Automotive Parts

The vehicle that you are driving today will be a source of numerous recyclable materials tomorrow. Vehicle parts offer recycling opportunities for materials such as steel, aluminum, plastics, antifreeze, and batteries, as well as whole parts such as tires, seats, engines, and alternators.

Just the Facts

* Each year, nearly all of the 27 million cars around the world that reach the end of their useful life are recovered for recycling.
* Automotive recyclers now can recover nearly 80 percent of the total materials by weight from a vehicle, according to the United States Council on Automotive Research (USCAR) Exit EPA Disclaimer, an organization of auto manufacturers that work together on shared technological and environmental concerns.
* The remaining 20 percent of vehicle materials that cannot be recycled is called auto shredder residue (ASR). ASR includes plastics, rubber, wood, paper, fabric, glass, sand, dirt, and ferrous and nonferrous metal pieces.
* Five million tons of ASR are disposed of in landfills each year.
* Consumers purchasing used or reconditioned parts save 50 percent or more compared to the cost of purchasing new parts.
* More than 25 million tons of materials are recycled from vehicles each year. Automotive recycling is generally calculated separately from the MSW recycling rate.
* Nearly 90 percent of automotive aluminum is recovered and recycled. Although this aluminum represents less than 10 percent of the average motor vehicle by weight, it accounts for roughly half of the vehicle's value as scrap.
* Auto recyclers supply more than one-third of all ferrous scrap (iron and steel) to the U.S. scrap processing industry. When manufacturers use scrap iron and steel instead of virgin ore, they reduce air and water pollution by more than half during the manufacturing process.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol (CH3CH2OH; also known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, and EtOH) is a clear, colorless liquid. Its molecules contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom.

The chemical compound in ethanol is the same whether the fuel is made from corn grain starch (as it primarily is in the United States) or sugar cane (as it primarily is in Brazil) or from cellulosic materials. Corn and sugar cane are commonly used to make ethanol today.

Ethanol can also be produced from fibrous cellulosic biomass materials, such as grass, vineyard grapes, wood, crop residues, or old newspapers. Breaking these materials down to their component sugars for subsequent fermentation to ethanol is a major focus of U.S. Department of Energy research. Whether made from starch in corn grain or cellulose in corn stalks, ethanol is a renewable, domestic biofuel.

Ethanol works well in internal combustion engines. In fact, Henry Ford and other early automakers thought ethanol would be the world's primary fuel before gasoline became so readily available. A gallon of ethanol contains one-third less energy than a gallon of gasoline.

Ethanol is a high-octane fuel. Octane helps prevent engine knocking and is extremely important in engines designed to operate at a higher compression ratio, so they generate more power. These engines tend to be found in high-performance vehicles. Because ethanol has high octane, it is sometimes blended with gasoline in small amounts to boost octane rating. This mixture, in turn, can be used in high-performance engines.

Low-level blends of ethanol, such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), generally have a higher octane rating than unleaded gasoline. Low-octane gasoline can be blended with 10% ethanol to attain the standard 87 octane requirement.

Ethanol is the main component in E85, a high-level blend of 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline.

Getting Auto Moving Insurance

If you are going to have your car shipped you need insurance in case something goes wrong. Most companies engaged in the car moving business provide insurance of your vehicle, however, the coverage of insurance may range. So it’s a good idea to do some research before you decide upon the car mover.

Any auto transport company that has a license for car moving activities should have cargo and liability insurance as well. You need to have a clear idea of it, for if your car gets damaged on the road you will probably want coverage. It is not that something will happen for sure, but it is better to be safe than sorry, isn’t it? The first thing you should do is make sure that your car moving company has an insurance certificate, don’t be shy to ask them to show it to you. You are not obliged to believe anyone until you see the proof with your own eyes. If you still have any doubts don’t hesitate to contact their insurance company so as to double check the information.

Some auto movers provide very limited insurance coverage, sometimes it is even less than your car is actually worth. Inquire at their insurance company as for the exact terms and rights that you are offered. The things that you need to know are:

· Can you buy additional coverage?

