Author: fabcarsAdmin

Nov 20

Lavoie To Revamp VanMoof Operations, Improve Reliability And Service

VanMoof, a Dutch e-bike specialist, has been on headlines of the bicycle industry several times in recent months, and not exactly for a good reason. You can read the story about the brand’s bankruptcy in several of our previous articles, but in essence, the brand’s highly proprietary technology resulted in a lot, and I mean a lot, of bikes breaking down. Due to the sheer number of unrepaired bikes, the company was forced to close its doors.

Back in September 2023, it was announced that VanMoof was to be given a second lease on life. This was provided by Lavoie, McLaren’s subsidiary devoted to electric mobility. Now, the company has stated that the first batch of revived VanMoof bikes are set to roll out soon – pointing to a possible bright future for the Dutch e-bike brand. Of course, the resurgence of a problem-laden brand will not come without major restructuring, and indeed, this is what Lavoie has in store for VanMoof.

As part of the reset, VanMoof is expected to undergo a thorough reorg, consisting of internal restructuring in the hopes of delivering a sustainable and reliable product to its end-users. Lavoie is anticipated to roll out revisions to VanMoof’s design and production, emphasizing quality over quantity, as well as revamping the company’s points of sale and authorized repair shops.

It’s in terms of service that VanMoof hopes to redeem itself. An article by German publication E-Bike News states that Lavoie is eyeing a shift in strategy for VanMoof, focusing on service improvements, enhanced availability of spare parts, as well as, and possibly most importantly, the partnership with third-party service providers to cater to a wider user base.

Now, while all these anticipated changes are indeed promising, the report states that previous warranty claims under the former management may not be resolved under the restructuring. Of course, this raises concerns for recent customers of the brand, who had hoped for some resolution following Lavoie’s claim of VanMoof. Nevertheless, production restarts are reportedly in the pipeline, and the upcoming models are said to be enhanced with improved technology. Will VanMoof be able to redeem itself in the e-bike world? We’ll have to wait for the new batch of bikes to hit the road to find out for certain.

Nov 20

Highlights from IAAPA Expo: Zamperla Unveils Go Go Bounce & Top Thrill Dragster Car; Rides 4-U Expands Production to Meet Growing Demand

Excitement and Anticipation at the IAAPA Expo

As the IAAPA Trade Show wrapped up on Friday, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and industry optimism. Participants were thrilled with the strong interest and robust orders, reflecting a promising outlook for the future. The event showcased innovative rides and attractions, underscoring the sector’s dynamic growth and enduring appeal.

Zamperla and Rides 4-U: Key Takeaways from the Expo

Zamperla made waves with the introduction of their Go Go Bounce and Top Thrill Dragster car, captivating attendees with their cutting-edge designs. Meanwhile, Rides 4-U is ramping up production to meet the surge in demand, signaling a significant boost in manufacturing efforts. This enthusiasm highlights the sector’s resilience and the growing appetite for new and exciting amusement experiences.

Nov 20

Best Car Colors for Resale Value: What You Need to Know

Choosing the Optimal Color for Resale Value

When preparing to sell your car, selecting the right color can significantly influence its resale value. Certain colors have been shown to retain value better and appeal more to prospective buyers. Understanding which hues are in demand can help you make an informed decision and enhance your vehicle’s marketability.

Popular Car Colors That Boost Resale Value

Neutral shades such as white, black, and gray tend to be the safest bets for resale value. These colors not only attract a wide range of buyers but also maintain their appeal over time. By opting for these popular colors, you can improve your car’s chances of a quicker sale and potentially achieve a higher selling price.

Nov 20

Michigan Woman Arrested After Fleeing Crashed Car and Nearly Hitting Trooper

Incident Overview

On Saturday, a Grayling woman was apprehended after a dramatic series of events involving her vehicle. The car, which she had been driving while under the influence, crashed into an SUV before she fled the scene. Her actions led to a dangerous situation where she nearly collided with a state trooper who responded to the incident.

Legal Consequences and Charges

Following her escape, the woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as for resisting and obstructing law enforcement. This arrest underscores the serious legal repercussions of impaired driving and the risks it poses not only to the driver but also to others on the road. Such incidents highlight the critical importance of responsible driving and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to traffic laws.

Nov 20

Top Black Friday Deals on New Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

Unbeatable Black Friday Savings on Vehicles

This Black Friday, shoppers can discover incredible savings on a range of new cars, trucks, and SUVs. Numerous dealerships are offering substantial cash rebates and attractive financing options to make holiday shopping even more rewarding. These deals are designed to catch the eye of buyers looking for the perfect vehicle at a fraction of the regular cost.

Why These Deals Matter

The significant discounts and favorable financing terms available this holiday weekend can provide substantial savings for car buyers. Whether you’re looking for a sleek sedan, a rugged truck, or a versatile SUV, these promotions are tailored to help you get the most value for your money. Take advantage of these limited-time offers to drive home in a new vehicle while keeping your budget intact.

