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WD-40 renews partnership with Habitat for Humanity

by | Feb 8, 2021 | 0 comments

WD-40 renews partnership with Habitat for Humanity

An ad image of the WD-40 and Habitat for Humanity fundraiser

BY MARK MAYNARD

Lift a hammer, lift a life with WD-40 as it partners with Habitat for Humanity International. For every 12-ounce can of WD-40 Smart Straw sold at participating Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, the San Diego-based maker of multi-purpose lubricants will donate 50 cents to the grassroots Christian housing organization.

The effort marks the second year in which WD-40 Brand is supporting Habitat for Humanity.

Through April 30, 2021, WD-40 will donate up to $50,000 to assist the global nonprofit housing group in creating safe and affordable housing.

A Place To Call Home

Having a place to call home means more now than ever — and WD-40 Brand is helping to make that happen for families across the globe, Erin Bala, director of brand management and innovation at WD-40 Co., said in a statement.

“WD-40 Company values making things better than they are today with its products and through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity,” said Bala. “Throughout the pandemic, Habitat for Humanity has continued to advocate for housing solutions that will allow more people to gain access to affordable housing and we’re proud to help the organization achieve its goals.”

The need for affordable housing has never been greater and the continued support of WD-40 Co. will help communities become stronger and more resilient, said Julie Laird Davis, VP of corporate and cause marketing partnerships at Habitat for Humanity International.

“In 2021, we will continue to support communities around the world by helping families build and improve their homes,” she said.

Lowe’s also has been a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, including the Women Build initiative and other programs and advocacy work. As a continuation of the partnership, 100 percent of all donations made through Lowe’s “Be the Change” campaign from January 2021 to March 31, 2021, will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International.

About WD-40 Brand

For nearly 70 years, WD-40 Multi-Use Product, America’s No. 1 multi-purpose lubricant, has helped users stop squeaks, remove grease and grime, penetrate stuck parts and displace moisture. And a line of specialist products consists of lubricants, penetrants, greases, cleaners and degreasers and rust-management solutions.

The WD-40 brand is also well-known for such products as 3-IN-ONE, X-14, 2000 Flushes, Carpet Fresh, Spot Shot and Lava soap.

Learn more about WD-40 Brand at wd40.com  and Habitat for Humanity at Habitat.org.

Airstream Flying Cloud a Freewheeling Home Office

by | Feb 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Airstream Flying Cloud a Freewheeling Home Office

2021 Flying Cloud Office charts new course for travel lifestyle and work on the road

The Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office

Pricing for the Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office starts at $107,500. (Photos courtesy of Airstream)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Airstream, the iconic maker of the so-called “silver bullet” travel trailers, had circled its wagons during the coronavirus pandemic, which shifted the entire travel landscape.

Spurred by feedback from owners already working remotely from the comfort of their RV, Airstream rethought the traditional floor plan for one of its most popular travel trailers, the Flying Cloud, introduced in 1949.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office space

Three windows in the office provide maximum light and views. 

The re-imagined format was just announced for the Flying Cloud 30FB Office. The rear corner sleeping area was redesigned as a dedicated office space for a “work from anywhere” option.

The 30FB Office is made for charting a course into the new reality of how we play, work, learn and live while traveling, Bob Wheeler, Airstream President and CEO, said in a statement.

Sliding drawers and storage cubbies provide organization. A pop-up USB/AC power outlet is supported by the 1000-watt inverter.

“We know that the work landscape will forever be changed by the pandemic,” said Wheeler. “We learned a lot — not only about the necessity of connectivity and options for increased power, but about the joy of closing your laptop and stepping out onto the trail.”

The dedicated workspace includes a supportive office chair that slides into a recessed groove on the edge of the desk. The space can easily convert into a sleeping or relaxing area for one, as needed. Sliding drawers and storage cubbies provide organization, while a privacy divider and black-out curtains provide a measure of privacy while doing video calls on the road.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office with black-out curtains

Black out-curtains and a privacy divider provide a muted video environment.

And the Flying Cloud 30FB Office preserves all the amenities and refinement expected of an Airstream. It retains a queen bed, plus a bench and convertible dinette, providing sleeping space for up to six.

Three windows give the office space a nearly panoramic view, while blackout curtains allow users to control light for video calls, or even block the window views for better concentration.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office bathroom

The bathroom includes a shower, sink and toilet.

Standard features, such as Airstream Connected are pre-wired for easy bundling of dealer-installed upgrades, like Airstream Power Plus and the Solar Package, for owners to stay connected — and stay off the grid and working for longer.