· What is the limited coverage amount (if any)?

· Are there any parts of the vehicle that are not covered?

· What type of damage is included in the insurance?

The car moving company should provide you with insurance against theft and damage. It is highly recommended that you have a hard copy of their insurance policy spelling out whether their coverage is secondary or primary to your car insurance. Remember to contact your own car insurance company as well in order to find out what kind of coverage is provided by your existing policy.

If you are not sure whether your home policy insurance covers any damage or loss of your personal items, it’s better to remove them from your car. Car movers don’t usually insure any contents of the vehicle except for such items as a jack and a spare tire that are necessary.

You should also make sure that your vehicle carrier is registered with the Department of Transportation, if you want to avoid any possible troubles with getting the coverage in case of an insured accident.

If there are any disputes, it’s better to try and resolve them with your auto moving company first. They are usually determined to workout any problems. However, if you did your best but still feel that you have been treated in an unfair manner you can file complaints to the Federal Department of Transportation, BBB or Interstate Commerce Commission.

Is auto transporting for me?

So you want to move your car across the state. Your not sure if you should drive it or have it shipped on a. Before you decide how you want to transport your auto you must first decide if it is worth it. Ask yourself, do the benifits outweigh the costs? Not sure what i mean? Keep reading on and find out if auto transporting is for you!

Auto Transporting is not free. With every service their is a cost. Depending on how far and the type of vehicle you wish to move, it may not be worth doing. For an example if you own a 1992 Honda Civic that leaks oil, that starts 50% of the time and is a rust magnet, you should not waist your money and time transporting it. Some companies will only move vehicles that are in good running order. You will also want to consider if you want to put the extra miles on your vehicle. When your vehicle is transported on a truck, no extra miles will added to the engine. Also the cost of gas and accommodations that you will have to pay out of your pocket will be costly, especially for longer moves. If your moving across the country, choosing an auto transporter to move your vehicle is a wise decision.

As you can see it is usually a good idea to choose an auto transporter over driving your vehicle yourself. The benefits of auto transporting usually always outweigh the costs. Remember to contact various auto transport companies and do your research. It will make your auto transporting experience go much more smoothly.

ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS (ELP)

Saudi Arabia has one of the highest per capita power consumption in the world.

Demand for power is growing at an average of seven percent annually, and the SAG is barely keeping up with this growth. Industry experts believe that the government has to add 50,000 MW of generating power over the next 23 years. The SAG is planning to invest $30 billion to increase electrical capacity by 20,000 MW by 2010. Private investors are also expected to invest and participate fully in this growth. With the stalling of the Gas Initiative, planned private power investment is on hold and the SAG is actively pushing new state-led power projects. By 2005, new capacity will come on stream with the completion and commissioning of the Ghazlan plant, Shuaiba plant, and expansion of Tabuk.

In line with its privatization efforts, the SAG brought about a merger between the Saline Water Conversion Corp. (SWCC) and Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) to carry out independent water and power project (IWPPs) in partnership with developers. Reform in the electricity sector is advancing slowly in the need to re-price services, establish quality control standards, promote private investments, and protect consumer rights.

In May 2001, the SAG approved the formation of the Gulf Interconnection Authority (GCIA), which will be responsible for connecting the national grids of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The company will develop the scheme on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. The initial phase of the grid connecting the Northern Gulf region, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, will stretch some 1,200 kilometers and is expected to come on stream in 2008.

Complaints about Air Travel

Safety and Security Complaints

Consumers with concerns about airline safety should call the Federal Aviation Administration toll-free at 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322).Consumers with concerns about aviation security call the Transportation Security Administration toll-free at 1-866-289-9673, or e-mail that agency at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

Airline Service Complaints

Complaints about airline service other than safety or security issues may be registered with DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD). You can call, write or use our web form.

· You may call the ACPD 24 hours a day at 202-366-2220 (TTY 202-366-0511) to record your complaint. Calls are returned Monday through Friday, generally between 7:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern time.

