plus 4, Sheriff Synthetics (Amsoil Dealer) "A Study Of Motorcycle Oils" - PRLog (free press release)

Sheriff Synthetics (Amsoil Dealer) "A Study Of Motorcycle Oils" - PRLog (free press release)
Hagerty Announces The 2010 Hot List: A Decade in Review - Yahoo Finance
Car of the Year/ Bike of the year 2009 - Business Standard Motoring
Back-to-back trade events generate millions of dollars in new business ... - MENAFN
Hydrogen fuel cells: from automotive power to distributed generation - Engineer Live

Sheriff Synthetics (Amsoil Dealer) "A Study Of Motorcycle Oils" - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 07:55 AM PST

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 21, 2009 – The second edition of the AMSOIL "Study of Motorcycle Oils" (part # G2156) is now available. See how 32 of the top selling motorcycle oils compare in the most critical areas of motorcycle performance. This no-frills study was designed to help consumers make informed decisions when selecting motorcycle oils. There is no hype, no sales pitch, just facts. Never before has so much information on motorcycle oils been delivered in one easy-to-understand source.

See for yourself how the full range of the most popular motorcycle oils stand up to the hot-running, hard-pounding, high RPM conditions of motorcycle applications. This complete battery of tests includes wear protection, rust protection, oxidation stability and more.
http://www.amsoil.com/ lit/g2156.pdf

Check out the entire Amsoil Online Catalog
http://www.amsoil.com/ lit/g100/g100.aspx? zo=2003079

The AMSOIL Advantage

Motorcycle manufacturers want the best protection possible for their equipment, calling for rugged oils that exhibit high temperature deposit control additives. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are specially formulated with the best synthetic basestocks and high performance additives to provide tough lubricating protection for all four-cycle motorcyle and ATV engines in the most demanding operations.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are formulated for both water-cooled engines and the unique demands presented by air-cooled V-twin motorcycle engines, including Harley-Davidson. Conventional petroleum oils break down and oxidize when faced with high temperatures, such as those experienced when idling in traffic, contributing to the formation of deposits, sludge and varnish. AMSOIL withstands oil breakdown and oxidation in high temperatures, holds contaminants in suspension and keeps engines running cool and clean.

Zinc and phosphorous additives are extremely important to engines faced with high-pressure conditions, especially motorcycle engines, which typically have steep cam slopes, creating high pressure between the parts. In motorcycles, friction modifiers (prevalent in automotive oils) have been attributed to engine start failures, a rough running feel, and increased fuel consumption due to hgiher engine stall speeds and other problems. AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 and 20W-50 Motorcycle Oils have beefier anti-wear and detergent/dispersant packages with no friction modifiers, keeping motorcycles running smoothly and efficiently, while allowing for extended drain intervals of up to three times longer that manufacturers' recommendations.

http://www.sheriffsynthetics.com/ motorcycles.htm

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Hagerty Announces The 2010 Hot List: A Decade in Review - Yahoo Finance

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 03:01 AM PST

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- With the decade coming to a close, Hagerty, the leading insurer of collector cars, has expanded its annual Hot List of the "Collector Cars of Tomorrow." The 2010 Hot List: A Decade in Review presents Hagerty's top picks from 2000 to 2009 of the most influential cars of the past decade with the highest probability of becoming collector cars in the future.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/LA28751)

"Over the past decade and even the past year, the automotive industry has seen immense change. But one thing that has not wavered is America's passion for interesting and unique cars," said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance Agency. "Since our first Hot List in 2007, we've chosen cars that have peaked the interest of Americans and that we anticipate will be collectible in the future. This year we sifted through the good, the bad and the ugly of the past 10 years to present one new car from each year that you can bet your money on will be collectible 15 to 20 years from now."

For this year's Hot List: A Decade in Review, Hagerty reviewed mass produced cars from 2000 to 2009 with an MSRP of $100,000 or lower that valuation experts at the company predict will have collector appeal within the next 15 to 20 years. One car was selected from each year based on factors including how influential it was in the automotive industry, its "cool or unique factor" and its potential value in the collector car market.

