Quiet, fast and affordable two-wheeled transportation.

The Chinese are coming! The Indians are coming!

With a price of $7495 for brand new transportation, there must be a catch—either China or India has to be supplying a low-cost product for the American consumer.

Well, put your Tata Nano dreams on hold and forget about seeing the Chery QQ any time soon: an electric motorcycle manufacturer by the name of Zero Motorcycles is selling their Zero S and Zero DS models to Californians for just $7495, after a $1500 California Clean Vehicle Program rebate has been applied…naturally.

Zero Motorcycles, formerly known as Electricross, uses lithium-ion (li-ion) technology to power its line of bikes, completely recyclable power packs devoid of toxic metals. No nickel. No lead. No cobalt. And certainly no mercury is used—environmentally friendly and clean.

Launched in 2006, Zero Motorcycles designs, builds and sells its bikes from its Scotts Valley, California facility. Local sales representatives can schedule a demo ride for you although that means filling out a form on the Zero site to find representatives in your area. By then you’ve already told them who you are, so expect to get a call or follow up email soon thereafter.

And these bikes are fast as they are quiet. Though top speed is limited to 67 mph, these clutchless one speed 273 pound machines can reach 60 mph in about four seconds and offer a range of 50 miles before needing to be recharged with a standard 110V or 220V outlet.

Yes, take the “405” from Long Beach to Irvine and back, weaving between cars to get where you’re going quicker. But just remember this: drivers won’t hear you coming so expect to use your horn a lot.

The Zero S and Zero DS are actually priced from $9995, but a 10% federal rebate kicks in first. By the time California finishes applying their rebate, you’ve saved 25 percent off of the sticker price.

Zero Motorcycles feature a two year limited warranty. The first year of the warranty covers parts, standard shipping and labor for major components—to ship it back to the factory for a fix; in the second year just the replacement parts are covered. You can buy an extended warranty from Zero or choose a “no fault” warranty to include your upgrades.

Rest assured, California isn’t the only state offering rebates for the purchase of a Zero. South Carolina’s rebate is $2000, while Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia and other states also offer assistance with several more offering or considering doing the same.

Zero offers a line of dirt bikes too, but you’ll have to check with your state to see if those motorcycles qualify too. In any case what you have is a line of environmentally clean and fast bikes, the polar opposite of your “Hog” but just like your Harley it is made in America.

Source: Zero Motorcycles

If you are disappointed that Saturn and quite possibly Hummer are no more then this bit of news should pique your interest.

Parts Bin

It seems that GM has some spare parts for these two brands lying around, enough on hand to continue producing the Saturn Outlook and Hummer H3, at least for a bit longer. Turns out that GM also had some customer orders to fill and, by golly, they also have the parts available to restart production.

According to Automobile magazine, GM ceased Saturn production in October 2009 when its plan to sell the brand to the Penske Automotive Group fell apart.  In February, GM resumed production of its Outlook crossover, cranking out 1037 units to use up excess parts.

The Saturn Outlook sits on the Lambda platform, the same one powering the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. However, certain parts–most likely fascia and other exterior treatments–are unique to the vehicle which means GM wants to put these parts to good use. Thus the build order.

Hummer Order

Hummer production is slated to resume on April 12 and will fill an order of 847 H3s placed by a commercial customer. Once that production has been completed on May 13, Hummer will most likely cease production forever, the brand disbanded.

Then again, if Hummer is able to pull a “Saab” and find a last minute buyer, production may resume again down the line.  Don’t hold your breath though–Hummer is the toughest sell of all, a brand that would have likely been doomed sooner or later.

Gas prices are going up and the Hummer is too big and too thirsty. No hybrid model was in the wings either, making the prospects of Hummer mattering long term virtually nil.

Now if we can get someone in Australia to crank out a few more Pontiac G8s….

Is ET interfering with your Toyota?!

This just in: Toyota’s acceleration problems may be the work of cosmic rays. At least that is the theory posited by federal regulators who are investigating whether Toyota’s acceleration problems are, uh, out of this world.