· You may send us a letter at:
Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590

· You can send us a complaint, comment or inquiry electronically by using our web form. This form allows us to capture information more accurately and process it more efficiently. Please click here to use our web form.

Whether you call, write or use the web form, please be brief and concise in the description of your problem and be sure to include the following information:

· your name
· address
· daytime phone number (including area code) and e-mail address
· name of the airline or company about which you are complaining
· flight date
· flight number if known
· origin and destination cities of your trip.

If you send us a letter, you should also include a copy (not the original) of your airline ticket or itinerary sheet and any correspondence you have already exchanged with the company.

All complaints are entered in DOT's computerized aviation industry monitoring system, and are charged to the company in question in the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report. This report is distributed to the industry and made available to the news media and the general public so that consumers and air travel companies can compare the complaint records of individual airlines and tour operators. These complaints are reviewed to determine the extent to which carriers are in compliance with federal aviation consumer protection regulations. This system also serves as a basis for rulemaking, legislation and research. Where appropriate, letters and web form submissions will be forwarded to an official at the airline for further consideration.

What is an electric vehicle?

In an electric vehicle (EV), a battery or other energy storage device is used to store the electricity that powers the motor. EV batteries must be replenished by plugging in the vehicle to a power source. Some electric vehicles have onboard chargers; others plug into a charger located outside the vehicle. Both types, however, use electricity that comes from the power grid. Although electricity production may contribute to air pollution, EVs are considered zero-emission vehicles because their motors produce no exhaust or emissions.

There are currently no light-duty electric vehicles available from the major auto manufacturers. Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), on the other hand, are being manufactured by a variety of companies. These small vehicles are commonly used for neighborhood commuting, light hauling, and delivery. Their use is limited to areas with 35 mph speed limits or for off-road service on college campus or at airports or resort areas.

Because they can only reach speeds of 35 mpg, NEVs are not considered light-duty vehicles and are not eligible for fleet credit under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 Standard Compliance option and Federal Fleet Requirements. However, their versatility in moving people through limited commute areas makes them useful in a variety of applications. Other useful EVs in niche applications include electric scooters and bikes.

Car Body Parts

We want you to think of us, as YOUR entrusted, reliable sourcing resource and automotive parts industry expert. We are committed to consistently providing quality, high-grade, aftermarket (OEM replacement), exterior car body parts and lights, for most makes and models.

Our globally sourced, quality manufactured OEM product offerings and options, include part categories and part names, for your ease-of-use, convenience and reference.

We are here to care for all of your auto body parts, aftermarket car parts and all related aftermarket auto body parts needs, specialty requirements or upgrades and automotive detailing. Routine care and maintenance, repair and/or replacement auto body parts are a sector almost onto itself, ever expanding and with lots to offer your every need.

We are diligently working to earn your trust and build a lasting customer relationship, by offering a comprehensive “under-one-roof” automotive specialist, that wants to partner with owners, automotive specialists and enthusiasts, who SHARE THE PASSION and dream of THE ULTIMATE RIDE!

As a preferred supplier and global trading partner, we can offer discount body parts, car body parts, truck body parts and car exterior detailing and enhancement body parts, accessories and choice automotive products from around the world, for every vehicle and styling imaginable.

Across categories, makes, models and years of manufacture, we source online and through our extensive collaborative network, any and all car parts, auto parts, truck parts and pickup parts that you might have a need for. High-grade, in-demand body parts include: car lights, auto lights, truck lights, automotive lighting, headlights & taillights and the like.

A provider of choice and reputation, known for quality, customer service and satisfaction, exceeding expectations and going beyond, for any and all requests regarding automotive parts, we serve your best interest and get YOU the auto body parts YOU need!

These would include any special offerings, limited editions, discount auto parts, wholesale auto parts, products from auto parts store or any truck specialty parts store, car parts online, import auto parts, import car body parts, OEM parts, used body parts, used auto body parts and more.

For any heavy-duty application or configuration on larger vehicles and trucks, we scrutinize listings and offerings for used truck body parts, Ford auto body parts, Chevy Auto body Parts, Dodge Auto body parts, Toyota auto parts, Honda parts, Honda bumpers, VW Parts and many more. Call on us today to see how we can help you with all your auto-body parts needs and requirements.

