Diaries of a (London) Bus Driver Vol. 1.4May 16th 2003

Dear friends,

What is it about buses that makes other drivers lose all their common sense! In consecutive days, I have been passed on bends in the road. The car drivers couldn't possibly have known what, if any vehicles were approaching from the opposite direction. Both were lucky. Within a minute of the second incident, on Green Dragon Lane, a third car overtook me on a straight, downhill section of road, doing somewhere in excess of 50mph. To deter such speedsters, there are 3 sets of chicanes at mini-roundabouts. This particular stunt was attempted an insufficient distance from one of these, so the driver was forced to negotiate the entire manoeuvre on the wrong side of the road. This time, the driver was almost not so lucky. Another vehicle was coming the other way. I doubt they missed each other by more than a couple of feet. This incident almost brought to life my enduring waking nightmares.

The vision I have almost overcome, is where I am driving at a decent speed and misjudge how far I am from a parked vehicle, causing a gut-wrenchingly spectacular smash. In the second scenario, a testosterone drunk dick-for-brains pulls out from behind me, while crossing into the path of oncoming traffic - a scene that unfolds several times daily. This time around, neither the perpetrator nor the victim, a bus or articulated lorry driver, can avoid a devastating crash. Car parts and flames fly through the air. Fortunately, my imagination has spared me visions of the mangled bodies.

I also have another accident to report. As seems to happen weekly, the tunnels on the North Circular Road, going under the Great Cambridge Roundabout and Silver Street, were closed for repairs that nobody has ever actually witnessed taking place. Two lanes had just merged into one on the slip road. Without enough space to get past me, another car attempted to do so anyway. Upon failing in his first attempt, he applied the old adage: try, try, try again.... until he hit me! After pounding the steering wheel in frustration and anger, I got off the bus to assess the damage, minimal, and see if the other driver was alright. He asked how I didn't see him!!!! He wanted to know what 'I' was going to do about his car. His tone was threatening, so I got back on the bus. I carry a company-supplied camera, with which I am supposed to photograph accident damage and location. Upon seeing this, the other driver cursed, rounded the cones and sped towards the waiting queue of traffic. Not a bright chap, as I would inevitably join the same queue immediately behind him. I snapped a shot of his licence plate.

Talking of not bright! My trip to the US was great. I loved seeing family and friends, and spending time with my kids was the highlight of my year. The second leg of my road trip was from Detroit to Pittsburgh - about 250 miles. We were in Ohio, about 10 miles from the Pennsylvania border, when a full grown female Deer ran up the embankment to the highway, within yards of our car. Surprising and beautiful. I said, look, kids! The Deer than full on charges our vehicle. I had a split second to react and swerved to the left, grazing the animal, which ran off, with the side of the car. Hair flew. Shit flew! Literally!! It hit the passenger window. Good thing for Sean's allergies! The windows were closed and the AC on, else Hannah would have had a face full!! Seems that Bulls aren't the only animals that attack red! We were told that this was far from an isolated incident. We were all sick to our stomachs. I called Rob, in Pittsburgh, telling him that we would be a little late. He lightened our moods with a few rather sick jokes. The time spent waiting for the Police - I had to get an accident report for insurance purposes - was almost sufficient for us to recover. I always drive past Rob's house, so called him again from close-by, asking him to stand outside it. We'll be in the maroon Honda Stationwagon with the shit on the window!

Seen and believed, but certainly not comprehended: Two Mercedes cars, one a sporty convertible, that have television screens on the dashboard. One of them had music videos on. What I want to know is, what egghead had this pea-brained idea, what corporate melon-head agreed to put them in the cars, what 'safety' commission approved it and how much did that cost in political contributions, and, last but not least, what yuppie moron with more money than sense would buy such a thing? Countries and States are banning mobile phone use for drivers, but it's OK to watch the booty-shaking flesh parade that constitutes so many videos! One thing's for sure: there'd be no shortage of people for me to sue, should I ever be involved in an accident with one of these cars!

As far as I can tell, there are only two things prone to more exaggeration than a man's penis size: Parents' estimation of how advanced their children are, and how long people have waited for a bus. On Sundays, the 125 comes only twice an hour. A man got on my bus complaining that he had waited an hour. I said that was untrue. I had crossed paths with the other bus exactly where I should have done. OK. Maybe 40 minutes. No, it would have been about half an hour ago. Oh! I must have just missed it!

