Car & Bike News

Classic vintage cars and their insurance issues

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:21:58 +0000

The idea of getting a classic or vintage car is a really good idea. You becoming a classy owner of an elegant and old fashioned four wheeler is a very appealing idea. But be careful as most classic car owners when are unaware of a few basic things, face problems later. When people hear about the insurance process involved in vintage cars, some people do tend to back out. Say you inherited the car, then what? Will you back out form accepting it, not wanting unwanted complications regarding the insurance policies? No. if you know the right things to do and the exact way to get your insurance for the vintage car, then you will find out that it is actually a very smooth and easy procedure.

First when you have a vintage car, make sure you take all sorts of precautionary measures to avoid your car from getting damaged. A classic vintage car is no less than any antique artifact, so the care and devotion which is shown after it should be no less. While taking the classic car insurance, check the auto insurance options and also the coverage to reap maximum benefits. So it is really important to go through all the norms of the concerned insurance agency.

If you are considering a normal car in general, you will notice that the rates keep decreasing with every passing year. The situation is quiet opposite when it comes to the vintage cars. The rates keep on increasing as the cars get older. The older the car the older will be its worth. So it is pretty logical and understandable. Thus, needless to say that you have to get ready to pay a considerably large amount for your classic car insurance.

There are different types of classic car insurances. If you want to protect the full value of the car, then it will be sensible to choose full insurance coverage. So, if, God forbid, anything happens to the car then all the costs will be totally covered by the insurance company. If you are confused about these schemes, you can always go to an insurance guidance counselor. Or you can read about different kinds of insurances over the net. The internet gives out a lot of useful information regarding this. Read the details provided by the company regarding their schemes. It is important to read and understand everything carefully to avoid further complications. If you are not sure of the value, appreciation of any kind of insurance, do not go for it. Do not forget to check the sanctity of the insurance company. You would definitely not want your car to go in wrong hands. There are some fraud dealers, who offer false promises and people end up loosing a lot of money. To avoid this always check whether the company is registered under the law.

These are some very vital things you have to look out for when you go for insurance for your vintage car. just check into the details carefully and once you are sure, go ahead and get security for your prized possession.

Ford creates fastest Mustang ever

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:39:37 +0000

Ford has created what it is calling the “quickest, best-handling” Mustang ever: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

Based on the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, the new model is inspired by the classic 1969 Mustang Boss, a car with an original design brief of becoming the “best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company”.

Ford engineers, stylists and designers have strengthened, lightened and refined the Mustang GT to create “a race car with a licence plate”. The team used the BMW M3 as a performance benchmark for the Mustang Boss 302 and claim the car can match Munich’s performance saloon for lap time at Laguna Seca.

A new air intake and modified camshafts boost power from 406bhp to 434bhp in the 5.0-litre V8 engine taken from the standard Mustang GT, while 380lb ft of torque is produced. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox.
Performance is further enhanced by higher-rate coil springs, stiffer suspension bushings, a larger-diameter rear stabiliser bar, 14-inch Brembo front brakes and a race-inspired clutch. The Boss also comes with adjustable shocks and a speed-sensitive electronic steering system with three modes: comfort, normal and sport allowing the driver to adjust the car to their liking. A limited-slip differential is available as an option.

Toyota posts profits, recovers handsomely

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:33:47 +0000

Toyota reported a quarterly profit of $2.2 billion, reversing from red ink a year earlier as the world’s top automaker benefited from a global sales recovery that offset lingering doubts about the safety of its cars.

The company, which makes the Camry sedan and Prius hybrid, raised its full year earnings forecast Wednesday, and said it now expects to sell 7.38 million vehicles worldwide for the year through March 2011, up from 7.24 million the previous year. Previously it forecast sales of 7.29 million vehicles.

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The numbers show that Toyota Motor Corp. is on a recovery track from the sales battering it took from the global financial crisis two years ago and the blows to its image from massive recalls that began last October.

