Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The one thing missing from electric cars and hybrids? Sound!]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/the-one-thing-missing-from-electric-cars-sound/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/the-one-thing-missing-from-electric-cars-sound/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/the-one-thing-missing-from-electric-cars-sound/#comments

You've bought a Tesla roadster, (hey, work with us) and you're taking it for a spin. You accelerate and hear nothing. You know electric cars are great for the environment, they'll get us away from fuel consumption and they look great but they're missing... something.

All this is amazing but some car fans are starting to miss one critical factor when driving - the sound of a great gearbox. Electric cars tend to run quietly so owners don't have the option to hear the engine rev and who doesn't love the growl of a car.

So a solution has been found. Well, they're working on it and one of the men working on creating sound for electric cars is Steve Levine, the man behind Culture Club, the Beach Boys and Motorhead. Yes, Motorhead. Perfect for creating the sound of your favourite powertrain when you think about it.

We can't really explain the science behind how they're going to recreate the sounds so check out the video by The Engineer UK as they talk to Levine about recreating classic car sounds for electric vehicles. It's right after the jump.

Continue reading The one thing missing from electric cars and hybrids? Sound!

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The one thing missing from electric cars and hybrids? Sound! originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carselectric vehiclesoundsteve levinetechnologyTeslatesla roadsterWed, 21 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Shocker: Canadians don't like winter driving]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/shocker-canadians-dont-like-winter-driving/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/shocker-canadians-dont-like-winter-driving/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/shocker-canadians-dont-like-winter-driving/#comments

Considering we live in a cold climate you'd think Canadians would be confident driving in winter conditions. Apparently not, according to a recently-released TD Insurance Winter Driving Poll.

Shockingly, a quarter of Canadians admit they feel "anxious, scared or even panicked when they're driving in winter and 36 per cent only drive when they need to."

Fair enough. Icy conditions are no fun and sliding through an intersection is scary. What was interesting about the poll is that it seems that older Canadians know more about winter driving than younger Canadians. Here are some of the stats:

Canadians aged 55 and over were more confident winter drivers than those aged 18-34. That's 27 per cent versus 17 per cent. It could be age and experience driving during winter.

Older Canadians knew that keeping at least half a tank of gas adds weight and traction to your car - 69 per cent versus 49 per cent.

They also knew that if your vehicle skids out of control you should steer in the same direction of the skid - 57 per cent versus 45 per cent.

The generation gap isn't the only thing of interest in the poll. There's a gender gap as well. Women (44 per cent) were more likely to avoid driving in winter versus 29 per cent of men. On the plus side, both genders reported feeling more alert when driving in winter.

Oddly enough it doesn't seem that way based on drivers' reactions to the first snowfall of the season.

Read the entire release after the jump and check out this video on winter driving from Transport Canada.

Continue reading Shocker: Canadians don't like winter driving

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Shocker: Canadians don't like winter driving originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadangerous drivingwinter drivingWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Wrap your Ford in fashionable vinyl from the dealer]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/wrap-your-ford-in-vinyl/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/wrap-your-ford-in-vinyl/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/wrap-your-ford-in-vinyl/#comments


So you've tricked out the inside of your Ford but what about the outside? Shouldn't it be just as amazing?

Ford Custom Graphics offers more than 200 vinyl wraps, many inspired by the catwalk, and they're now available in Canada. You can put them on your Ford Focus, Mustang, F-150, Explorer and Fiesta.

The wraps start at $179 but can go up to $450. The price doesn't includes installation, which can be done at your local Ford dealer. In fact, if you don't like the wraps currently available (polka dots are huge this year along with leather and turquoise), you can design your own wrap at the custom graphics visualizer.

We gave it a try and ended up with a red Ford Fiesta with a pink ninja blade graphic on the side. Needless to say it was a bit much and we toned it down to a nice tone-on-tone pattern.

The tool lets you add as many graphics as you want to your car so just be careful or you might end up with a horrific mishmash of stripes, florals and ninja blades.

Read the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Wrap your Ford in fashionable vinyl from the dealer

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Wrap your Ford in fashionable vinyl from the dealer originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designfordford canadaRacing Stripesstylevinyl wrappingFri, 25 Nov 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz Burlington wins Gold Maple Leaf]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/mercedes-benz-burlington-wins-gold-maple-leaf/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/mercedes-benz-burlington-wins-gold-maple-leaf/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/mercedes-benz-burlington-wins-gold-maple-leaf/#comments

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series






Mercedez-Benz is known for cutting-edge technology when it comes to building supercars. It can also boast of creating amazing places to buy said cars.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) just announced their winners for the 2011 Canadian Shopping Centre Global Awards program. Mercedes-Benz Burlington, located in Burlington, Ontario, has won a 2011 Maple Leaf Gold Award.