Nov 20

Denny Hamlin Stirs Speculation with Lewis Hamilton Photo and Comment

Denny Hamlin’s Unexpected Social Media Post

Denny Hamlin, known for making headlines both on and off the NASCAR track, recently drew attention with a provocative social media post. Amid the excitement of the Formula 1 event in Las Vegas, Hamlin shared a photo with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, along with a comment suggesting a potential pitch to join his 23XI Racing team. This playful banter sparked considerable interest, especially as the 2023 NASCAR season winds down and the spotlight shifts to other motorsports.

The Potential Behind Hamlin’s Comment

While Hamlin’s post might have been intended as a light-hearted joke, it touches on a fascinating possibility in the world of motorsports. Historically, Formula 1 drivers have transitioned to NASCAR, with notable examples including Jacques Villeneuve and Kimi Räikkönen. Given Hamlin’s openness to diversifying his team and the recent involvement of drivers from different racing backgrounds, such a crossover isn’t entirely out of the question. If Hamilton ever considers making the leap, 23XI Racing might just be the team to make it happen, adding another layer of excitement to the motorsports world.

Nov 20

Cruise’s Troubling Year Culminates in CEO Departure and Waymo’s Rising Advantage

Cruise’s Rough Year and CEO Departure

Cruise has faced a turbulent year, marked by significant challenges that have severely impacted its operations. Following the suspension of its driverless vehicle permit and a high-profile accident involving one of its autonomous cars, the company has now seen the departure of its CEO, Kyle Vogt. In his resignation announcement, Vogt acknowledged the company’s missteps and emphasized the need for renewed focus on safety and transparency, signaling a period of potential change and reassessment for the beleaguered firm.

The Road Ahead for Autonomous Vehicles

Cruise’s recent setbacks highlight the broader challenges facing the autonomous vehicle industry. Despite investing heavily and making significant strides, such as providing 250,000 driverless rides, Cruise has struggled with operational and safety issues. The suspension of its permit and the ceaseless regulatory scrutiny could mark a shift in the industry’s trajectory, possibly positioning Alphabet’s Waymo as a leader in the field, as other companies reassess their strategies and investments in autonomous technology.

Nov 20

Toyota Appears to Be Right on EVs but Wrong on Another Emerging Car Technology

Toyota has always been on the cutting edge of vehicle technology. It became one of the first companies to introduce mainstream mass-market hybrid technology with the first Toyota Prius, and the company has only continued to innovate. This innovation led to certain limited-market vehicles like the RAV4 EV, a true, full-electric vehicle for a limited market.

These hybrid and EV technologies developed even further with the Toyota Prime vehicles, such as the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. These vehicles hit the market as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, giving consumers the ability to travel short distances on electric power only, with a gasoline engine that can drive in synergy with the hybrid drivetrain or by itself.

Sadly, Toyota has missed the mark a bit when it comes to some of its emerging vehicle technology investments. Here is everything you need to know about Toyota’s technological investments and why one of these investments isn’t paying dividends.

Why Toyota appears to have been right on EVs

Toyota was right about EVs from the very start. From the debut of its RAV4 EV that was available in select California markets, it was obvious that the technology was not there right away. Of course, the EV marketplace grew substantially after Tesla and other mass-market brands continued to develop EV technology, but for the most part, Toyota waited.

Technology was developing, but EVs were still not keeping pace with gas-powered vehicles. The Nissan Leaf only had a range of around 73 miles. In 2009, the Tesla Model S was unveiled, and while its range was fantastic at 300 miles, it was expensive, with a starting MSRP of $57,400, which, in today’s money, is over $83,000 adjusted for inflation.

Toyota knew it couldn’t build an EV that was both substantial in range and cheap. When technology finally caught up, Toyota jumped into the EV pool with the bZ4X for the 2023 model year. This new EV had a range of over 318 miles, a starting price of $42,000, and the heritage of excellence behind the Toyota name.

While the bZ4X may have had a slow start, Toyota’s investment in PHEV technology and waiting for the right time to enter the EV marketplace is working in its favor. But surprisingly, Toyota didn’t seemingly wait long enough on one vehicle technology in particular…

Toyota won’t give up on hydrogen cars

Yes, despite the worldwide positive reception for electric vehicles, Toyota is still committed to making the hydrogen car a reality. If you don’t live in California, this is probably a surprise to you, but Toyota has been producing its hydrogen car, the Mirai, for years now.

It is a larger sedan offering that runs entirely on hydrogen fuel cell technology. Don’t worry, before you book a flight to the Golden State, let me save you some time; the Mirai isn’t very good.

Of course, it is a borderline luxury sedan, and the styling is somewhat unique, but that’s about all it has going for it. It’s placed somewhere between the Camry and the Avalon in luxury, but it’s priced very high at around $49,500.

According to GoodCarBadCar, Toyota barely sold 2,000 Mirai in 2022 alone. To make matters even worse, the hydrogen fuel cell needed to power the Mirai can only be found in a few hundred fuel stations worldwide.

Nearly all of these stations are only found in certain parts of Japan and California. Even then, these fuel stations run out of fuel often, and an integrated app must be checked before filling up, or you may find your nearest fuel station has run dry. The Mirai is a $50,000 sedan that can’t be taken on a road trip. No wonder it’s hardly selling at all.