Flying Cloud 30FB Office main living area

The 30-foot-long Flying Cloud has an interior height of 6 feet, 7.5 inches.

Floor plan innovations include:

  • Desk with sliding drawer storage and additional storage cubbies;
  • An office chair that i secured with a strap during travel;
  • Several USB ports are located throughout the desk area;
  • Pop-up USB/AC outlet supported by the 1000-watt power inverter;
  • Pull-out table for more workspace and it slides out of sight when not in use;
  • Access to the satellite TV/HDMI outlets from onboard Blu-Ray DVD player;
  • Privacy divider;
  • Two desk grommets for organizing cables or mounting monitors;
  • Overhead storage cabinets with dry-erase surfaces and under-mount LED lights.

The queen-size bed has a memory foam mattress.

The Flying Cloud has evolved since its introduction in 1949, but it’s always been a popular option for families and couples, Justin Humphreys, Airstream VP of Sales said in the statement.

“This new unit makes a small change to an already excellent floor plan, and it transforms the way you can use your Airstream,” Humphreys said. “It gives you even more flexibility to get outdoors, spend time with family and stay connected to your work.”

The dinette can be converted to a sleep space, allowing up to six for overnights.

The Flying Cloud 30FB Office has a base weight of 6,757 pounds and a maximum trailer capacity (GVWR) of 8,800 pounds. The trailer is intended to be pulled by a range of SUVs and pickups, Airstream says.

Pricing starts at $107,500.

Airstream Flying Cloud Specifications

Exterior length: 30 feet, 10 inches

Exterior width: 8 feet, 5.5 inches

Interior width: 8 feet, 1 inch

Exterior Height with A/C: 9 feet, 9 inches Interior Height with A/C: 6 feet, 7.5 inches

Fresh-water tank: 52 gallons

Gray-water tank: 42 gallons

Black-water tank: 35 gallons

Refrigerator: 2-way, 8 cubic feet

Oven: LP gas

Information: Airstream.com.

The quickest Bimmer yet: 2022 M5 CS sedan

by | Jan 27, 2021 | 0 comments

The quickest Bimmer yet: 2022 M5 CS sedan

Available only for the 2022 model year, the new limited production all-wheel-drive supersedan builds on the M5. (BMW)

 

All-wheel-drive supersedan to start at $142,995

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

BMW has just announced that its 2022 M5 CS sedan is its quickest and most powerful BMW production vehicle ever. Available only for the 2022 model year, the new limited production all-wheel-drive supersedan builds on the M5, recently updated for 2021.

Interior features include power, heated M carbon front bucket seats, two-passenger rear bucket seats, Live Cockpit professional array with two 12.3-inch digital displays. (BMW)

The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V-8 has been tuned for 627 horsepower, a boost of 10 hp over the Competition model, with 553 foot-pounds of torque from 1,800-5,950 rpm, which is 90 rpm wider than the M5 Competition.

M carbon bucket seats have integrated head rests and illuminated M5 logos. (BMW)

The power is sent through an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. Roll on the power for a launch to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, BMW says, with a top speed of 190 mph, with the Driver’s package.

The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V-8 has been tuned for 627 horsepower. (BMW)

Pricing starts at $142,995, including the $995 freight charge from Dingolfing, Germany.

Stand-alone options include:
• Frozen Brands Hatch grey metallic paint and Frozen Deep Green metallic paint;
• Gold painted brake calipers (no-cost option);
• Pirelli P Zero Corsa non-runflat high-performance tires (no-cost option).

Expect its U.S. arrival in the second half of 2021.

With the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, BMW cites 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. (BMW)

 

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

by | Jan 20, 2021 | 0 comments

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

Production in Puebla, Mexico, transitioning to new products, including the Taos small SUV

A row of VW Golf models.

Nearly 2.5 million VW Golf family models have been sold in the U.S. market. (Photos courtesy of Volkswagen USA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volkswagen of America announced today that its subcompact Golf hatchback ended production last week for the U.S. market. The VW Golf family name will carry on in model-year 2022 with the introduction of the all-new Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R, arriving this fall.

Volkswagen expects that the model year 2021 Golf models built at the Puebla, Mexico plant will sustain sales through year-end.

The Golf debuted in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” in the U.S. For more than four decades, the Golf exemplified what Volkswagen does best — melding dynamic driving characteristics with purposeful packaging and unmatched quality, said Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing and strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“While the seventh-generation Golf will be the last of the base hatches sold here,” he said, “the GTI and Golf R will carry its legacy forward.”

The Golf TSI model

The 2021 VW Golf is sold in only one TSI trim level. Pricing starts at $24,190.

