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Making Twizy, the electric two-seater Renault will go on sale in April from 4,917 euros for the version that you can drive without a license, as is done in a warehouse of 9,000 square meters where more than 130 workers.

The Twizy, an electric two-seater capable of reaching 2.32 meters to 80 km / h -45 km / h in the version without a license, and with a range of 100 km / h, with a recharge of 3.5 h in a plug home-is the current star of the Renault plant in Valladolid. This factory, which already made the Modus, Grand Modus and Clio, is the plant that will manufacture exclusively for the world and, therefore, the Twizy it has opened a specific ship, known as ZE-called family electric vehicles from Renault, 9000 square meters and has required an investment of eight million.

In it, 4,500 meters intended for the storage of different parts, for example, the modules that form the vehicle’s battery, manufactured by LG, arriving from Korea, and the remaining space, a new battery assembly-Valladolid becomes the first European factory to manufacture batteries for electric Renault, the brand has another in Turkey, the assembly of the vehicle-composed of 14 posts and where they are assembled both – and an area of ​​quality control including, at the end of the process, a dynamic puebra.

Overall, in this production line can manufacture 12 vehicles per hour-one every five minutes, which means that for every eight hour shift, 96 vehicles are built. This rate assumes that each year 20,000 Twizys be manufactured. Still, and in case of high demand, the mark could reach up to 60,000 manufacturing of these tandems a year … by operating three shifts a day. To begin, the assembly line works with a turn though, as of March 5, and face-to-market from April, the car will run two shifts per day.

The ‘birth’ of Twizy started for the assembly of their batteries, composed of seven modules each equal-to which, after assembling them, they are attached an electronic module management. After assembly and protection in an ‘iron cage’, are found to have been completely isolated and sealed-for what is to introduce air into it-and, finally, is charged with electricity. In total, the battery assembly is capable of producing 96 devices a day.

While batteries are manufactured, the assembly of Twizy, placed parallel to the anterior and composed of 14 positions, is mounted the various elements of the car about a tubular steel frame. So, she is riding the motor of 12 kw, is the same for the version designed for drivers without Carnett, which reaches 45 km / h, and for the version ‘normal’, reaching 80 km / h – gearbox, making reloading, front-wheel-of 125/80/R13, 145/80/R13 rear-wiring, controls … in total, according to Rafael Segundo, head of Twizy industrial project in the factory, “Approx. 20% of the parts, steering wheel, pedals, dampers … – are shared with Renault’s small cars. ” In the last post, the car rises to putting on the skid plates, and checks the operation of all electronic systems.

From there, each car passes a quality control area where, through electronic systems, it checks the alignment of the tires or headlights are calibrated.

Later, each Twizy passes an area of ​​quality control where a technician checks static, visually, issues such as upholstery, adjustments, wiring … and finally, every car manufactured is subjected to a dynamic test on a circuit that emulates real conditions of movement, such as asphalt with potholes, curbs, sidewalks

Thereafter, and if each vehicle has passed all quality controls, is ‘packaged’ in a fabric cover and passes stock, waiting to be sold to a customer

For months we have been talking about in our pages of this little 100% electric vehicle, not only for its innovative concept for urban mobility, but also for its low price, will be the zero-emission model cheapest in the market-and that will be built in exclusively in the factory that the French brand has in Valladolid.

On the occasion of the Barcelona Motor Show, taking place in Barcelona until 22 May, the signing of the diamond has provided more information on this vehicle, halfway between a motorcycle and a utility like Smart-as this will provide room for two passengers.

It was initially marketed in two versions: a basic engine with 5 hp and a top speed limited to 45 km / h, and another with 17 hp engine and a tip of around 80 km / h. The first of these may be used in many countries without having a driver’s license-type B-, so it will become a good alternative for young people with personal mobility needs. The best is undoubtedly its price: 4,917 euros, which includes VAT, taxes and state aid to the purchase of environmentally friendly vehicles. At this price we must add 45 euros per month in rent from the batteries, as with the rest of Renault’s electric models.

The most powerful engine with 17 hp, it will once again offer two trim levels: Urban and Technik, priced at 5,409 and 5,972 euros respectively. In this case, autonomy is 100 km on a single charge, with a maximum speed of 80 km / h. The leasing of batteries is not a noticeable difference: 49 euros per month. The optional package is not particularly large, as it only allows you to install a bag to carry objects with a volume of 50 liters, a Parrot hands free system, parking sensors and protections for the cold and heat.

When we buy a car and this is a defective part or simply noticed an anomaly to drive, sometimes we do not know very well what is broken, if we’re a handyman or experts in mechanics. Who do we go then?

According to Directive 1999/44/EC on consumer goods the consumer has the legal right to be compensated by the brand or dealer who sold you the car. For two years there is a right to demand change or replacement of any part or anomaly to the seller without charge to the buyer.