Types of car seats

INFANT CAR SEATS

These rear-facing seats are for babies up to 22 pounds, although some models may accommodate babies as large as 30 pounds. They should allow infants to recline at an angle that doesn't interfere with breathing and protects them best in a crash. Many strollers can accommodate infant car seats. All infant car-seat models have a handle, and a base that is secured in your vehicle with LATCH connectors or a vehicle safety belt--a convenience that lets you remove the infant seat and use it as a carrier.

CONVERTIBLE SEATS

Use these seats rear-facing for infants (follow labeled weight and height limits) and forward-facing when the child is at least 1 year old and 22 pounds. They can be used front-facing until the child is 40 pounds. While not stroller-compatible, they do eliminate the need to buy a new seat when your infant becomes a toddler.

TODDLER BOOSTER SEATS

In toddler mode with the harness, these accommodate children between 20 or 22 pounds, and 40 pounds. When kids reach 40 pounds, it can convert to a booster seat, which children can typically use until they're 80 to 100 pounds.

BOOSTER SEATS

These are generally for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds. They use the vehicle's own safety belt to restrain the child.

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the Speed Limit

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.

Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears

When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Natural Gas Vehicles

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are either fueled exclusively with CNG or LNG (dedicated NGVs) or are capable of natural gas and gasoline fueling (bi-fuel NGVs).

This page serves as a table of contents for the Natural Gas Vehicles section. To learn about these alternative fuel vehicles, choose from the links below. Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.

What is a Natural Gas Vehicle?
Learn about natural gas vehicles and how they work.

Vehicle Availability

Learn about available natural gas vehicles and find vehicle specifications and costs.

Emissions

Learn about the emissions impacts of driving a natural gas vehicle.

Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to evaluate the costs of driving a natural gas vehicle.

PARTS

For over 40 years, PARTS has represented the interests of quality professional automotive recyclers across Pennsylvania. PARTS provides services and programs designed to help auotmotive recyclers succeed in the marketplace.

The automotive recycling industry plays a necessary and crucial role in the efficient, ecological disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. Although sometimes known as auto salvage dealers or dismantlers, professional automotive recyclers deal strictly in the recycling of motor vehicles - i.e., domestic and foreign automobiles, light and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motorcycles.

Automotive recyclers are a valuable source for economical and often hard to find used motor vehicle replacement parts. Professional auto recyclers use computer and satellite communication systems that enable for direct inventory assessment as well as locate parts across town or across the continent, by simply entering the appropriate data into their computer system. This technology allows recyclers to maximize their inventories and provide quick and efficient service to their customers.

If you are an auto recycler or dismantler who is not yet a member of PARTS, visit our member services and programs page to check out the benefits of becoming a member of PARTS.

Driving for Work

A new THINK! Driving for Work campaign has launched this March 2008 targeted at both employers and employees. It is estimated that around 200 road deaths and serious injuries each week involve someone at work. That means an estimated one third of all crashes involves somebody who was at work at the time - that's a tragic 1,000 lives every year.

The Driving for Work campaign will primarily focus on informing people who drive for work of the potential hazards of work related driving, focusing on the primary hazards of:

* speed ;
* distractions ; and
* journey planning .

Advertising focusing on mobile phone use and speeding has run throughout February and March 2008. This advertising has been placed so as to specifically reach work drivers. A new fatigue campaign has been developed and will run in March 2008.

Auto Industry Market Brief

The automobile market in Saudi Arabia is the largest in the Middle East. Exploding demographics and changing social patterns are forcing Saudi households to acquire more cars per family. Saudi Arabia imported over 300,000 automobiles and vehicles valued at over $3 billion last year. In 2003, U.S. exports of automobile parts and auto aftermarket parts and accessories reached $685 million.

