“We are so thankful that our students can study and practice on brand new engines, and ones which are predominant in the market,” stated Misheck Mwaba. “Our students need to keep pace with the latest technology in place in the automotive industry today, and this donation will help them do just that.”

The Nissan engines will be put to use through Algonquin College’s Motive Technician program in the school’s state-of-the-art Transportation Technology Centre.

Continue reading “NISSAN KEEPS STUDENTS AT THE FOREFRONT OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY” »

Günther Apfalter, President of Magna Europe and Magna Steyr, stated, “We are very delighted to sign this first vehicle assembly agreement with Infiniti. It is an important milestone to further diversify Magna Steyr’s customer portfolio as a supplier of engineering services and complete vehicle assembly.”

Both companies are currently finalizing the details for the manufacturing and supply agreements. No additional details are being released at this time.

It is just a teaser – but i am really looking forward to the changes in this model year.

We have started filming the last 8 episodes of Driving Television for Season 9. I still can not believe that we have been so lucky to have been on the air for so long.  I have not had many interesting cars the last few months.  I had the Honda Civic Hyrbrid: I wish they would have done more with the styling, both inside and out, but I do love how it drives. It would still be in my top 3 picks for this class.  It feels planted even on the highway and the steering is responsive.  A week in the Nissan Versa was uneventful.  Nothing about it jumps out at me for negative or positive. Its a basic car that does everything it needs to do.  I got used to the CVT after a few days but still prefer to hear the engine rev up to change gears. The Hyundai Elantra is my favourite in the styling department.  I appreciate that for an inexpensive car the fit and finish feels upscale. A bit lighter steering feel but comfortable and a joy to drive.  A week in the F150 Lariat – lol – i am NOT a truck girl by any means! I know I would have an entirely new opinion of trucks if I actually ‘needed’ one, you know? I was impressed with how easy it was to maneuverer on busy roads and parking lots.  How did people drive big trucks like this without back up cameras?! The Lariat trim is luxurious.  Without getting the chance to tow or haul anything, I admit; i really liked this truck.  It was comfortable and nice to drive… Maybe DTV will get me a boat so next time i can tow it to the lake?!

WHEN AM I COMPETING AGAIN?!  Continue reading “WordPress, Cars and Next Competition… Oh my!” »

1.  We do not have any beds that use magnetic ballasts. Our beds use only electronic and choke ballasts which do not present any of the mentioned health risks.

2. All of the lamps used in our beds emit enough UVB to produce more than sufficient amounts of Vitamin D – a minimum of approx. 20,000 IU per session.

3. Dr. Oz speaks of ‘high pressure’ lamps that only emit UVA and he is correct in that they do not offer the benefits that he’s speaking of in reference to tanning beds.  However, in the USA high pressure lamps normally only emit UVA.  The lamps used in SunScape’s so-called “high pressure” bed do have enough UVB to produce a lot of Vitamin D in just one session.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-joe-mercola-s-health-recommendations-pt-2

Toyota sales highlights for December 2011 (vs. December 2010) 

“Six straight months of solid market share growth for the Toyota brand is a great way to finish 2011: It tells us we are delivering the cars, SUVs and trucks that Canadians want to drive – including Canada’s best selection of fuel-efficient, stylish and fun to drive vehicles in the perennially popular compact car category,” said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “It’s also clear evidence that our global supply chain is fully recovered. With more exciting new vehicles on the way across all three of our brands, we look forward to continued growth in 2012.”

Yaris Hatch sales up 195.1%, Prius/Prius v sales: up 184.8%, Camry/Camry Hybrid sales up 171.8%, Venza sales up 61.5% and the RAV4 sales are up 92.5% for best-ever December

“In 2011, Lexus sold 2,369 hybrids, up 26.5% from the previous year,” said Larry Hutchinson, Senior Executive Director. “Thanks to the popularity of the CT 200h, which had a remarkable first year in the market, our advanced technology hybrids accounted for one in five Lexus models sold. With new models on the way, including the all-new 2013 GS 350 and its hybrid edition, we look forward to continuing to help Canadian Guests pursue more moments of perfection in 2012.”

And don’t forget Scion sales!

The tC is up 158.5%, the xD is up 103.1% and the x is up 12.8%

Ford is top selling automaker in Canada for two consecutive years.

2011 Highlights:

• Ford is the best-selling automaker in Canada
• Ford F-Series is the best-selling vehicle in Canada for the second year in-a-row
• Ford F-Series is the best-selling pickup in Canada for a record 46 consecutive years
• Overall car sales were up 14%
• Overall vehicle sales rose 3%

For December:

• Overall truck sales were up 4%
• Ford F-150 sales rose 36%
• Ford Explorer sales were up 101%
• Ford Fiesta sales rose 1%
• Ford Taurus sales rose 11%

Lincoln MKX sales increased 5%

Fuel economy has become a key purchase consideration for consumers and Ford is committed to delivering fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing performance and capability; resulting in the upcoming launch of C-MAX Hybrid and Energi, Focus Electric and Escape.  Ford continues to invest in EcoBoost engines and other fuel-efficient vehicles giving consumers the power of choice.