Cosmic Rays

In the Mar. 16, 2010 issue of the “Detroit Free Press,” staff writer Justin Hyde noted that cosmic rays have long affected the operation of airplanes and spacecraft, while the research on its impact on automotive technology is relatively unknown. Toyota is making mechanical changes to some of its affected models, but the problem might be traced to something far beyond this earthly realm.

Thanks to the prompting of an anonymous tipster, regulators are taking a closer look at the microprocessors, memory chips and software inside Toyota vehicles to see if they are vulnerable to cosmic radiation. A California researcher believes that this could a problem for Toyota while Toyota insists that its vehicles are resistant to such interference.

Single Event Upset

Researchers believe that cosmic rays can cause single event upset (SEU) software crashes, events that would not be traceable afterward. While radio waves can be blocked from interfering, only a combination of software and hardware design can prevent problems.

If cosmic radiation is the culprit then that could explain why vehicles made by other manufacturers have had their share of unintended acceleration incidents too as Toyota has argued. The tipster explained to the National Highway Safety Transportation Agency (NHTSA) that the automotive industry has yet to incorporate techniques used by aircraft firms to prevent problems with SEUs.

Airliners and NASA have long recognized the threat of SEUs, incorporating triple check safeguards to thwart the problem. Perhaps the auto industry should rip a page out of the aviation playbook when it comes to cosmic interference and incorporate such redundancies.

The Real Story

Of course, cosmic radiation could be just a cover story for what is REALLY going on—extraterrestrials may be preparing to attack our beloved blue marble and have discovered that interfering with the workings of our favorite modes of transportation is the best way to go about doing that.

They’ve failed to conquer our airliners and spacecraft, now they are going after our cars. ET has phoned home and the advice he has given his cohorts is to disable as many vehicles as possible before launching an invasion. Heck, my theory is worth exploring or at least using as the story line for an upcoming “V” release.

Photo Credit: Herman Brinkman

Saab’s sale to Spyker does little to ensure that the Swedish brand will be around for many years to come. True, Saab is now owned by a company interested in making the brand work, but Spyker doesn’t exactly have the technological base from which to build future Saab models. That means Spyker will need to find a partner to help it advance Saab or risk seeing its investment evaporate.

Saab Financing

One area where Saab won’t have to worry about for now is new car financing as GMAC Financial Services, once known as the General Motors Acceptance Corporation and current primary financier of GM vehicles, has been chosen by Saab Automobile AB. Specifically, GMAC has been selected by Saab as the “preferred provider of wholesale and retail financial services for qualified Saab dealers and customers in many different countries around the world.”

Jan Ake Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for the Saab organization as a whole and also for Saab’s customers. It not only makes available competitive financing, but also provides valuable continuity for the dealer network which already uses GMAC services.”

Bill Muir, GMAC President said: “We are delighted to be able to build on our strong relationships with Saab dealers and customers, and we look forward to working with Saab as it begins a new chapter in its history.”

2010 Models

GM’s sale of Saab has delayed the introduction of the brand’s 2010 model year vehicles, expected to arrive in North American showrooms in April. Currently, Saab dealers are still selling 2008 and 2009 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles. Prices for the 2010 9-3 are being pegged some 4 to 12 percent lower than the sticker price of 2009 models. In any case if you want a deal on a “new” 2008 or 2009 model, you can probably find a terrific deal.

Included with the 9-3 will be an all new 9-3X crossover model. Standard engine is a 2.0L turbocharged I4 paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 9-3 will also be sold as a sedan and convertible.

GM announced the sale of Saab to Dutch supercar maker Spyker in January, closing the deal on February 23. This summer an all new 9-5 goes on sale and is expected to be joined by the 9-4X crossover in 2011 with an all new 9-3 line due in 2012. Each of these new models has been in the planning pipeline for months if not years, with Spyker only needing to complete each project and bring these models to market.