History is written by the victors

While the future of hydrogen cars is up in the air, there is one thing that is certain; if anyone is going to make these cars a mass-market reality, it’s Toyota.

Heck, Toyota pioneered the Prius, which went from being mocked in rural America to becoming one of the most easily recognizable vehicles in the world. Soon after, Toyota made the plug-in hybrid a standard in many of its vehicles. If hydrogen technology takes off, and Toyota is already fully invested in the Mirai, the company will have a huge leg up in the marketplace.

Hydrogen offers a nearly identical fueling experience with traditional gasoline, other than the fact that it is a clean burning fuel that only outputs water as a byproduct. If Toyota can make other companies follow suit, the future may not be all EVs, and hydrogen may give EVs a run for their money.

Nov 20

5 Best Cruiser Motorcycles In 2023

Riding a motorcycle is a beloved pastime among fans of Harley-Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki, and other iconic marques. However, with all the shapes and sizes of modern motorcycles, it can be tricky to pick the right one for you. Fret not; we assembled a list of some of the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023, like the Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 and Low Rider ST, for you to hit the long road and stick to the scenic route.

The best cruiser motorcycles of 2023 marry power, practicality, and style

A cruiser must be comfortable enough to take on the miles close to home and days away from your own bed. However, for a bike to be one of the best cruiser motorcycles on the market for 2023, it has to be robust, striking, and modular enough to take on long trips and Sunday rides. These are some of the bikes that crush the criteria.

Make and model Starting price
2023 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST $22,199
2023 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 $16,599
2023 Indian Chief $14,999
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT $10,399
2023 BMW R 18 $14,995

How much does the Low Rider ST cost?

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST starts at $22,199, $4,000 more than the leaner Low Rider S. However, where the Low Rider S is more canvas than a ready cruiser, the Low Rider ST wears a full, frame-mounted fairing, hiked-up clamshell saddle bags for spirited canyon carving, and a ballistically torquey 117-cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin.

Sure, the ST is on par with Harley-Davidson’s tradition of high-dollar cruisers. Still, its California Club-style aesthetic and smooth power delivery make it a dream among contemporary cruisers. Moreover, with standard ABS, dual-disc front brakes, and available traction control, it’s a safe bet.

How much HP does a Street Bob 114 have?

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 develops around 94 horsepower from its namesake 114-cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine. However, the magic happens with the Street Bob 114’s torque delivery, namely 119 lb-ft at 3,000 RPM.

Better yet, the Street Bob is a customizable prospect among the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023. For instance, the standard passenger pad is easily replaced with a dedicated two-up seat. Also, small modular bags can slip right over the rear fender under the bolting surface of the seat, creating easy, quick storage. Finally, the Street Bob, including the newer 114 models, is almost too tempting to outfit with forward controls, different bars, or even a detachable windshield.

How much horsepower does a 2023 Indian Chief have?

The 2023 Indian Chief, a logical rival for Harley-Davidson’s Street Bob 114, produces 111 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque from its air-cooled Thunderstroke 111 V-Twin. As a result, the Chief outmuscles the Street Bob 114 by 17 horsepower but fails to match the Milwaukee-Eight’s 119 lb-ft of torque.

Better yet, the Chief is versatile on the road with standard rear-cylinder deactivation, keyless ignition, and different riding modes. Further, for those who don’t love the standard Chief’s aesthetic, Indian offers the platform in a Sport, Bobber, or highway-ready Super Chief.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a budget-friendly bruiser among the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023

A comprehensive list of the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023 wouldn’t be complete without a budget-friendly option. Enter the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT. What the Vulcan 900 lacks in displacement, it makes up for in accessibility.

With a curb weight of 657 lbs and a seat height under 27 inches, the Classic LT is a manageable cruiser motorcycle for any rider. Better yet, the Classic LT can be highway-ready with a windshield and leather saddle bags.

A BMW R 18 is your retro ticket to cruiser motorcycle magic

For those who think a cruiser motorcycle starts and stops with a V-Twin engine, think again. The 2023 BMW R 18 packs an 1,800cc (110-cubic inch) Boxer engine instead of the traditional twin. However, cylinder orientation doesn’t dissuade the R 18 from being one of the best cruiser motorcycles on the market.

With 116 lb-ft of torque from a classically-styled BMW cruiser, the R 18 is an easy alternative to segment competition like the Indian Chief and Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114.

Nov 20

Marine Armored Vehicle Collides with SUV in Marshfield

Incident Overview

On Tuesday, November 20, a serious collision occurred between a Marine armored vehicle and a civilian SUV in Marshfield. The crash has raised concerns as details regarding the condition of those involved remain unclear. This incident has brought significant attention to safety protocols for military vehicles operating in civilian areas.

Impact and Safety Considerations

Such collisions highlight the critical need for stringent safety measures when military and civilian vehicles share the road. The incident underscores the importance of continuous safety training and clear operational guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As authorities investigate the crash, the community awaits further updates on the well-being of the individuals involved and any potential changes to enhance road safety.