You should know that are considered defective if they do not meet the characteristics specified in the contract, jeopardize the safety of the vehicle, there are deficiencies in design or manufacturing process inadequate.

In either case, the only charge is the seller of the product and should be the one who does the repair, without charge, thus offsetting the purchaser of the vehicle.

When you apply the warranty, telephone support free or reviews the manufacturer may require the supplier to use any replacement part that is your brand, providing quality and safety to parts replaced. Just as when generated by wear and the warranty is in effect.

A time out of warranty any review, change oil, tires etc … shall be borne by the vehicle owner.

The largest showroom in the world BMW has just been opened in the Middle East, specifically in Abu Dhabi. In the same place you can see the models MINI and Rolls-Royce also, both brands belonging to the German conglomerate. Located in Umm Al Nar specifically, the new home Germanic an investment of U.S. $ 82 million and its construction took three years

Thanks to its 35,000 m2 (3 acres and a half), has capacity to park 172 cars of customers and integrate shop 120 workstations for the three brands that blanket, which means you can work the same number of models simultaneously. Are 420 people working on site, while inside the room can be displayed simultaneously 80 vehicles and 10 motorcycles.

The investment by Abu Dhabi Motors, the importer of BMW most experienced in the region, including a private cinema and an F1 simulator. These facilities comprise a used car section, as well as after sales and service area. The new building demonstrates the excellent performance of the brand in the region, with a 9% increase in sales during 2011 and the Series 7 as the best-selling model, while Abu Dhabi leads the Middle East sales of BMW, on Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

Used car sales set a new record surpassing 18 percent to the transactions recorded in 2010 and has a prospect of a similar level to 2012, said the head of the Chamber of Commerce Automotive (CCA) Prince Albert.

“We had talked about a 15 percent growth this year and we are growing more than 18 percent from 2010 which had set another record,” said businessman Team. Sales had been growing since 2003 (805.222 units) continuously. Slowed in 2009 (1,328,218) in large part by the crisis in the countryside, to return to strong growth in 2010 (1,544,176) and 2011 with 1,800,000 vehicles, representing a new record.

The car market new car (0Km) also closes 2011 with a new high mark-year improvement of 30 percent, to settle over 860,000 units. According to Prince, the good results that positively impact the markets used. “The market is one. If sold many many cars 0km enters the stock used. This year 800,000 units will enter zero miles “, he said.

“The year-absence count the last week, close above the 1.8 million vehicles sold, because December is a month when people prepare their holidays in January and tries to change the order, even last minute. So I think we will exceed 1.8 million, “confided Prince. As for the outlook for 2012, said that “growth will be at levels similar to those of 2011, but with a greater volume of units” sold.

“If the economy comes as it has done, and not external issues affect us deeply, I think it will, more news of our natural partner, which is Brazil, I think we will continue to grow,” he said.

He said that the average age of the bulk of vehicles driving the market is used in 17 years. When asked if the restriction of dollar purchases influenced industry sales, said “it is too early to tell” and that will have to see how the economy progresses in early 2012.

One hypothesis that accounts for an improvement in the resources sector of the population with lower purchasing power will power the next year the sale of some older models, which are lower priced.

As for the young self, Prince said “has a very good demand among the best resources, you acquire it as a second car.” He explained that the vehicles are cars defendant medium, with average prices ranging from 30,000 to 65,000 pesos. Unlike the 0 Kilometer, the used car no credit.

“Most of the operations used car sales are made in cash, or exchange and cash, because inexplicably the financial sector accompanies the growth of the sector” he said.

“No country in the world to move in this way. This is the leg that is missing from this table. Neither the banks nor the financial support of the used market growth. The zero kilometers are another issue, “said Prince. Reported, as it did throughout the year, the proliferation of marginal sales.

“The agencies, working in black and healthy job-creating, selling 40 percent, 20 percent is traded between individuals and the other 40 percent is marginal underground, and that is unfair competition,” he said.

This is the 2012 version of the Seat Ibiza, the successful compact has received a facelift is now known through these few official images and unattested brand has spread to the press. The Seat Ibiza is the bestselling vehicle in its segment in the Spanish market, although the brand ensures that the fruit of his design that is now displayed with a more lively and sporty, the sales pace will accelerate even more, although judging by the few images that show very widespread as the previous version, you must check whether the level of sales shows that the redesign was successful.

As for the exterior design is what stands out most in the industry front grille with trapezoidal shape, which marks a return to the design seen in some previous generation model. Another striking feature of the new design is that the new lights give daytime running lights fitted with LED technology, although the latter is only an element included in the versions that have units equipped with Bi-Xenon. As an option, also available rear lights with LED technology. The design features a lateral waistline with two broken lines, complemented with new tires, which can be chosen as an option on a 17-inch mediated.