According to the release, Mercedes-Benz Burlington won a gold award in the Retail Store Design category which recognizes how professional store design contributes to the success of the retail industry. Inspired by vehicle profiles and engineering precision, this Mercedes-Benz dealership sets a new standard of design by building a community that people aspire to belong to. The refined design details reflect the precision and luxury styling of the brand as guests are encouraged to take advantage of the on-site amenities such as the concierge, spa, café, and lounge. In addition, the interior design details and fixtures are designed with sinuous curves and refined engineering detail.

A spa? A café and lounge we expect in a high-end dealership but a spa? We can picture it - you walk in to buy a car and decide on a massage. That should make a few buyers amenable to purchasing some extras.

Mercedes-Benz Burlington, designed by GHA design studios; The Hicks Partnership Inc.; and Harbridge + Cross Ltd., is now entered to win the ICSC's Best-of-the-Best VIVA Awards. It'll be held on May 20-23, 2012 in Las Vegas.

Read the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Burlington wins Gold Maple Leaf

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Mercedes-Benz Burlington wins Gold Maple Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burlingtoncanadamercedes-benzontarioshoppingshopping centreWed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadians reveal first printed car]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/canadians-reveal-first-printed-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/canadians-reveal-first-printed-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/canadians-reveal-first-printed-car/#comments

The Urbee is the first printed car. That's right, you read that correctly - the first printed car.

Before you start thinking printers and sheets of aluminum, it's 3D printing. The Urbee, according to the developers at Kor Ecologic, is created via "additive manufacturing" with thin layers of material built up or printed to form a solid object. The team at Kor Ecologic have been working on the car for years and have finally revealed it to the world.

It has three wheels, two seats and although it does look a like a Tylenol capsule from the side, it can get 2.3 L/100 km in the city and 1.2 L/100 km on the highway. It uses both gas and electric engines and can be charged overnight via a simple outlet.

Project leader Jim Kor said at the TEDxWinnipeg conference, "One only puts material where one needs it." According to the website, the process can use widely available materials in original ways.

As a result of the 3D printing process and the hybrid engine, the Urbee is on track to be one of the greenest cars around.

Currently there is only one Urbee and it's in Winnipeg but the team hopes to have more soon.

Jim Kor and the team tells us more about the Urbee right after the jump and hey, if you want to help out, they're looking for donations.

Continue reading Canadians reveal first printed car

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Canadians reveal first printed car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaurbee hybridwinnipegTue, 04 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Tire launches innovative online tire store]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/canadian-tire-launches-online-tire-store/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/canadian-tire-launches-online-tire-store/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/canadian-tire-launches-online-tire-store/#comments

Canadian Tire has released a new online tire database that makes finding the right rollers for your car a breeze.

The site, www.canadiantire.ca, gives customers more than 8,000 tires and wheels, all for your car's pleasure. You can shop by tire brand, vehicle make and model, and by price.

According to the press release, "Customers have turned to Canadian Tire for their automotive needs and we are excited to extend our broad assortment of tires and wheels online," said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice President, Automotive for Canadian Tire. "The launch of the online tire store not only provides Canadians with a new and innovative resource to help them buy the right tires for their vehicle, it also speaks to our commitment to raising the bar on the customer experience."

Checking out the site, we saw BFGoodrich, Goodyear and Pirelli to name a few. You can also buy all season, winter, performance and light truck tires. There are also steel and alloy wheels from Akita, Baccarat and Sacchi.

To sweeten the deal, Canadian Tire is offering free tire mounting, free flat repairs and free rotation every 10,000 kilometres (there is some fine print attached to those offers though). And if you're not sure what tires to get (and you haven't read your service manual) the site has videos, FAQs and buying guides.

It is easy to compare different brands, models and prices all while knowing the specifics on the tires and wheels.

Read more after the jump.

Continue reading Canadian Tire launches innovative online tire store

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Canadian Tire launches innovative online tire store originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaCanadian Tireonline tire storetireswebsiteswinter tiresThu, 22 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Commuter Pain Index shows that Mexico City has the worst commute, ever]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/commuter-pain-index-shows-that-mexico-city-has-the-worst-commute/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/commuter-pain-index-shows-that-mexico-city-has-the-worst-commute/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/commuter-pain-index-shows-that-mexico-city-has-the-worst-commute/#comments

Hey Canadians or specifically Torontonians, you thought your commute was bad? It could be worse - you could be living in Mexico City where the commute is a back-breaking, rage-inducing 108 on the scale compared to Toronto's paltry 27.