I have been expecting this sort of announcement from Ford for some time, especially as Carbon Motors continues to work toward building their own dedicated police cruiser. Today, Ford told the world that it will be replacing its aged rear wheel driven Crown Victoria with a new model, a front wheel drive sedan based on the same platform now underpinning the Ford Taurus.

The Crown Victoria, Chevy Impala and Dodge Charger are the reasons why upstart Carbon Motors is getting going—a diesel powered cop car like none other. Carbon expects to begin building its cars in 2012, having secured an Indiana plant for production.

Profitable Business

Ford, GM and Chrysler stand to lose a huge amount of profitable business unless they come up with something new and desired by police departments and law enforcement personnel. The Carbon Motors E7 model, if it lives up to the hype, will be a real game changer, incorporating a number of safety features security personnel want as standard equipment.

The new Ford police pursuit vehicle will be built to pass 75 mph rear end crash testing, the same threshold Carbon Motors plans to meet. In addition, Ford is going the fuel efficiency route, choosing to stick its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood. This will allow the interceptor to get V8 equivalent power while achieving V6 fuel economy. In these coming days of higher fuel prices, a more economical cop car is also much more desirable.

That EcoBoost will be optional as a standard engine of the same size will also be offered. Both engines will be paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Look for all wheel drive to be offered as well.

Safety Features

Among the safety features being incorporated in the new police interceptor will be blind spot information system, to detect vehicles on either side of the Ford; Ford SYNC; rear view camera system; a safety canopy system with side curtain airbags and rollover protection. The police cruiser will also feature more robust brakes, larger alternator, heavy-duty alternator and 18 inch wheels.

In addition to the new sedan, Ford says it will put a new police interceptor utility vehicle into service next year. The Crown Victoria will be produced until late 2011 when the unnamed new sedan takes over. That’s good too as Vickie has been doing full size sedan duty for more than 30 years running.

“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, Ford vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe

I love kids and I love cars so when the two come together good things usually happen. Especially when a car auction is being conducted with the proceeds from it benefiting children.

Word is out from Charity Buzz–do good, live well–that a 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe will be auctioned off with the funds used to help the Music for America Project, an organization whose mission is to provide ways for kids to reach their musical dreams.

The winning bidder will be able to create their own Vantage Coupe, a model that will be made available this summer–just 3000 copies will be produced! For an extra cost you can select customizable features to personalize your Aston Martin in any way that you like.

So what’s so special about this model besides it rock solid good looks? Well, the 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe features an updated exterior design and performance technology that should help give the Vantage a distinct advantage.

Among the standard features are its Otto cycle 4.7 L V8, 2 door coupe with tailgate, multipoint sequential fuel injection, 6-speed automated manual transmission, axle ration 3:91, 420 maximum horsepower, rear wheel drive and so much more. Bidding for this item ends Monday, March 29, 2010.

Charitybuzz regularly auctions VIP experiences and luxury goods on its web site in a bid to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits all around the globe.  A-list celebrities and elite luxury brands work together to attract a global audience, bidders excited to nab exclusive opportunities that also give back to those in need.

Interested in placing and following the bid? Visit Charity Buzz to track its progress. Follow Music For America Project on Facebook too.

Automotive News (AN) does a wonderful job in keeping industry enthusiasts informed as well as providing a platform where people can express their points of view.

Today, I stopped by AN and noticed a question from “dandeed” asking, “Is it too late for Ford to keep Volvo?” This person went on to question whether Ford really needed the money expected from a sale now that they were turning a profit. He also wondered whether it was a good idea to hand Volvo’s proprietary safety technology over to Geely.

Dan, you got me thinking!

Ford is about to let go one of its most prized assets. Certainly Jaguar, LandRover and Aston Martin were of value to Ford, but Volvo is different. Unlike Saab, a Swedish brand that drained GM’s resources, Volvo has been profitable and has benefited the rest of Ford thanks to its engineering and advanced safety technology.

Safety Technology

A lot of the safety stuff now in Ford vehicles got there due to Volvo’s leadership including its blind spot info system or BLIS. I believe that Volvo has enhanced the entire Ford Motor Company and has given potential buyers a reason to look at Lincoln. Until recently, Lincoln had lost its once noble position, but with new cars and Volvo inspired technology included, suddenly Lincoln is once again a force.

