Automotive Business

Archive for September, 2010

Recent innovations in automotive engineering have produced active safety systems ranging from side alert, often called blind spot warning, to adaptive cruise control, to collision detection and warning. What this means to the average consumer will change over time as these products become increasingly available. What this means to the automotive engineer is increased attention to safe technology.

Many impressive innovations beyond the now customary car navigation system have existed – and even been on the market – for years now. Adaptive cruise control has been available since the early ’90s. Electronic stability control has been an option for many vehicles since 1995. Scanning radars, crash sensors, pre-crash mitigation and vehicle and occupant safety systems are also emerging. Such systems offer insights into how roads can be made safer in generations to come and where automotive technology is heading. In other words, as cars become “carputers,” automotive engineers are driving shifting technologies.

The myriad of promising innovations includes vehicle occupant safety systems. For example, a crash sensor generates a signal based upon a potential crash or one already transpired via a continuously variable severity output signal. If an accident has occurred, sensors signal certain actions like deployment of airbags. If an accident is likely to occur, sensors can alert the driver in various ways so that she or he can try to take necessary actions to avoid an accident and/or the sensors can take action themselves by pretensioning seatbelts or initiating automatic braking. In many ways, this process is not dissimilar to the functioning of the human brain: The brain sends a signal to the body to complete an action, often in response to stimuli received from the outside world. Who knew humanity would serve as its own model for creating devices designed for our safety?

Often, though, such examples of automotive technology are integrated into high-end, expensive cars first, due to high pricing. As the benefits of these products become more widely known and their popularity expands, costs decrease due to economies of scale and advancing technology. As research and development pay off, these advanced products become more widely distributed. The advantages of automotive system and component integration expertise will continue to increase over time. Such knowledge may be paramount to an industry focused on better fuel economy, safety advancements and financially feasible products. Engineers versed in not only the basics of these systems but also in how to integrate them is only the beginning. Savvy engineers who are engaging in up-integration – adding software that makes one electronic module do many things – and sensor fusion – using complementary technologies to enhance object detection and classification – may have an edge in an ever-competitive job market.

In the rush to meet consumer demand and stay competitive, suppliers tend to be increasingly eager to develop ways to integrate safety and other technology systems. Many vehicles currently come with automatic on/off, high/low beam and rain sensor technology for instance. A separate camera, of course, is not necessary for this. Install a camera for a lane departure warning system, and suddenly a world of possibilities opens up. Intelligent headlight plus pedestrian and sign recognition programs can also be added, to name a few, without the need for additional cameras. Separate module manufacturing for each technological innovation becomes unnecessary. Multiple functions and features on the same apparatus decrease cost and increase functionality.

So, what’s next? It seems to be the perpetual question that automotive engineers ask – no matter how far we advance. Perhaps an entirely self-driving car. Perhaps hover vehicles on highways, following designated pathways and communicating with surrounding vehicles to avoid crashes. What do consumers want? The evolution of technology. Inventions born of new ideas. And, ultimately, innovative products that can even make us all safer. It’s the engineers, though – the technological innovators themselves – who make it possible.

There is no denying the fact that the most excellent car should also be the safest. That is why every car needs the best automotive electrical kit. An automotive electrical kit is a kit that can turn a standard automobile into an electric car or more characteristically turn it into a mixture car. The rationale behind these kinds of cars is that they are well-liked and well-accepted plus they are energy-efficient and they trim down greenhouse gasses and decrease gas expenditures.

Some group of people has a false impression with reference to the conversion kits. These people suppose that they will trim down your automotive presentation. In actual fact, they do not have an effect on your car routine for the reason that they only translate energy that would have been squandered into electricity. This is then stocked up for use soon after. Consequently, to all intents and purposes, these cars are reprocessing waste power and not using up energy out of the locomotive.

On the other hand, the most essential principle still exists. It is still very luxurious to change a gas motorized car into an electric car fusion, attributable to all the supplementary elements that should be fitted with an automotive electrical kit. For example, you are supposed to call for an installation of a secondary, electric engine into the car, at the surface of the gas motorized engine.

But then, the much-better alternative to the automotive electrical kit is to try a hydrogen conversion kit. This is a change that changes the waste power into a chemical energy, and is then flamed accompanied by the gas. This functions on the same principle of using the waste energy of the car to produce more useful power, but it does not have a need of a secondary engine to use this power. The overloaded electricity as a substitute is employed to break up water into combustible gases. These are straight away inserted into the fuel concoction of the car, releasing more energy that the engine can use.

