Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png 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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Gas station fuel theft goes terribly wrong in Australia]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/gas-station-fuel-theft-fail-goes-terribly-wrong/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/gas-station-fuel-theft-fail-goes-terribly-wrong/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/gas-station-fuel-theft-fail-goes-terribly-wrong/#comments Filed under: , , ,



It looks like crime certainly didn't pay for these outrageous gas station thieves, as shocking surveillance video caught this amateur Australian couple getting all tangled up at the pumps. The foolish thieves failed to make a clean getaway after filling up for free and poorly planning their big escape.

The rather funny video footage shows the driver suddenly speed off from the gas station while leaving their partner in crime behind to take the fall (literally), as a woman gets tangled in the pump and then tossed through the air during the dangerous getaway. We're all taught you shouldn't steal (or leave the scene of a crime for that matter), but deciding to ditch your accomplice in the act is certainly a large piece of walking and talking evidence to leave for police.

Click here to watch how this botched gas station robbery goes down.

Gallery: Top 10 most stolen vehicles

Continue reading Gas station fuel theft goes terribly wrong in Australia

Gas station fuel theft goes terribly wrong in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australiafailfuel failfuel theftgas stationgas station robberygas station videostealingstealing gasthefttheft fail Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20581393/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/gas-station-fuel-theft-fail-goes-terribly-wrong/20581393/article-detail.xml 20581393 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gas-theft-fail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gas-theft-fail.jpg <![CDATA['Robin Hood' group being sued for filling strangers' parking meters [w/poll]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/new-hampshire-town-suing-robin-hood-group-for-filling-stranger/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/new-hampshire-town-suing-robin-hood-group-for-filling-stranger/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/new-hampshire-town-suing-robin-hood-group-for-filling-stranger/#comments Filed under: , ,



A lawsuit in New Hampshire, an American state where they take their slogan - Live Free or Die - seriously, is setting the city of Keene against a group of citizens fighting "the violent monopoly" by putting money in the about-to-expire parking meters of strangers. The action is known as "Robin Hooding in Keene," and there are various ways in which practitioners do it. The specific activity that the city has a problem with is when the Robin Hooders follow the city's parking enforcement officers and, in the city's words, taunt, interfere, harass and intimidate them. Keene officials say the situation is causing its parking officials to think about quitting.

A spokesman for the Robin Hooders argues that videoing and talking to the enforcement officers isn't harassment. The city isn't suing to get them to stop, but it is suing to establish a 50-foot safety zone around the parking meter officers in order to prevent the interactions. There are six members of the group who are named in the suit.

Click here to watch the full report and then view some additional videos of Robin Hooding on YouTube, which shows the many forms it takes. Let us know if you think it helps or hinders the city's case in the poll below.

Gallery: Ticket Pigs - Man uses 137 oragami pigs made of $1 bills to pay traffic fine






View Poll

Continue reading 'Robin Hood' group being sued for filling strangers' parking meters [w/poll]

'Robin Hood' group being sued for filling strangers' parking meters [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> free keenekeenekeene new hampshirelawsuitmeter maidsnew hampshireparkingparking meterrobin hoodrobin hooding Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570621/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/new-hampshire-town-suing-robin-hood-group-for-filling-stranger/20570621/article-detail.xml 20570621 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/expired-parking-meter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/expired-parking-meter.jpg <![CDATA[Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



A 20-year-old woman was killed in Edmonton, Alberta on Satuday, reports CTV News, in a freak accident resulting from a rollover during a Jeep demonstration. As part of a fundraising enthusiast event called "Jeeps Go Topless," the driver of one Jeep Wrangler drove up and onto the top of the tire of another.

CTV reports that the owner of the topmost Jeep then switched the vehicle off, posed for pictures and then dismounted from his vehicle. His movement off of the Jeep apparently caused it to tip over, crushing a woman who was on top of an adjacent vehicle. Edmonton police are currently investigating more fully what caused the parking lot accident to occur. Scroll below to watch the CTV News video report about this tragic incident.