There are many reasons for buses being late. People are constantly ringing the bell for the wrong stop and then just sit there saying nothing when I stop. The new buses on the 125 route have bells on almost every pole. People get on and grab the bars on their way to a seat, accidentally ringing the bell. Anyone can make a mistake, but as a public service request for all my fellow drivers everywhere, please admit to yours, if you make one. It will save a half a minute. The later I am, the more passengers I pick up (and will therefore also have to drop off somewhere) that would otherwise have missed me. This makes me later still. After all, the leading cause of lateness is picking up and dropping of the passengers. If I never had to pick up any, I'd rarely be late at all!

Another major cause is crazy schedules. On the W15, 44 minutes are scheduled for the late, late runs. This is almost impossible. I have made it just once. I was determined, and the roads were unusually clear, as it was Bank Holiday weekend. The allotted time from the Hackney Central Bus Stand to Leytonstone Station is 15 minutes. I drove 35-40mph most of the way, even briefly topping 50 along the Homerton Road. I was 2 minutes late at my first checkpoint! I made this up by the time I reached Terminus.

Along the same lines, the 125 has a round trip of 16 miles. (I originally thought this was 25 ? miles, but the new buses display kilometres.) The late runs are expected to accomplish this in 50 minutes. Supposedly, all times are based upon a top speed of 27mph. I worked it out! If there were no traffic, no traffic lights, no turns to negotiate, no roundabouts and no passengers, it would take me over 35 minutes. At an average 30mph, the time needed would be 32 minutes. But I tend to slow down for road hazards, and go considerably slower still when taking on passengers! Bare in mind, not one of these road has a limit of above 30mph and I would be expected to pay any speeding fines, and the 3 points would be on my licence!! 12 points and I'm out of a job! Not without a fight!! Letters to Mayor Ken, 'The Editor'...

If Swan Lane in Whetstone flooded...

I have to report the sad closure and removal of the 24-hour mobile tea and snack bar on Hackney Marshes, at Homerton Road. Not that I ever ate there. However, I always found it wryly amusing just how often the place was closed when I passed it - certainly more than any other 24-hour joint I've ever seen!

As a final note, I have some hope of returning both to New York and my old profession. Projects are in the works at my old employer, which I hope will result in a call in a few months. Perhaps next year, I'll be writing Diaries of an Englishman in New York.

That's all for now.

Love,

Andy

About the Author

My name is Andy. I am an Englishman who has spent most of his adult life in the United States. In 2001, I moved back to London, thinking I would remain there for the rest of my life. But things didn't go as planned. And instead of finding a job in IT, I became a bus driver. This is my memoire, written from 2003 to 2005.

Now back in Brooklyn, I have a blog I currently enjoy writing: sceneandheardinny.blogspot.com

Hardtop Rush Isn't Over Yet

The retractable hardtop is the automotive equal of a Busby Berkeley routine. The roof raises, folds and shoves into the car?s trunk. Just to witness the operation is fascinating; much more is to experience the driving options of a convertible.

Car occupants are given a broader leeway for the exercise of their driving discretion. A free-spitted ride with the wind blowing the hair or a private drive that precludes the world from taking unwarranted chirp - these are the options available to them.

Advances in technology and engineering feat made convertible a big hit. Nonetheless, auto hardtop is not a recent discovery. Its inception could be traced ages ago. You think that the 1998 Mercedez-Benz SLK230 is the most popular convertibles bearing these exceptional hardtops? Think again. In 1934, Georges Paulin, a Parisian dentist and part-time car designer, designed and patented a retractable hardtop for a small Peugeot coupe. Paulin?s patron and coachbuilder, Marcel Pourtout, also helped in customizing the former?s designs on a larger Peugeot chassis. The cars were stunning and well received by many.

The patent of the retractable hardtop design was sold to Peugeot in 1935. During the World War II, Peugeot built a limited number of cars named the 402BL ?clipse D?capotable. Said cars used Paulin?s design. One of these remarkable cars is bought by Raymond Milo, a Los Angeles dealer in collectible European cars. According to Milo?s research, there are 470 ?clipse D?capotable manufactured however, only 30 of them exist up to the present time.

?The ?clipse was a milestone design and perhaps the most attractive example of Art Deco design applied to automobile coachwork,? Milo said. He added that unlike most first attempts to solve an engineering problem, the design was sound. Being manually operated, the top was relatively simple and could be raised and lowered by one person.

