The Mitsubishi Shogun

Interesting facts: This model is only known as the Shogun in the UK. It is called the Mitsubishi Pajero in Japan and few other countries, Mitsubishi Montero (meaning "mountain hunter") in Spain, India, and the Americas (except Brazil). It is not on sale in the US (since 2006) and the latest model is the 4th generation.

Volvo unveils 6 new models


The New V60

Volvo has had their most significant product launch ever. 6 new models were unveiled at an exclusive event in Gothenburg, Sweden. These are the new S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models - all with updates based on feedback from customers. They will be officially revealed to the public at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The New S60


London Taxi taken over by the Chinese

Chinese car manufacturer Geely has bought LTI, makers of the legendary black London cabs, for £11.4 million. This includes  plant, equipment and property, intellectual property rights, trade marks and the "goodwill of the business" as well as Manganese Bronze Holdings (MBH) 48% stake in the joint venture manufacturing company in Shanghai set up by Geely and MBH in 2009 and MBH's stock of unsold vehicles.  MBH is the manufacturer of the cabs.

LTI which is based in Coventry went into administration in October. According to news reports, production of the TX4 cabs will still continue in their Coventry plant. They also have revealed plans to come out with new green cabs in the near future.

Looking for classic car insurance

A couple of days back there was a story in the British press about a vintage Bugatti while had been found in a garage under piles of rubbish. Apparently the car is estimated to get about £100,000 in an auction. What is even more amazing is that the car is not even an authentic one but a good replica model Bugatti Type 51. This story shows the level of interest generated by some of these vintage models.

1931 Bugatti Type 51
Originally posted to Flickr by Brian Snelson

Some people collect really vintage models, spending time and money to maintain and keep them running. They even go to the extent of building new engines based on original plans as there are no one selling the replacement parts anymore.

However, the term "classic cars" can be very misleading. The AARP classic car insurance site defines these as those vehicles which are 10 or more years old and differentiates them from Antique auto which refer to autos more than 25 years old.

The great thing about driving cars more than five years old in the US is that you actually pay less car insurance as compared to newer cars.

So if you have 10 years or more old car, there are some great discounts out there and special offers which allows you to get even more affordable classic and antique Auto Insurance coverage.

Car magnets - effective and affordable advertising

In today's economy, it's difficult for small businesses to get off the ground. Advertising doesn't come cheap, especially when belts are being cinched and pockets are nearly empty. Car magnets are great advertising solution for small businesses.

Here's why your business should use car magnets:

Car magnets are affordable.
Compared to other advertising options like billboards or radio spots, car magnets definitely won’t break the bank. They’re an inexpensive way to improve business. Driving around town with a car magnet on your vehicle helps spread the word quickly about your business.

Car magnets allow you to transform your personal vehicle into a moving advertisement.
There's no need to go purchase a fleet - all you need to do is slap on a magnet and drive as opposed to vinyl graphics which can be difficult to apply and remove. Car magnets make promoting your business easy, and at the end of the day, you can pull off your magnet and turn it back into a personal car.

It’s important to remember, however, a cheap magnet does not equal a good magnet. Investing in high-quality magnetic signs means that they won't go flying off your car the next time you're on the highway. Make sure the magnets you're buying are made from thick magnetic material and have curved corners to prevent curling and fly-always.

Aftermarket car and truck Accessories

One of my favourite TV shows used to be the American version of MTV's Pimp My Ride. I loved the way they would take a run down rusted death trap into an amazing dream ride. One of my friends back in Malaysia is a huge fan of the series as well and you should see the way he modified his old Proton 1.8 Wira. Nothing as drastic as in the TV series but he's done a great job - with whole body kit, spoilers, new rims, new wheels and a shiny metallic paint job - the car looks fantastic. I will try to persuade him to send me some pictures.

And it does not stop there. The interiors have also gone through a complete makeover with racing seats, new gear knobs and all kids of gauges on the dashboard. However, he drew the line of coloured LEDs underneath the car ("too fancy")and any modifications to the engine. All he did was change the exhaust and new air intake systems.

Through him, I discovered the world of the car tuning and modified cars. Some guys spend thousands of dollars on aftermarket accessories doing up their cars - sometimes immediately after they get it out of the showrooms. Some see this as an art form while others feel that they are expressing their personality using their cars.

If you are one of those guys - check out the amazing range of new after market car accessories available.

Two is twice as nice as one

Hi friends,      I hope you had a lovely weekend!  This hairstyle is so quick and easy, and I always love double buns :-)  I added the poo...