Gallery: 2013 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts






Continue reading Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal

Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> edmontonjeepjeep deathjeep rollover deathjeep wranglerjeeps go toplessvideo Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20577499/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/20577499/article-detail.xml 20577499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628.jpg <![CDATA[Police release worst red light runners caught on camera]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/police-release-worst-red-light-runners-busted-on-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/police-release-worst-red-light-runners-busted-on-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/police-release-worst-red-light-runners-busted-on-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Abiding by traffic signals is perhaps the simplest rule of the road, yet that doesn't stop a staggering number of drivers from ignoring red lights altogether. Speeding through a red light is a dangerous and illegal activity,yet Florida police found dozens of high-risk drivers mixing all kinds of bad driving habits when they we're caught running red lights at the exact same busy intersection in Ocoee, FL.

The incredible time-lapse video compilation was captured over a year long period and highlight's some of the worst law-breaking offenders police caught red handed. Watch as the video stars a number of people dangerously speeding, illegally turning and blatantly ignoring the red light signals and red light cameras in use... that is until a hefty fine from police finally shows up in the mail accompanied by a photo of each careless driver in action.

Click here to watch the full video packed with ridiculous red lights runners. We hope this clip reminds everyone to drive carefully out there and always obey the law for your own safety and those around you.

Gallery: Top 10 Police Chase Videos

Continue reading Police release worst red light runners caught on camera

Police release worst red light runners caught on camera originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bad driverbad drivingbad driving habitsbustedpolicered lightRed Light Camerared light runnerred light ticketrunning red lightrunning red lightsSpeed Cameraspeedingspeeding ticketworst driverworst drivers Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20571124/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/police-release-worst-red-light-runners-busted-on-video/20571124/article-detail.xml 20571124 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-light-camera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-light-camera.jpg <![CDATA[Unsafe cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/#comments Filed under: , ,

Unsafe cars in Brazil

The Detroit Free Press reports the new generation of Brazil-built cars are to blame for the country's high death rate. Thanks to a booming middle class, Brazil is the fourth-largest vehicle market in the world, but four of the country's best-selling models have failed independent crash tests. Couple those machines with the country's notoriously dangerous roads and weather, and Brazil winds up with a traffic death rate nearly four times that of the United States when weighted for the disparity in the size of both driving populations.

Automakers, meanwhile, say their products meet or exceed Brazil's safety laws - starting next year, manufacturers will be required to install front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Activists, meanwhile, say those changes aren't enough to make a meaningful impact on the country's death toll. Independent testing found that four of the country's top-selling cars from brands like General Motors, Volkswagen and Fiat received a lowly one-star crash rating.

Compounding the issue is the fact that manufacturers make more money on less safe, inexpensive Brazilian-made cars. The Detroit Free Press reports companies earn a 10 per cent profit on vehicles built in Brazil compared to three per cent from domestically-built models and an average of five per cent from machines assembled elsewhere. Vehicles imported from other markets are more likely to have safety equipment that meets more stringent standards.

Click here to find out which cars made the 2013 IIHS top safety picks list.

Gallery: 2013 IIHS Top Safety PIcks

Continue reading Unsafe cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate

Unsafe cars made in Brazil blamed for country's high death rate originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilbrazil traffic deathssafetytraffic deaths Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570490/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/cars-made-in-brazil-blamed-for-countrys-high-death-rate/20570490/article-detail.xml 20570490 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazilunsafecars.jpg <![CDATA[Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

McDonald's drive-thru

If you're going to drive a stolen car in a small town of roughly 77,000 people you want to be very careful about where you drive that stolen car to eat. That's the lesson Katherine York of Kennewick, Washington learned when she was arrested for being in possession of a stolen Toyota 4Runner that also happened to have a bunch of stolen clothes from JC Penney and Sears in it!

