tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109073532024-03-23T14:24:31.298-04:00SCOOTsmart car owners of torontoAnnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.comBlogger860125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-60865423410954476652020-05-06T09:57:00.003-04:002020-05-06T09:58:48.526-04:00Watkins Glen 1950<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-19467560540968235262020-05-06T09:39:00.000-04:002020-05-06T09:39:00.436-04:00Watkins Glen 1950<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-46112857309570759002018-11-01T10:51:00.000-04:002020-07-08T10:53:16.657-04:00Uphill Battle Tour<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">For their autumn tour Jack and Richard chose two Moulton bicycles to ride from near Oswestry, Shropshire to Lewes in Sussex. Rupert to join in for the second half on a Brompton.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Jack arrived at Gobowen by train, with Moulton. Collected from there. Abi curry in evening. Next day walk along the canal to breakfast at Village Pantry, Llanymynech. Explored Heritage Area, and estate. Couple of pints in Cross Guns that night, very quiet. Set off next morning about nine.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Jack's Moulton (fourth Bike-to-Work purchase!) is a 2013 TSR27, with SRAM Dual-Drive, ie 9 speeds on a cassette, with 3 hub gears. Much modified: telescopic Brompton seatpost for extra height; raised handlebar stem, straight bars replaced by drops. Replacement brakes to accommodate the new levers. Richard’s is an APB R18, ie 9 speed cassette, 2 chainwheels. The R18s were the final and best specced evolution of the APB model. Preceded the introduction of the TSR range.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day 1 - 5 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Very big first day. No accurate mileage to hand but we believe circa 85 miles, breaking the all-time tour record. Extraordinarily hilly route selected by the satnav to Wenlock Edge. Much needed drinks in Bridgnorth. No route along the steam railway. Shoulder after shoulder of hills, quite dispiriting. Just like the hilly sections of the Vélo Birmingham were, and we are staying overnight in one of those parts, Bewdley, at the Mercure. Declaration of insanity to the hotel staff scored us a free pint. Jack had a very slow speed off, pulling away, in Shrewsbury, possibly the result of a pannier jamming the steering. Minor cuts but nasty bruise to thigh, exacerbated by Jack's insistence on wearing rubber pants. We ate in at the Bewdley Mercure and the Gloucester Sawmills End Ibis. Good fare at both, not over-priced. Both too exhausted to venture elsewhere! Mercure Bewdley, Heath Hotel, Habberley Road, Bewdley, DY12 1LA. 1 twin room: £98.11.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day 2 - 6 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Bewdley to Gloucester, via Stourport, Ombersley, Worcester and Tewkesbury, perhaps about 60 miles. Stops at Ombersley (posh cafe) and Worcester (Severn Cafe). A number of hills, but with a purpose, taking one up onto ridges, not like yesterday's endless roller-coaster. Some light rain. Drivers well behaved. Gorgeous views of the Malverns. Unfortunate rear puncture on my APB just five or six miles short of Gloucester, but sorted in half an hour. Good digs at the Ibis. Ibis Gloucester, Sawmills End, Corinium Avenue, Gloucester, GL4 3DG. 2 rooms: £88.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day 3 - 7 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Gloucester to Bath, in all likelihood about 70 miles. The toughest day's cycling, in terms of hills, I've ever experienced. As we exited Gloucester we went into the centre to Eastgate Cycles in order to replace the accident-causing pannier, with one which clipped more securely to the frame. £20. Friendly service from proprietor who told us how tough trading conditions were for a traditionally-run cycle shop. Lovely first section along the canal. In an effort to get away from the A38 we ended up climbing Frocester Hill, up the side of the Cotswolds Hills. At 10%+ this was a long slog of a walk. Lovely roads over the top though, including along the Fosse Way, quiet fast miles. Beautiful around arboretum.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Bath expected to be hilly, but not as much as it turned out. Utterly exhausted, up hill and down dale to get to the university. Devonshire and Combe Down railway tunnels, now part of a cycling route, fantastic pieces of engineering - the latter is over a mile long - but do not appear to provide access to the university, much as the geography suggests they should. Had to double back, down hill then back up. Long push up final Medlock Hill to the University. Jack exhausted. (A subsequent examination of Google Maps suggested that there may well have been a much gentler level route to the university from the end of the second tunnel - confirming Richard’s speculation at the time based on place names. Pity the locals we asked did not know about it!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Believe we have done c.220 miles over the last three days. Day off tomorrow, with just a journey to Bradford-on-Avon and back. Rupert joins the tour tomorrow afternoon.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day off - 8 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">I am riding a Brompton six-speed titanium ‘M’ model from 2008. (Jack's first Bike-to-Work bike, kindly on loan from Andy Thomas.) I take the train Lewes-Brighton. Then 09:00 direct service to Bradford-on-Avon, via Southampton, arriving midday. Lunch at Ravello, 1-2 St Margaret's St, Bradford-on-Avon.