Paulin died during the Word War II holocaust. And his design seemed to be forgotten by the automaker. It did not reappear in postwar era until the introduction of the 206CC in the year 2001. It was followed by the mass-produced retractable hardtop called the 1957 Ford Skyliner.

The Ford Skyliner was built on the Fairlane chassis and was equipped with a 118-inch wheelbase. The rear deck of the car made it extraordinary. The space required to stow the top gave the Skyliner the proportions of a pickup truck.

It was reported that Ford persuaded Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to pitch the car on television. With the requisite amount of sexism for the period, Desi warned Lucy when she asked to try out the top, ?An automobile is complicated machinery; women just don?t understand.? The announcer said there is no truth to that statement and explained that the process is so simple anyone can do it.

The complexity of the engineering features made it daunting. The standard of hardtop convertibles was enhanced when Mitsubishi introduced the 3000GT Spyder at the Los Angeles auto show. The car is likened to the Camaro or the Firebird. It was offered with a retractable hardtop for the 1995-96 model years in naturally aspirated SL Spyder form and as the 320-horsepower twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive 3000GT VR-4 Spyder.

Mercedes-Benz invaded the hardtop scene with its own version of a fascinating convertible. It was delivered to the industry for the model year 1998. Said car was designed to compete with the BMW Z3 and the Porsche Boxster.

Now, the big names in the automotive retractable hardtop include the Mazda MX-5, Lexus SC 430, Pontiac G6, Volkswagen Eos and the BMW 3 Series. Volvo also introduced the Volvo C70 which carries a remarkable improvement of the Volvo 940 parts. Hope, product communications manager for Volvo Cars North America, management approved the cost of the Volvo C70 program after engineers pointed out that a single retractable-roof version was actually more efficient to develop than both a soft-top convertible and a fixed-roof coupe. Like the clutch pedal, the ragtop may be going the way of the rumble seat.

Hardtop convertibles are showering the auto industry with lots of good things that every driver desires. This is the reason why the rush is not to end yet ? not yet.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

The Importance Of The Detroit Windsor Jobs Tunnel

By region, Canadians do the most business within the Great Lakes region by nearly four times over the Midwest region.

The Automotive Industry in Canada

With the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the automotive industry found Canada and Ontario in particular a welcome place to do business. Recently, automotive jobs in Ontario are on the increase while in Michigan they are on the decline. Last year, Ontario built more cars and trucks than any other location in North America.

Detroit/Windsor Rail Corridor Is Vital to the National Transportation Network

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership (DRTP) owns and operates the 100-year-old rail corridor that runs from Highway 401 in Canada to I-75 in Detroit. All the land within the corridor is owned by the DRTP. The tunnel serves CPR and any other railroad operators that wish to use the tracks, making this a ?neutral tunnel.? The Detroit rail crossing run by the DRTP is an ongoing business and carries over 450,000 rail cars a year. This is equivalent to over 1,000,000 truckloads.

The DRTP/CPR corridor is an existing, 100-year-old transportation corridor through Windsor and Detroit. Much of this corridor is surrounded by vacant or industrial land.

Keeping Viable Rail Service in Detroit

This tunnel is challenged by its age. Next-generation rail cars are being put into service by the railroad industry now and will continue over the next several years. These taller rail cars are bigger than the inside diameter of the existing tunnel. In 1906 when this tunnel was built, no one could have imagined a rail car 21 feet, 10 inches tall!

Below is a recent article regarding American Honda Motor Company?s purchase of $100 million worth of the new, taller rail cars. These new cars will not fit through the existing Detroit/Windsor rail tunnel.

Honda is shipping cars by new Auto-Max railcars

The Greenbrier Companies announced today it has received the largest order ever for its Auto-Max railcar used for transporting new automotive vehicles. The $100 million order is from American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The extra-wide decks in Auto-Max railcars can be adjusted to adapt to changing consumer patterns. In addition to carrying passenger vehicles three high, Auto-Max is the only railcar that carries most sport utilities, cross-over vehicles, compact pickups, and minivans in a tri-level (three-high) configuration. The decks are also readily convertible to carry large SUVs and large pickup trucks in a two-high configuration due to Auto-Max's patented features.

[Posted Feb 14, 2006 at Inside Line, an Edmunds.com, Inc. blog The Solution

As discussed previously, the next-generation, high-capacity rail cars and double-stacked seatainers will not fit through the existing tunnel. A new, larger tunnel must be built. The new, larger tunnel will be built next to the existing tunnels.