Virginia Maiden woke up Tuesday, May 14 to find her 1995 4Runner - that she thought she forgot to lock - swiped from her apartment building. At 3 PM that afternoon, while working her shift at the drive-thru at McDonald's that day, she saw her truck in line. York hadn't even gone far - the McDonald's is not even five miles from Maiden's apartment. Maiden called the police, they showed up just as York was leaving, and York made another vehicle switch, this time into a black-and-white for a trip to the Benton County jail. They don't have McDonald's there, but she won't have so far to go to eat.

Click here to watch the full report video for yourself.

Gallery: Top 10 most stolen vehicles

Continue reading Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner [w/video]

Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> katherine a yorkkennewickstolentoyotatoyota 4runnervirginia maidenwashington Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20575403/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/20575403/article-detail.xml 20575403 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mcdonalds-drive-thru_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mcdonalds-drive-thru.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche again staring down another US$1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen and Porsche emblems overlayed

The sequence of events from 2007 that began with Porsche's secret attempt to take over Volkswagen, and instead lead to Porsche being taken over by VW, continues to instigate lawsuits against the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. A group of hedge funds that suffered over US$1 billion in losses sued the car company in New York. Porsche had publicly stated it wasn't trying to buy VW, the hedge funds in question were shorting VW stock, and when Porsche's actual intentions were revealed, the stock shot up and the hedge funds took a beating.

The case was thrown out over the issue of jurisdiction, then appealed, only to see another suit filed on top of that. After that, most of the hedge funds withdrew their claims in New York and Porsche offered a 90-day window to refile in Germany where it is already fighting a number of other suits over the same issue. The hedge funds accepted the offer, refiling in Stuttgart for US$1.8 billion in damages. According to Bloomberg, Porsche hasn't commented on the refiling, but as the same plaintiffs are involved, it's safe to assume that the carmaker still feels the case is "unsubstantiated and without merit." It has fared alright so far even in German courts, with two lesser cases against it thrown out last year.

Click through to watch a video showing classic Porsches.

Gallery: 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S






Continue reading Porsche again staring down another US$1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits

Porsche again staring down another US$1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> derivativesgermanyhedge fundslawlawsuitporscheporsche lawsuitporsche volkswagenporsche vwstock marketstuttgartvolkswagenvw Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20572022/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/20572022/article-detail.xml 20572022 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests.jpg <![CDATA[Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/#comments Filed under: , ,



Five months ago, former General Motors engineer Shanshan Du and her husband, Yu Qin were convicted of stealing hybrid technology trade secrets, in attempts to sell the information to Chinese competitors.

US District Judge Marianne Battani sentenced Du to serve one year and one day in prison, a relatively lightweight sentence compared with the minimum six and a half years called for by Federal guidelines. (The minimum sentence is not mandatory, in this instance.) Qin meanwhile, who was convicted of fraud and obstruction of justice, in addition to the conspiracy and possessing trade secrets convictions he shared with his wife, was sentenced to three years in prison. Both will remain free until late this summer.

The Associated Press and ABC News report that Judge Battani took Du's health problems, as well as threat to the public, into account with the sentencing. Said Battani, "I don't think the public needs to be protected from you, but it needs to be protected from others like you," according to the AP story.

Du and Qin both admitted to being guilty of and remorseful for their crimes, claiming they made "wrong decisions."

Click through to watch a video on Canadian espionage.

Gallery: Tokyo Auto Salon 2013






Continue reading Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison

Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> espionageindustrial espionageshanshan duyu qin Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570049/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/20570049/article-detail.xml 20570049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yu-qin-shanshan-du-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yu-qin-shanshan-du-628.jpg <![CDATA[Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Tesla side marker

Tesla's value on the stock market far exceeds the number of vehicles it contributes to the automotive market. According to a report from Automotive News, Tesla is currently valued at US$8.8 billion. Almost unbelievably, though we've never claimed to have a firm grasp on the inner workings of the stock market, that's a full billion dollars more valuable than Fiat and three times more valuable than PSA Peugeot Citroën, says the report.