Hagerty presents the Hagerty Hot List: A Decade in Review:

2000 BMW M Roadster – The four-cylinder Z3 was a bit of a snooze, but the M Roadster with 240 hp and a 0-60 time of around five seconds is a Gen-X Shelby Cobra. Quad chrome pipes out the back, fat tires, special side grilles and M badges identify this very special Z3. We believe in the years to come this car will be highly desired by collectors for its gracious curves and powerful engine.
2001 Corvette ZO6 – While the 2001 ZO6's 385 horsepower is less than the current base model Corvette, it did mark the return of the vaunted ZO6 for the first time since 1963. The enthusiast publications were shocked by GM's willingness to sell essentially a race-ready Corvette straight from the factory.
2002 Pontiac Firebird WS-6 "Ram-Air" – The Firebird burned bright in its last year— this was the most powerful Firebird ever produced (and with the death of Pontiac, almost certainly the last). GM claimed it was rated at 325 horsepower, but many Firebird enthusiasts claim they were underrated by up to 40 horsepower. Not bad considering the most powerful Mustang offered in 2002 had nearly 65 horsepower less.
2003 Mini Cooper S "JCW" – In 2003 the Detroit Auto Show awarded this Mini "North American Car of the Year". This car made our list not only because it was the first year the "John Cooper Works" Tuning Kit was available, but more importantly because anyone who drives one of these cars walks away with a silly grin. It just begs to be driven hard and often.
2004 Cadillac CTS-V – This is the Cadillac for the Corvette enthusiast who has to haul around kids and their gear. After decades of Cadillac catering exclusively to the to those buying their last or second to last cars, the new CTS-V with its 400 horsepower Z06 Corvette engine will surely earn the respect of car collectors down the road as the most memorable Caddy from this past decade.
2005 Acura NSX – The NSX was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum chassis, suspension and body, and was produced from 1990-2005 with very little changes throughout its 15 year run. The breakthrough design influenced other supercars including the McLaren F-1. It isn't uncommon to see an NSX on the auction bill at collector car auctions often selling for nearly what they cost new.
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 (viper powered pick-up) – Unlike any other Ram pick-up, this one was produced solely for the purpose of speed. With 500 horsepower and even more torque straight from the factory, these trucks would run less than a 14 second quarter-mile and easy modifications put them into the 12 second category.
2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 – Following the introduction of the fifth-generation Ford Mustang, the Shelby nameplate was revived in 2007 for the first time since 1970. This new high performance version of the Mustang as a way to pay tribute to the legendary Carroll Shelby. With its retro looks, 500 horsepower, and Shelby's autograph on the dash, this car introduced the younger generation to the glorious racing days of the 1960s.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Mopar enthusiasts waited a long time for this much anticipated tribute to one of the icons of the muscle car era. When compared to all the retro inspired muscle cars of this decade, our vote is for the Challenger as it most closely resembles its first generation ancestor.
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe – With the death of Pontiac announced toward the end of this decade, their last true sports car was the Solstice GXP. The convertible version sold respectably for several years, but this Coupe version was only produced for half a year. This rare model will certainly be desirable in the years to come.

Hagerty Insurance Agency, Inc. is the leading insurance agency for collector vehicles in the world and host to the largest network of collector car owners. Hagerty offers insurance for collector cars, motorcycles and motorcycle safety equipment, tractors, automotive tools and spare parts, and even "automobilia" (any historic or collectible item linked with motor vehicles). Hagerty also offers overseas shipping/touring insurance coverage, commercial coverage and club liability coverage. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com.

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Car of the Year/ Bike of the year 2009 - Business Standard Motoring

Posted: 21 Dec 2009 06:22 AM PST

In its fifth year since inception, the leading automotive magazines in India, in association with JK Tyre, presented the most credible and significant awards of the country - Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY). The awards have been instituted to bring the auto industry in India at par internationally in recognizing their efforts.

The awards are an unbiased and exhaustive evaluation of all the new cars and motorcycles launched in the calendar year of 2009 in India. An 11-member specialist jury consisting of senior automobile journalists from Auto Bild India, Auto India, Business Standard Motoring, Car India, Overdrive and Top Gear got together to vote for the most impressive car and motorcycle on parameters very similar to acclaimed international awards for automotive excellence.