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">To Moulton Bicycle Club Rally at the factory, with the Moulton fundies. We manage to negotiate a reduction for me on entry at £5. Pump up the tyres on the Brompton, badly needed. Cycle to Bath University, Claverton Down, via Kennett & Avon canal towpath, pushing the bike up Claverton Hill at the end. Overnight in cheap and cheerful digs, grub and beers in Uni bar. Reminded me of the old days in Durham. University of Bath, Eastwood, Norwood Avenue, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7PD. £38 approx per bed night. Good value.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day 4 - 9 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">For me the 'deep end' as I join the tour. We retrace our steps to Bradford-on-Avon via the canal towpath. Stop at Tourist Information for directions. Instead of continuing south-east to Trowbridge, we cut south-west to Farleigh Hungerford, where we see a motocross event and the ancient castle. A bunch of passing cyclists are headed to Longleat. We carry on to the Cross Keys pub at Rode, Somerset, where Pauline and Mark provide a free cup of tea. It is just amazing how fair people can be. "Come back and stay!" they say. A classic Bentley convertible pulls up to ask for directions.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">I lose the boys on the A36 and turn off to Dilton Marsh, hoping they will catch up. I reach Westbury and cut south to Warminster on the unpleasant A350. I divert via Upton Scudamore in search of quieter roads. On the approach to Warminster a service area is disappointingly closed for repairs, so I head into town in search of money and grub. After cashing up at Barclays I stop at Coffee #1, 30 Market Place, Warminster for a snack - a cheese croissant is put in the microwave in error and turns out a sticky mess. I'm too hungry to care. The boys aren't far away as I head out of town looking for a turning to Sutton Veny. Beyond I stop at The Courtyard Café, The Ginger Piggery, Boyton - recommended. Despite phone contact the boys have got ahead and we meet up much further down the track at the The Royal Oak, Langford Rd, Great Wishford, where we sit in the garden opposite, dosing on ice creams, tea and cola. We carry on to Wilton.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Our route takes us into the centre of Salisbury where we stop briefly at the Cathedral. Many jokes about Russian visitors and Edward Heath.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">I get tailed off on a long climb in the countryside and feel thoroughly discouraged (following National Cycle Route 24, drifting too far east.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">I reach Romsey in error where I stop to ask a man on a Brompton the way to Ower. He directs me on to the only route up a busy dual-carriageway. At the top of the hill he stops in his Honda in a layby to rescue me. I fold the bike for the short car ride to the Mortimer Arms, Romsey Road, Ower, SO51 6AF. An act of kindness by a Knight of the Road. 70 plus miles - too far for a first day. Booked table for excellent huge meal. 3 rooms reserved: £178.50.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day 5 - 10 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Via Totton to Southampton, where a large cruise ship is docked. We cross the Itchen on the busy road bridge - I cycle all the way as I'm too frightened to stop. Shortly we are in aircraft country with many historic associations, monuments etc. Pitstop outdoors at Jenny's Cafe, High St, Hamble-le-Rice (in a cobbled street opposite The Victory pub).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">First of three ferries from Hamble to Warsash in a pink tub. We head for the coast, past an airfield and hovercraft museum, to Lee-on-Solent. Pitstop at seafront Leon's Bistro, 15 Marine Parade W, Lee-on-the-Solent - pretty average, unfriendly staff.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Ferry from Gosport, across Portsmouth Harbour, to Portsmouth. We see Brompton Dock for renting Brompton bicyles. Then eastbound for Hayling Island ferry.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Shouts of "Man in the water" and "Man overboard." We are in the middle of a real life emergency. He hasn't fallen from our boat but he is in the water alright, in a vicious rushing tide. I make myself useful by signalling to him that we have seen him (not virtue signalling). I hold the rope while a crew member lowers a ladder and we haul the bloodied man from the water and rescue his upturned rowboat. We have to return to dock on the Portsmouth side to await an ambulance. A Mayday call to the coastguard has to be resolved. Eventually we reach Hayling Island and all is well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">We take the coastal Hayling Billy bike path to Havant, route of an old railway line. I marvel at the toughness of modern Schwalbe bike tyres for they are being truly punished here. (Havant was the jumping off point for the Broken Spoke Tour in 2016.) Welcome pitstop at Caffè Nero, 8 West St, Havant PO9 1PF.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Hard charging on A259 to Chichester. To the George & Dragon, 51 North St, Chichester, PO19 1NQ. £195 for three rooms, incl breakfast. Good value. Choice of real ales. Very welcoming chap at the bar.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Walk to Prezzo, 61 South St, Chichester. At Prezzo Jack works his magic whereby a special offer obtained by phone from the internet significantly reduced the bill.