The conversion is very trouble-free to carry out. In actual fact, you do not even necessitate to pay money for a conversion kit. You are able to create the hydrogen gas converter personally, by the means of the not so expensive yet simple to purchase automotive electrical mechanism. To set it up into your engine is straightforward. There is a converter which is completed from economical components that you can get your hands on without any. Unlike an automotive electrical kit, if you notice that it cannot function for you, you can without difficulties do away with it and bring back your car to its innovative and original situation.

That is why you must take into account having automotive electrical kit today and be able to experience a journey that is away from any untoward breakdowns. There are also some tips that you can gain knowledge of form the different automotive electrical information and ideas. The online sites are available in order for you to become acquainted with the most essential details and ideas regarding safe road travel anytime, anywhere.

Eco friendly cars are all the rage in today’s economic turmoil. General Motors and Chrysler both wagered heavily on the fuel thirsty, big horsepower inefficiency of large vehicles and have since found themselves, as we all know near collapse. Ford on the other hand has followed behind the eco friendly footsteps of both Honda and Toyota and have seemingly secured themselves within the environmentally conscious hearts of the North American car buying public. Both Honda and Toyota have long been the fuel sipping masters of the automotive industry and still are able to hold the crowns of eco friendly cars.

Toyota launched into the fuel miser, eco friendly car market more then forty years ago with the introduction of the Corolla. Honda followed suit in North America with the CCVC which is also known as the Civic. Both of these eco friendly cars have continually allowed drivers fuel consumption of approximately 5.5 litres of fuel being burned per 100 kilometers of driving. Both manufacturers have maintained this level of fuel consumption even with the ever increasing size of their cars. They have also both been able to deliver phenomenal fuel consumption from their larger vehicles, Camry and Accord, as well. Both vehicles have survived an approximate 6 litres per 100kms even with their substantial increase in size.

Honda took the first steps in the next generation of environmentally friendly cars with the introduction of the first mass produced hybrid vehicle for North America, the Honda Insight. The eco friendly Insight was based on the Honda J-VX concept which was unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, and these eco friendly cars hit the market in December 1999. It featured an optimized blend for fuel economy from aerodynamics, a lightweight aluminum structure and Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist). The car remained the most fuel efficient machine available in the U.S. while it was produced and is still the leader of any current mass market car. The Insight earned an EPA fuel efficiency estimate of 70 miles per US gallon or 3.4 L/100 km which equals 84 mpg. The Honda Civic Hybrid was introduced in the 2003 model year to compliment Honda’s commitment to eco friendly cars and environmental sustainability

Toyota entered into the Hybrid market of friendly cars with the introduction of the Prius. It was first introduced in Japan in 1997 and then went on sale worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than thirty five countries, with the largest markets being Japan and North America. As a top seller, the U.S. Toyota Prius made up more than half of the 1.2 million Prius’ sold around the world by early 2009. The Prius is rated to get 3.7 litres per 100 kms on city streets and 4.0 litres per 100kms on the highway. Even with its higher price tag it is a benchmark for the hybrid eco friendly car market.

For the 2010 model year Honda challenged Toyota for the benchmark hybrid crown with the introduction of the second coming of the Insight. The second generation of the Insight has taken a shot at the environmentally friendly cars thrown with a less expensive yet similarly designed vehicle. The Insight which now shares its platform with the Honda Fit has an estimated fuel economy of 4.8 litres per 100 kms in the city and 4.5 litres of fuel burned for every 100 kms driven on the highway.

The undisputed winner is still yet to be decided and will inevitably change constantly. Eco friendly cars are with no doubt the future of the automotive industry and with an ever increasing selection of cars designed to save fuel, the champion of the environment is still up for grabs.

After a long hot summer and a mild case of writers block, I am going to change the tone a bit in my latest post. It is rather long, somewhat technical, but serves as an insight to a day in the life of an automotive technician- business owner, the technologies we deal with and the peculiar problems we face more often than not.

I recently serviced a 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara with the customers concern of not being able to pass Delaware State inspection. The reason for the inspection failure was that 3 of the OBDII computer monitors were not set. The monitors that had not set in a passing state were; oxygen sensors, catalytic converter and evaporative system. Delaware Motor Vehicle provided the owner a printed copy of the “drive cycle” requirements to allow the monitors to run for that specific vehicle. The owner of the vehicle attempted 3 more times over the span of 2 months while driving a total of 1043 miles in an effort to get these monitors to set. Each retest produced the same failure results.