Although Japanese models continue to be the largest sellers in the Kingdom, American cars follow closely with a 30% market share. Other source countries include South Korea, Germany, France and Malaysia. New cars and SUVs represent almost 46% of the market. Used cars account for about a quarter of the market but only 13% of the value. The United States and Germany lead in used cars sales to Saudi Arabia, with Japan also having a significant share. GM, Ford, and Chrysler’s Jeep brands are among the most popular vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi market for spare parts is showing healthy growth and is expected to reach an estimated $281 million in 2004. With improved road conditions and better maintenance facilities, car lifetime has almost doubled to ten years. The aggressive Saudi driving style leads to excessive wear and tear, and the accident rate in Saudi Arabia is one of the highest in the world. Extra features and add-ons to improve vehicle performance are popular. Saudi government authorities and local dealers are fighting the persistent problem of the sale of fake and counterfeit parts in the Kingdom. There are over 200 dealers supplying automotive parts for U.S., Japanese, European and Asian automobile companies in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government levies a 5% customs tariff on all automobiles and auto aftermarket imports. The breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s automobile parts market shares is as follows: Japan: 36%; United States: 25%; Germany: 15%; South Korea: 8%; France: 6%; Asia: 5%; others: 5%. U.S. companies command a leading position in the supply of transmission, steering, suspension, and braking components and parts. The favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate against Euro and Japanese Yen is acting to boost U.S. market share.

Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices

Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) from end to end the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked luggage.

Some Tips for Safe Travel with Batteries

* batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage - not in your checked baggage! In the cabin, flight crew can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur.

* Buy batteries from of good reputation sources and only use batteries accepted for your device – avoid counterfeits! A counterfeit battery is more likely to cause a fire in your equipment – costing you more in the long run, and compromising safety.

* Look for the mark of an independent testing or standards organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Electro technical Commission (IEC).

* Do not carry recalled or damaged batteries on aircraft. Check battery recall information at the manufacturer's website, or at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

* Only charge batteries which you are sure are rechargeable! Non-rechargeable batteries are not designed for recharging, and become hazardous if placed in a battery charger. A non-rechargeable battery placed in a charger may overheat or cause damage later.

* Only use a charger compatible with your rechargeable battery – don’t mix and match!
If original packaging is not available for spare batteries, effectively lag battery terminals by isolating the batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.

* Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents short-circuiting.

* Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

* If you must carry a battery-powered device in any baggage, package it to avoid inadvertent activation. For instance, you should pack a cordless power tool in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged. If there is an on-off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the "off" position.

Lithium Batteries: Safety and Security

* Lithium-ion batteries, often found in laptop computers, differ from chief lithium batteries, which are often used in cameras. Some newer AA-size batteries are also primary lithium.

* While there is no blast hazard associated with either kind of battery, the Federal Aviation Administration has studied fire hazards associated with both primary and lithium-ion cells, and their extensive research is publicly available. As a result of this research, the FAA no longer allows large, palletized shipments of these batteries to be transported as cargo on passenger aircraft.

* The research also shows that an explosion will not result from shorting or damaging either lithium-ion or primary lithium batteries. Both are, however, extremely flammable. Primary lithium batteries cannot be extinguished with firefighting agents normally carried on aircraft, whereas lithium-ion batteries are easily extinguished by most common extinguishing agents, including those carried on board profitable aircraft.

* TSA has and will carry on to work closely with the FAA on potential aviation safety and security issues, and TSA security officers are thoroughly and continually trained to find explosive threats. TSA does not have plans to change security regulations for electronic devices powered by lithium batteries.

Transport security

Keeping our public transport system safe

Queensland is not immune to the threat of terrorism faced by the rest of the world and the whole of Australia. The July 2005 terrorist attacks in London showed that public transport can be a terrorist target. All Australian states and territories have agreed on priorities for strengthening surface transport security. These include making the travelling public more aware of risks and avenues for reporting suspicious items or behaviour.


The Queensland Government has put in place a public transport security package, initially focussing on south-east Queensland, to keep public transport safe. The package consists of:

* a public awareness campaign
* security programs for public transport operators and workers
* independent risk reviews of public transport
* consulting with peak bodies and unions to raise awareness.