Montrealers, you're fine. Your commute is the least painful at a scant 21 on the pain and rage scale.

The index is comprised of 10 issues: 1) commuting time, 2) time stuck in traffic, agreement that: 3) price of gas is already too high, 4) traffic has gotten worse, 5) start-stop traffic is a problem, 6) driving causes stress, 7) driving causes anger, 8) traffic affects work, 9) traffic so bad driving stopped, and 10) decided not to make trip due to traffic.

IBM conducted the 2011 Commuter Pain survey and found that yes, there is indeed pain. This year's survey recorded "significant increases, when compared to last year," in the number of respondent who said that traffic has increased their stress and anger levels as well as negatively affected their work or school performance.

"Commuting doesn't occur in a vacuum," said Naveen Lamba, IBM's global intelligent transportation expert in the release. "A person's emotional response to the daily commute is coloured by many factors - pertaining both to traffic congestion as well as to other, unrelated, issues. This year's Global Commuter Pain survey indicates that drivers in cities around the world are much more unsettled and anxious compared with 2010."

What was found was that congestion can decrease a city's productivity and that investing in infrastructure both in the roads and in alternate forms of transport and technology can have a positive effect on congestion and commuters' health and well-being.

You can read the full report here and check out the video after the jump that explains some of the changes some cities are implementing to deal with congestion.

News Source: IBM Commuter Pain Survey

Continue reading Commuter Pain Index shows that Mexico City has the worst commute, ever

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Commuter Pain Index shows that Mexico City has the worst commute, ever originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commutingIBM commuter pain surveymexico citymontrealpublic transittechnologytorontovideoFri, 16 Sep 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Will and Kate get Land Rover wedding present, donate it to charity]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/will-and-kate-get-land-rover-wedding-present-donate-it-to-chari/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/will-and-kate-get-land-rover-wedding-present-donate-it-to-chari/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/will-and-kate-get-land-rover-wedding-present-donate-it-to-chari/#comments

People really like to give the Royal family cars. Must be nice.

According to Bang Media, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were gifted a Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover as a present. The couple, who had asked for charitable contributions instead of gifts, donated the vehicle to Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW). Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is a search and rescue pilot currently stationed in Wales.

MREW then used the Land Rover as a prize in a charity draw and the winners, the Patterdale team, gave it to the Glossop Mountain Rescue team who needed a new vehicle.

The Land Rover is not the first car created to honour the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Project Kahn created a commemorative Maybach 57 as a 'tribute' to the young couple and U.K. toy company, Corgi, created a gold-plated Model T with images of the royal couple engraved on the side.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender



News Source: Bang Media International l Sympatico.ca

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Will and Kate get Land Rover wedding present, donate it to charity originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityKate MiddletonLand RoverPrince Williamprince william and kate middletonroyal familyroyal weddingFri, 09 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MTO has new Drive Clean rules for Ontario Motorists]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/new-drive-clean-rules-for-ontarians/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/new-drive-clean-rules-for-ontarians/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/new-drive-clean-rules-for-ontarians/#comments

It helps the environment but for a lot of people the Drive Clean program is a pain in the butt. Every time a car changed hands, even if it was between family, you had to take the car in for a test.

That's ended now. The Ontario government has updated the guidelines for the Drive Clean program and they go into effect on September 1st. Now it makes a bit more sense and actually takes the car into consideration. Some of the updates include:

All vehicles including buses that are less than seven years old no longer need to be tested when their registration is renewed. Passenger cars, vans and SUVs also no longer need to be tested for the following:

  • transfer between family members
  • coming off lease and being purchased by the person who was leasing the vehicle
  • renewing registration after having passed a test in the previous year

Why the change? Technology is one reason. According to the release by New Ontario, "cleaner fuels, improved emissions technology and better vehicle maintenance are factors that make testing five-year-old vehicles unnecessary."

Vehicles plated as historic are also exempt from Drive Clean. Read more about the changes after the jump.