How unfathomable is that statistic? Consider the fact that Tesla, a ten-year-old company, just managed to turn its very first profit last quarter and has produced fewer than 10,000 vehicles in its lifetime. How does that compare to an automotive giant like Fiat? Well... it doesn't - The brand sold well over 50,000 cars in North America alone in 2012, and it owns or controls the Chrysler portfolio of brands along with Ferrari and Maserati... not to mention the hundreds of thousands of cars Fiat Group sells yearly in the rest of the world.

Granted, the number of vehicles sold by a brand is just a small portion of its value, but you may still wonder, why is such a seemingly small player in the global automotive marketplace such a big deal on Wall Street? According to AN, it has a lot to do with its controversial and headline-grabbing CEO, Elon Musk, and the way he disseminates company information to his investors. How so? We suggest you take a good look at the article here for the whole story.

Click through to get Musk's advice on starting a new business in the following video clip.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport






Continue reading Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat

Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> elon muskfiatmuskstock marketteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla stockTeslaMotorstsla Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20568101/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/20568101/article-detail.xml 20568101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2012 Lexus LFA supercar at sunset

What do you do if you have enough money to buy a Lexus LFA but can't get the car safely to your house? Get local government involved, of course. Rune Berge Vik, of Stavanger, Norway, did just that after he bought a Lexus LFA (the only LFA in the Nordic region according to tv2.no) last year only to find out that it could not clear a speed bump in his neighborhood.

To remedy the situation, Vik got in touch with his city, which had the speed bump removed. Talk about your tax dollars hard at work. On the other hand, it's commendable that the man actually uses his supercar as a daily driver, and besides, doesn't a street-legal car have the right to access said public streets?

Click through to watch an LFA attack the racetrack.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package: Geneva 2011






Continue reading Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump

Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 lexus lfalexuslexus lfalocal governmentspeed bumpspeed hump Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20574119/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/20574119/article-detail.xml 20574119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-2011-lexus-lfa-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-2011-lexus-lfa-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Dick Trickle

Well-known NASCAR racer Dick Trickle has dies of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Trickle was 71 years of age.

According to reports, police in Lincoln County, NC were informed via an anonymous phone call (very likely made by Trickle himself) prior to the suicide where to find the body. Trickle's body was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Boger City, NC, next to his pickup truck.

Our thoughts go out to Trickle's friends and family. Click through to watch a video report on his passing.

Gallery: 2012 Indy 500




Continue reading NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound

NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> deathdeathsdick tricklenascarripsuicidetrickle Fri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573793/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/20573793/article-detail.xml 20573793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle.jpg <![CDATA[F1 boss Ecclestone staring down bribery charges]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/#comments Filed under: ,

Bernie Ecclestone F1 boss suited with hand up

Controversial Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is facing bribery charges from German prosecutors. The long-rumoured indictments stem from the 2006 sale of the racing series from Germany's Bayern LB bank to CVC Capital partners. The charge could result in Ecclestone facing jail time and losing his iron grip on the F1 series.

Ecclestone, 82, is said to be "100 per cent" relaxed about the pending charges, despite the fact that Bayern's former chief risk officer, Gerhard Gribkowsky, is already incarcerated and serving an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for admitting to taking a bribe worth nearly US$43 million. According to reports, German prosecutors are alleging that Ecclestone was responsible for that money. For his part, Ecclestone has repeatedly asserted his innocence, maintaining that he is a victim of blackmail.

If the case goes to trial, Germany's The Local says Ecclestone is not likely to appear in court until this fall, as much of the case's extensive documentation will need to be translated into English.

Click through to watch a video on the future of Formula One.