To help you understand the technology and associated terminology contained in the previous paragraph and the following story, I will first explain those terms in greater detail;

OBDII- On Board Diagnostics Generation 2- all vehicles produced since 1996 were engineered with this technology in the computer system to meet Federally Mandated Emission standards. Monitors- Self tests performed by the power train control module (computer) on the various systems that effect emissions output from the vehicle as well as control the operation and performance of the vehicle. When a monitor “sets”, it has passed the test. Drive Cycle- Conditions that have to be met for the various self tests (monitor) to set. A few examples would be engine temperature, vehicle speed, engine load, outside temperature, fuel tank level and internal tank pressure.

I connected one of our diagnostic scanners (a piece of equipment that cost $6000 to purchase and $2000 annually to keep updated) and performed a quick scan of the computer system to check for codes. I also verified the monitors that were not set according to the failure records from DMV. There were no faults stored in either current or pending status and the 3 monitors previously mentioned had not run. A review of current published manufacturer technical bulletins combined with canvassing the automotive forum we belong to, offered no quick solution for this problem.

With the diagnostic scanner still connected I selected all 4 oxygen sensors to monitor their activity. With the vehicle running, one of the sensors was operating at a fixed voltage rather than varying as they should, yet the reading was not outside the parameters to set a fault code for an obvious deficient sensor. To isolate the cause of this fault, I back probed the sensor to test the voltage, then tested the voltage directly at the computer harness connector and finally bypassed that circuit in the wiring harness with a jumper wire to verify and compare the various readings throughout the circuit. Prior to these tests, the possible cause was a faulty oxygen sensor, faulty wiring for that sensor circuit or an internal fault in the computer. Ultimately I replaced the failed oxygen sensor.

After retesting the system with the newly installed oxygen sensor, it was time to perform a drive cycle to see if any of the monitors would run. During the first 10 minute drive cycle, the oxygen sensor monitor set, leaving the catalytic converter and evaporative system monitors still not set. Delaware Motor Vehicle allows a 1999 vehicle to pass with 2 monitors not set, but I knew better than to call the customer and say it was repaired and ready for inspection. I allowed the vehicle to cool down for several hours and on the second 10 minute drive cycle; the check engine light illuminated indicating a fault with one of the catalytic converters.

Each monitor has its own criteria and set of prerequisites that must exist before it will run. There is also a hierarchy to how each monitor runs. In this instance, the catalytic converter monitor would not run because the oxygen sensor monitor had not set and the computer relies upon the oxygen sensors to test the efficiency of the catalyst to set that monitor. With the oxygen sensors passing their test, they were then able to determine a fault in the emission control system with an inefficient catalytic converter.

Since the catalytic converter had to be ordered from an out of state warehouse, this entire process took several days. With each diagnostic milestone, I called the customer and explained in the same detail I have illustrated here what would be required to repair their vehicle for it to meet our state inspection requirements.

Ironically, while in the process of replacing the catalytic converter I received a phone call inquiring if we do FREE Check Engine Light Diagnostics. At first I frowned, but rather than explain economics 101 to them, I directed them to call a local franchise parts store that offers free computer code checking, the required diagnostics and will then sell you all the parts for you to repair the problem. My mind wandered to the $120.00 bill I paid earlier in the day for a local heating and air conditioning company to diagnose our inoperative central air system for the office which took all of 30 minutes tops. That transitioned to the recent notice that our medical plan was increasing by 12% this year and the impact that will have on our current monthly premium that already amounts to a modest mortgage payment. The phone rings, it’s an appointment, which causes me to focus on their request. Afterward; I take a deep breath and go back to the repair task at hand.

After completing the replacement of the failed catalytic converter, I performed yet another 10 minute drive cycle and this time all the monitors set except for the evaporative system (one of the hardest monitors to get to run and set). No pending faults were stored in the computer system, so I was 99% confident that the vehicle would now pass Delaware State inspection. The following day the customer called to report that the vehicle finally passed.

Gone are the days we could open the hood and turn a screw or simply adjust the timing and the car ran better. Does it bother me that technology has accelerated to levels well beyond those of comparable trades yet we fail to be recognized accordingly? Absolutely! But at the end of the day I head home with a strong sense of accomplishment in having a satisfied customer which makes it worthwhile.