News Source: News Ontario

Continue reading MTO has new Drive Clean rules for Ontario Motorists

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MTO has new Drive Clean rules for Ontario Motorists originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean airDalton McGuintydrive cleanemissions testingMTOontarioontario governmentWed, 07 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magna announces $430 million investment to develop electric car technology]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/magna-announced-430-million-investment-to-develop-electric-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/magna-announced-430-million-investment-to-develop-electric-car/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/magna-announced-430-million-investment-to-develop-electric-car/#comments

Magna International Inc. is going to spend $430 million to develop electric car technology in Ontario. The research and development is expected to create 728 jobs and protect approximately 1,300 jobs at Magna factories located in Brampton, Aurora, St. Thomas and Concord.

The province isn't slacking - Economic Development Minister Sandra Pupatello said that Ontario will contribute $48 million.

The investments will help fund 19 research and development projects over the next six years and they include developing concept cars, the related parts, alternative energy sources and ways to improve fuel efficiency.

This doesn't come as a surprise as Premier Dalton McGuinty has been a big and vocal fan of alternative energy sources. Earlier this month he was in Markham, Ontario where he announced an $80 million fund to spur the development and investment in electric car-charging stations.

Gallery: Toyota RAV4 EV: Quick Spin



News Source: CBC

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Magna announces $430 million investment to develop electric car technology originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric vehiclegreenmagnamagna internationalontarioontario canadatechnologyWed, 07 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StatsCan: How long is it taking Canadians to commute?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/statscan-how-long-is-it-taking-canadians-to-commute/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/statscan-how-long-is-it-taking-canadians-to-commute/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/statscan-how-long-is-it-taking-canadians-to-commute/#comments

Once again, Toronto wins(?) for longest (and some say most aggravating) commute in the country.

According to a report released this week by Statistics Canada based on 2010 data from the general social survey on time use, the average Toronto commute takes 33 minutes one way.

That's just across the city. The average commuting time in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been clocked in at 80 minutes according to the Toronto Board of Trade.

StatsCan took all commuting methods - car, public transit and "active transportation" which means walking and cycling - into consideration for this report after the jump.

Continue reading StatsCan: How long is it taking Canadians to commute?

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StatsCan: How long is it taking Canadians to commute? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>401canadaCommutingedmontongatingmontrealOttawapublic transitStatistics CanadastatscantorontotrafficMon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamborghini Murcielago LP-640 goes to a galaxy far, far away]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/20/lamborghini-murcielago-lp-640-goes-to-a-galaxy-far-far-away/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/20/lamborghini-murcielago-lp-640-goes-to-a-galaxy-far-far-away/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/20/lamborghini-murcielago-lp-640-goes-to-a-galaxy-far-far-away/#comments

It's a match made in car and geek fanboi heaven. Murcie owner Julian brought his orange Lamborghini LP-640 to SS Customs and asked them to create a wrap based on the Star Wars Fighters to create this, The Rogue Fighter.

Turns out that Julian's son is a big Star Wars fan so he thought he would appreciate the wrap. He asked SS Customs to make it incorporate gold and the company got to work immediately after he finished the Gumball Rally.

The wrap was only on for 2-3 weeks but it was a big hit throughout the Lambo community. Check out the gallery for the concept art, the rendering and the final product plus a video showing the car in action - all after the jump.

Gallery: Lamborghini LP-640 turned Rogue Fighter

Continue reading Lamborghini Murcielago LP-640 goes to a galaxy far, far away

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Lamborghini Murcielago LP-640 goes to a galaxy far, far away originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customLamborghinilamborghini murcielagoLamborghini Murcielago LP-640LP-640Star Warsvinyl wrapSat, 20 Aug 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Universities participate in EcoCar 2 Challenge]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/canadian-universities-participate-in-ecocar-2-challenge/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/canadian-universities-participate-in-ecocar-2-challenge/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/canadian-universities-participate-in-ecocar-2-challenge/#comments



So you're a automotive company looking to build the best energy-efficient, electric green car of the future. What do you do?

Round up a bunch of university students and let them go nuts, all sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors. Pretty cool.

EcoCar 2: Plugging in to the Future is a three-year university engineering competition that gives Canadian and American university students a chance to "educate the next generation of automotive engineers."

Read more after the jump.