How the New DRTP Rail Tunnel Will Be Built

The new DRTP rail tunnel will have an inside diameter of nearly 27 feet to accommodate the next-generation rail cars and double-stacked seatainers. The tunnelling will be through the soft clay layer, using a pressure-balanced, tunnel boring machine (TBM) shown in the middle left.

This unique machine is huge and is used to bore through the clay layer while building the tunnel behind it. Equalized pressure is maintained at the cutting head to prevent problems with the clay layers above the machine. Once the pre-cast, concrete tunnel segments are laid in place by the machine, the entire geological structure is stabilized. The tunnel is completed when the TBM breaks through on the opposite side from where it started tunnelling.

The DRTP Jobs Tunnel will be 1.6 miles long and can be completed in less than four years after the environmental assessment (EA) is completed and government permits are granted.

The new rail tunnel will be completed in five phases:

1. Environmental Assessment Phase

2. Engineering Design Phase

3. Funding Commitment Phase

4. Tunnel Construction Phase

i. Tunnel Boring Machine Commitment

ii. Tunnel Liner Commitment

5. Commissioning Phase

The New Detroit Windsor Jobs Tunnel Security

Security is an important part of CPR?s daily business. This is especially true in the Detroit/Windsor corridor.

CPR operates its own police force on both sides of the border to ensure security.

Also, all rail cars are run past a VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) device to Gama-Ray all rail cars before entering the United States. The government-monitored system, using trackside towers (such as the one shown at right) can detect stowaways, contraband, and explosive devices by generating an interior image of each railcar and its contents whether they be tank car, hopper car, container or boxcar, as it rolls by at 5-7 miles per hour.

Moreover, the new rail tunnel will have the most sophisticated sensor array of any tunnel on the North American border.

With all these security measures, this border crossing is safe.

It is clear that the CPR track system is a key element in delivering the products needed to keep millions of Americans working in the Midwest. And, it is also clear that this system is jeopardized by the restrictions of a 100-year-old tunnel in Detroit that is not adequate for the next-generation rail cars coming on line.

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership (DRTP) is poised to build a new, high-capacity rail tunnel under the Detroit River to provide improved freight service between the United States and Canada. The DRTP is an equal partnership between Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Borealis Infrastructure Trust.

Yellow Lamborghini Gallardo for Rent

What?s in a Lambo that can arouse emotional reactions and invoke a cosmos of images? Is it the Lamborghini?s razor-sharp headlights, long edgy lines of body work, deep side air intakes or maybe the fact that it is a luxury car that makes it a wonderful sight to behold?

A rental company in Washington, DC is giving everybody (but basically those who can afford only) the chance to drive a Lamborghini Gallardo. Capital Dream Cars will soon have the Lamborghini as part of their rental fleet. Oh yes, believe it or not the Capital Dream Cars, Washington, DC?s premier exotic car rental service is happy to announce that the Lamborghini Gallardo is the latest addition to its fleet of world-class rental automobiles.

Jumi Kim, Founding Partner of Capital Dream Cars, The hard-top, E-Gear transmission Lamborghini is a nice complement to our manual Ferrari convertible and tiptronic Bentley coupe. Whether you want a coupe or convertible, a manual, semi-automatic or automatic transmission, we have a dream vehicle for every preference, season and occasion.

The Yellow Lamborghini Gallardo has a design inspired by modern jet fighters. The Lamborghini Gallardo is a muscular car that possesses dynamic styling and performance. The Lamborghini Gallardo is called SantAgata? raging bull and it?s because of its 5.0 liter, V10 engine that produces 500 horsepower and sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Despite its power some people who have already tested to drive a Gallardo claimed that it is smooth.

As expected from a Gallardo its interior is sleek black which Motor Trend magazine describes as ?the best cabin ever bolted and stitched into a Lamborghini...an exotic-car cockpit that you'll actually want to ride in. it is equipped with power seats, on-board computer, heated seats/floor mats/exterior mirrors, coming home function, silver brake calipers, and 19? alloy wheels.

According to a Lamborghini of Washington spokesman, ?Five thousand Lamborghini Gallardos can't be wrong. Style, performance and fun are why the Lamborghini Gallardo is the most successful Lamborghini ever built and one of the most popular sports cars today. In short great cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo calls for great responsibilities and attention.