Gallery: Infiniti Red Bull RB9






Continue reading F1 boss Ecclestone staring down bribery charges

F1 boss Ecclestone staring down bribery charges originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bayern lbbernie ecclestonebriberycoercioncvc capital partnersf1formula one Fri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20573760/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/20573760/article-detail.xml 20573760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bernie-ecclestone-f1-boss-testify_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bernie-ecclestone-f1-boss-testify.jpg <![CDATA[Yellow-lights being shortened leads to more traffic tickets issued]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/yellow-lights-being-shortened-leads-to-more-traffic-tickets-issu/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/yellow-lights-being-shortened-leads-to-more-traffic-tickets-issu/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/yellow-lights-being-shortened-leads-to-more-traffic-tickets-issu/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Red light cameras don't appear to be going away, so it should come as no surprise that neither are the controversies around them. We're told again and again that they're about safety, not revenue collection, yet year after year, the studies and headlines compete to support and tear down those arguments. An investigative report by WTSP Channel 10 News gets the maelstrom whirling again, having found that various municipalities in Florida have recently shortened yellow light times to below those recommended by the US Department of Transportation.

Until 2011, Florida regulations "mandated yellow light calculations factor in either the posted speed limit or 85th percentile of drivers' actual speed - whichever was greater." That year, though, the phrase "whichever was greater" was cut, and certain cities began resetting the yellow lights to illuminate for the shorter interval - either trying to ensure more safety or more revenue. The Florida Department of Transportation says the new language was only meant to establish a minimum time for yellow lights, not to dictate their exact duration.

And with so much money in play - the Channel 10 news report says Florida collect about US$100 million in red light camera fines last year and could get to US$130 million this year - it's no wonder cities shorten yellow light times below the minimum guidelines, manipulate accident data, robo-sign tickets with the names of dead police officers, and redesign their license plates to make them easier for the cameras to read.

Watch the news segment in the video below and if you're in Florida, you'll need to pay even more attention to the lights in front and the traffic behind.

Continue reading Yellow-lights being shortened leads to more traffic tickets issued

Yellow-lights being shortened leads to more traffic tickets issued originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> department of transportationfloridaflorida dotred light cameratraffic camerastraffic lightsvideowtspyellow light Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20571054/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/yellow-lights-being-shortened-leads-to-more-traffic-tickets-issu/20571054/article-detail.xml 20571054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fdot-yellow-light-times_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fdot-yellow-light-times.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota truck climbs tree, while cop car prefers pole in separate crashes]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,




The driver of a small Nissan pickup truck has some explaining to do after getting stuck... in a tree. Most versatile off-road trucks are found stuck in deep mud or snow, but this utilitarian beast was found stuck in an evergreen grove.

Police responded to reports of the tree-climbing truck and found it still in place, clinging to the branches about 3 metres (10 feet) above the ground. The driver was no where to be found, and the vehicle's engine and exhaust system was cold, telling police that the vehicle had been there for some time, undiscovered.

Recreating the scene, it appears the driver of the small truck was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control and 'jumped' a large ditch, which put him on a trajectory that landed him, well... up a tree. The driver later returned to the scene during the police investigation ("Where'd I leave my wallet?") and was charged with 'hit and run' and criminal mischief citations. This unlikely tale unfolded in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Speaking of the police, an officer found himself in a similar predicament when he pulled a U-turn to make a seatbelt related traffic stop, lost control, and hit the guide-wire of a telephone pole. The front bumper of his cruiser followed the wire up the pole, leaving the Dodge police car scampering up the pole like a spooked squirrel. Thankfully, this Memphis police officer was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the incident - no word if the seatbelt-less driver of the car he was attempting to pull over noticed all the commotion behind him.

Scroll down to watch a video report showing both cat car-up-a tree scenarios.