U.S. Golf Family

In the U.S., nearly 2.5 million Golf family models have been sold since 1974. The current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year.

The new eighth-generation 2022 Golf R and Golf GTI will be built in Germany as the Puebla plant transitions to new products, including the Taos subcompact crossover, according to VW.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos

2022 Volkswagen Taos.

For 2021, the Golf is available in one well-equipped trim —TSI. It features a 147 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 29 mpg city, 39 highway and 33 mpg combine or 29/36/32 mpg with the automatic.

Golf TSI pricing starts at $24,190; add $800 for the Tiptronic. Pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Puebla, Mexico.

Standard features include 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55 all-season tires, smart-key locking and push-button ignition, panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and heated front seats. Driver assistance features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert.

Seven Generations of Golf in the U.S.

 

Golf I: 1975-1984

7 generations of the Gold in North America. This is Gen 1

  • First sold in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” with a 70-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine;
  • GTI was introduced in 1983 with a 90-hp, 1.8-liter engine.

Golf II: 1985-1992

The second generation Golf

  • Nameplate shift to “Golf.” Dimensions grew by nearly 7 inches in length, 3 inches in wheelbase and 2 inches in width;
  • Standard engine is revised 85-hp,1.8-liter;
  • GTI introduces 131-hp, 2.0-liter engine;
  • Catalytic converter, anti-lock braking and power steering debut.

Golf III: 1993-1999

  • Exterior design shifts to wedge shape;
  • Base powertrain increased to 115-hp, 2.0-liter; GTI available with 172-hp, 2.8-liter VR6;
  • Front and side airbags debut; advances in body construction result in improved crash safety;
  • VR6 engine and cruise control offered for the first time.

Golf IV: 1999.5-2005

The Golf IV

  • All-new design with flatter windshield; roofline carried farther back with steeper rear window;
  • Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags debut;
  • 1.8T engine introduced for GTI, bringing turbocharging to this generation of GTI;
  •  R32 introduced for 2004 with 240 hp, six-speed manual, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Golf V: 2006-2009

The Golf V: 2006-2009

  • New multi-link rear suspension; rain-sensing wipers introduced; sold as “Rabbit” again;
  • DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions debuts as an option for GTI and the standard transmission for R32; Bi-Xenon headlights introduced on both models;
  • Base engine is 150-hp, 2.5-liter; GTI moves to 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine;
  • R32 reintroduced for 2008 with 250 hp.

Golf VI:  2010-2014

The Golf VI:  2010-2014

  • “Golf” name returns;
  • Refreshed styling with prominent character line from headlights to taillights;
  • Base powertrain is 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine;
  • Golf R was introduced for 2012, with the VR6 engine replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine pushing 256 hp.

Golf VII: 2015-2021

  • Now based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture;
  • Golf grows in size yet drops in weight, despite many new and upscale features;
  • Facelift in MY 2018 features included revised headlight and taillight designs, redesigned bumpers, and infotainment and driver assistance updates;
  • Base 170-hp, 1.8-liter TSI engine replaces 2.5-liter to gain an EPA-estimated 6 mpg highway, later replaced by the 1.4-liter TSI engine in 2019;
  • GTI and Golf R powered by new versions of the 2.0-liter TSI engine, with up to 228 hp for GTI and up to 288 hp for Golf R (using premium fuel);
  • Available driver-assistance technology includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control.

Honda beefs up appearance, features of 2021 Ridgeline pickup; on sale Feb. 2

by | Jan 14, 2021 | 0 comments

Honda beefs up appearance, features of 2021 Ridgeline pickup; on sale Feb. 2

The Ridgeline’s midcycle redesign features new exterior styling from the windshield pillars forward, including new fenders and hood, a squared off nose and upright grille. (Honda)

 

 All-wheel drive now standard for all trim levels

 

By Mark Maynard

Honda announced today, Jan. 14, that the redesigned 2021 Ridgeline pickup will be in dealerships starting Feb. 2. Sold in four trim levels, with standard all-wheel drive for all trim levels, pricing starts at $37,665, including the $1,175 freight charge from Lincoln, Ala.

The midcycle redesign features new exterior styling from the windshield pillars forward, including a new hood with a pronounced power bulge, a new squared off nose and upright grille and new fenders.

Top trims (RTL-E is shown) have new dash, steering wheel and center console accents. (Honda)

A reshaped rear bumper exposes new twin exhaust outlets. All Ridgeline trims feature tougher looking 18-inch wheels and an additional 20mm of track width for a more planted stance. New tires have a more aggressive sidewall and shoulder design. Radiant Red Metallic is a new paint option.