When we hear the words ‘automotive reviews’ we think of comparative tests, investigations, technical details, advantages and disadvantages of a particular car model. People are most interested in automotive reviews when they are about to purchase a vehicle. This is an important decision for the potential buyer since the car may remain in his/her possession for many years. Actually, statistics say that the purchase of a car is the second largest expense for many people. In developing countries, the situation is even worse than that, as choosing a certain car is sometimes a life commitment for those people. Under these circumstances, automotive reviews are a must. No automobile is to be purchased without having consulted its review.

Automotive reviews are useful for all kinds of customers, from those are simply interested in buying a cheap car with good gas mileage to those who are mostly interested in design and comfort. To all these people the purchase of a car may appear as a very challenging experience, since the auto market is vast and the lack of experience can prove to be a serious drawback. Needless to say all those interested in purchasing a car should follow the latest automotive news in order to keep up with what is new in this vast and complicated area. However, automotive reviews cannot be found on television every day, nor do they appear in newspapers. Moreover, specialized media, such as auto magazines, which are issued weekly or monthly, may not give the automotive reviews you need when you need them. Therefore, a good source of accurate and reliable automotive reviews is the Internet. Automotive blogs are full of information with and about cars and many related topics. In addition, you get more than statistics or official figures, because people like you have posted their comments or facts from personal experience on those car blogs. Sometimes this beats all automotive reviews.

As we have stated before, there are many sources of automotive news and reviews. The problem is that some of them may not be as reliable as we think and this can be damaging to the consumer. There are times when the interests of certain companies stand in the way of giving consumers honest advice. A good share of criticism is not a must have for automotive reviews. However, skeptical journalism is proof that the consumer’ s best interest is at the top of the priority list. Auto magazines present a lot of automotive reviews because that’s their line of work, but they will rarely point out possible flaws of automobiles.

Everyone will agree that in the auto magazines or TV shows, the automotive reviews sound a little too good to be true. You can check out the latest automotive news in magazines and on TV shows, but as far as the reviews are concerned, you should only trust what you see with your own eyes. This may turn out to be a little difficult at times, but fortunately we live in the technology era, and seeing it for yourself is now possible on the internet. If a car reviewer speaks of some less appealing features of a certain automobile, there’s the chance of actually seeing them by means of multimedia. Criticism equals bad publicity, so when it comes to magazines or television shows, there’s a good chance that the consumer will be deprived of his right to be honestly and correctly informed. Therefore, the internet remains the most reliable source of both automotive news and automotive reviews.

Since automotive design is basically an artistic endeavor, art has always been a part of automotive life. However, for many years automotive art was the product of design studies, design departments of automobile manufacturers, or aligned with automotive advertising. Automotive fine art did not exist as a separate art genre. However there were a few car lovers who happened to be artists and enjoyed painting cars simply because they loved the subject matter. But for an artist to be successful, there must be a market. And there were automotive enthusiasts who were interested in buying art. So in 1983, a group of six artists received invitations to display their works at the Meadowbrook Concours in Detroit. During this exhibition, these artists decided to form an alliance devoted to exchanging ideas and keeping current on trends in automotive art and so the Automotive Fine Arts Society was born. The artist credited with founding this society is Ken Eberts who has been its president since that time. Ken is recognized as one of the world’s leading automotive fine artists. He originally worked in the design department at Ford Motor Company. Then in 1968 he embarked on a second career in automotive fine art. Since then, his works have appeared in magazines, on Christmas cards, posters, and book covers. Ken also has an interest in architecture and many of his automotive works include an automobile set against the backdrop of an interesting building. He has been a two-time winner of the Peter Helck Award and the Richard Teague Award for the ‘body of work that best exemplifies the spirit of the automobile.’

Bill Neale is also a member of the Automobile Fine Arts Society. In addition to automobiles, Bill paints the people associated with the industry such as drivers and owners. Bill has an aviation background and both cars and airplanes are often featured in his compositions. Bill’s work has appeared in all of the prestigious automotive magazines such as Road & Track, Car & Driver, and Automobile Magazine. He has done posters for many Automobile Concours d’Elegance and other automobile events such as the Monterey Historic Races, Houston Classi-Chassis and Carroll Shelby Nationals. He is the poster artist for the Colorado Grand Rally. He is also the recipient of numerous awards from Europe, the United States and South America including the prestigious Peter Helck and Athena awards.