Toyota acknowledged uncertainties lie ahead, including the surging yen, which erodes the value of overseas earnings, but is expecting sales to expand in Asia, South America, and other emerging markets.

Still, Toyota’s car sales remain far lower than the 9 million-plus vehicles it was selling globally while on its way to overtaking General Motors Co. as the world’s No. 1 automaker.

At that time, an ambitious Toyota, which had appeared unstoppable as U.S. rivals GM and Chrysler stumbled, had set a goal of reaching global sales of 10 million vehicles within several years.

Toyota’s revenue for the April-to-June quarter surged 27 percent to 4.87 trillion yen ($57.3 billion) as car sales jumped in North America, Japan and other parts of Asia including Thailand and Indonesia.

German July new car sales down 30%

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:12:08 +0000

German new car registrations dropped by 30.2 percent to 237,428 units in July, according to the government’s Kraftfahrtbundesamt registration agency, falling about the same rate as in the previous month.

Year-earlier registration figures had been inflated by a government-backed scrapping scheme.

Registrations, which usually lag sales slightly, dropped by about 29 percent to 1.7 million units in the first seven months of the year.

What Information Do I Need for An Auto Insurance Quote?

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:31:14 +0000

Although it can take as little as a few minutes to get an auto insurance quote online, there is specific information that is required in order to obtain an accurate quote. Having this specific information available can help to expedite the process of applying for auto insurance and can enable the customer to save time obtaining multiple quotes that can be compared.

Using records and reports, this information can be found with ease and allow the client to shop for auto insurance online, quickly and effectively.

Common information that is required by the insurance company to provide the client with an auto insurance quote includes:

The make and model of the vehicle that is being insured, to provide the insurance company with a profile regarding the risk of the vehicle that has been chosen, as well as the year of the vehicle. A change in the model or the year of the vehicle can change the quote and therefore it is important to ensure that the information being provided is as accurate as possible.

The demographics of the person obtaining the auto insurance services are required while obtaining a quote for a car insurance online quote websites. Demographics including sex and age will help the insurance company to create a risk profile. This information will be combined with the make, model and year of the vehicle that has been chosen to assess the risk that comes with the insurance policy.

Driving history is an important part of obtaining auto insurance. Maintaining a positive driving history is essential, through the avoidance of speeding tickets and accidents as well as other traffic offenses. Driving history is created through an inquiry into the records that are held by the DMV or are provided to the company through an abstract of the record that the client obtains and forwards to the insurance company.

All of these factors will influence the rates that are provided for the auto insurance quotes and must be verified through the use of information. This information includes the VIN number for the vehicle, a record of the driving history that is obtained from the DMV and identification information and proof of a driver’s license.

Volkswagen boosts production in Mexico

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:52:41 +0000

Volkswagen’s group head of production, Jochem Heizmann, opened a new part of the company’s massive Puebla plant in Mexico on Tuesday. He reaffirmed plans to build a powertrain plant in North America that could start producing engines starting in 2013.

Investments of $1 billion have been earmarked for Mexico through 2013.

“The choice of location has not been finalized yet, but a decision will be taken soon. Mexico is one possible option,” Heizmann said.

Puebla, which will manufacture over half a million vehicles every year, will start building the next-generation Beetle in 2011.

The factory is VW’s largest in the Americas and one of the largest worldwide. An engine plant in Mexico close to Puebla is therefore considered the most logical choice for a location in North America.

Why buying second hand car equals money saved?

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:47:33 +0000

Investing in a new car is a very bad idea. This is one asset which loses its value the moment it steps out of the car showroom. It continues to depreciate over the years. In the first year itself, it can depreciate by as much as 35%. Many people are of opinion that cars are much more than a means of transport. For them it symbolizes a lifestyle. But in these tough economic times, it makes more sense to make wise purchases then to buy something only because you fancy it.

A new car is a very expensive proposition with loans, insurance and other maintenance expenses. Buying a car can be a big drain on your finances. If you are planning on buying a car then you will be advised to think about second hand cars.