Continue reading Canadian Universities participate in EcoCar 2 Challenge

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Canadian Universities participate in EcoCar 2 Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadachevroletchevrolet malibuecocar challengeElectric carelectric vehicleengineersgeneral motorsgreenU.S. Department of Energyuniversity of waterlooThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Top Gear's</i> Jeremy Clarkson rumoured to not do his own stunts]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/top-gears-jeremy-clarkson-rumoured-to-not-do-his-own-stu/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/top-gears-jeremy-clarkson-rumoured-to-not-do-his-own-stu/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/top-gears-jeremy-clarkson-rumoured-to-not-do-his-own-stu/#comments

Looks like the BBC had some explaining to do... again. The latest Top Gear rumours apart from mocking electric cars, stealing handicap spaces and joking about cancer, says that Jeremy Clarkson doesn't do his own driving. Instead, a well-placed source say that professional drivers do most of the work.

As you know, each episode has a presenter, usually Clarkson, taking the latest supercar out on the Top Gear test track. As Clarkson throws the car through the curves and bends on the track, he waxes lyrically about the speed, the torque, the horsepower or just calls it rubbish. Whatever he does, we're watching him put the car through its paces.

Apparently not if you read the details after the jump.

Continue reading Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson rumoured to not do his own stunts

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Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson rumoured to not do his own stunts originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbccelebrityJeremy Clarksonlamborghini murcielagotop gearukWed, 17 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Canada tells Toronto Councillor: Don't use our logo]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/ford-canada-tells-toronto-councillor-dont-use-our-logo/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/ford-canada-tells-toronto-councillor-dont-use-our-logo/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/ford-canada-tells-toronto-councillor-dont-use-our-logo/#commentsToronto Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti has been alternatively entertaining and frustrating Torontonians for years with some of his best work happening in the last three weeks.

Some of his highlights include the suggestion of building a red-light district on the Toronto Islands, vowing to prevent any Communists from populating his personal Facebook page and now, using a company logo to promote Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.

According to the Globe and Mail, Mammoliti used Ford's "Built Ford Tough" logo on a page he created called, "Save the City... Support the Ford Administration."

A Ford spokesman told the Globe and Mail that they received many calls about the use of the logo and have asked Mammoliti that it be removed.

Mammoliti is said to have abandoned his Facebook page.

This makes us wonder, what other car slogans/logo would work for Rob Ford or Giorgio Mammoliti? Tell us in the comments.


News source: Macleans l Globe and Mail

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Ford Canada tells Toronto Councillor: Don't use our logo originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingbuilt ford toughcanadacopyright infringementfordgiorgio mammolitilogopoliticiansrob fordslogantorontoMon, 15 Aug 2011 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[McGuinty announces $80 million fund for electric car charging stations]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/11/mcguinty-announces-80-million-fund-for-electric-car-charging-st/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/11/mcguinty-announces-80-million-fund-for-electric-car-charging-st/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/11/mcguinty-announces-80-million-fund-for-electric-car-charging-st/#comments

It was recently announced that the 2012 Toyota RAV EV will be built in Woodstock, Ontario. As part of the movement towards electric cars, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced on August 9th that the province was going to launch electric car charging stations in an attempt to make it easier for families to choose electric cars.

McGuinty was in Markham, Ontario where he charged an electric car and announced an $80 million fund to spur the development and investment in electric car-charging stations.


The goal, according to the announcement is for Ontario, together with Infrastructure Ontario, [to] encourage public and private sectors to come forward with proposals to build, test and expand the availability of recharging facilities. The Province will provide seed money to the projects chosen.

Read the full announcement after the jump and don't forget to check out the Flickr images of the day.

Gallery: Toyota RAV4 EV: Quick Spin

Continue reading McGuinty announces $80 million fund for electric car charging stations

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McGuinty announces $80 million fund for electric car charging stations originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car chargingElectric carelectric vehicleontarioplantsRAV EVtoyotawoodstockThu, 11 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Canada breaks all-time sales record]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/volkswagen-canada-reaches-all-time-sales-record/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/volkswagen-canada-reaches-all-time-sales-record/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/volkswagen-canada-reaches-all-time-sales-record/#comments

We've got a thing for Volkswagen here at Autoblog Canada. Whether it's edible magazine ads or ads that feature baby Darth Vaders, the brand always has something fun up its sleeve.

Volkswagen Canada sent us their latest sales announcement and it's good news:

Volkswagen Canada is pleased to report that it has established a new company record for sales during the month of July. This marks the tenth consecutive month during which an all-time high has been reached. The 4,522 new vehicles sold exceed last year's total of 3,881 by 17 per cent.

It's interesting because Volkswagen doesn't break the top ten when it comes to popular cars in this country but when the company ships 500 2012 Golf R cars to Canada, some them were already pre-sold and dealer distribution is going to be limited based on sales.