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Day 6 - 11 Sept 2018</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">A coastal run from Chichester to Lewes, via Brighton, pushed along by a strong westerly tailwind. A little rain.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">We depart town via the Chichester Canal southbound for Bognor. Macaris Cafe, 46A London Rd, Bognor Regis, for coffee stop in a pedestrian area of town (indoors much like an old folks home). Then following the seafront where possible.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">We get separated in an interminable housing estate, as I miss a difficult-to-see roadsign. Then I'm stuck on the A259 towards Littlehampton. Watching the destination boards on the buses for clues as to which way to go. I cross the Arun by the footbridge adjacent to Littlehampton Marina, via Ferry Road. Working my way eastward forced back to the A259. Cut south to Goring-by-Sea. Irritated by signs saying "to the station" - what damn station? Held up at level crossings. At last a sign for Worthing and I'm charging along the seafront to the pier when Richard emerges from a cafe on my left. We meet up at View Café & Bar, 70 Marine Parade, Worthing. Suitable.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">We crossed the River Adur via the Adur Ferry Bridge, just after passing The Waterside pub. Jack is now in familiar territory and we enjoy the industrial vibe of Shoreham Port, crossing back over the river at the lock gates and proceeding along Basin Road South. Through Hove to Brighton where I get my first look at the British Airways i360, a tall observation tower. We reach Lewes by mid-afternoon. The stretch from Southampton to Brighton could occupy a pleasant week with time for attractions, museums etc.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15.73px;">Lessons/Reflections</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">1. To save weight, apart from a couple of local walking maps we did not take roadmaps for our route, especially the more difficult and exhausting first 3 days. We thought we could rely mainly on pre-planning and satnav. Mistake! When slightly lost, we ended up mystified as to the direction of travel in relation to signposted towns.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">2. The National Cycle Network routes/signage are generally very useful but in some key places the signs completely disappeared (eg middle of Salisbury). There were also routes which were downright dangerous due to fast-moving heavy traffic.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">3. The Moultons were excellent, and definitely more capable and comfortable than Bromptons, but the unaccustomed handlebar grips over such long distances caused Jack to have lasting numbness in palms and fingertips from which recovery has been slow.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">4. The supremacy of Brompton luggage arrangements remains unchallenged.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 15.73px;">5. Overall, a very hard ride!</span>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-54220410973722618042015-07-04T12:00:00.000-04:002015-07-04T17:03:37.087-04:004th Hockley Valley Hill Climb RevivalForty classic cars, mostly British, converged on 3rd Line in glorious sunshine on July 2nd for this fun event. There were 13 MGs, 10 Triumphs, 5 Morgans, 4 Jaguars, 2 Lotus, and one each of Porsche, Daimler, Mini, TVR, Mercedes and Allard. Oh, and our smart car Trudi plus various other spectator vehicles.<br />
In attendance were several drivers who raced at Hockley back in the 50s and 60s including: Al Sands, Don Albertson, Frank Mount and Don Haddow, the course record holder. Many organizations including the Headwaters British Car Club, Georgian Bay British Car Club, and the British Saloon Car Club of Canada were represented.<br />
Special thanks to organizer RLT, S. Morris for stepping into the role of official starter; photographers L. Hill, D.Woods; R. Jordan, P. Pontsa, and many others who made the day memorable.<br />
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-22759838315176035982014-10-04T18:47:00.000-04:002014-10-04T18:47:07.171-04:00PARIS MOTOR SHOW: smart's local future unclear<div class="subHeader" style="background-color: #e7e8e9; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="entry-summary summary" style="color: #dd5d36; display: block; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; margin: 15px 0px 0px;"><img src="http://liveimages.motoring.com.au/motoring/general/editorial/ge5189835957190655609.jpg?aspect=centered&height=290&width=440" style="font-size: 14px;" /></span><span class="entry-summary summary" style="color: #dd5d36; display: block; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; margin: 15px 0px 0px;">The new ForTwo and Forfour promise to be better cars – but can they be cheaper too?</span></div>
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The third generation smart range made its motor show debut in Paris overnight, but the chances of the new ForTwo and reborn ForFour making it to Australia hang on "robust" negotiations that should be resolved one way or another by the end of 2014.</div>
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The Mercedes-Benz-owned city-car brand has been financially problematic globally and a misfire in Australia, where just 67 have been sold to the end of August 2014.</div>
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However, the new triple-cylinder, rear-drive, two and four-seat smarts, which were <a href="http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2014/smart/fortwo/new-smart-fortwo-forfour-revealed-44748" style="color: #0f71ba;" target="_blank" title="New smart fortwo, forfour revealed">first shown to media in Berlin last July</a>, shape up as a significant improvement compared to their predecessors, which is a key reason Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific is still trying to make a difficult business case work.</div>
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Read full article <a href="http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2014/small-passenger/smart/forfour/paris-motor-show-smarts-local-future-unclear-46488">here. </a></div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-36726125483258817132014-08-15T08:37:00.002-04:002014-08-19T10:45:18.706-04:00Piaggio in the Piazzas of ItalyBetter known in North America for its Vespa (Wasp) scooters, Piaggio has been making Ape (Bee) pickup trucks and panel vans since 1948. In Italy, they are ubiquitous at piazza markets and shops as their size and versatility are ideally suited to the needs of vendors and navigating narrow streets and tight parking spots.<br />
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-41878465047206444522014-08-06T08:20:00.000-04:002014-08-15T09:05:57.850-04:00smart Roadster, Padova, Italysmart produced about 43 000 roadsters between 2003 and 2006. Sales were meeting projections but warranty claims due to leakage problems halted production. This one we spotted in Padova, Italy has a removable Targa roof. An electric powered soft-top was another option available. With a six-speed automatic transmission and rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout the roadster's fuel economy is about 45 miles per Imperial gallon.<br />
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Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-25503931284200822732014-08-04T09:01:00.000-04:002014-08-15T09:02:05.472-04:00Business smarts 54: Sm+ools, Padova, Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.smools.com/">Sm+ools</a> is a private, gaming club in Padova, Italy.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-59282360913189172492014-08-03T08:51:00.000-04:002014-08-15T09:04:56.395-04:00Business smarts 53: Fondo Casa, Monza, Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fondo Casa is an Italian real estate company with offices in several cities. This smart belongs to their <a href="http://www.fondocasa.it/scheda_agenzia.php?idage=284">Monza </a>office. </div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-71116143376910371592014-08-02T17:33:00.000-04:002014-08-09T11:15:31.609-04:00Car-free Zermatt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N_Rn0lQ2OkX9LseJiUOcu1kXIsKLeqMMbEpqbo1SOfnRC87ruoo5jTkRvdLCi5MZ8d0JeGO9hZ_IiKtoNfy2cgcYl6Uk4zWpBNpuRIKqCg72BcahKT1FyMeZ25kswLfwk5Nv/s1600/DSCF8066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N_Rn0lQ2OkX9LseJiUOcu1kXIsKLeqMMbEpqbo1SOfnRC87ruoo5jTkRvdLCi5MZ8d0JeGO9hZ_IiKtoNfy2cgcYl6Uk4zWpBNpuRIKqCg72BcahKT1FyMeZ25kswLfwk5Nv/s1600/DSCF8066.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We arrived in Zermatt via the Glacier Express train and were greeted at the station by a fleet of electric taxis, the only vehicles allowed in town. Our hotel was in walking distance so we didn't need to catch a lift. Tourists wishing to visit this ski resort town by car will find that they need to part 5 km awa<span style="font-family: inherit;">y at <span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; line-height: 22px;">Täsch and continue their journey by train. These transporters are manufactured in Switzerland by <a href="http://www.stimbo.ch/home.html">Stimbo,</a> and <a href="http://www.jumbo-garage.ch/jumbolino.html">Jumbo-Garage</a> and Italy by <a href="http://www.simaispa.com/en">Simai </a>.</span></span>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-75829206331412055962014-08-01T11:05:00.000-04:002014-08-09T17:40:28.203-04:00Swiss Post delivers via electric scooter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a bid to reduce CO2 emissions, Swiss Post aims to replace its 7500 scooters with an electric version, like the one above spotted in St Moritz, by 2016. These funky looking 3-wheelers are safer, have larger carrying capacity and can go 20 km (12.4 miles) on a single charge. Photo by RLT.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-26196652712297734372014-07-31T10:41:00.000-04:002014-08-09T17:39:59.045-04:00Ladies First<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some underground garages in Europe have designated spots for women to park in . These spaces are well lit, near to exits and are covered by security cameras. I found the example above in St Moritz, Switzerland. Occasionally municipalities invite scorn by creating what are viewed as discriminatory parking rules, as did Triberg, Germany when it designated "difficult" spots for men's use. More <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/13/german-town-designates-easy-parking-spots-for-women/">here.</a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-75292782918573652892014-07-28T15:13:00.000-04:002014-08-09T17:41:25.419-04:00Kamoo Smile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kamoo is a Swiss electric car company that offers a variety of models for sale. This funky looking"Smile" is a two seater with a top speed of 110 kph (68 mph). It takes just 90 minutes to charge and comes with either a hard top or targa top, seen above. Read more <a href="http://www.kamoo.ch/">here.</a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-8610184371652772312014-07-27T14:54:00.000-04:002014-07-27T14:54:00.011-04:00Swiss Efficiency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Lucerne, Switzerland I photographed these three fortwos that belong to Rebasmen Elecktroplan, a company that creates "ecologically sound electrical engineering systems". See their <a href="http://www.rebsamen.net/home/">website</a> for more info.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-62122149744803949832014-07-26T13:15:00.000-04:002014-07-26T13:15:00.071-04:00Autolib "Libre Comme L'air" electric car sharing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>cars share program started in 2011 in Paris</li>
<li>Bluecar is a front wheel drive electric four-seater hatchback with a basic interior</li>
<li>1,800 Bluecars are available at 670 kiosks in Paris</li>
<li>the 660 pound (300 kg) lithium ion batteries are made in Brittany and Montreal</li>
<li>vehicle range is 155 mi (250 km) in urban use and 93 mi (150 km) on highway</li>
<li>more than 40,000 people have joined the car share system</li>
</ul>
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Read about it on Autolib's <a href="https://www.autolib.eu/en/">website</a></div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-10287625135859089352014-07-25T09:09:00.000-04:002014-08-09T17:39:06.922-04:00smart parking in ParisYou can see fortwos on lots of street corners of Paris, parked where not many other vehicles can fit. The Renault Twizy and Fiat 500 can do the same. This fourfour I spotted is actually resting on the bumper of the fortwo behind it.<br />
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-3008062754512803472014-07-24T00:54:00.002-04:002014-07-24T01:01:18.246-04:00Renault TwizyProduction of this two-seater electric vehicle started in 2012 at the Renault plant in Valladoid, Spain. In Europe it's classified as a heavy quadcycle and it has a 100nkm or 62 mile range. Read more on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Twizy">Wikipedia</a> or the <a href="http://www.renault.co.uk/cars/electric-vehicles/twizy/twizy/">Renault UK</a> website<br />
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This Twizy belongs to t<span style="font-family: inherit;">he C<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">hâteau </span></span>of Versailles and is ideal for driving its 7 ha or 17 acre grounds.<br />
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I photographed this Twizy on the Rue de Lisbonne, Paris.<br />
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-25809528737486469132014-01-18T11:58:00.000-05:002014-01-18T11:58:35.602-05:00Car crash economics<img height="108" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBhIPERUUEBQUFRUWEhQUFBQVFBQVFRcSFBQYFRUUFRQYGyYeFxkjGRUUHy8hJCcpLC0sFR4xNTAqNSYrLCkBCQoKDgwNGQ8PGDAcHx8sNS4sNTUpLi0uLCkpLSk0LCwxNTUpKSk1NSkpKSwuKSkyLC4tLCkpKSksLCwpKSkpLP/AABEIAIMBggMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAcAAEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwgBBgIEBQP/xABLEAABAwIBBwYJCQcDBAMBAAABAAIDBBEFBgcSITFBcRMyUWGRsSI1UnJzdIGhshQjMzRCU5Kz0RVigpPBw9IXQ1REY6LwJYPCJP/EABoBAQEAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBAUGAgP/xAAhEQEAAgEEAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBBESITEFIjJhof/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AnFERAREQEREBERAREQEREBERAREQEREBERAREQEREBERAREQFglZXCTYeBUkcgVlaXheVr4zozeG29tL7Q17/KW10leyVulG4OHVtHEbQsfDqceX4z2yM2myYflDsosXWVkscREQEREBERAREQEuvjVyljHuG1rXOHEC6hkZ9Kv/AI9P2y/qgmxFD+EZ5qqeoiidBABJKxhIMlwHOAuNe3WpfCDKIiAiIgIi4SSBouTYAXJOwAbyUHNYuozyqzyxQl0dC0TOGrlXX5IH90DW/wBw6yo0xbLWuqyeWqJLH7DDybOGiy1/agso6oaDYuaOJAWWSh2wg8CCqnnXt19Z1lco3lpu0lp6WktPaLILYXWVWzCsvq+lI5OoeQPsSHlWnqs65HsIUoZGZ2YqxzYalohmNg0g3jeegE62u6jq60EhosArKAiL5T1DWNLnkNa0ElxIAAG0knYEH1WLqJ8q89GiTHh7Qd3LyA2/+tm/i7sUc4jlVWVJvNUTO6tMtb7GssPcgs9pBLqqIqHA3DnA9Ic4HtuvZwrLivpSOSqJLD7DzyjLea+/uQWWRRxkdneiqXNirAIZDYNeD804nUBc62E9errXv5YZfU+Gts86cpF2wtI0rbnOP2G9Z9iDZ7oXBV4x3OdX1ZNpTCw7GQ3Zq6384+7gtXmmc83e5zj0ucXHtOtBa8OWbqqdLXSQm8Uj2EeQ9zO4rc8nc71ZTECoPyiPfpWbIB+7IBr/AIgeKCeUXkZOZTU+IRcpTvuNjmnU9jvJe3cfcdy9e6AiIgIixpIMrhJsPArX8azg0FGSJZ2l4+xHeR1+ghupvtIXDJXLaHFOW5BsjRFoAl4ALtMOtYAm3M96k+FhqDtp4r6UtW+J2lG4tPVv49PtXzdtWFx28xbeOnacYtXae234Vlc13gz+CfKHNPHoWyMkBFwbg7CFFi7+G43LTnwDdu9h2ezoW00/qU16y9/bUaj0yJ7xdfSRrrK8jCsoYp7AHRf5J/8Ayd69a63dMlbxvWd2kvS2OeNo2llERe3gRfKepbG0ue4NaBcucQGgdJJ1BaVi2eDD4CQxz5yPu2+Dfz3EA+y6DekUW/67Q/8AFl/HGu7gueOKqqIoW08jTJIGBxewgaW8ga0G+Yj9DJ6N/wAJVVGbBwCtViH0Mno3/CVVVmwcB3IsPVyX+u03rMP5gVngqqUNY6GVkjLaUb2vbfWLtNxfXsW9f62V/kU/4H/5IJyuigw57K/yKf8AA/8AyUp5CY9JX0Uc8waHudICGAhvgvc0WBJ3BEbAiIg4uKg3OZnCdWPdTU7rU7DoucP95w23/wC2DsG+19llI2c7HDSYfIWGz5CIWkbRp84jr0A7X0kKvQCKIstaSbDadQHWdimzJXNBTQta+sBmlIBLDcRNPkho59tlz2IITYC7YCeoayjhbbq46lamiw+KEaMUbIx0Ma1o1cAuGIYVDUNLZomSNItZ7Q7svsQVYSykHOVm4bQj5RS35EuDXsJvybnc0g7SwnV1EqPkE3Zp8tzVsNNUOvNE27Hk65Ihq19Lm6r9IIPSpFVYsksVNLWwSg2tK0O62POg8djirONRGSoNzqZbuqpXUsLvmI3WeR/uSN1G/Sxp1AbCQT0KVMuMZNHQzytNnCPRZ57/AAG9hdf2KtSKIl1K2ReZ8PY2bENLwgHNgadGwOscq4a72+yLbdZQRSisTLmzwxzdH5KwdYLw78WldRrl5mudQsM9M5z4Rz2u1vjB2OuB4TevaEGgWXJ7y43cSTq1kknULDWepcUQEW1ZE5ATYo4uvycDTZ8trku8iNu92vWdg69ilzDc1+HQNt8nbId7pSXk9evUPYAgryinjKDNFRVDSYG/J5NzmXLL7tKMmxHCxUKYzg8tHM+Gdui9h17wQea5p3gjXdB98m8opcPnbNCdlg9l/Bey+tjv6HcbKyOC4vHVwMmiN2SNDhfaOlp6CDcHgqtKXsxuLkxz0x2Mc2Vg6n+C8DquGn+IoiVURdTE8Rjponyyu0WRtLnHqHVvO72oOvj2UENDEZah+i0agBrc51tTWN3uUH5XZzKqvJZGTBBujYSHOHTI8azwGpeVlflXLiU5kkuGAkRR31MZ/kdpP6LxEViyl7MYz5mrPTJGOxjv1960LJnIWrxHXCwCO9jLJ4MfsNrvPUPcpoyFyL/ZUMjDJyjpHB7iG6IFm6IA1m/E9Kk+Bqrtp4rCy7aeKwuNnzLtY8CIvTwvJ+So1gaLPKI+Eb+5eqY7ZJ2rG8vGTJXHXladoedEwuIDQS6+oC977rWW+YBDUNZ8+4HyRtcPOdvX1wzCYafwWW07XJNi8jZfqHuXpWW/0mjnD7rT257Wa2M/trHX6yvNx7HYqGF805sxo2DnOcdjGje4leioKzv5SGprOQafm6fVbcZnC7ieAIb2rZNa8HKzLSoxKS8p0YwbshafAb0E+U7rPssvARbbkPm8lxS7y7koGuLTJa7nOG1rB1bydQ60VqS9zIbxlSesR96lAZjqPfNUdsf+C7eE5oKWlnjmZJOXRvD2hxZYkbL2bsQbliH0Mno3/CVVVmwcB3K1WIfQyejf8JVVWbBwHcgyi7FBCHyxtdsdLG07tTnhp18CVOf+juG+RL/OeggQqwOaPxXD5835z18f9HcN8iX+c9bRgWCRUULYYAQxpcQC4uN3OLjrPWSiPQREQRjn0v8AJqfo+UG/Hk3W/qoaVhc52BOrMPkawEvjImYN50OcB0+CXe0KvSK+1FPycjHnXoPY+3muDv6K1EEzXtDmkFrgHNI2FpFwewhVRW6ZL51quhjbEWsmjbqaH6Qe1vkh43DrBsgn9FFkGfaIjw6WQHfoyMI94C+xz6U26nm7Y/1REh4nhkdTE6KZofG8Wc07CL33cF4kebfDG/8ASRHjpHvK1iHPnTHnU844Fjv6hbDgmcugqyGsm0HnYyVvJknoBPgk9QKDvR5C4e0gtpIAQbg8m3avcARZQaLnlv8Asx1vvob8NP8AWygZT1nk8WO9NB8agVFexkbTNlxCla8XaaiO43EA3serUrNAKtWQnjKk9Yb3FWWCILr18LXxva4Xa5jmuHSC0ghdhfKp5jvNd3FBVIi2zgsFcnbTxPeuJRVlchqJsWH0rWCwMEbj1ue0Pce0le8vIyR+oUvqsP5bV66IKHM+lKBLTPA1ujlYT0hrmuF/xntUxqI8++2k4T/20EUKQ8yLv/7pB00zr+x7FHikLMj9fk9Wd8bEVOBURZ68pCXR0bDqFpZes/7bTw1u9rVLpVYsq8SNTW1Ep+1M/R81p0GjsaEHlLes2mQH7Qfy1QD8nY62jrHKvGstv5A1XO+9lpVNTule1jNbnuaxvnONgrPYFhDKSCOCPmxsDeJHOceskk+1B24IGsaGsAa1oAaALAAbAANgXKTZ7Cua4SbDwKk+EhFrtp4r60tG+V2jG0uPVu6ydy9nDMlHyHSluxt9n2j/AIrbqOgZC3RjaAOreekneufwaC+SeV+odFn9RpjjjTufx4eGZKsiGnN4ZAvogXaLdW1x/wDbLQ8qM8rjePD2aA2ctIPC/gjOofxdgUvlqgDOvgIpK9zmCzJ28sANgcSRIPxa/wCJbzFhpijasNFlzXy25Xnd52TGV0tNXsqZXvfpHRmLnFxdE7nXv0anDgrHxvBsRrBFwekHYVU8qxmbbEzUYbTuJu5rDE7jE4sHuDV9XybMVVXEagyzSvdtfLI48XPJPerVFVQn57vPd8RRYcFY3NvAGYZShu+LSPWXOJJ7Sq5KyGbvxZS+gb3lBsaIiI62JfQyejf8JVVGbBwHcrV4l9DJ6N/wlVUZsHAdyLDuYT9Yh9PD+Y1WoCqvhP1iH08P5jVagIgiIgIiIMFRRl5mkc97p6AC7jpPguB4R2uiJ1C/kn2dClhYIQVTq6OSF5ZMxzHja14LTfgV8VaivwqGobozxskb0PaHdl9i1yqzV4ZJ/wBPoeY97fcDZFV6RTpNmUw93NdUM4Sg/E0ry6rMVEfoqqUdGmxjve3RQQ+hC3PKHNTW0bS9obOwAkmK+mAN5jIv2XWmIJNzW5wnRyMpKp5dG6zYXuNyx26MuO1p2C+w2GzZMoKqaOrV19HWrL5E418toYJjznMs/wBIw6D/AHgn2ojws8nix3poPjUCqes8nix3poPjUCor3chPGVJ6w3uKssq05CeMqT1hvcVZZEF8qnmO813cV9V8qnmO813cUFU3bTxPeuJXJ208T3riUVZzJH6hS+qw/ltXrryMkfqFL6rD+W1euiCiPPvtpOE/9tS4ojz77aThP/bQRQpCzI/X5PVnfGxR6pCzI/X5PVnfGxFTbUOsxx6Gk9gVUL3VsXtuCOkW7VVStpjFLJGdrJHsP8Li3+iI9nIGIOxKlB+/aewEj3hWTAVX8m8RFNVwSnYyaNzvN0rO9xKs+119n/oRZckRERiyLKIMFRRn3hGjSO36czfZosd3hSuVDOfHEg6eCEa+TjdI7jIQB/4sPaEEZqc8ybycPcNwqJLdjT/VQYpxzJeL3+sv+FqCQSqoT893nu+Iq15VUJ+e7z3fEUWHBWQzd+LKT0De8qt6shm78WUnoG95QbGiIiOtiX0Mno3/AAlVUZsHAdytXiX0Mno3/CVVRmwcB3IsO5hP1iH08P5jVagKq+E/WIfTw/mNVqAiCIiAiIg6FdjlPAbTTRRm17PkY02O+xK8ufOJhrOdVw+xxd8IK0HPjghEkNUB4JaYXm2xwJcwniC8exRags5gOVNNXh5pZBIGEB2pzbE6xqcBcW39S9dVhybylnw+YSwEXtouYb6L2bdFw46wdymbJ3O1RVQAld8nkO1snMJ/dk2dtig3hF84ahrxdjg4bi0gjtC5OeALnUOk7EAhV3zm4YynxKZsYDWuDJdEagHSC7rDjc+1SvlTnPo6JpDHieYbI4yCAf35BqaOrWepQVi2KyVcz5pjd73XPQBawaBuAFgAg6inPMk8nDnA7qmQD8LCfeSoMVhs1uEmmw2IPFnSaUxB2jlDdo/Doorp55PFjvTQfGoFU9Z5PFjvTQfGoFQe7kJ4ypPWG9xVllWnITxlSesN7irLIgvlU8x3mu7ivqvlU8x3mu7igqm7aeJ71xK5O2nie9cSirOZI/UKX1WH8tq9deRkj9QpfVYfy2r10QUR599tJwn/ALalxRHn320nCf8AtoIoUhZkfr8nqzvjYo9UhZkfr8nqzvjYipwKr/nYwQ02IPeB4E4ErfO2SD8Qv/ErArVM4uSX7RpC1gHLRkvhPSbeEy/Q4auNkRXeynfNTlgKymEMjvnoGhpB2viGpjx025p6x1qCXsLSQ4EEEgg6iCDYgjpB1LsYdiUtNK2WB5Y9hu1w94I2EEaiN6KtUijzJLO7TVADKsiCXUC4/ROPSHfY4O7St/hqGvAcxwcDsLSCDwIRH0RY0lreUeX9FQg8pKHPGyKMh7yeggam+2yD1sZxmKjhfNM7RYwEnpJ3NaN7idQVasdxh9ZUSTyc6R17bmtGprR1AABelljltPicl3+BE0kxwg6hu0nH7Trb+yy15FFOOZLxe/1l/wALVBynHMl4vf6y/wCFqIkEqqE/Pd57viKteVVCfnu893xFFhwVkM3fiyk9A3vKrerIZu/FlJ6BveUGxoiIjrYiPmpPRv8AhKqozYOA7lbJwVYcpsINHVzQkcyR2j1xu8Jh/CWorr4T9Yh9PD+a1WnBVTmPLSC3UQQQegjWD22Vh8jMvIMQibdzWTho5SImx0htcy/OaTr1bN6Da0WLpdEZREQdDGsHjq4HwzDSY9tiN4O5wO4g2I4KvOV2R0+Gy6MgLo3H5uYDwXjcD0PttHZdWVXXrqCOdhjlY17HCzmuAII6wUFVEUw5QZko3kuopeTP3Ul3M/hePCaOOktExLNviNPtp3PA+1ERIPdr9yK8CkrpYTeKR8Z6WPc3uK+lZi083000snU+R7h2EpJg9Q02dBMD0GJ4/ouUOB1MnMgndwikP9EHSARbXhma/Epz9ByY8qVwYOznHsW/ZOZl4ISH1j+XcNfJgaMV+ve/22HUUGl5ucgH4hIJZmkUzHXJOrlSPsN6W+UeI27J8YLLjDC1jQ1oDQBYNAAAA2AAbAvoiNGzyeLHemg+NQKp+zu075MOc2Nrnu5aE2a0uNg/XqCg79iVP3E/8qT9EHoZCeMqT1hvcVZZV0yJwmduI0rnQytAnaSTG8ADXrJIViwgL5VPMd5ru4r6r5VPMd5p7kFU3bTxPeuJXedglTc/MT7T/tSdPBcTglT9xN/Kk/RFWQyR+oUvqsP5bV668rJRhbQ0wcCCKaEEEWIIjbcEHYvVRBRHn320nCf+2pcUU576KSU0vJxvfYTX0GOda/J2vYakERKQsyP1+T1Z3xsWlfsSp+4n/lSfot9zNYfLFXSGSORg+TuF3sc0X02arkdRRU0rBCyiIjTOTm0NUXVNGBy1ryR7BL+8DsD++3TthmSMtcWuBa4EgtIIII2gg6wrYELWsqcgKXEdcrSyW1hNHYP6tLc8dRQVyX2pqySL6KR7PMe5vcVvGM5mq2EkwFk7d1joPt1tdq7CVq1TkrWxGz6aoFv+04jtaCEV16jGqiTVJPM4dDpXkdl10gF32YBVO1Np5yeqGT9F7uF5rsSqCPmeSb5Uzgz/AMRd3uQamu+/BJm0wqXMLYnSCNjjq03FpN2je3wTr2KYMmczlPTkPqj8oeNYaRoxA+btf7dXUs55qF76GJsUbnWqG+CxpdZojeNjRqGxBB6nHMl4vf6y/wCFqhr9iVP3E/8AKk/RTVmZpXx0DhIxzD8oebOaWm2i3XY7kG+FVQn57vPd8RVr3FVOnkGm7WOe7ePKKIwrIZu/FlJ6BveVW3lB0jtCslm6P/xlJ6BveUVsaIiIFR3nWyGNZGKinbeaJtnNG2SIXNh0ubc26QSOhSIsEIKmp39O/t3Kecsc1cFcTLCeQmOsuAvG8/vs3H94e26jDFM2GI05PzBkF+dC4PHZqcPaEVrny6X72T+ZJ/ktizd1khxOlDpJCDIbgveRzHbiV5RyWrf+LUfyZP0Xv5AZP1UeJUzpKedjRISXOie1oGg7aSLBBYBEREEREBYIWUQYslllEGAFlEQEREGLJZZRBiyyiICwQsogxZLLKIAREQFiyyiDFkssogIiICIiAsWWUQYsgCyiAsELKIMWQBZRBghdf9nRfdx/gb+i7KIOt+zYvu4/wN/RfeOMNAAAAGwAWHYFyRAREQEREBYssogxZLLKICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIgIiICIiAiIg/9k=" width="320" /><br />
An excerpt from Andrew Frankel's <b>Road Cars</b> column,<br />
MotorSport Magazine, December 2013, page 40.<br />
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"Fascinating if somewhat gruesome reading this month from Bernstein Research, in the form of the greatest loss-making model lines among European car manufacturers. Way out in front is the original Smart ForTwo which between 1997 and 2006 managed to lose Daimler-Benz a simply extraordinary <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;">₤ </span>2.8 billion. More staggering still is that this adds up to <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;">₤ </span>3782 per vehicle, approximately half the car's retail price at the time. </div>
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Then again, if you care to add up losses on a per-vehicle basis the Bugatti Veyron is in a league all by itself, unapproached I suspect by any other car in history. If you thought <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;">₤ </span>1 million was a lot to ask for a mere car, consider that for everyone sold, Volkswagen has shouldering a loss of <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.896000862121582px;">₤</span>3.9 million."<br />
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<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-13080990727224654112014-01-12T21:09:00.000-05:002014-01-12T21:09:14.637-05:00Elio Motors<img alt="Sour Apple" height="200" src="http://www.eliomotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Rendering_ElioGreen.45.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Elio is not a fling. It is not a novelty.</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It is the product of a mobile society naturally evolving to a <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">more efficient</strong> and <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">practical form of transportation.</strong></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">Let’s look at the facts and realities of the world we live in:</strong></div>
<ul class="em" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed'; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;">Gas today is at an all-time high</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;">Space is becoming a smaller and smaller commodity and we’re being crowded off our roads and bumped and dinged out of our parking lots</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;">Cars cost more than the average house did only a few decades ago</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Traditional personal transportation isn’t working like it used to. We need a new way of getting around.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">That’s when a car enthusiast, a visionary, a man with a dream named <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Paul Elio </strong>got an idea. A simple, brilliant idea. To create a vehicle for today’s generation of drivers that addressed their transportation needs and the world’s new realities.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Read more here<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2110858479"> </a></span><span style="font-family: Roboto Condensed;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.eliomotors.com/">http://www.eliomotors.com/</a></span></span></div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-67669854369508472432013-11-10T07:37:00.001-05:002013-11-10T07:37:19.958-05:00Nissan BladeGlider concept set for Tokyo Motor Show debut<img alt="The Nissan BladeGlider will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month." height="258" src="http://wpmedia.driving.ca/2013/11/bg3.jpg?w=800&h=520&crop=1" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">It may seem like a car suitable for Rick Deckard as he tracks down aliens masquerading as human beings, but Nissan will be taking to this month’s Tokyo Motor Show to showcase the wild and absolutely crazy BladeGlider concept.</span><br />
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The BladeGlider shares a shape inspired by the DeltaWing racecar and Nissan’s own ZEOD RC concept, which will be competing in next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. A peculiar shape it may be, but its lightweight and narrow front track, coupled with the wide rear end, does wonders for reducing drag and considerably improving high-speed and cornering stability.</div>
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Of course, it helps to have doors that swing upwards and underbody aerodynamics that help keep the rubber glued to the tarmac. The BladeGlider’s fighter jet-like stance lends to a one-plus-two interior layout with the driver smack-dab in the middle, similar to the McLaren F1. A lithium-ion battery and carbon fibre bodywork help keep the weight down, translating to a 30/70 front/rear weight distribution. Detailed specs haven’t been announced just yet, but Nissan says the BladeGlider shares much of its engineering with the ZEOD RC, packing electric motors at each wheel.</div>
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It might be countless years until we see a production version of the BladeGlider, but Nissan wants to make it into a reality. After all, Nissan says it hints at the future of its electric car.</div>
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The Tokyo Motor Show opens its doors on Nov. 20.</div>
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View Source: <a href="http://driving.ca/nissan/auto-shows/tokyo-motor-show/nissan-bladeglider-concept-set-for-tokyo-motor-show-debut/">driving.ca</a></div>
Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-92148119373857590372013-08-26T18:19:00.000-04:002013-08-26T18:19:12.129-04:00Chuggabug Tour Day 10: Auburn, IN to Toronto, ON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeHSllYS-vnIagh1FdQIw3kVTMrYvaoPSL1b09dr9M1naMj25dQR_0d-l_V_j__Z_GtKcs2JmGiYusYDV6xVItjxlZCMF-l408ibnS6gvVKJYeKmjTDvEtVgfX8fYSOiGYxd8/s1600/DSCF5334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeHSllYS-vnIagh1FdQIw3kVTMrYvaoPSL1b09dr9M1naMj25dQR_0d-l_V_j__Z_GtKcs2JmGiYusYDV6xVItjxlZCMF-l408ibnS6gvVKJYeKmjTDvEtVgfX8fYSOiGYxd8/s320/DSCF5334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Always hard to tackle, a long last day home via Detroit. From Auburn we cut across to the Ohio Turnpike and splurge $4 on the toll which rushes us to Toledo, Ohio. A pitstop for gas then stock up on Goldenberg's peanut chews from Rite Aid.<br />
We have no delay at the border and within 20 minutes are back in Windsor, ON. We stop at the Dutton ONroute for coffee and diesel. We can't help questioning why our provincial government is in the food court business. The amount of travel information provided is minimal and there are no staff to answer questions.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-81747270044720058302013-08-25T19:38:00.002-04:002013-08-28T09:20:23.235-04:00Chuggabug Tour Day 9: Springfield, IL to Auburn, IN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz1gjCLGmbnRRv7hdyu2ZurM-kj7mwqBp8HHXGm3ckQVQTe1_dQK8DYXY3hFhQx1jd2Q2ABvzgQMVYAZHbzrzwtGZVawocQTWQXQnNcOEtoP-rAAG-FnaGvp5zVZ9uyoEJn_0/s1600/DSCF5329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz1gjCLGmbnRRv7hdyu2ZurM-kj7mwqBp8HHXGm3ckQVQTe1_dQK8DYXY3hFhQx1jd2Q2ABvzgQMVYAZHbzrzwtGZVawocQTWQXQnNcOEtoP-rAAG-FnaGvp5zVZ9uyoEJn_0/s640/DSCF5329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We overnighted at the Drury Inn in Springfield, IL, a chain that provides a hot breakfast and a 17:30 Kick-back, consisting of light supper and drinks (including alcohol). Great view of the adjacent smokestacks.<br />
Next morning we leave Route 66 behind, heading across endless farm country. We pass an Alcoa plant and a Subaru factory before stopping at Barnes & Noble in Fayetteville, IN. This cavernous bookstore has a questionable business model. I purchase <em>"Nothin' but Blue Skies: The Heyday, Hard Times, and Hopes of America's Industrial Heartland"</em> by Edward McClelland. The book discusses the concepts of ruin-porn (photographing derelict buildings) and rust-belt-chic.<br />
First rain of the tour so we stop at J D's Riverside Café, in Whitley, IN, in a downpour. Salsa and tortilla chips.<br />
We press on to Auburn, IN, in time to tour the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Automobile Museum at 1800 South Wayne. (The change from Central to Eastern time means we have lost an hour in the day.) This is rust-belt-chic at its finest - an exquisite art deco building, where the cars were once made, celebrating the largely defunct Indiana motor industry, which contains a wonderful collection of the three marques, plus a smattering of other vehicles including an Indiana-made Crosley Hotshot once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright.<br />
To the Quality Inn, walking to Wal-Mart for bagel take-out supper. <strong>RLT.</strong>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-63626938728527908172013-08-21T22:26:00.001-04:002013-08-25T20:19:07.768-04:00Chuggabug Tour Day 8: Springfield, MO to Springfield, IL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We normally try to avoid chain restaurants but a US road trip just wouldn't be complete without a breakfast at the Waffle House. We stopped at one in St. Robert, Missouri and it didn't disappoint. A friendly Viet Nam vet helped us map a route over the Mississippi while avoiding the bulk of traffic through St. Louis. Route 30 was a great choice and we made good time. We diverged off the Interstate Highways driving along various alignments of Route 66 in both Missouri and Illinois. Nothing matches the bump-thump of Portland Concrete and the brick road near Auburn, Illinois really channels the ghosts of Route 66.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-38718987273498656562013-08-20T19:00:00.001-04:002013-08-28T09:26:59.821-04:00Chuggabug Tour Day 7: Fort Smith, AR to Springfield, MO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We drive north through the Ozarks and are impressed with the trim town square in Bentonville, AR, home of Wal-Mart. A museum housed in the first Walton's 5 & 10 cent store tells the story of Sam Walton's rise from humble beginnings to the owner of 1,960 Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Supercentres that employed 380,000 people at the time of his death in 1992. Parking and museum: no charge.<br />
Eureka Springs is a resort community strung out on winding roads in the hills. $5 parking and nothing entices us to stop. After lunch at a poorly-operated restaurant in Branson, MO, we agree it's not the place for us.<br />
We check into the Best Western Rail Haven Motel on Route 66 in Springfield, MO, featuring at-the-door parking, where two Ford cars from the mid-fifties and vintage gas pumps greet you as you drive in. After downtown tour to Steak-N-Shake for supper, 1158 E St Louis, for burger, veggie melt, strawberry/banana shake and coffee, $20 incl tip.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10907353.post-82253732637324715862013-08-20T18:31:00.002-04:002013-08-28T09:11:17.130-04:00Chuggabug Tour Day 6: Joplin, MO to Fort Smith, AR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5urrQCtAZj8PeIic7TKTv60ZZeW__dCLVVaCLZ4N3ed3ANv4SxPxfsg7digvSdUfsgH2WWuimaRDl9CVcPMaN-08A5CKx7_7eRwE9xAdPcVJhr10dEjZ2HLh0KbXH69Heoovt/s1600/DSCF5211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5urrQCtAZj8PeIic7TKTv60ZZeW__dCLVVaCLZ4N3ed3ANv4SxPxfsg7digvSdUfsgH2WWuimaRDl9CVcPMaN-08A5CKx7_7eRwE9xAdPcVJhr10dEjZ2HLh0KbXH69Heoovt/s320/DSCF5211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
From Joplin, MO, we drive to Darryl Starbird's National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame just outside Afton, OK. A superb collection of "one of a kind" cars from the 50s to the 80s. Excellent displays about the Hall of Fame members and their cars are richly illustrated with photos and magazine clippings. En route we revisit Galena, KS, and stop to admire the elegant facade of the Coleman Theater in Miami, OK. Pitstop at Wal-Mart for grits to take home and "Cars" DVD.<br />
Lunch at Nana's Cafe, Jay, OK. Down home cooking including deep fried okra.<br />
At Fort Smith, AR, we are disappointed that, contrary to advertisements, the trolleys are not running. Staff at the Comfort Inn cheer us up with kind offers and the best laundry experience we've ever had at a hotel.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781246573982369093noreply@blogger.com0