By purchasing a second hand car, you can save a lot of money. A brand new car is worth only about 60-70% of the original price by the end of the third year. Another advantage of buying used cheap cars is that you could buy a full loaded higher model with lot of features and accessories at very affordable prices.

However, buying a second car can be a tricky decision. You should always check a used car thoroughly and only buy it once you are full satisfied.

Are Government seized cars for sale cheap?

Ford stock tumbles on sales estimates

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:49:45 +0000

Ford’s stock price fell to its lowest level since Dec. 22, 2009 during mid-day trading today following reports that industry sales were sluggish in June and as the company faces a Wednesday deadline to make an $860 million payment to a UAW retiree trust fund.

Ford’s stock traded as low as $9.82 mid-day.

The automaker is required to pay the UAW’s Retiree Medical Benefits Trust by Wednesday to fund health care benefits for former hourly workers.

Ford must pay $250 million of the required payment in cash and can pay as much $610 million in stock.

Bloomberg News reported on Monday that Ford might issue stock to make the payment so it can use cash to better manage its balance sheet. In the past, Ford shareholders have been concerned about additional stock diluting the company’s stock.

“We do not run our business based on day-to-day stock changes,” said Ford spokesman John Stoll.

But Ford’s falling stock price probably has little to do with how it will meet the trust fund payment obligation, said Mirko Mikelic, senior portfolio manager at Fifth Third Asset Management in Grand Rapids.

Where should one go to find the best car lease offer?

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:25:21 +0000

With the numerous car lease offers available in the market, finding for the best car lease offer is a tough thing to do. Before finally availing a certain offer, it is important that you know if you are on the best offer in town. However, how will you know if the car lease offer presented to you is a good one if not the best?

Majority of us consider a low lease price as the best offer available. However, it is also important to consider other factors when choosing for the best car lease offer like the ability to get high residual, low money factor or lease rate, and low acquisition or bank fee. A combination of these factors will make a good and probably the best.

After knowing the factors that comprise the best car lease deal of offer, it is now time for you to know where you should go in order to find the best car lease offer.

Media – members of the media like the newspaper, radio and television will definitely be able to provide you with the best deals in town through their informative advertisements. If you are fond of reading the newspaper, you surely have notice of the section that contains numerous ads from your local care dealers, car leasing companies, manufacturers and more offering almost the same offers. Through these ads, you can surely compare one offer to another and end up with the best one after considering all the factors that comprises a best car leasing deal. On radio and television ads on the other hand, you can jot down all the information stated on the ads and have them compared with each other.

Car pricing Services – this type of source is available online. These car referral or pricing services will offer you with deals at discounted prices. All you have to do is to provide them with the type of vehicle you need, they will be the one to look for dealers in your area, and the ones who will agree to provide with the best offer will be the one to contact you displaying their offer. It is best to ask for a quote from different companies to have a good comparison.

Internet – the internet is another great source in finding for the best car lease offer. Bear car deals website normally have list of current lease deals of different car model and makes, which you will surely found one that suits best for your need.

With the above list of sources, you will definitely find one great deal that is best for you.

What Information Do I Need for An Auto Insurance Quote?

Worst used car one should avoid

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:34:03 +0000

Buying used cars is probably the most practical way when buying a car. Used cars are normally priced almost half the price of the new ones and majority of them are still in good shape and working condition. Used cars for sale can easily be found at many of the online used car sale sites or at many of the used car showrooms near you. Of course when buying our car, everybody wants to end up with the best. Thus, below are some of the used cars listed as worst by many of the independent and honest reviewers. However, you can always depend on your own judgment and buy whatever you feel like buying.

GMC Canyon – the GMC Canyon especially the 2009 model was able to praise car lovers with its V8 engine making it able to compete with other trucks of the same segment. However, users claim for its trouble reliability history. Its 2004-2008 models are good only for daily commuting and come with the electrical wiring problems as a common problems reported.