The public awareness campaign started in south-east Queensland in September 2005. The campaign asked the travelling public to report suspicious items, or behaviour, to transport staff or by calling the national security hotline on 1800 123 400f. The advertising campaign appears widely on buses, trains, ferries, bus stops, bus interchanges, train stations and ferry terminals, as well as in the Courier Mail and on television.

What is suspicious behaviour?

It depends on the circumstances, but it is a combination of where people are, when they are there, and what they are doing. Common sense will tell you. If something seems wrong, make the call. As the advertisements say, if something doesn't look or feel right, report it.

What happens when I call the hotline?

The call centre operator will help you to provide as much information as you can-detailed descriptions of people, places, vehicles and anything else that has made you think what you have seen is suspicious. You can remain anonymous, but if you at least give your phone number investigators can contact you for further information if necessary. Your information is passed to the Queensland Police and is kept strictly confidential.

Automotive Parts

The vehicle that you are driving today will be a source of numerous recyclable materials tomorrow. Vehicle parts offer recycling opportunities for materials such as steel, aluminum, plastics, antifreeze, and batteries, as well as whole parts such as tires, seats, engines, and alternators.
Just the Facts

* Each year, nearly all of the 27 million cars around the world that reach the end of their useful life are recovered for recycling.
* Automotive recyclers now can recover nearly 80 percent of the total materials by weight from a vehicle, according to the United States Council on Automotive Research (USCAR) Exit EPA Disclaimer, an organization of auto manufacturers that work together on shared technological and environmental concerns.
* The remaining 20 percent of vehicle materials that cannot be recycled is called auto shredder residue (ASR). ASR includes plastics, rubber, wood, paper, fabric, glass, sand, dirt, and ferrous and nonferrous metal pieces.
* Five million tons of ASR are disposed of in landfills each year.
* Consumers purchasing used or reconditioned parts save 50 percent or more compared to the cost of purchasing new parts.
* More than 25 million tons of materials are recycled from vehicles each year. Automotive recycling is generally calculated separately from the MSW recycling rate.
* Nearly 90 percent of automotive aluminum is recovered and recycled. Although this aluminum represents less than 10 percent of the average motor vehicle by weight, it accounts for roughly half of the vehicle's value as scrap.
* Auto recyclers supply more than one-third of all ferrous scrap (iron and steel) to the U.S. scrap processing industry. When manufacturers use scrap iron and steel instead of virgin ore, they reduce air and water pollution by more than half during the manufacturing process.

AUTO PARTS AND SERVICE EQUIPMENT

The automobile market in Saudi Arabia is the largest in the Middle East. Exploding demographics and changing social patterns are forcing Saudi households to acquire more cars per family. Saudi Arabia imported over 300,000 automobiles and vehicles valued at over $3 billion last year. In 2003, U.S. exports of automobile parts and auto aftermarket parts and accessories reached $685 million.

Although Japanese models continue to be the largest sellers in the Kingdom, American cars follow closely with a 30% market share. Other source countries include South Korea, Germany, France and Malaysia. New cars and SUVs represent almost 46% of the market. Used cars account for about a quarter of the market but only 13% of the value. The United States and Germany lead in used cars sales to Saudi Arabia, with Japan also having a significant share. GM, Ford, and Chrysler’s Jeep brands are among the most popular vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi market for spare parts is showing healthy growth and is expected to reach an estimated $281 million in 2004. With improved road conditions and better maintenance facilities, car lifetime has almost doubled to ten years. The aggressive Saudi driving style leads to excessive wear and tear, and the accident rate in Saudi Arabia is one of the highest in the world. Extra features and add-ons to improve vehicle performance are popular. Saudi government authorities and local dealers are fighting the persistent problem of the sale of fake and counterfeit parts in the Kingdom. There are over 200 dealers supplying automotive parts for U.S., Japanese, European and Asian automobile companies in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government levies a 5% customs tariff on all automobiles and auto aftermarket imports. The breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s automobile parts market shares is as follows: Japan: 36%; United States: 25%; Germany: 15%; South Korea: 8%; France: 6%; Asia: 5%; others: 5%. U.S. companies command a leading position in the supply of transmission, steering, suspension, and braking components and parts. The favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate against Euro and Japanese Yen is acting to boost U.S. market share.