Jim Dietz is another contemporary artist who paints automobiles. However, Jim is a historical artist who specializes in aviation and military subjects as well as automobiles. Jim is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design. He began his career in art as an illustrator doing automotive ads, movie posters and book covers. But in 1978 he changed from commercial illustration to historical art. In 1997, Dietz won the Stanley Wanlass Award for ‘excellence in strength of design and composition echoing the spirit of the automobile’ at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. He also won a Peter Helck Award in 1999 and 2,000 at the Pebble Beach Concours’ d’Elegance. In addition, he has received numerous other awards for his aviation and military art. Like Neale and Eberts, he represents the best of a new genre in art.

Mirrors are used in many applications today. Even the automotive industry has benefited a lot from these components ever since the first automobile was invented. Its capability to reflect the things in front of them is crucial in maintaining driving safety. With these parts carefully placed in strategic locations in the vehicle, the driver can easily see what’s ahead or behind the vehicle on the road. Mirrors are primarily designed for safety and awareness when driving. They prevent costly accidents by reducing the driver’s blind spots.

Automotive mirrors today come in different variations. Some of the basic are the rearview mirror, side-view mirror, and towing mirror. The rearview mirror is crafted to help the driver see rearward. It is often mounted on top of the windscreen and it can be easily rotated. Another kind of mirror is the side-view mirror that is designed to help the driver see the areas behind and in the sides of the vehicle. These mirrors are often mounted on the doors. Modern side-view mirrors are now incorporated with turn signals, so other drivers and pedestrians will have an easier time seeing the indicator lights. Though not as popular as the side-view and rearview mirrors, towing mirrors are just as important as far as safety is concerned. These mirrors are helpful in monitoring a trailer, camper, or other additional load connected to an automobile while it is moving. This is crucial to avoid towing-related accidents.

Mirrors are indispensable parts that every vehicle should have. Without them, accidents and mishaps will surely occur more often. To keep them functional and to maintain their optimum reflectivity at all times, the surface of the mirrors should always be clean.

As any mechanic knows, the ability to offer a comprehensive service to customers, being able to offer repairs and care for all aspects of a motor vehicle maintenance program is key to being able to retain customers. Air Conditioning is more or less standard across all models these days, and while in the past, AC maintenance was a highly skilled and niche market, it is now an essential side of the business and key to any workshop’s continued success.

In order to ensure that refrigerant is recovered properly from a car’s air conditioning system during servicing, a workshop must use an automotive AC machine. These devices prevent the release through venting of CFC gases. EPA guidelines require that when a car is being serviced, the Freon, or CFC12 that is used as the coolant should be collected and recycled in order that it is not released into the environment where it can potentially damage the ozone layer.

The refrigerant used in most motor vehicle air conditioning systems is based on chlorofluorocarbons, which have been linked with causing damage to the ozone layer, and as such, the control of these substances is of particular concern to the environmental protection agency. Whenever a car air conditioning system undergoes maintenance, proper care must be taken to protect the environment from the release of CFCs, and this is best done by using automotive AC Machines.

By reusing Freon gas rather than allowing it to be vented into the atmosphere, the environment is protected. However, when the refrigerant is collected from a car’s air conditioning it can be contaminated with water, oil and any of the other liquids that are used in cars. By using automotive AC machines, it is possible to process the refrigerant and remove any of the other fluids from it, allowing it to be reused, either in the same system as it has been drained from, or alternatively, in another car altogether.

There are a whole range of different refrigerant recovery machines on the market to suit all types of workshop, from small operations through to large commercial garages that deal with many different types of car, and need to be able to offer a complete service to clients.

Choosing the right automotive AC machines for your needs can be a daunting task, and too many people simply opt for the cheapest model available, rather than making an informed decision about the best product for their needs. EPA requirements aside, the most important factor when choosing the correct automotive AC machine for your business, is the capacity of the machine to deal with the range of vehicles that you currently work on. You need to choose a machine that can connect easily with all the different types of car that your workshop deals with, and which has enough capacity to recover and treat the refrigerant left in the system to remove any impurities.

Basic automotive AC machines such as the Pro Set Oiless Portable Recovery Recycle Unit are flexible enough to reprocess coolant from a fairly wide range of sources, remove any contaminating oils and other liquids, and release the Freon in perfect condition for reuse.

There are other machines in a similar price bracket that are reliable enough for every day use, and yet still compact enough not to require a vast amount of space in your workshop. Automotive AC Machines such as the Inficon Vortex refrigerant recovery machine are ideally suited to occasional use, and are very compact.

If offering AC repairs and servicing is key to your business, then having the right tools for the job is essential. Getting it right at the beginning when you choose an AC coolant recovery machine often means choosing a model from the Cool Tech range. These robust and highly regarded specialist tools are at the centre of any serious AC shop, and thanks to their efficiency and great value for money, will pay for themselves over and over again.

Automotive parts are the different components (or spare parts) of an automobile. Every automobile owner will have to shop for automotive parts sooner or later. Contrary to popular belief, automotive parts are not manufactured only by the original manufacturing company (of your automobile) but also by various independent (engineering) companies that specialize in manufacturing and installing automotive parts of a diverse range of automobiles of different makes and models.

Automotive parts (manufactured by the original manufacturing company of your automobile) are expensive in most cases. When you factor in the repair or installation charges you will have to pay at the workshop and cost of alternative transport, you would realize that it will make more financial sense to buy your automobile and purchase a new one.

Most car enthusiasts can and do have a certain degree of technical know-how and generic tools that are useful for basic repair work. If you have undertaken thorough research and explored all the options before purchasing the automotive parts, you would probably have purchased them at a reasonable price. A large number of car enthusiasts save hundreds of dollars just because they have technical know-how and generic tools that allow them to do basic repair work and installation of their vehicles at home. Availability of automotive parts was a huge constraint some time back. Automobile owners could buy second hand parts from their repair workshop or order them from the original manufacturing company of their automobile.

Experts recommend investing in original equipment manufacturer automotive parts despite the fact that they are more expensive because they are superior in quality, more reliable and are made for the specific make and model of your automobile. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are manufactured for your car by companies other than the original manufacturer and are designed (generically) for several (makes and models of) cars. The performance of aftermarket parts is unreliable at best.

Moreover, because they are manufactured by relatively smaller (and unknown companies) there are no guarantees for aftermarket parts available in the market. Thus, do not be lured by the substantially lower price of aftermarket parts because chances are that they would make you spend more in the long run than original equipment manufacturer parts! It should also be kept in mind that original equipment manufacturer parts are not necessarily manufactured by your automobile’s manufacturing company but one or more other companies that have been authorized to manufacture these parts by your automobile’s manufacturing company.

Automotive buffs love anything to do with cars and this includes visits to museums. And if traveling with children a museum visit is an ideal family activity that also provides an educational experience.

The Gilmore Car Museum in southwest Michigan is rated as one of America’s ten best. It comprises a group of historic barns that have been restored and spread over ninety acres. Housed within you will find a blend of antique and classic cars. It is the “only museum dedicated solely to exhibiting vehicles produced by the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Co. one of America’s most celebrated automobiles.” And, depending on which barn you visit, you can view the most popular muscle cars of the 60′s and 70′s or the classic cars of the 30′s.

The Gilmore also contains an impressive collection of hood ornaments. However, the Gilmore is only open from May until October. Those interested in movie, TV and celebrity owned cars could head to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here one can view ‘Herbie the Love Bug and ‘Little Herbie” as well as a Batmobile. The museum is now home to the Ford Thunderbird owned by the Beach Boys and featured in one of their hits, “Fun, Fun, Fun. The car bears their autograph on the hood. And Elvis’ Mark IV Lincoln together Bob Hope’s 1953 Buick are also on display

The National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada now houses the former very impressive collection of Bill Harrah in a 105,000 square foot building along the banks of the Truckee River. The cars are exhibited as parts of sets displaying the life during the different eras of automotive history. There are historical pieces such as the Thomas Flyer, winner of the 1907 New York to Paris race, and long forgotten antiques such as the 1912 Rambler and the only 1906 Adams-Farwell in existence. Racing enthusiasts can view the 1925 Duesenberg, America’s first successful speedway racing car and the first car mounted with a straight-eight engine. In total the collection features over 200 cars.

The Museum of Automobile History in Syracuse, New York is unique in that one can walk around its 12,000 square feet but never see a car. Locating the building poses no problem as the outside is plastered with 10 by 20 foot billboards featuring advertising from the 1940′s and 1950′s. The inside contains an eclectic collection of memorabilia including posters, sketches, styling models, letters, patent applications, a copy of a speeding ticket issued to James Dean two hours prior to his death and Walter Chrysler’s driver’s license together with his 1924 registration for the first Chrysler.

One can also view oil paintings and rare advertising pieces such as a complete set of Burma Shave road signs. The museum is the brainchild of Walter Miller who believes that “the history of the automobile is about much more than just motor vehicles.” “There isn’t a person living in America today whose life wasn’t influenced or shaped by the automobile.” And just like car design, the museum is still evolving as the back rooms are full of all types of related materials awaiting sorting, cataloging and exhibiting while new materials continue to arrive almost daily.