Chrysler Sebring – despite of the closed dealership for Chrysler and prices for both new and used car goes unbelievable, majority of the reviewers are still not into the Sebring sedan or convertible. Its shaky reliability, cabin quality, and relatively poor performance are a few of the reasons why the Chrsyler Sebring Sedan is categorized as one of the worst used car to buy.

Ford Explorer – the Ford Explorer ranks as one of the affordable midsized SUVs and was being appreciated by its excellent off-road capabilities. In addition, the Ford Explorer also has the ample cabin space. However, those models made from 2002-2005 have garnering complaints about cracked window panels and faulty transmissions. In addition, the later models of the Ford Explorer has common problem reports about its coolant and oil leaks, rattling timing belt problems, and ticking valves in it 4.6-liter engines.

Dodge Intrepid – the Dodge Intrepid has been hailed as one of the best buys during fro the period of 1998-2004. The model’s passenger and cargo room are the most liked. However, the Intrepid 2000 models have received the most complaints about engine trouble. In addition, the federal government because of its faulty airbags and seatbelts has previously recalled the Intrepid. Other problems reported for the Intrepid include electrical problems with the model’s cabin lights and headlights. In addition, there were also reported problems like engine tapping noise if you opt to drive a V6 Dodge Intrepid.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa set for Monterey auction

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:50:48 +0000

A good news for all you Ferrari lovers and vitage car lovers with loads of money. Now, they can buy 1958 Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa, which will be featured in August at RM Auctions’ 25th Sports & Classics of Monterey event.

The Scaglietti-designed race car, serial number 0738 TR, is expected be one of the most valuable cars ever offered during Monterey’s auction week.

“RM set the current world-record price for a car sold at auction with another pontoon-fender TR selling for $12.4 million,” said Rob Myers, chairman and CEO of RM Auctions. “That result was a true testament to the demand for these iconic Ferraris and is indicative of the strong potential for this example to set yet another auction record.”

One of 21 “Pontoon Fender” 250 Test Rossa cars to be produced from 1957 to 1958, 0738 TR was raced in South America for Esquardari Largartixa.

Mercedes, Renault-Nissan Team Up

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:17:49 +0000

Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche and Renault/Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn have signed an agreement to share technologies and platforms, with a small 3.1% equity exchanging hands. The two heads lead a 12-member committee to identify and work on projects where the three auto giants can find synergy to better compete with competitors.

This is the latest in a long line of attempts by luxury car Mercedes to partner with a mass-market automaker that can help with popularly priced models without compromising the three-pointed star brand. The 3 companies expect to realize cost savings and added revenue of about $5.4 billion from the deal, which is open-ended in time and number of potential projects. It also helps Renault/Nissan fill up its underutilized capacity and helps both pose credible threat to Volkswagen Group surge.

Van Leasing for Small Businesses

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:47:46 +0000

If you run a small business and you need a van, then leasing one can be advantageous compared to purchasing one outright. This article outlines some of these benefits.

Firstly, leasing does not require a large down payment. Although a leasing deposit is often required, it is mostly significantly less than when purchasing a van

Next, leasing provides a good way of budgeting. The monthly payments are fixed for the period of the lease which can be up to five years, so your cash flow forecasts will be accurate into the future. In most cases the payments will be less than those you would make on repaying a purchase loan.

As the payments are lower, there is the opportunity to get a better van for the same monthly outlay which is an opportunity to improve the status of your business.

If you opt for a contract hire type of agreement, you do not have to be concerned about what happens at the end of the lease. You simply return the van to the dealer. Maintenance and repair can be factored in with the lease, which protects you from any unpleasant surprises should your van break down.
There are some downsides to leasing that you should take into consideration also. With a contract hire agreement there are restrictions concerning the mileage that the van covers along with the minimum condition in which the van must be returned. If additional miles are travelled then there is a surcharge for each mile, and if the van is returned in a poor condition then there is also a surcharge.

As we have already alluded to, there are different types of van leasing models available. In addition to contract hire there are models in which the van becomes the property of the business at the end of the lease subject to making a final payment, often referred to as a balloon payment.