Interior updates include an audio volume knob and wireless phone charging. There also is new contrast stitching on the seats and the Sport trims add new cloth seat inserts. Top trims have new dash, steering wheel and center console accents.

Interior updates include an audio volume knob and wireless phone charging. (Honda)

The carryover powertrain is the 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V-6 (262 foot-pounds of torque at 4700 rpm) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel-economy ratings are 18 mpg city, 24 highway and 21 mpg combined, on 87 octane.

Payload capacity, depending on trim, ranges from 1,509-1,583 pounds with a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds or all trims, with the optional tow package.

A new $2,800 HPD option group, shown on this RTL-E, adds a unique grille treatment, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels and bedside HPD graphics. (Honda)

Ridgeline specialties include a fully independent suspension, an In-Bed Trunk lockable storage compartment and the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. Among the suite features are Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Starting prices range from $37,665 to $45,095. A new option group by Honda Performance Development ($2,800) adds a unique grille treatment, an HPD emblem, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels and bedside HPD graphics. It is one of four new post-production option packages available on all Ridgeline trims that include Utility ($1,465), Function ($270) and Function+ ($1,315).

 

 

Ford urges vigilance in #FinishStrong campaign

by | Dec 31, 2020 | 0 comments

Ford urges vigilance in #FinishStrong campaign

New initiative to Finish Strong kicks off Jan. 1

A black and white image of a father and his 2 sons for the Finish Strong campaignFord Motor Co. is encouraging Americans to Finish Strong to protect each other until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available. (Ford)

BY MARK MAYNARD

As Americans cheer the end to an unwelcome 2020 and toast to the promise of a better 2021, Ford announced today that it is kicking off a Finish Strong initiative. The hope of the campaign is to encourage people to join together, protect each other and help save lives in the months ahead until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely distributed.

Lives are on the line, said Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas & International Markets Group, in the release.

“While many are weary from the challenges 2020 has thrown at us, now is the time for us to pull together, protect each other and finish strong until COVID-19 vaccines arrive more broadly. Lives are on the line,” Galhotra said.

If more Americans embraced COVID mitigation protocols, such as wearing masks, 50,000 or more lives could be saved between now and the end of March when vaccines are more readily available, according to officials at the IHME, University of Washington’s School of Medicine.

#FinishStrong Video

The cornerstone of the initiative is a 30-second commercial, #FinishStrong, which was created by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Berg, known for “Friday Night Lights,” “Patriots Day” and “Lone Survivor.” The spot is narrated by award-winning actor Bryan Cranston.

Berg and Ford approached the storytelling as an appeal to Americans’ shared sense of patriotism and what’s right — rather than preaching at people or using fear as a motivator. Woven within the video are brief portraits of front-line workers and people affected by COVID. Among them is survivor John Williams, 68, from Kansas City, who beat COVID-19 after 20 days on and off a ventilator. He’s shown leaving the hospital in his wheelchair as doctors and nurses line the halls to cheer him on.

According to Berg, it was critical to show the strength and spirit of the country in troubled times — and to offer inspiration to Americans to stay vigilant about protecting themselves and others.

“The COVID pandemic has tested us all in ways we could not have imagined a year ago,” Berg said. “People are weary, beat down, and it would be easy to let our guard down now. But we have to keep fighting for each other; we’re almost there. As we enter 2021, we wanted to help inspire Americans to come together and save lives until the vaccines arrive in numbers. We need to finish strong. We got this.”

Ford and PPE

To date, Ford has manufactured 55 million masks and will hit 100 million masks for donations by mid-2021. Among the other pieces of personal protective equipment the automaker has made include:

  • 20 million face shields
  • 50,000 patient ventilators
  • More than 32,000 powered air-purifying respirators in collaboration with 3M
  • 1.4 million washable isolation gowns

UAW Collaboration

In collaboration with the UAW and Ford Motor Company Fund, the automaker also has donated more than 50 million face masks to nonprofit organizations, state and local officials, first responders, schools, and underserved communities in all 50 states. The next round of masks, including masks for children, will be available on Jan. 12 in six states across the eastern U.S., from New York to Virginia at local Ford dealers. Details are available at FordFund.org.

Throughout its 117-year history, Ford has stepped up in moments of global crisis: creating Iron Lungs in the polio epidemic and leading the Arsenal of Democracy in WWII. Ford’s latest effort builds on the company’s support for those affected by the pandemic — from creating programs allowing customers to defer car payments to transforming its plants to make ventilators.