The measure of motorcycles' MPG

Motorcycles get about 50 miles to the gallon. That's a general statistic trotted out by motorcycle manufacturers, government representatives, individual riders, your mailman. But specific MPG figures for specific models? That's been difficult to find.

There are any number of reasons why motorcycle manufacturers have been loath to give actual MPG figures for actual models with any consistency. Bikes are already fuel-efficient, so differences in their MPGs aren't considered as important. Besides, actual MPGs vary wildly depending on how a bike is ridden.

Even more significant, there isn't an industrywide protocol for motorcycle MPG testing. Unlike with cars, federal law doesn't require motorcycle manufacturers to perform fuel-economy tests or, if they do, to reveal their numbers, since bikes make up such a small percentage of overall vehicles and already get such great mileage.

But with gas prices nearing $4 per gallon and increasing numbers of commuters considering two wheels as a more economical way to get around, manufacturers are beginning to play the MPG trump card as a means of wooing customers in a down market.

On Tuesday, Yamaha released specific MPG figures for the six scooters in its model lineup. Less publicly, but more significantly, Yamaha is also making MPG figures available for its 27 other street bikes; dealers and customers just need to call Yamaha's customer relations department ([800] 962-7926) and ask for them.

In May, Suzuki will also expand its offering of fuel-economy specifics in an ad campaign that will trumpet MPG figures for half of its street bikes and scooters, including its SV650 (which boasts 54.8 mpg), Burgman 650 (38.1 mpg), Bandit 1250 (39 mpg) and other models.

Alternative Fuels

Alternative fuels are derrived from resources other than petroleum. Some are produced domestically, reducing our dependence on imported oil, and some are derived from renewable sources. Often, they produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel.

To promote alternative fuels, the Federal government offers tax incentives to consumers purchasing qualifying alternative fuel vehicles.

Ethanol is produced domestically from corn and other crops and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels.

Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It usually produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel. CNG Logo

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that generates less air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Propane, also called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a domestically abundant fossil fuel that generates less harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Hydrogen can be produced domestically from fossil fuels (such as coal), nuclear power, or renewable resources, such as hydropower. Fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful air pollutants.

Drivers have had fill of premium gasoline

The price of premium-grade gasoline has been rising faster than you can say Mercedes-Benz.

Now over $3.55 a gallon nationwide — more than 30 cents above regular unleaded, it’s boosting the cost of owning a long list of cars and trucks, including some non-luxury vehicles.

But as pump prices rise, fewer consumers appear willing to spring for the costlier fuel.

In 2007, U.S. premium gasoline consumption fell to roughly 35.6 million gallons per day, its lowest point in 24 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Experts say the premium pullback is part of a longer-term trend that might be affected by a changing vehicle fleet and the perception by some that the higher-grade fuel is no better for their vehicles than regular gasoline.

Higher pump prices, however, accelerated the trend, they said.

Who needs premium: Premium gasoline is recommended by nearly all luxury automakers and some mainstream automakers as a way to enhance engine performance.

Some automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, require premium gas because they say using lesser-grade fuel can damage engines and invalidate warranties.

Whatever benefits premium might provide in high-performance cars, it doesn’t necessarily follow that cars designed for regular will benefit from premium.

“Using a higher-octane gasoline than recommended by the owner’s manual does not improve performance or fuel efficiency; it only costs more money,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in its 2008 Fuel Economy Guide.

What’s the difference: Premium gasoline carries an octane rating at or above 91, compared with 89 for midgrade and 87 for regular unleaded.

Fuels with a higher octane rating are more resistant to premature detonations, which a driver hears as pings and knocks. These waste energy in the fuel and can harm the engine.

The risk of premature detonation is higher in vehicles with high-performance or high-compression engines — sports cars, luxury sedans and SUVs.