About the Capital Dream Cars

Capital Dream Cars in Washington, DC is the premier exotic car rental company that provides only the finest and the most elegant marques for rent such as the red Ferrari 360 Spider, metallic gray Bentley Continental GT and the new addition to the fleet, the yellow Lamborghini Gallardo?self-drive basis; the white or silver Rolls-Royce Phantom, blue or black Maybach---on a chauffeured basis. Capital Dream cars also provides corporate incentives and programs such as the Prince Michael package or the thrilling Power Tour package which includes a visit to the rural back-roads in the Ferrari, Bentley, and Lamborghini.

About Lamborghini

Automobili-Lamborghini S.p.A., which is commonly referred to as Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high performance sports cars based on the small Italian village of Sant? Agata Bolognese, near Bologna.

Lamborghini is also a subsidiary of Audi AG which in turn is a subsidiary of Volkswagen, Europe?s largest automaker and maker of high quality VW GTI parts. Volkswagen is offering the Lamborghini as a match to the Ferrari in the Italian sports car business. 536

For more about your Volkswagen parts needs VW GTI parts, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

5 cars under $30000 that scream for summer fun!

It's coming. Summer that is. With its long warm days, who hasn't been tempted to go out and get a convertible. So here it is. 5 cars that know what fun in the sun is all about. Just don't forget the sunscreen.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Introduced to North America 17 years ago, the Mazda Miata has become as American as apple pie. And like many of us, it has grown in just about every dimension over the years. But don't be fooled, this guy has some muscle. With a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 170hp, the Miata can hold its own, especially when it comes to the twisty bits. Great handling, strong brakes and a well-finished interior round off a top-notch package built for summer fun.

Pontiac Solstice

Not since the Pontiac Fiero have we seen a 2-passenger vehicle from GM's performance division. But all similarities stop there. The Solstice is a thoroughly modern car with a 2.4L 4-cylinder generating 177 horsepower. Available 18 wheels and distinctive styling mean the Solstice doesn't go unnoticed. Starting at just over $20,000, don't except to see many of these sitting on dealer lots anytime soon. In fact, many dealers have sold the vehicles for more than MSRP, a sign that this car is in huge demand.

Jeep Wrangler

It's no sports car but the Jeep Wrangler is all about summer fun. Put down the roof and head for the hills. With 4-wheels drive and a rugged suspension, the Wrangler is just at home on the Rubicon trail as it is in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Jeep will be introducing a revised version of the Wrangler for the 2007 model year and rumors have been swirling about a 4-door version. If so, you'll now be able to bring your friends along in comfort as well as style.

Ford Mustang Convertible

Who could forget about the original pony car? Whether you opt for the standard 210 horsepower V6 or the heart pounding 300hp V8, the Mustang grabs your attention. Open the door and you'll be greeted by a handsome interior with just enough retro cues to make it interesting. Though you could fit someone in the back seat, I wouldn't ask the in-laws to jump back there unless I was looking for trouble. Sorry, the back seat is reserved for junior. But who said buying a convertible was about being practical?

MINI Cooper Convertible

It may not be the most masculine car on the market, but the MINI Cooper Convertible is certainly one of the most fun convertibles available at any price. Check out that handling. Sticks to the road like a go-kart. Spring for the supercharged engine and its 170hp will pull this MINI around without hesitation. Truck space? Uh, yeah just about enough for a couple of gym bags but who cares? Fold down the top and put your golf clubs in the back seat. Nothing else will fit back there anyway.
About the Author

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Peter Johnson is the chief writer for all-about-car-selection.com

Think small to save big money on cars

Canny Kia Picanto buyers are laughing all the way to the bank according to latest research from Parker?s Car Price Guide. Results from an investigation into car depreciation shows that no car has lost less money over the past 12 months than the compact city car.





Buyers who took delivery of a Picanto last February will now be looking at an average loss of just ?1,091. Or, looking at it another way, ?21 a week, the cost of two weekly KFC takeaway Family Buckets. Cute looks, a generous specification and a keen list price combined with an aggressive TV marketing campaign means that Picanto is a popular used buy, which is helping to keep used prices firm.





Kieren Puffet, editor of Parker?s Car Price Guide said: These results will surprise many, but if you don?t want to lose a lot of money owning a car, then the message is 'think small to save a large amount'.





Picanto is just one of seven superminis in the top 10, showing that when it comes to holding value, small is beautiful. MINI ? which has been re-writing the depreciation rule book in recent years ? continues to perform strongly, and takes second place in the table with an average loss of ?1,301 between February 2005 and February 2006. Although it?s been on sale since 2001 and is a common sight on the road, it remains as popular as ever. The Cooper Convertible is also a strong performer, taking the fifth spot.