Gallery: Car Crash Gallery






Continue reading Toyota truck climbs tree, while cop car prefers pole in separate crashes

Toyota truck climbs tree, while cop car prefers pole in separate crashes originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car crashcar up a treecat up a treecrashcrash safetygrovememphismemphis tennesseepolicepolice carpolice car up polepolice car videospolice chasepolice videopolice videospolicecarpolicecar videosPoliceCarsportlandportland oregonsafetystuck in treestuck in treestreetreestruck up a treeup a poleup a treeususavideovideos Thu, 16 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20566617/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/toyota-truck-climbs-trees-while-cop-car-prefer-poles-in-separat/20566617/article-detail.xml 20566617 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-10.34.09-am_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-10.34.09-am.png <![CDATA[Scooter versus bus crash in Vancouver caught on video]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/scooter-rider-hit-by-city-bus-in-vancouver-caught-on-camera/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/scooter-rider-hit-by-city-bus-in-vancouver-caught-on-camera/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/scooter-rider-hit-by-city-bus-in-vancouver-caught-on-camera/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


A lucky Vancouver man survived being hit on his scooter by an oncoming TransLink bus in BC. Mark Jarder, a 23-year-old photographer was waiting to make a left turn on a busy street, when he was suddenly struck by the city bus which he claims "tried to beat the light."

The surprising crash video (which Jarder posted online) was recorded by his helmet-mounted GoPro camera, as the accident forced his red scooter to swerve into a traffic median and then tossed him to the ground. Reports have since been filed with the Vancouver Police Department, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia and TransLink.

"The bus hit the scooter, not me directly. That's why I'm alive... What I didn't expect was the bus to actually speed up and change lanes. It tried to beat the light," Jarder told The Huffington Post. As a result of the crash, Jarder sustained several minor injuries including road rash and a few bruises, narrowly avoiding any broken bones. The same can't be said for his poor scooter, which took most of the impact and had its footrest literally split in half by the bus.

Click here to watch the Vancouver bus crash into the small scooter and judge for yourself.

Gallery: Top 25 Strangest Crashes

Continue reading Scooter versus bus crash in Vancouver caught on video

Scooter versus bus crash in Vancouver caught on video originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accidentbus crashCanada British Columbia Newscrashcrash videoGoProscooterScooter BusScooter Bus CollisionScooter Bus CrashScooter Collision Youtubescooter hit by busScooter Hit By Bus VancouverScooter Hit Head On By BusScooter Vs Busvancouvervancouver bus crashVancouver Scooter BusVancouver Scooter HitVideo Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20569986/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/scooter-rider-hit-by-city-bus-in-vancouver-caught-on-camera/20569986/article-detail.xml 20569986 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bus-hit-scooter-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bus-hit-scooter-crash.jpg <![CDATA[90 year old man stuck in car for 4 days, survives on snacks [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/90-year-old-man-stuck-in-car-for-4-days-survives-on-snacks-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/90-year-old-man-stuck-in-car-for-4-days-survives-on-snacks-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/90-year-old-man-stuck-in-car-for-4-days-survives-on-snacks-w-v/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,




A 91 year old WWII veteran has called upon his decades old survival training and survived a 4-day stint lying injured in his car. Jay Ambrozia of New Port Richey, Florida was shopping at a local supermarket when he had a fall. Ambrozia broke his hip and arm in the fall, but being the trooper he is, he shrugged off the pain and limped to his car with the help of store employees. Once in his car he was able to drive home, stopping once at the side of the road when his leg went numb. He ought to have driven straight to the hospital (or perhaps been driven to the hospital by friendly local paramedics) but his unrelenting spirit of independence led him astray.

After parking his Chevy inside his garage he was overcome by pain and unable to move from the car. In an effort to beckon assistance he laid on his horn until the battery went dead and yelled at the mailman everyday, but no one came to his aid. In order to be discovered but also keep warm he kept his automated garage door open during the day, and closed it at night. Fortunately, Ambrozia had a car full of groceries from the market, so he was able to survive on the food he had just bought.