Now if only we would get some of the cool European models here. You hear us, VW? Click past the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R: First Drive

Continue reading Volkswagen Canada breaks all-time sales record

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Volkswagen Canada breaks all-time sales record originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 Volkswagen BeetleBeetlecanadagolfjettasalestiguanvolkswagenThu, 04 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: How many Hipsters can you cram into a Honda Fit?]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/video-how-many-hipsters-can-you-cram-into-a-honda-fit/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/video-how-many-hipsters-can-you-cram-into-a-honda-fit/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/video-how-many-hipsters-can-you-cram-into-a-honda-fit/#comments

Honda Australia asks the question, "How much Hipster can you pack in a Jazz?" (the Fit in North America) then proceeds to cram as many tight-jean-wearing, plaid-sporting, mini-skirt-wearing hipsters into the car. They're still disillusioned and jaded but express their admiration for the Honda in ways that only hipsters can.

There are several art and film references, of course and all of the requisite hipster lingo, phrases and sayings. Well, it is comforting to know that we export such fine North American sub-culture all around the world and it ends up going mainstream. All that is missing here are a few Macbooks, iPads and Grande skinny lattes from Starbucks.

But the underlying message here is simply that the Fit / Jazz is different and unique just like you, even if you are a trendy hipster... oh the irony.

Watch the video after the jump and note that there is some swearing in the video because hipsters do that too.

Continue reading Video: How many Hipsters can you cram into a Honda Fit?

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Video: How many Hipsters can you cram into a Honda Fit? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Honda FitFithipstersHondahonda australiaThu, 21 Jul 2011 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The Canadian Volvo Club celebrates classic Guinness record breaking Volvos]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/the-canadian-volvo-club-celebrates-volvos-and-guinness-record-br/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/the-canadian-volvo-club-celebrates-volvos-and-guinness-record-br/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/the-canadian-volvo-club-celebrates-volvos-and-guinness-record-br/#comments

So everyone knows that Volvos last forever - reliable, sturdy, heavy duty - there's a reason they're the vehicle for choice for everything from the pipe smoking professors to the upwardly mobile soccer mom. The Canadian Volvo Club is celebrating with its 31st Annual Family Fun day and hosting two gentlemen who bought Volvos and decided to test them to extremes.

Garry Sowerby bought a Volvo 245DL known as "Red Cloud", built in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and circumnavigated the globe with his friend Ken Langley in 74 days, one hour and 11 minutes. They earned a Guinness Record for Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Car in 1980.

The second guy is Irv Gordon (pictured above) and his Volvo P1800 with 2.9 million miles or 4,667,097 kilometres on the odometer. A retired science teacher from East Patchogue, New York, Gordon purchased the Volvo new in June 1966 and has driven it every day since. He plans on breaking the 3-million-mile mark with the same car.

Sowerby hasn't driven his 245DL for five years but when he tested the car last November, he said, "She fired up on the first crank. After the abuse and neglect this car has been through in its life, it really is a testament to how dependable and well-built Volvos are."

The Canadian Volvo Club's 31st Annual Family Fun Day is happening this Sunday, July 24th in Ilderton, Ontario near London at 22679 Wonderland Rd. North. Visit the website for directions and information.

News Source: Volvo Cars of Canada

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The Canadian Volvo Club celebrates classic Guinness record breaking Volvos originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaclassicsP1800volvoVolvo 245DLTue, 19 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Texting while driving still concerns Canadians]]>http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/report-texting-while-driving-still-concerns-canadians/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/report-texting-while-driving-still-concerns-canadians/http://ca.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/report-texting-while-driving-still-concerns-canadians/#commentsDespite the cellphone ban that dropped down a year ago, Canadians are still talking and texting while driving according to a new survey done by the Manitoba Canadian Automobile Association.

According to the survey, 99.4% of the 11,000 people surveyed said they've seen drivers texting and talking while behind the wheel. There are no current statistics for the other provinces and territories but we could assume that drivers are breaking the law.

Manitoba Public Insurance said drivers who text are 23 times more likely to get into a collision. Drivers who text spend nearly five seconds at a time looking at their cellphones, which translates at typical highway speeds to covering more than the length of a football field, said MPI.

This shouldn't come as a surprise because a study done last year revealed that texting while driving bans don't work. There are applications that can enforce the ban but drivers have to buy and install them into their vehicles.

[Source: CTV Winnipeg]

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Report: Texting while driving still concerns Canadians originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phonecell phone bandistracted drivingtextingTexting while drivingThu, 14 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST