Auto Parts Blog

Archive for June, 2010

Carmakers are developing materials that are less harmful to humans and the environment.

The interior of the Volvo XC 60 aims to minimize allergy-causing substances or toxic materials.

The idea that cars are just good looking pieces of steel may start to fade as the growing pan-industrial focus on health and the environment boosts efforts to create cars that are better for humans and nature.

Carmakers are developing technologies to create lighter and stronger metal frames, with some introducing cars made of 100 percent aluminum. They are also trying to develop auto parts that are recyclable and less harmful to humans and the environment.

The inside of the hood of the Renault Samsung New SM5 is made of aluminum to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

To bolster its image as an eco-friendly brand, Toyota is making efforts to reduce waste throughout the entire life of a vehicle, from development and production to customer use and disposal. The Japanese carmaker is incorporating recyclable materials into key auto parts such as the bumper, dashboard and doors. Floor mats are also part of efforts to make auto parts recyclable. The Prius uses a carbon-neutral plastic, extracted from plants, in seats and floor mats. The automaker’s plan is to make 95 percent of Prius’ auto parts recyclable in several years.

Peugeot, from France, is also using environment-friendly materials such as wood and cotton in its cars. The Peugeot 207 has side mirrors and door panels made of such materials. One Peugeot vehicle has an average of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of eco-friendly materials. The Ademe, or Environment and Energy Management Agency of France, ranked some Peugeot vehicles as emitting the lowest carbon dioxide levels in the world.

Aluminum ASF is applied to the frame of the Audi A8. The frame is 120 to 140 kilograms (265 to 309 pounds) lighter than that of other vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles are made of 27 different types of environmentally-friendly materials. They have seats made of a renewable material called natural latex and a door made of coconut fiber.

Carmakers are also trying to make their cars lighter. A lighter car has higher fuel efficiency, which reduces carbon emissions.

The frames of some Audi vehicles are made of an aluminum material called ASF, developed by the German carmaker. The Audi TT, equipped with an ASF frame, can save at least 16 percent of fuel compared with the models not equipped with an ASF frame.

Jaguar’s all-new XJ is also covered with an aluminum material developed by the British carmaker. It has reduced the weight of the car by 150 kilograms, compared to cars of the same class made by other carmakers.

Mitsubishi made the roof of its new vehicle, the New Outlander, out of aluminum. And BMW is using aluminum frames and suspension in all of its cars.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has seats made of natural latex and doors made of coconut fiber. Provided by the companies

The new materials used by some carmakers are designed for safety. Volkswagen created a multilayered bumper made of special materials such as foam rubber to minimize the impact on pedestrians in a collision.

Other materials are designed for comfort. Nissan is using materials to complement the senses. Nissan’s 370Z sports car has silky smooth fabrics that are placed on the center panels and arm rest.

Volvo said it is minimizing allergy-causing substances or toxic materials in the interior of its vehicles. Associations for people suffering from asthma and allergies have since recommended Volvo’s S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 to its members.

Local carmakers are trying to catch up. Hyundai’s Eco-Technology Research Center, opened in 2005, is tasked with developing eco-friendly and recyclable car materials. Its i-flow concept car, revealed early this year, features a polyamide material that consists of up to 60 percent renewable raw materials.

Renault Samsung was the first among local carmakers to put an aluminum hood on a midsized car. The hood is designed to make the vehicle lighter, improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.,  a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories, and maintenance items, today announced the launch of a suite of new online service features as part of the fully enhanced “Your Garage” area on AdvanceAutoParts.com. Advance offers the broadest set of features integrated to the site experience in the industry.

“Your Garage” now includes the following features:

– Service alerts — Based on your vehicle’s mileage, you can receive e-mail notifications when your car needs a tune-up, brakes, tire rotations and tire replacements.

– Diagnose problems — Get on-line help to figure out what’s wrong with any vehicle in your garage.

– Get an estimate of the approximate cost of the service needed.

– Find a mechanic if you would rather have a professional perform the maintenance for you in your locale. The recommendations will include local Advance Commercial customers and feature Commercial partners.

– Recall notifications — Receive e-mail notifications to make sure you don’t miss a recall on your vehicle.

– Service history — Keep track of all service work on your car in one online location.

– Vehicle prices and values — Time for a new car? Find out what your current vehicle is worth.

– Cost of ownership — Find out how much you can expect to pay to maintain your vehicle.

“Advance is working hard to create customers for life by providing them the best experience in our industry, whether they are shopping in our stores, calling us on the phone or visiting our website,” said Scott Bauhofer, SVP and General Manager, E-Commerce. “These free enhancements are giving our customers even more reasons to only shop online with Advance Auto Parts and to visit us more often.”

Registered users who currently have an Online Garage on the Advance website will be upgraded automatically to the new functionality. Registered users can save multiple cars in their garage and can use this functionality with any car they have saved in the system. Visit www.AdvanceAutoParts.com and click on “Your Account” to get started.

About Advance Auto Parts

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. As of April 24, 2010, the Company operated 3,462 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services and online shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s website at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

SOURCE: Advance Auto Parts, Inc.