Although there were many contenders, the Tata Nano emerged as the Indian Car of the Year with 63 points and Kawasaki Ninja 250R pummeled the competition to win the coveted title of Indian Motorcycle of the Year with 53 points.

To qualify for the 2009 awards, only all-new cars and motorcycles, whatever the country of their origin, that went on sale in showrooms across the country before December 1, 2009 were considered. Existing cars and motorcycles that have had mere cosmetic facelifts or small mechanical tweaks do not qualify for consideration.

The jury members judged the cars and motorcycles on various parameters such as price, fuel efficiency, design, comfort, safety, maneuverability, performance, functionality, environmental responsibility and driver/rider satisfaction among others. In addition, technical innovation and value for money were particularly important factors while deciding on the winner.

The selection of the winner is carried out by a simple voting system with each jury member having twenty-five points to allot to at least four cars/bikes. They can give a maximum of 10 points to any one of them. A very fair and transparent system makes the ICOTY and IMOTY amongst the most credible and coveted car and motorcyle awards in India.

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Back-to-back trade events generate millions of dollars in new business ... - MENAFN

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 10:51 PM PST

(MENAFN Press) Riyadh Motor Show 2009 and Saudi Autoshop 2009, two of the biggest auto industry events in the Middle East, concluded recently at the newly-built Riyadh Exhibition Centre with SAR millions worth of new business deals and projects closed out by international exhibitors, trade visitors and buyers, further boosting the sustained growth of Saudi Arabia's SAR 33.75 billion automobile market. Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), organiser of the event, further revealed that a wide participation has been established with over 85,000 visitors attending the back-to-back trade exhibitions, including enthusiastic buyers from the younger age bracket who accounted for a large percentage of the total participation.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Jobarah Al-Suraisry, Minister of Transport, this year's Riyadh Motor Show and Saudi Autoshop gathered exhibitors and trade visitors from all over Saudi Arabia, the GCC and the rest of the world. The event was crucial in showcasing the resiliency and the long-term growth potential of the Saudi automotive market, particularly in the aftermath of the global economic downturn.

Mohammed Al Hussaini, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company said: "The tremendous response from domestic and international trade exhibitors and visitors has opened a whole new range of business opportunities and has helped highlight the huge growth potential of Saudi Arabia, which is particularly important for industry players who are looking to expand their business in light of the poor performance in other markets. Being the largest market in the Middle East and the fifth largest market in the world for auto parts, accessories, service, and garage equipment, Saudi certainly remains a very lucrative destination for investors, distributors and dealers of vehicles and auto parts."

"The wide participation also underlines the strategic importance of these trade events, as they collectively provide a dynamic networking platform and communication channel for key industry players to interact and ultimately collaborate to achieve business growth. Furthermore, the events have helped generate vital information about Saudi's auto consumers, which is crucial for auto traders to successfully chart their long-term growth strategy in the country," added Al Hussaini.

Riyadh Motor Show 2009 – The 27th International Exhibition for Motor Vehicles showcased a full range of passenger cars, station wagons, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, motorcycles, Special Purpose Vehicles, 4x4 vehicles, SUVs and eco-friendly vehicles; and a selection of special automobile financing and insurance packages. Saudi Autoshop 2009 – The 13th International Exhibition for Auto Repair Equipment, Tools, Parts and Accessories, offered the latest automobile accessories and repair service equipment; gas station equipment; automobile parts; tires, exhausts and batteries; and automobile care products of more than 50 exhibitors.

The exhibitions were held at the Riyadh Exhibition Centre, a four-hall modern international exhibition complex comprising 15,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space and 5,000 sqm of outdoor area.

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Hydrogen fuel cells: from automotive power to distributed generation - Engineer Live

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 08:49 PM PST

Fuel cell power systems, often primarily associated with the automotive sector, actually represent a practical, highly efficient and reduced carbon emissions power source for a wide range of applications and markets. Jon Moore reports.

Beyond the transportation sector, hydrogen fuel cell power systems are being targeted at aerospace and portable electronics applications and are already making in-roads into the back-up power and distributed generation sectors. The promise of products running efficiently on hydrogen while emitting no pollution at the point of use is clearly an attractive one.