Backing off from a likely deal with Geely would be upsetting to the Chinese, but a deal isn’t a deal until the parties have come to an agreement. GM knows what that’s all about because they had deals for Saturn, Saab and Hummer collapse although they were able to eventually find a buyer for Saab.

And, GM backed off from selling Opel because that European make is central to the company’s small car plans.

GM Opel

Just as Opel is important to GM I think the same can be said about Volvo for Ford. Sure, some of that technology won’t be lost in event of a sale, but Volvo isn’t a damaged brand. In fact, Volvo with the other three Ford brands could help Ford do quite well in the coming years.

Will Ford keep Volvo? I doubt it. Should they keep Volvo? I think an argument can be made that they should.

Getting $2 billion for Volvo would help Ford’s bottom line, but let’s remember that Ford paid $6 billion for the company in late 1990s. They already lost billions on the deal, but it seems to me that Volvo’s value is headed in the right direction: up.

Somebody should listen to dandeed.

Sometimes waiting an extra long time for something new to debut proves to be worthwhile in the end. At least that is what Mahindra & Mahindra (Mahindra) hopes is true when their line of pickup trucks finally becomes available for sale to American consumers this year.

The Auto Writer first noted that Mahindra was planning to introduce its pickup truck line to the US in June 2008, but we’ve also tracked subsequent announcements of its pending arrival pushed back several times.

US Distributor

On one of those occasions its US distributor, Global Vehicles USA, said that a number of changes to the trucks needed to be made first including a redesigned hood and modifications to the front and rear of the truck. Some are cosmetic while others are likely safety measures.

Emissions certification and crash testing are two jobs that must be done before the trucks can be certified for US sale. Those tasks are expected to be completed in the coming weeks with Mahindra making an official announcement of truck launch date by month’s end.

Federal Approval

In the Mar. 5 2010 issue of “Money Center,” Pawan Goenka, president and member of the Mahindra management board noted that the federal approval process was taking longer than had been expected, but applications to the EPA are usually reviewed within a month.

The Mahindra name is well known across America’s farm belt thanks to the company’s line of Indian built tractors. But Mahindra’s trucks and sport utility vehicles—best sellers in India—are unknown here. When the two- and four-door versions of its diesel powered trucks hit the market, they’ll compete against the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, the two top selling compact truck lines in America.

Mahindra Features

Once Mahindra makes its product debut announcement, we’ll have a clear picture on how its trucks stack up by price. What we already know is that payload is over 2600 lbs; the trucks should get 30 mpg on the highway thanks to its 2.2L common rail diesel; and seating is for as many as five adults when the four door version is selected.

Other features included are a six-speed automatic transmission; premium audio sound system with MP3 playback; and electronic stability control.

New Models

Mahindra will follow up these trucks with a sport utility vehicle underpinned by the same truck platform. Its debut is expected toward the end of the year. The automaker also shows on their website a very rough sketch of yet another model, dubbed the MUC, which will debut here in 2012.

Ultimately, Mahindra wants to be known as a global player for their line of passenger vehicles. Though an important player in India and elsewhere, the company has been overshadowed stateside by Tata Motors whose own car line is expected to be sold here within the next few years when an American spec Nano debuts.

Resource

Mahindra Planet: The Mahindra Test Drive

Photo Credit: Mahindra & Mahindra

Rumors have been swirling for months that Mercedes would bring an all new car line to the US market, one smaller than the C Class. Today, the German automaker confirmed that it will introduce both a B Class sedan and a similar size sport utility vehicle to the North American market sometime after the new B Class rolls out in late 2011.

B Class Sedan

According to Automotive News, a hatchback, sedan and SUV as well as an undetermined fourth body style will be released late next year with the sedan expected to be sold on this side of the Atlantic. Like so many other car manufacturers, Mercedes believes that gas prices will be higher down the road which also means that demand for smaller cars will spike. Mercedes has never sold anything smaller than the C Class though Daimler’s Smart car unit sells the tiny ForTwo.

