible. After all, this vehicle actually boasts of the prestige and fame brought about my a convertible yet at the very same time, this vehicle holds and provides utmost comfort and the kind of safety that only a Volvo vehicle could provide. This vehicle is the Volvo C70 and at present, it is already on its second generation of vehicles.

The first generation of the Volvo C70 was made available in two body styles which comprised of the convertible and the coupe version. This generation lived from the year 1997 up until 2005. It was designed, crafted, and manufactured equipped with both low pressure and high pressure 5-cylinder turbocharged engines that also had additional help from manual and automatic transmission systems.

The first time it made its way to public knowledge, it was introduced as a 1997 model in Europe and as a 1998 model in the United States and the rest of North America. And after that introduction, the Volvo C70 went on sale and had to double their efforts for there was quite a limited demand for coupes. Despite this, the Volvo C70 had developed a group of followers who were mostly Volvo enthusiasts and aficionados.

The second generation of Volvo C70s will be making its way to the automobile scene this year, on the 13th of April 2006. This time, the vehicle holds a variety of choices. Like its exterior color, one could actually choose from a wide range of colors that includes Black Stone, White Pearl, Passion Red, Silver Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Flint Gray Metallic, Blackcurrant Pearl, Magic Blue Pearl, Celestial Blue Pearl, and Zanzibar Gold Pearl.

This vehicle holds and uses the platform that was also used by the Volvo S40. The second generation Volvo C70 was designed by John Kinsey and was built by Pininfarina. It now features a three piece retractable metal hardtop rather than the soft convertible top which was the traditional one. However, there are no more coupe versions to be offered to the market.

Hans-Olov Olsson, the CEO and President of Volvo Cars exclaims, Weve succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the mere touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupe. The customer gets two cars in one. Both with space for four adults. Our all new C70 is one of the first open top cars in the premium segment with both a steel roof and space for four adults. We believe this is a highly sought-after combination. Thats why we expect to more than double our sales compared with the first generation C70.

This midsize luxury car for Mazda was originally planned to be introduced and to be marketed under Amati as the Pegasus and would be from Amati, which is the luxury brand of the Mazda automobile manufacturer. The Mazda Millenia was first introduced in 1995 as an entry-level luxury car under the Mazda brand. And just during that same year, the Toyota Avalon also made its public debut, and this vehicle later on became the Mazda Millenias competitor. This vehicle replaced the Mazda 929 for North America. The entire production of this vehicle was then halted in 2003 due to a quite unsuccessful experience in sales. This vehicle was later on replaced by the Mazda 6.

The Mazda Millenia could be quite considered as Mazdas flagship, that is if Mazda were to sell a premium brand, which it did not do. This vehicle offers value among its luxury sedans counterparts. This vehicle has a supercharged V6 engine offering a maximum of 210 horsepower. It is considered to be one of the most interesting vehicles in the near-luxury class. It offers a crisp handling that entails a comfortable and luxurious long drive. Also, road trips would not be an uncomfortable one with the Mazda Millenia since this vehicle also provides great and easy comfort for its passengers. For a fact, the Mazda Millenia has been designed and crafted to be a premium-brand product that would be able to compete with well-known luxury vehicles like the Infiniti I35, the Acura TL, and the Lexus ES 300. This Mazda Millenia has been crafted and designed with two trim levels available which comprises of the Millenia Premium, and the Millenia S.

The last year that the Mazda Millenia underwent redesigning and restyling, the vehicle experienced a complete replacement of every panel forward of the windshield, along with its rear end and tail lights. It has been given a sharper, clear, and more defined look. It also came with 17 inch wheels and tires, along with a small front spoiler that has become the Mazda Millenias identity.

This vehicle has a maximum capacity of five passengers as per its cabin. Standard equipment for this vehicle includes leather seating surfaces, leather inner door panels, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, a shift knob and handbrake handle, a wood trim, an automatic climate control, a theft deterrent system, a remote keyless entry system, a power tilt-adjustable steering wheel, dual 8-way power seats, a power moonroof, cruise control, ABS, a Bose premium AMFMcassetteCD stereo, traction control, and front spoiler.

Further information on the Mazda Millenia and Mazda vehicles and auto parts could be found in the comfort of your own homes through the Internet. There is a handful of great sites worth visiting. These sites also offer and sell high quality Mazda auto parts and Mazda Millenia parts. One of the leading Mazda parts suppliers is Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts. Mazda owners can take a look at their fine selection of top quality Mazda auto parts.

Mazda Hybrid Prototypes Donated To The Los Angeles Fire Department

Five Mazda hybrid prototypes were donated by the Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). These prototypes, which are the Mazda Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), are all clean-burning and are very fuel efficient.

The whole event took place at the Fire Station 27 in Hollywood, California. There was even a ceremony as part of it. The five prototypes are actually based on the Mazda Tribute compact SUV. These five are all part of the 30 vehicles that the company would be actually loaning to fire agencies all across Southern California like Orange County, Corona, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside.

The donated prototype Tribute HEVs all came branded with the LAFC badge. These vehicles would be driven by the staff of the said fire department in various assignments throughout their area. Of course, they would be mostly used for non-emergency tasks that could include fire safety inspections, education programs, maintenance activities, and the like.

Jay Amestoy, MNAOs vice president of public and government affairs, stated, We wanted to give something back to the community with these Tribute Hybrid SUVs. Southern California firefighters are among the best in the country, and were proud to have them in our backyard. These men and women demonstrate courage, strength, and wisdom no a daily basis to protect the people who live in Los Angeles and it is a privilege for us to be able to partially repay their courageous efforts with the two-year loan of these Tribute HEVs.

William Bammatre is the LAFC Fire Chief and he was one of the people who received the said vehicles. He even says, We are so grateful to Mazda for their generous loan of these four-wheel-drive Tribute HEV prototypes. What makes this such a significant gesture by Mazda is that these are clean, fuel-efficient SUVs, which means we will reduce our operating costs while contributing to a healthier environment.