In terms of interior design are not substantial changes. The firm says that the glove is now greater capacity and that the instrument panel features a highly readable, though not yet released photos of the interior. Neither reported the equipment of comfort, but as an advance was learned that the sound system will feature a large touch screen, which also incorporate an integrated satellite navigator.

In the mechanical variations are not large, but the engine range offered is truly comprehensive. The range starts with a 1.2 liter 60 hp to the sportier version, equipped with the 1.4-liter TSI twin turbo with 150 horsepower performance, although in a second stage will be offered the Copra version, even more powerful. The 1.4 TSI 150 hp is mated to a standard automatic gearbox DSG seven-speed sequential. The mechanical assembly allows the small utility to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in just 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 212 km / h. As for the diesel options, starting from an engine of 75 horses to the more powerful 143 hp.

Another mechanical interesting is represented by the 1.2-liter TSI with 105 hp and 175 Nm of torque, equipped with the Start & Stop system, but as the economy is concerned, the best option remains the 1.2 TDI CR E-Ecomotive, with its 75 horses and 180 Nm of torque, gets an average consumption of just 3.4 liters per hundred kilometers, aided of course by the Start & Stop system, which also helps to have low emissions of carbon dioxide in the order of 89 grams per kilometer. But if what you want is the power, the diesel option is the 2.0 TDI CR with 143 horses.

With a wide range of transmissions, the Seat Ibiza 2012, it may be mounted manual gearboxes five or six gears, depending on trim level chosen. In addition, a seven-speed DSG automatic is standard on some versions or as an optional added. In addition, as a complement, models with higher power motors to 100 horsepower shall be equipped with an electronic differential called XDS.

The new Seat Ibiza 2012 will be available with different body versions, starting with the smallest SC, which will have a cargo space of 284 liters, continuing along the 5-door version, with 292 liters for luggage, although passed by the wagon version, called ST, which will have a generous 430 liters of capacity. In a second stage, we offer the most radical version and sports: the Seat Ibiza Copra, which will arrive later this year.

One of the reasons why sales of Seat does not finish off their range has been reduced based on two models, the Ibiza and León, pillars of the brand, and two or three more, they added some registrations. In recent times, the Belgian Luc Donckerwolke began to propose some variations and reconverted Audi design in the Seat Exeo. But since last September passed the baton to the head of Seat design center to Spanish, Alejandro Mesoderm Romans, who in four months has been around the studio.

Until then, Alexander Mesoderm was the director of Renault-Samsung center in Seoul, and worked in a great tune with Laurens van den Acker, vice president of design of the French brand. However, do not hesitate to accept the offer he made Donckerwolke and Walter De Silva, vice president of Volkswagen Group Design, taking office as the first was in Seat.

“I had begun in Seat. And it had been in the European Design Audi Centre in Sites, to the Seat Bolero. De Silva met in Italy while working on a prototype of a car in the end did not come out. On the other hand, I had made the third generation Ibiza, which was virtually complete when he assumed leadership of Seat. It seemed a little continuity and changed the front, headlights and taillights. In addition, he had been 10 years at Renault, where I was treated very well, but it was time to change, “he explains.

Upon arrival found a completely different picture, starting with facilities for the design of the front line. And also changed the way we work, “We have clear objectives and a large autonomy to achieve them. If I compare with Renault, the ultimate goal here was not so clear and this has resulted in inconsistencies in the design. My role here has to be to create a style-Seat is maintained over time, with its logical evolution. “

Works closely with the president of the brand James Muir, and Vice President of Product Development, Dr. Matthias Raba. And he is delighted with the working tools-read mechanical base-you have to use for their cars. Obviously, looking for maximum economies of scale, you must use the same platforms from other manufacturers in the consortium, but not worried because it believes they are very ductile and lets you work with different profiles.

And it avoids having to share established architectures such as the Mie Seat, VW clone of Up and CITGO Skoda or the future of Toledo, which will share the frame with a new Skoda. Think it is possible to give an impression of the Spanish brand.

When he arrived, the only complaint I heard was that the study was short of designers. But this is a problem to be solved because Audi has brought to Jorge Diaz, author of the current TT coupe. In this regard wishes to clarify that not attempt to create a center 100% Spanish because in his opinion, “the design has no nationality.”

Local Police Vigo have arrested a 54-year-old JCTR, a native of Santiago de Compostable, for an alleged crime against traffic safety by causing a collision while driving in a roundabout way, all under the influence of alcohol.

As reported to police sources, the incident took place late on Tuesday afternoon, at the roundabout at the confluence of the Agenda de Ricardo Melba and the VG-20. A crew of 092 moved there after receiving notice that there was a traffic accident and one of those involved seemed to be under the influence of alcohol.