Introducing a smaller Mercedes to this market isn’t without its risks. Unlike in Europe, Mercedes is exclusively a luxury brand in North America. That sedan will have to have both the look and feel of a Mercedes in order to sell here with customers not simply satisfied with 40 mpg.

Nasty Exchange Rates

Currency exchange rates could make it difficult for Mercedes to build a B Class car over there and import it while still making a profit. Mercedes has been eying how the euro and dollar have been performing and has been looking at changing which cars are built at its Alabama facility. Nevertheless, if the company brings an electrified version of the B Class to the states or one with an alternative fuel source (diesel) federal tax credits may enhance that model’s appeal.

Not much is known about the proposed SUV which would come in smaller than the GLK Class crossover, currently the smallest and least expensive Mercedes utility model sold in North America.

Through February, Mercedes sales are up by 8 percent while BMW is up 16 percent. Audi is making the most in-roads of the three German luxury brands, enjoying a year to date increase by more than 33 percent. If Mercedes expands its product line right it could help Daimler stave off BMW while slowing down the Audi onslaught.

Is the Cadillac Converj dead?

Say it ain't so: the Cadillac Converj is dead.

General Motors seems to be worried about how the automaker is recovering post-bankruptcy. And that may not be a bad thing especially since that also means GM is living in reality, not wishful thinking.

Under the old GM, losing hundreds of millions of dollars each week wasn’t taken as seriously as it should have been. That sort of disconnect hastened the company’s decline, eventually leading to bankruptcy and becoming a ward of the state. Rick Wagoner may have been a gifted speaker, but while he spoke GM burned through huge wads of cash.

Impatient GM

Today, there is a strong undercurrent of impatience running through GM world headquarters at RenCen and around the world. GM not only has to rebound but they have to do it quickly. Yes, US sales were up in February but they aren’t where they should be. Worse, the company hasn’t capitalized fully on Toyota’s misfortunes and they also ceded the top position to their arch-rival, Ford. That latter event was the most painful one to bear coming from the only one of the three domestic producers not to go bankrupt.

Which leads to what GM did earlier this week: reshuffle the deck. Again.

On Tuesday, GM announced that several people were having their responsibilities changed including Susan Docherty. The one-time head of the Buick brand has gone through several job changes over the past year, but at least she can say she still has a job unlike three Cadillac executives who were booted: Steve Shannon, John Howell and Jay Spenchian.

Why the shake up at Cadillac? Sales. Sales. Sales.

Sinking Sales

In 2009, Cadillac saw its sales fall by one-third, the steepest decline of any of the surviving four GM brands. Year to date Cadillac is up by 14 percent, but that pace is below expectations. Meanwhile, sales for rival Lincoln have been increasing and the entire luxury market seems to be rebounding.

With a new SRX crossover and expanded CTS line in play, Cadillac has the product to attract buyers. GM just isn’t confident that their tools (executives) are a good fit, thus the shake up. And with Ed Whitacre at the helm quicker results across the board are a must for GM.

Converj Collapse?

Not verified yet this morning but something of major interest are rumors circulating that the Cadillac Converj, an upscale version of the electrified Chevrolet Volt, is dead. I find that hard to believe but if it is true my thinking is that GM will introduce a Buick version of the Volt instead. Still, with the Lexus HS250h marketed as the upscale version of the Toyota Prius, what will Cadillac get? The XTS Platinum, perhaps.

The month of May cannot come soon enough for GM because that is when the first compact Chevrolet Cruze models roll off of a Lordstown, Ohio assembly line. Chevrolet is what is really holding up GM, delivering about 70 percent of all sales with the Cruze expected to help the brand gain traction in the ultra-competitive compact car market.

Time is of the essence for GM who must prove ASAP that they are a viable entity. Unless the automaker gets the upper hand soon, a rebounding Toyota and surging Ford may prove to be the least of their problems.

Photo Credit: GM Corp.