Thailand will provide tax privileges to auto makers capable of using E85 – fuel with up to 85% ethanol, according to recent media reports from Bangkok. The government has decided to offer tax breaks for imported E85-compatible vehicles despite a request from Japanese auto manufacturers to delay the plan by two years. Several American and European auto manufacturers already produce E85-compatible models for the export market only after two years. The Thai automobile market is dominated by Japanese manufacturers, nearly all of whom have set up assembly and manufacturing plants in Thailand to avoid high import taxes on completely built – up vehicles.

Record-high gasoline prices have stirred up anger and anxiety around the world. But in a small village in northern Sweden, retiree Tore Blomqvist is happily cruising around in his car. Blomqvist, a 78iyear-old former mechanic, said he recently cut his fuel costs by some 86 percent by using the same type of fuel he employed to cope with the gasoline shortages of World War II: wood gas. Swedes commonly used wood gas during the war, when fuel was sparse and expensive. Wood gas is produced by burning wood in a container in the back of the car. “I am an old man and I grew up using wood gas,” Blomqvist said. “It seemed suitable to start using it again now when the fuel prices are so high.” Blomqvist said the technology work well, although it takes a little extra time to get the engine started. “It depends on how dry the wood is,” he said. But he said the savings were worth it: a recent 480 km drive cost him only four bags of wood, about $17. In comparison, the same journey on gasoline would have cost him around $118. If you are looking for used cars exporters and importers then please click here: JapanAutoPages.com

For the first five months of Azerbaijan imported 30,298 automobiles estimated at $222 million with average cost of a car at $7,334. In 2007, Azerbaijan imported 70,963 automobiles for $456 million with average cost of $6,428 per car. For the next four years the country will be importing more than 300,000 new automobiles, according to recent media reports on the Internet. Automobile fleet of Azerbaijan has exceeded 800,000.

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Israelis recently got a first demonstration electric car that developers hope will revolutionize transportation in Israel and serve as a pilot for the rest of the world.

The Sillicon Valley start-up project Better place hopes the fully electric prototype will be on Israel’s streets in large numbers by 2010.If the company’s plan proceeds on schedule, Israel will be the first country to have electric cars on its highways in large numbers.

The project is a joint venture between automotive giant Renault-Nissan, which came up with the business model and is supposed to operate a recharging grid to be built across Israel beginning in 2009.The project is a joint venture between automotive giant Renault-Nissan, which came up with the business model and is supposed to operate a recharging grid to be built across Israel beginning in 2009.

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Subaru has launched its new generation Forester offering economy, safety, style and All-Wheel Drive fun in a more spacious, high value package.

The best-selling vehicle in Subaru’s range is expanding its appeal with a striking new look, clever cabin refinements, enhanced efficiency and comfort.

It is significantly stronger, yet more frugal, offering fuel consumption improvements of up to 7.8 per cent.

In line with the entire Subaru range, Forester achieves a maximum five-star rating for occupant protection in independent crashworthiness testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). It has also gained a three-star pedestrian rating.

Subaru’s safety commitment is again highlighted by the introduction of standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) across the Forester range.

The Forester’s All-Wheel Drive recreational credentials are underlined by a 20 mm increase in ground clearance, to 220 mm on Forester X and XS, and 225 mm on turbocharged XT.

Forester X pricing starts from $30,490 recommended retail price.

Forester’s interior space is greater, with rear occupant access and the cargo area notably enhanced.

SPORTSHIFT transmissions are standard in all automatic naturally aspirated Foresters.

The Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) four-cylinder 2.5 litre naturally aspirated horizontally opposed boxer engine in Forester X and XS offers a 4.1 per cent power hike and a 1.3 per cent improvement in torque.

In the Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder 2.5 litre turbocharged XT, torque kicks in 800 revs lower in the range at 2800 rpm.

Every Forester engine meets strict European STEP4 emission standards.

Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension optimizes Forester’s renowned constant AWD handling, while reducing cargo area intrusion, to produce a wider load carrying space with easier access.

Among new generation Forester highlights: - Stylish new design with easier occupant and cargo area access - Vehicle Dynamics Control – five-star ANCAP rating - Naturally aspirated engines with 4.1 per cent more power, 1.3 per cent more torque - Turbo engine torque kicks in 400 rpm earlier for enhanced drivability - All engines more fuel efficient – up to 7.8 per cent on manual XT - SPORTSHIFT transmissions for all automatic Foresters - Active Valve Lift System – naturally aspirated engines; XT with Active Valve Control System - Euro STEP4 emission compliant - Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension for optimum ride and handling - Ground clearance improved to 220 mm - 225 mm on XT - Framed doors for enhanced safety and NVH - Larger cabin – enhanced comfort – 29 mm more front legroom, 109 mm rear Wider cargo area - Significant improvements in NVH - Height and telescopic adjustable steering in all Foresters - Hill Start Assist (manual variants) – forward and reverse - Rear seat recline - Innovative centre console with multiple storage configurations - Shorter rear overhang - Subaru Dynamic Chassis Concept – ride comfort, safety and NVH benefits

Source: Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.