This elderly soldier kept his wits about him and counted the days by adding cookies on his dash. Four cookies later and he was finally discovered laying in his car, in severe pain (and with internal hemorrhage secondary to his broken hip). Family members commented that he's "very coherent and spunkey, he's still spunkey." Perhaps it's time family members help him to pick out a cell phone, or life alert device.

Scroll down to watch a video showing the tale of survival. This scenario had a recent K9 equivalent wherein a Terrier survived one month in an abandoned car; click through to read the story and watch the video report.

Gallery: Massive Alberta pileup sends 300 people to hospital after crash






Continue reading 90 year old man stuck in car for 4 days, survives on snacks [w/video]

90 year old man stuck in car for 4 days, survives on snacks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 4 days in car9090 year old9191 year oldambulancebrokenbroken bonebroken hipbroken hipselderlyemergency medical servicesemsfallgeriatricgeriatric caregeriatric fallgeriatricsgrocerieshemorrhageinjuriesinjuryinjury preventionlaw suitlawsuitlawsuitsman survivesman survives 4 days in carman survives stranded in carmusculoskeletalparamedicparamedicsslipperyslippery floorsuper marketsupermarket Tue, 14 May 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20563585/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/90-year-old-man-stuck-in-car-for-4-days-survives-on-snacks-w-v/20563585/article-detail.xml 20563585 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-09-at-11.11.13-am_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-09-at-11.11.13-am.png <![CDATA[Watch Brazilian police ram a drug plane with their car to prevent takeoff]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/#comments Filed under: , ,



After watching this video of Brazilian police ramming a suspected drug-smuggling plane with their car to prevent it from taking off, I've realized that Hollywood has once again lied to me. My last exposure to Brazilian law enforcement was courtesy of their portrayal in 2011's Fast Five, in which the country's police force was presented by Tinsel Town as easily corruptible and able to be defeated by a couple of Americans in Dodge Chargers towing a safe.

In reality, though, it appears not all Brazilian cops roll over that easily. The ones in this dramatic video did their own real-life stunt work when they decided to ram a suspected drug transport plane during takeoff. Appearing to take out the plane's tail section and then ram it from the side, the officers also braved some flying bullets, though it's unclear from the video who was doing the shooting. Huffington Post reports that five people were arrested and 230 kilograms of cocaine base paste were seized.

The Brazilian police aren't even newcomers to the plane-ramming business. An equally, if not more, dramatic video was captured in 2011 that showed Brazilian police using their car to shear off an entire wing of a plane while it was taking off. All of which makes me now believe that if Hollywood were more realistic, Fast Five would've been over in 20 minutes with Dom and Brian in handcuffs. Scroll down to watch this real-life car-vs-plane chase scene.

Gallery: Top 10 Police Chase Videos

Continue reading Watch Brazilian police ram a drug plane with their car to prevent takeoff

Watch Brazilian police ram a drug plane with their car to prevent takeoff originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brazilbrazil policebrazilian policedrug planedrug tradedrug traffickingdrugsplane rammingvideo Mon, 13 May 2013 16:56:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20567222/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/watch-brazilian-police-ram-a-drug-plane-with-their-car-to-preven/20567222/article-detail.xml 20567222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazil-police-ram-plane-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/brazil-police-ram-plane-car.jpg <![CDATA[DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

GoPro Hero3 Dash Cam

If you've noticed a disturbing lack of dash cam in your life, our friends at sister site Translogic have just the thing for you. They've worked up a quick play-by-play for how to turn your GoPro Hero3 into a go-anywhere camera to record everything that goes on in front of your vehicle.

The steps are as simple as drilling small hole in the camera's water proof case to allow access to the USB charging port. From there, you can supply constant power through a 12-volt USB adapter. Mount the camera to your windshield using the suction mount and you're very nearly ready to go.

