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Thursday, July 11, 2019

VW Ends Production of the Beetle...WHAT????

~~~~This article originally appeared on The Shop Magazine website~~~~

After its multi-generational run as a brand mainstay and global automotive phenomenon, the Volkswagen Beetle is ending production. The final car produced by Volkswagen de Mexico’s Puebla plant—a Denim Blue coupe—will remain displayed at Volkswagen’s local museum in Puebla as a lasting tribute to the automobile’s rich and storied heritage.

Volkswagen de Mexico will soon shift resources to produce a North American market-focused compact SUV that fits in the manufacturer’s lineup below the Tiguan.

“It’s impossible to imagine where Volkswagen would be without the Beetle,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “From its first import in 1949 to today’s retro-inspired design, it has showcased our company’s ability to fit round pegs into square holes of the automotive industry. While its time has come, the role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished.”

Introduced to America as the Type 1, Volkswagen sold nearly five million Beetles in the U.S., and a worldwide total of 21.5 million cars. In 1998, the New Beetle—an early automotive adopter of modern retro design language—re-introduced the familiar silhouette to a new generation of drivers, and sold more than 1.2 million cars between 1998 and 2010. In 2011, the third, and current generation of Beetle went on sale in the U.S. as a 2012 model, and more than 500,000 have been built since.

Sold in both coupe and convertible variants, the second- and third-generation of Beetles have collectively been produced in 23 different exterior colors, 32 interior trims, 13 varying engine configurations and 19 special editions, including the Dune, Denim, Coast and #PinkBeetle. All second- and third-generation Beetles have been built by Volkswagen de Mexico, Puebla, and have been sold in 91 markets worldwide. 
  
The end of Beetle production will allow Puebla’s resources to shift production to a new compact SUV tailored to the North American market, slotting into the lineup below the Tiguan.
After its celebration, the final Beetle will be displayed at Volkswagen’s museum in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The last cars built for the U.S., a pair of Kings Red vehicles with custom dashes, keys and quilted seats, will join Volkswagen of America’s collection of historic vehicles.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Happy Memorial Day Weekend -- Drive Safe!!

AAA Says More Than 37 Million Motorists Will Hit the Road this Weekend!


According to this AAA article approximately 37.6 million people will take to the roadways this weekend, driving further and longer than road trips have been in the past. This means drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and more alert and attentive than ever!

A Holiday weekend also means that there will be more (complete) idiots out there who will be drinking and driving, texting and driving and just plain driving distracted in one way or another.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...

Pay attention out there and watch the other drivers...don't be that guy or gal who ends up being Monday's news! For a really quick and easy, fun and thorough read, check out my new book available on Amazon...Driving While Blind...available for free through Saturday night at midnight!

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend and please drive carefully!!!

Driving While Blind -- FREE through Saturday night! 



Wednesday, May 15, 2019

How Much is that Piggy in the Window?

Yup! That's a distraction!!
Police pull over distracted driver and find a 250 lb. pig in the driver's lap!


I get really upset when I see people with their dog in their lap while driving...how can that NOT be distracting??? I also thought that I had heard it all and seen most...but this takes the cake. Last month (#NationalDistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth) in Minnesota, police pulled over a distracted driver and found a 250 lb. pig in the drivers lap!!!

Just a moment ago I saw a sweatshirt with "I can't fix stupid" on the back....need I say more???

I found the article here at the Dodo.com

And while I can't fix stupid, I can certainly help drivers avoid stupid...check out my new book "Driving While Blind"

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

This is a Turn Signal Switch






THIS IS A TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
(In Boston it's a "blinkah")

This seems to me to be extremely fundamental! But I think it's worth mentioning and explaining what it is, what it does and how it effects you and other drivers.

What it is:
 - it is a universal switch lever located in the same place on virtually EVERY motor vehicle, generally behind the steering wheel on the left side.

What it does:
 - when you press down on it, it turns on the left turn signal.
 - when you lift it, it turns on the right turn signal.
 - when either action is performed a light turns on in the front and in the rear of the vehicle which blinks.

Effects on the road:
 - when used properly, this lets other drivers on the road know what you intend to do.
 - when used properly, you become predictable and avoidable (and you don't want to be Mr. UNpredictble on the road).

When to use it:
 - changing lanes on a highway.
 - when your lane ends and you have to merge right or left.
 - when you are making a right or left hand turn.
 - when in a parking lot and turning into your chosen spot

I know this sounds fundamental, but it is absolutely ridiculous how many drivers think they're either too cool or are just plain lazy! PLEASE...use your "blinkah!!!"

Read more in my book Driving While Blind

 

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Don't Use Your Cruise Control!

Hydroplaning...


What exactly is hydroplaning?? Hydroplaning (Hydro: water....Plane: fly) happens when there is enough water on the road to separate your tire contact patch from the pavement, creating a momentary loss of control of the vehicle. 
Think of it like this, ever been to the beach and gone skim boarding? You wait for the surf to recede but not entirely...there's just enough water there for your skimboard to surf for a few yards...that's what hydroplaning is to your vehicle. When the tire is separated from the pavement, you lose control...even if for just a split second it can cause a big accident. It can be a terrifying feeling...but know what to do and what exactly is happening can keep you safe.
First, it's best to be aware of the driving conditions and to spot a potential puddle in the roadway ahead of time...this way you don't panic and try to steer your way out of it. Its absolutely best to hit the puddle with the wheels pointed straight (this way, when they contact the road again and regain traction, you don't end up lurching in one direction or the other). Ease off the gas so that you are not accelerating when the tires lose traction and you get that engine rev that frightens you even more.
Don't use your cruise control in the rain!!
When you hydroplane, tires lose contact with the pavement and if you are accelerating (cruise control will "think" you need to accelerate) the wheels will just spin...in the meantime, you're not just sitting still, you're moving along at 20 or 30 MPH or worse...60MPH!! Just think...your tires will eventually regain traction and "grab" the pavement...so now you're in a panic because you feel the loss of control because of the hydroplaning and then, suddenly, the tires grab and you lurch forward again...straight into the guardrail!!
What to do...
Be aware...watch for puddles and be sure to avoid them. If you can't avoid them, go as straight as possible and ease off of the gas pedal...don't panic and don't use your cruise control!
Get more tips... 
My newly released book "Driving While Blind" is now available on Amazon