Intelligent Energy is at the forefront of fuel cell system development and implementation. In 2005 it unveiled the world's first hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle - the ENV - and more recently the Crosscage fuel cell motorcycle in collaboration with the Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Two-wheeled, powered vehicles are largely responsible for high levels of urban pollution yet have escaped public scrutiny to date. This situation is certain to change as accountability for emissions grows.

Fuel cell hybrid cars are currently under development at many of the world's leading automotive companies, combining batteries and fuel cells together in the vehicle powertrain. These are complementary technologies, often with batteries providing acceleration and enabling the use of regenerative braking and fuel cells providing cruising power while recharging the batteries.

Electric vehicles

The advantages of these hybrids over battery-only electric vehicles (BEVs) are that of range and refuelling/recharging time. BEVs have low range and need many hours of recharging, while vehicles utilising fuel cells have ranges of several hundred miles, refuelling in minutes - more akin to today's combustion engine-powered cars. In September 2009, nine of the leading motor manufacturers signed an unprecedented agreement stating their intention to commercialise fuel cell powered vehicles and expectation of for their availability to consumers by 2015. If you thought the automotive future was just battery powered, then the likes of Toyota, Honda, Daimler, Ford, GM, Nissan, Renault, Hyundai and Kia all appear to hold a different view.

Intelligent Energy is presently leading a programme to produce zero emission Black London Cabs. This programme is part-funded by the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board, with partners Lotus Engineering, LTI (London Taxis International) and TRW Conekt. The aim is to see a small fleet of the vehicles in operation in London by 2012.

The taxis will have a driving range of around 250 miles, sufficient for a full working day's operation, and able to out perform the standard vehicles in terms of acceleration. The first of these cabs will be on the test track in early 2010.

Greener Aviation

In the realm of aviation and aerospace, Intelligent Energy provided the hydrogen fuel cell system to Boeing that powered the world's first manned fuel cell aircraft in early 2008.

The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system of the Boeing-Intelligent Energy project was incorporated into the engine-bay space of a two-seat Dimona motor-glider with a 16.3metre wingspan, replacing the internal combustion engine.

The system was hybridised with lithium-ion batteries to power an electric motor coupled to a conventional propeller. The battery provided the peak power required to achieve lift-off, while the fuel cell took over entirely to power the aircraft in steady flight.

Certain characteristics of PEM fuel cell systems make them an ideal candidate as the power-train for unmanned air vehicles, they are very quiet and have low thermal and exhaust signatures. These can be important factors where stealth may be a consideration, such as in military or homeland security applications.

Electricity Production

Power distribution based on today's centralised grid structure results in poor efficiency and high emissions. Today, around 65 per cent of the fuel used by traditional coal burning power-generating plants is wasted due to a combination of inefficient energy conversion and power-line losses.

The energy sector itself is responsible for 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions, with electricity demand predicted to more than double by 2050. It is also estimated that $22 trillion of cumulative investment will be required in new plant and grid infrastructure to meet global demand for electricity by 2030 as existing electricity grids have little excess capacity.

Distributed generation (DG: on-site or close to point-of-use electricity production) is seen by many as the best means of meeting much of this increased power demand while simultaneously improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and reducing the burden on the existing grid. DG systems can also be designed to provide electricity back to the grid, reducing the need for additional central generation infrastructure.

Distributed generation

Fuel cell systems are emerging as one of the main contenders for market share in DG, serving a range of power demands from watts to megawatts. They are being targeted in particular as CHP units for residential and industrial heating and electrical needs. CHP allows the maximum utilisation of the energy content of the fuel (for example natural gas) by using both thermal and electrical outputs (heat and power).

A conventional power generation plant is approximately 35 per cent efficient - the balance is released as 'waste' heat.

CHP substantially reduces this loss by making use of the heat produced for the chosen application - industrial, commercial or residential. In this way up to about 90 per cent of the energy can be utilised.

Without a doubt, a number of factors have converged to result in the present opportunities for fuel cell technology.

As yet, however, there is no 'silver bullet' solution. Indeed, a range of practical, efficient and economic technologies will be required, as will an education process for both industry and consumers markets. Nevertheless, fuel cells are poised to play an important role in the ever-evolving energy landscape.

Jon Moore is with Intelligent Energy, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. www.intelligent-energy.com

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