Next, set up the loop recording feature and you're good to go. The Hero3 can loop record in 5, 20, 60 or 120 minute files wherein it will record to the maximum time before starting a new save file. Once the memory card is full, it will record over the oldest file. It can also loop record in "maximum" mode, where the camera fills the memory card, then starts over again. Check out the video Translogic made below for a look at the finished results.

Gallery: Top 10 SEMA Products

GM Racing LXSX376 Crate Engine





Continue reading DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video]

DIY: Turn your GoPro into a 24-hour dash cam [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dash camdash cameradash-camdash-cam videodash-cameradashcamDashcamVideosdiydo it yourselfgo progoprogopro herogopro hero3GoproHerohow tohow to install a dash camhow to mount a dash caminstall a dash camtranslogicvideo Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20566574/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/diy-turn-your-gopro-into-a-24-hour-dash-cam-w-video/20566574/article-detail.xml 20566574 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hero3-dash-cam-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hero3-dash-cam-628.jpg <![CDATA[Flying car falls from sky and crashes [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Flying cars aren't on their way, flying cars are here. If we're going to see more of them in the air above us, we're also going to see more images like the one above, in which a Maverick flying car has crash landed in a tree. The reverse-prop-driven buggy with the removable parasail was certified airworthy by the FAA in June of 2010. In this incident the pilot, Ray Siebring, said he was coming in for a landing at the airport in Vernon, British Columbia when his flying car suddenly made a sharp left turn into three descending spirals.

By the time Siebring stopped the spiraling he was so low that all he could do was mitigate the crash. Noticing an empty school field below, he managed to power up and get the vehicle down just beyond the school ground, through some fencing and into a tree. Neither Siebring nor his passenger was seriously injured.

If you want to see how the Maverick usually works, check out the video below of it making a coffee run.

Gallery: Best Crazy Crash Videos of 2012






Continue reading Flying car falls from sky and crashes [w/video]

Flying car falls from sky and crashes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accidentcrashcrash videoflying carflyingcarmaverickmaverick flying carplaneplane crashplane crash videoray siebringvideowreck Mon, 13 May 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20566386/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/20566386/article-detail.xml 20566386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/flying-car-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/flying-car-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Airbag recalls on track for record year]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The escalating complexity of automobiles is led in part by the escalating complexity of safety systems. The once dumb airbag that lived all alone inside the steering wheel, for instance, is now a family of smart airbags that might be able to detect the location of the passenger they're meant to protect and how best to inflate in order to protect him. Beyond the increased sticker price, the cost of that technology is more things going wrong.

According to a story on AOL Autos there have been 22 recalls in the last six months due to airbags - covering more than 3.8 million cars up to 12 years old - compared to ten in the six months before. 15 of those have come this year, and at the current pace 2013 is on course to surpass the total of 23 airbag-related recalls of 2012. Malfunctions that led to the recalls have included airbags not deploying when expected, or deploying unexpectedly, or causing additional injuries and damage to occupants when they do deploy.

It can take suppliers, automakers and governing bodies such as the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration years to address the issue and initiate a recall, even after hundreds of complaints have been filed. On top of that, the increasing concentration of the supplier base and the move to global platforms means that what might once have been a localized issue is now a global one. Some look at the number of airbag recalls as a problem with the technology, feeling "it's not working very well." Others see it as the improved operation of the corrective system - more issues are being recalled because automakers are taking safety concerns more seriously. The "right" answer, if there is one, is no doubt as complex as the technology, so click over to AOL Autos for the full story and decide for yourself. Click through to watch a video debating whether airbags are our enemy.

Gallery: Car crash causes over $700,000 damage at Hyundai dealership






Continue reading Airbag recalls on track for record year

Airbag recalls on track for record year originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> airbagairbag recallcrash testNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecallsafetysafety car Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20559319/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/airbag-recalls-on-track-for-record-year/20559319/article-detail.xml 20559319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/airbags_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/airbags.jpg -1 2