Each of these models has benefits and drawbacks and the one that is the most appropriate for any specific business will depend on individual circumstances and these should be discussed with the dealer before taking out the contract.

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General Motors commits $245 to Canadian Plant

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:50:22 +0000

General Motors has finally declared the investment of an additional $245 million to fund the updating of its transmission production line at the St. Catharines plant in Ontario, Canada.

Though the investment will not directly create any new jobs, GM management says the investment will help to secure the 400 jobs currently at the facility. The investment will also provide GM with a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission, to be used in front-wheel drive applications beginning in the first quarter of 2012.

GM plans to use the transmissions produced by the updated Canadian plant for production of the Chevrolet Equinox coming out of the CAMI plant located in Ingersoll, Ontario, as well as the GMC Terrain and Buick Regal, both of which will be produced at the Oshawa, Ontario plant.

Today’s announcement is the second announced investment of nearly $250 million for the St. Catharines plant, as GM had previously committed $235 million for the production of a yet-to-be-named V8 engine. In total, GM will invest $480 million and procure 800 jobs for at least the next few years.

The decision to produce transmissions at St. Catharines was not always final, as GM already had a transmission production facility in Windsor.

Volkswagen boosts production in Mexico

Kansas City car dealer admits to sending $23,500 to Al-Qaida

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:09:54 +0000

A Kansas City used-car and auto-parts dealer admitted in federal court to sending $23,500 to banned terrorist group al-Qaida.

Khalid Ouazzani pleaded guilty on Wednesday to terrorism-related charges in court in Missouri and admitted he sent the money to the terrorist organization through a bank in the United Arab Emirates in 2007-08. He also pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering.

The 32-year-old was born in Morocco but is a naturalized U.S. citizen. His car business was called Truman Used Auto Parts. He sold it in 2007 and used the money to repay a coconspirator, federal officials say.

Ouazzani admitted his intent to join al-Qaida and swore an oath to the terrorist organization to an unnamed coconspirator. He faces a sentence of 30 years to life.

“National security is the highest priority of the Department of Justice,” Beth Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, said in a statement. “I applaud the diligent work of our law-enforcement partners from local, state and federal agencies . . . much of their work is done behind the scenes, investigating and gathering information, but they play a crucial role in preventing terrorist activities.”

Ouazzani’s lawyers issued this statement after the plea:

“He deeply regrets what he has done and is taking steps to atone, to the extent he can, for his crimes. He will continue to do so.”

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Are Government seized cars for sale cheap?

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:57:48 +0000

Many of us have not known that we can buy Government seized car. Today with the growing economic crisis, many have sourced out as to where they can buy beast value cars for sale and many of us have now known that government seized cars are indeed the only way for us to own a good and reasonably cheap priced car. You might be wondering how those people afford to buy sleek and luxurious cars. Today, that you already know a good source for cheap cars, you will never get envy anymore, as like them, you too can easily own those highly priced car in the market.

Buying a used car is the most common way to save some amount of money for your car. However, buying on government car auction will surely let you save huge amounts even if you opt to buy a brand new one. Everyone wants to own a car, but only a few have the chance to buy one because cars are generally expensive. However, if you are not really into a brand new one, you can always rely on a second hand or used cars and government public auctions.

You might be wondering why government auctions have the cheapest price that you cannot find anywhere. The existence of government auctions is due to the high expense that the government will spend in order to maintain and upkeep those seized cars that they have. Since the purpose of the auction is not to gain any profits, you will most like to pay only the amount that the government spent in getting them and not more than those amounts. Since majority of the car seized by the government are from those tax evaders and criminals, the amount that you will be paying for cars like these will be most likely to none. For the government, keeping these sized cars would only mean maintenance and inventory cost, which is the main reasons why you will get cars for sale at its best value when buying from a government auction.

In order for you to have access to thousands of car auctions, join as many car auction membership sites as you can. They will inform you of the auction details like the location, models, time, and date of the next auction. Before heading to a car auction, it is important that you will know the price of the cars for sale when it is brand new or a used and sold via dealership. Government seized car auction is definitely the best place to be to find best value cars for sale.