Chrysler Canada Finishes Year with Best Retail Sales Since 2002

“For the second year in a row, Chrysler Canada was the No. 1 market share gainer in the country,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “We experienced our highest retail sales results since 2002 and have 2 of the ‘Top 5′ best-selling vehicles in the country with our Ram truck and Dodge Grand Caravan. 2011 has been a great year and we hope to keep the momentum going strong as we embark upon 2012.”

• 25 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth

• Ram truck sales up 22 per cent over previous December record

• Most market share gained of any manufacturer in Canada for the second year in a row

• Fiat 500 sales drive a 23 per cent increase in passenger car sales

• 2 of the ‘Top 5′ best selling vehicles in Canada are Ram truck and Dodge Grand Caravan

• Ram truck, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Journey set annual sales records

For the full year, sales records were shattered for Ram trucks, with 62,929 sales, up from 53,386 in 2010 (up 18 per cent). Strong demand for Jeep brand vehicles continues. The iconic Jeep Wrangler saw an increase of 41 per cent, with 15,636 sales for the year compared to 11,062 in 2010.

Last Sunday I got a phone call from my sister that my grandpa went into hospital and was not going to make it.  I hoped on a plan and arrived into Calgary late that night.

My mom and I spent the night with him at the hospital and it was a very difficult time.  The whole family got together the next day and we all had a good visit.  Grandpa was back to his grumpy self and was harassing the nursing staff.  This was a very good sign.

It made me thankful that we had a chance to visit and it NOT be around my grandpas DEATH. Though it sucks that he went into the hospital,  but our Monday together was nice because he was ok.  We is it that we always wait until its too late? Why is it that when someone dies we all go to the funeral and regret that we never said good bye, didn’t see them in over a year?!

I always tell people that my father’s gift to my life was his death.  I remember the last time I spoke with him – I told him that I loved him. He said he loved me too.  That memory will stay with me forever. And because of it, I remember to tell the people close to me who much they mean to me at every chance I get.

We can joke about the only sure think in life is death and taxes but seriously – we are all going to die one day.  It doesn’t matter what you believe religiously or spiritually. It doesn’t matter what color your skin or how old you are.  We are all dying.  And none of us have any idea when it will happen.

If someone told you that you had a month to live – would you change your life?  Would you have regrets, who would you call to say “I love you”?  Would you suddenly do things that you had always dreamed of doing?  Its crazy!

My grandpa George died on Thursday Dec 8, 2011. – He was in a lot of pain in the hospital.  He had injured his back, his kidneys where failing and he was having troubles breathing.  I think his heart failed.  I don’t remember what my mom told me – kinda went into a fog.  But really it doesn’t matter.  He is in a better place.  We will all miss him so very much.  He and my grandmother celebrated 60 years of marriage in August.

They had a family; my mom was one of their kids.  Because of him, I am here today.  Because of my grandfather I had 35 years of great memories at Christmas, Easter, birthdays and summer holidays.

My sister made a wonderful point the day he died – in one ward of the hospital, people were dying and on another ward, only a few metres away, babies were being born.   Without death there would b no life.

As my friend Darryl on facebook said “Death sucks!”  but, I commented “…It makes us appreciate life, and  life is beautiful.”

Think for just a moment how your life would change today if you only a month left to live.  Get off your ass and go live!  I hate to be the one to break it to you- we are all dying.  In less than a month from now, you could get hit by a car, mugged on the street or get diagnosed with cancer.

Don’t get me wrong – I plan to live to be 103, but its not really up to me.  When I die, I want people to say that I LIVED.  Lived a life full of fun, adventure, risks, laughter, family and dreams.

Rest in peace grandpa.

All of us at Auto123.com that test drive vehicles on a weekly basis are on the jury. We were sent a list of all 2012 model-year vehicles that are for sale in Canada. Vehicles that are not available for testing or were not on sale as of November 1, 2011 are excluded. There are 20 distinct categories and a vehicle could only be listed in one category per trim or body style.

Here are the 3 finalists in each category and the winner is in bold:

- SUBCOMPACT CAR –  Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent

- COMPACT CAR – Chevrolet Cruz, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra

- MIDSIZE CAR – Hyundai Sonata, VW Passat, Kia Optima

- FULL -SIZE CAR – Chrysler 300, Hyundai Genesis, Dodge Charger

- WAGON – Subaru Outback, Toyota Venza, VW Golf Wagon

- CONVERTIBLE – Mercedes Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster, Mazda MX-5

- COMPACT UTLITY – Dodge Journey, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage

- MIDSIZE UTLITY – Ford Explorer, VW Touareg, Jeep Grand Cherokee

- FULL-SIZE UTLITY – Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, Ford Flex

- VAN – Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey

- PICKUP – Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Ford F-150

- SPORTS CAR – Ford Shelby GT500, Porsche Cayman, BMW M3 Coupe

- LUXURY COMPACT CAR – Mercede-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60, Cadillac CTS

- LUXURY MIDSIZE CAR  - Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, VMW 5 series

- LUXURY LARGE CAR – Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera

- LUXURY COMPACT UTILITY – BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK- Class, Range Rover Evoque

- LUXURY LARGE UTILITY – Audi Q7, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 

- PRESTIGE CAR – Porche Panamera Turbo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8

- GREEN VEHICLE – Chevrolet Volt, Lexus CT 200h, Nissan Leaf

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