AyoAfrica Motoring

Interesting auto site: 40mpg.org

2006-08-29T09:06:00.000+03:00

40mpg or die
The Internet truly is a remarkable tool. Information on practically anything is there - right at your fingertips. Today, I was fortunate to have seen a Google ad for 40mpg.org, which is a remarkable "grassroots" site in the USA aimed at forcing (or convincing) the Big 3 automakers (GM, Ford, Chrysler) to produce more energy-efficient cars. Their Aug 22-2006 update really caught my attention as it provided tons of info (see a copy below) on who's succeeding and failing on this competitive front. Once again, the Japanese automakers are destryoing the Big 3 right in their own back yard. How embarassing. Oh, don't forget to take a peek at this article: Brazil's Road to Energy Independence. It was also mentioned on the 40mpg website. These are truly interesting times as oil companies enjoy record profits hovering in the billions of dollars per quarter.

August 22, 2006: As Ford makes painful production cuts, there is more bad news for Detroit from California: Automotive News quotes data from R.L. Polk in concluding: "The Detroit 3 may be nearing the point of no return in California." Why the concern? For January-July 2006, Detroit carmakers made up less than a third (31.4 percent) of California vehicle registrations - down from last year. As Automotive News notes: "Toyota's brands now generate more retail sales in California than the North American brands of GM and Ford combined." ... Fuel-efficient vehicles are getting good reviews. Check out this coverage for the Fit and Yaris Aveo is getting attention for its good marks on fuel consumption and there is even a 40mpg minivan, but (naturally!) you can't buy it in the U.S. ... Could clean diesels account for 12 percent of U.S. auto sales by 2015? ... Some people are sighing with relief as oil prices ease, but there remains the Iranian nuclear power plant "X factor" out there to continue delivering unpleasant jolts to the world's energy markets ... Who says it can't be done? Brazil has 180 million people spread out over only about half a million fewer square kilometers than the United States. Nonetheless, it is on the road to energy independence thanks to ... sugar cane?!

Poll: Most durable vehicles on Africa's roads?

2006-08-02T18:37:00.000+03:00

Tough metal
I remember watching those Ford commercials on TV a long time ago in Canada. The slogan for a particular series of ads is still fresh in my head: "Built Ford tough." This got me thinking about something.

The road ahead
Since I've managed to get an "up close and personal experience" from commuting on Kenya's roads, I asked myself this very question a few days ago: "Which cars are built tough enough to handle Africa's scenic potholes and terrain?" Please note we're talking about city driving here.

Your thoughts?
Quite frankly, I havent got a clue about this. I imagine Range Rovers would probably top the list. Right? What about Toyota's Land Cruiser? Do you know any one with a vehicle that's as tough as nails? In other words, a vehicle that can endure a constant physical pounding in this part of the planet. Well, if you have an opinion on this thought, please share it with us right here in the comments section. After all, this is the Internet where exchanging information for the betterment of everyone is the name of the game. Right?

Happy motoring!

Car of the Month for July 2006?

2006-07-24T03:02:00.000+03:00

Light bulb dept.
After looking at some automotive ads in our Bazaar, my mouth started to drool. Why? Well, my eyes caught the attention of a particular ad for a Mercedes Benz SLK 230 convertible that was imported from Europe. Then a light went off inside my thick skull.

What if?
Since this is a blog where people are allowed to express themselves, I thought it'd be super kool to have a monthly contest among our members for the Car of the Month. Well, I'm going to submit my vote. Take a peek at this ad folks. Ain't she a beaut?

Pssst, can someone lend me a small chunk of change...for like KSh 4M? :-)

So, which auto ad would YOU select for Car of the Month?
Let us know by leaving a comment here!

Take care.

Welcome to AyoAfrica Motoring

2006-07-24T00:57:00.000+03:00

On your mark...
Welcome visitor! We're excited that you dropped by to take a peek at AyoAfrica's world of Motoring. After all, AyoAfrica is not just a website. It truly is another world. In our world, you can explore items for sale in our Buy 'n Sell (Bazaar, Shops and Classifieds) section, or immerse yourself in some of our "eye opening" artifacts in the Art section. If that's not your cup of tea, then perhaps a visit to our online Pharmacy is just what the doctor ordered (pun intended).

Get ready to roll...
However, if mag wheels, ABS, horsepower, and slick paint jobs get your motor running, then you'll feel right at home in our very own Motoring section, which promises something for current (or aspiring) automobile owners and afficionados throughout East Africa and beyond. Here, buyers, sellers and car dealers alike are able to create detailed ads for their vehicles from any PC connected to cyber space (er, the Internet).

Just remember 1 thing though: Seeing is believing. If a picture is worth a 1000 words, then an auto ad with a couple of images is priceless -- especially if you're the seller looking to make a quick sale.

Go...
We expect this blog to be one of the most active blogs within the AyoAfrica family since cars are costly. Most importantly, they always seem to be in a constant need of repair thanks to the "wonderful" roads we have in this region. I don't know about you, but sometimes I wonder if Desert Storm was a bombing exercise on Kenya's roads. :-) All joking aside, we promise to bring you insightful articles with relavant information (auto reviews, How Tos, tips & tricks, etc.) relating to all things with 4 wheels.

Stay tuned!

- Max