Junk your Car in a Green Way

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:40:56 +0000

My dad finally decided to get rid of the eye-sore in the driveway, his 89′ Ford Probe! My mom has been on his back for the past four years because it does not start and he kept promising to fix it up (like new, he said) but he never found the time. My dad is a real hard-core environmental guy and recycles everything in the house. He even four huge compost containers in the backyard so we throw out very little garbage. Finally he agreed to get rid of his old junk car, but only if I could find an eco-friendly way for him.

I searched the web and found a company that specialized in disposing of old cars in an eco friendly way, actually someone from a cool green forum mentioned it and wrote an article about the success they had working with this company. Sure enough, pick up of the car was free and they even had a little video about the recycling methods they used on their website. Help my family and I keep the planet green by recycling your car with an eco-friendly auto recycler.

Smartphones to act as Car’s key in Future

Nissan Juke

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:59:52 +0000

Sporting a very distinctive body, a raised ride height, the option of four-wheel drive with torque vectoring and a new 187bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine, the Juke will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month before going on sale in October. It will cost around £13,000, competing with competitors like Vauxhall’s Meriva and MINI’s Countryman.

The showroom-ready version features many touches from the Qazana concept that previewed it, including circular spotlights at the front, a wide-mouthed grille, pronounced wheelarches, hidden rear door handles and chunky, four-square proportions.

Inside, the cabin is just as stunning with a centre console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank, finished in high gloss paint. Large twin chrome-ringed dials mark out the instrument binnacle, while the fascia also features color displays for the ventilation system. With seating for five and a rear bench that splits and folds flat, plus a hatchback boot and plenty of cubby holes, it should offer decent practicality too.

Beneath the skin, the Juke features a development of the same platform that underpins the Micra and the Clio of Nissan’s Alliance partner, Renault. Front-wheel drive versions get MacPherson struts with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The latter gets ALL-MODE 4×4-i – a new development of Nissan’s electronic all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring designed to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. However, don’t expect much off-road ability. “Juke was born in an urban environment and that is where it will spend most of its life,” said Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European senior vice president for sales and marketing.

Three engines will be available: a 1.5-litre diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units. Topping the petrol line-up is a new direct injection turbocharged unit that produces 187bhp and 240 Nm of torque. It is the only engine to be available with four-wheel drive and gets a new six-speed CVT automatic.

Mercedes predicts strong Q2 growth after solid April

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:52:22 +0000

Sales of Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz brand rose 15.3 percent to 93,100 units in April, 2010, the third German luxury carmaker to confirm that a recovery in demand continued over last month.

“It’s a great start into the second quarter during which we plan to substantially boost sales,” Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing for Daimler’s passenger car business, said in a statement. “In line with the sales development, our incoming orders have increased significantly as well. That is particularly due to the high demand in China and the U.S. and the great success of the E and S class.”

Mercedes continues to lag rivals BMW AG and Audi AG in global sales through April by about 20,000 units each.

Daimler also is struggling to achieve any growth with its Smart brand. After an 11 percent drop to just 9,000 units in April, Daimler hopes a refreshed ForTwo in the next quarter will provide a boost to sales.

BMW to save billions by 2012

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:58:07 +0000

World’s largest luxury automaker – BMW – announced that it is well on track to meet and even exceed its goal of reducing costs on components and supplies by $5.2 billion by 2012. BMW says that it was able to do so partly due to a partnership with rival carmaker Mercedes-Benz.

BMW has announced that it is on track to not only meet its goal of saving $5.2 billion by 2012, but that it will “significantly” surpass its goal.

“We can say that from today’s perspective we will certainly and easily reach the 4 billion-euro savings goal, and even significantly surpass it,” said Herbert Diess, the management board member responsible for the cuts.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have worked together during Q1, 2010, which is expected to reduce costs for both automakers by roughly $129 million per year by 2012, according to Diess.