Upon arrival, officers found the driver of an Audi A4 was drunk and could not maintain the vertical, so I underwent the breath test, which yielded results of 1.07 to 1 milligram per liter, i.e. four times the rate permitted.

Witnesses confirmed that the driver took the roundabout in the opposite direction and collided head-on against a passenger car, whose driver was injured slightly. After impact, and went off again to give another full turn counterclockwise until the retention of traffic prevented him from continuing. For these events was held.

According to Sun Jean, a partner at the consulting firm headquartered in Shanghai, both lower production costs in China as reverse engineering to make the marks of the Asian giant models from U.S., European and Japanese allow them to offer quality products and price competitive in Latin America.

China exported nearly half a million vehicles in 2011, and while the figure is expected to reach two million by 2015 and three million by 2020, Latin America is becoming an important market for Chinese brands with strong growth in recent years in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Argentina.

The presence of Chinese brands is still more common in markets where they are exporting more years, such as Chile and Venezuela.

Thus, while Chinese brands are at the gates of the European Union and the United States and Canada, are present in Colombia and 16 Chinese brands (such as Cherry, Futon, Great Wall, Greely and Yangtze), and Peru are already more than thirty, according to AT Kearney.

In Brazil, for example, the difference in price between a Chinese car models and its European direct competitors can become a third cheaper for the car east, according to Guido Valdez, analyst at IHS Automotive, based in the United States.

Part of the competitiveness of Chinese brands is their relatively low production costs, with wages in the sector at the moment are around the 300 or 400 dollars a month in China (227 or 303 Euros), said Valdez, almost 10 times in Mexico and 20 more than in the United States.

Added to this are savings in research and development that Chinese firms get through reverse engineering Jean mentioned.

Only in Colombia, where five years ago Chinese brands had just entered, and now account for 5 percent of the market, according to Garcia Oliver, president of the National Association of Dealers Let us walk, pick up Chinese newspaper today.

The case is similar in Peru, according to the Peruvian firm quotes Dealer Plaza, which indicates that Chinese firms accounted for 15 percent of new car sales in 2011, up from 12 percent scored in 2010 and figures from virtually zero in 2005.

According to Central Dallas in the same consulting firm, AT Kearney, Latin America is particularly attractive to Chinese firms, because while in mature markets, European or American, do not expect sales to grow by more than 2 percent year Latin American emerging markets are booming.

In countries such as Colombia was an annual sales increase of 25 percent in 2010 (with 300,000 units sold) and growth is expected to be in the same proportion when they meet the figures of 2011, stands out.

That coincides with the present moment in the automotive sector in China, where there are dozens of manufacturers across the vast Asian country, often state-controlled firm’s regional or local governments, along with large private producers competing as Greely, Cherry and Brilliance.

In Europe and the United States the major brands have been reduced to a dozen multinational corporations, but in China are still very numerous and are in the process of natural selection, and in that battle for survival in Latin America is one of the most promising markets to increase exports.

Already on the way to your holiday destination and obviously do not want anything the spoil. To make your trip safe and peaceful uses continue to stop eating to refuel or check the status of your car tires.

1.   Stay one step ahead
Check the pressure of all tires on a regular basis, including the spare. You probably already have done before starting the trip, but it only takes a couple of minutes and worth it for peace of mind.

2.   Early resolution of problems
did you know that a tire with 20% less pressure to offer a 20% lower duration? Pressure levels lower than this figure is within the danger zone in which you risk suffering a blowout. At this level can also lose the equivalent of a fuel tank along the tire’s life.

3.   Keep the correct pressure
Whether you are slightly inflated or are inflated more, if the tires do not have the correct pressure can be dangerous for you and your family because it is easier for accidents. For safety, durability and more efficient use of fuel make sure the tires have adequate pressure.

4.   Watch out for flat tires
if you have a flat tire, you may have suffered irreversible damage. Only a complete overhaul of its interior will know whether reusable or not. To do this, you need a professional to disassemble and evaluate.

5.   In the event of an emergency call to an expert
If one of your tire is punctured it is best to visit a specialist who can check and repair it if possible. The use of a silicone instant puncture is only a temporary solution that allows you to reach a specialized site and thoroughly repair or even and if necessary, replaced. These products can cause compliance problems in components like tire, wheel, valve or the pressure sensor.

6.   Change a tire?
Do not try to change a tire en route if that put at risk your safety or that of your passengers. If you’re on a highway, always call for help. If you cannot check the spare tire pressure, drive with extreme caution at low speed until you reach the specialist workshop or service station nearest you can restore the pressure correctly.

7.   A question of trust
When it comes time to change the tires of your car, get a brand and model that you feel comfortable with. Today there are tires that offer an optimal balance between the benefits that matter most: safety, durability and fuel economy.

Do not interrupt your vacation because of a problem with the tires. Take care of your car wheels and let your vacation go as smoothly from start to finish.