Other Top 10 results are more surprising and include two quick Skodas ? the Fabia and Octavia vRS ? and the Daihatsu Sirion and Daihatsu Copen.





Kieren Puffett added: Rather less surprising are the cars at the foot of the table, which is dominated by blue-chip names like Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz. Although many of these cars have only lost a small percentage of their list price, the totals still run into the tens of thousands of pounds, proving that you have to spend a lot to lose a lot.





Best Performers





Make Model Average loss





1Kia Picanto ?1,091


2MINI One/Cooper Hatchback?1,301


3SEAT Leon Cupra R ?1,407


4Honda Jazz ?1,433


5MINI One/Cooper Convertible?1,444


6Skoda Fabia vRS ?1,526


7Daihatsu Sirion ?1,775


8Skoda Octavia vRS (01-05)?1,778


9Vauxhall Tigra ?1,852


10Audi A2 ?1,891





Parkers





About Parker's





The Parker's website was set up in January 1999 with the aim of helping the motorist to choose the right car at the right price.





The Parker's team of independent experts analyse 1.5 million car sales every year from dealers, private sales and auctions. We value more cars, with greater accuracy and are more trusted by more people than any other price guide you can buy.





Parker's is owned and published by Emap. Emap?s Automotive Network is the UK?s leading car and bike media company, which publishes 28 consumer and business magazines, hosts five shows and has given birth to nine digital businesses. Its brands include Max Power, Car, Parker?s and Motor Cycle News.

VW Parts for the People Car

Volkswagen literally means people car. True to its name, Volkswagen produced the best-selling car of all time, the Beetle. Volkswagen's history goes back to Ferdinand Porsche's vision of producing a vehicle that every working man can afford. This idea was not a new one but previous attempts to realize it had failed.

Ferdinand Porsche had an impeccable reputation as an automobile engineer, heading his own consultation firm and previously serving as chief designer of Lohner, Austro-Daimler, Mercedes, Daimler-Benz and Steyr. When Hitler expressed his desire to produce a car that would serve the needs of the average German, Porsche seized the opportunity and presented his plans to Hitler who greenlighted the project, but with several requirements: the car should be a five-seater, have a cruising speed of 100 kmh, get 40 miles to the gallon, be air-cooled, and be priced below 1000 Marks. Ferdinand Porsche accepted the challenge even though he was sure that a car could not be made that cheaply: the cost of Ford's mass produced models at the time was roughly the equivalent of 2,600 Marks. Fortunately, Porsche had already designed many of the required VW parts in one of his earlier models with a similar name - the Volksauto. Porsche assigned the name Type 60 to his prototype but it was changed to V1 and a convertible version Hitler requested was named V2. By 1935, 3 prototypes were created and Daimler-Benz were ordered to build another 30 to complete the testing. The car now sported the unique streamlined look that would become famous around the world.

The Beetle or VW Type 1 was ready for production in 1939 but World War 2 intervened and the car was retooled for the far effort. Porsche revised some of the VW parts, enlarging the engine and crafting a four-seater body for the wartime model Type 81. The VW Schwimmwagen was an amphibious vehicle used extensively by the German army. After the war, Volkswagen's first customer would ironically be the British who needed light transport and ordered 20,000 units. Volkswagen sold only 2 cars when it started exporting to America but clever advertising campaigns popularized the brand immensely. In 1973, sale of the Volkswagen Beetle exceeded the 16 millionth marks replacing the Model T as the best-selling car in the world. It was also named fourth most influential car of the 20th century by the Global Automotive Elections Foundation. Later versions of the Type 1 sold poorly and Volkswagen purchased Audi/Auto Union to help the company create a new breed of VW vehicles. Polo, Golf, and Passat succeeded the VW Beetle and represented a break from the company's one-brand policy.

To keep the company competitive, Group CEO Bernd Pischetsrieder and brand CEO Wolfgang Bernhard unleashed a brand offensive that started in 2002, introducing new models in its lineup like the sixth-generation Passat and the fifth-generation Jetta. Martin Winterkorn will become VW Group CEO on January 1, 2007. He was responsible for bringing the Audi brand to the spotlight and making it a credible competitor to other luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes.

Volkswagen is now the world's fourth largest car manufacturer.

Fourty-one year old Meg Foler brings her skills as an interior designer to not-so-new model cars, repainting and redoing the interior herself. Most of her pieces are ?Pop Art? in nature as she is an Andy Warhol fan.