Federal Regulators Declare Chinese All-Terrain Vehicle Defective, Dangerous   07 Jun 2007 13:54 GMT
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has said that the popular Kazuma Meerkat 50 is defective and hazardous to children. Among other flaws, it lacks front brakes, has no parking brake and can be started in gear. Established ATV brands...
Source: wired.com

Chinese Auto Parts Enter the Global Market   07 Jun 2007 12:45 GMT
China’s auto parts exports have increased more than sixfold in the last five years, signaling a shift from basic goods to higher-value industrial goods.
Source: NY Times

Auto Chiefs Make Headway Against a Mileage Increase   07 Jun 2007 04:08 GMT
Automakers seem to be making progress in tamping down Democratic proposals for tougher fuel economy requirements.
Source: NY Times

Few Painless Roads Lead to Cheap Gas   06 Jun 2007 14:30 GMT
“Business Week” looks at various policy strategies for bringing down prices at the pump, and finds few of them worthwhile. Cutting state taxes, for example, may have little impact because refiners can simply increase prices to match the national average....
Source: wired.com

Lawmakers Move to Block California’s Carbon Limits   06 Jun 2007 14:24 GMT
Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va) has put forward what is called a discussion draft which will be part of a comprehensive climate-change control legislation from leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. A summary posted on the committee's Web site...
Source: wired.com

Toyota Ponders a Recall on Its Tundra   06 Jun 2007 14:15 GMT
Though it has much to crow about in both sales and quality, Toyota may be stretching itself, according to some analysts. Recalls have been on the rise. To date, Toyota has received 20 reports of defects in the Tundra's 5.7-liter...
Source: wired.com

ALMS Levels the Playing Field   06 Jun 2007 14:10 GMT
After a third straight victory in the American Le Mans series, Porsche faces a downgrading. Complaints have swirled around the car, which continues to beat the more powerful Audi R10, even though it competes in a prototype category (LMP2) below...
Source: wired.com

Cadillac Begins Charm Offensive in China   06 Jun 2007 14:07 GMT
While GM has fared well in China, it has lagged in the luxury segment. Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz control some 77 percent of the market. So Cadillac is pouring on the VIP treatment: Napa wines, fancy cigars and leather...
Source: wired.com

Most Gas Station Owners Get Small Cut of High Prices   06 Jun 2007 14:01 GMT
National Public Radio followed a gas-station owner in southern California to see how and where he makes money off high prices. The report shows that owners actually make more money when prices fall. Either way, they have to get crafty...
Source: wired.com

Vegetable Oil: the first 600 miles   06 Jun 2007 00:23 GMT
We have now driven our 1983 Mercedes 300SD Turbo Diesel for 600 miles using only straight veggie oil as fuel. We can gladly report that the conversion by LoveCraft bio Fuels in Silverlake works perfectly. The new heated fuel filter...
Source: wired.com