In a statement posted on Moser Engineering's Web site, the company noted that Rob Moser, Greg and Marianne's son, has been managing the company's day-to-day operations since his promotion to vice president of operations more than a year ago. "Rob is ready to handle all business situations that may come his way," read the statement, "and is fully committed to ensuring the goals and expectations put in place by his parents are carried through to the highest degree possible." We extend our heartfelt condolences to all involved.
Superlift Goes Hollywood
OK, maybe "Hollywood" is an exaggeration. But the Louisiana-based suspension company is now producing its own television show, Superlift's Off-Road Adventures, which is currently broadcast on Sunday afternoons on the Outdoor Channel.
"For enthusiasts, about enthusiasts, and by enthusiasts," the show will cover "anything and everything that is off-road." Segments will feature off-road events, from trail rides to pro rockcrawling; technical segments with how-to and "how it works" pieces; and modified trucks and project vehicles to provide buildup inspiration for viewers. For more information, visit www.superlifttv.com.
This Just In...
*Looks like VW will be offering its Touareg SUV with the powerful V-10 direct-injection turbodiesel after all. Making over 550 lb-ft of torque, the motor will appear in the spring of 2004.
*As if you don't have enough to distract you behind the wheel, now comes satellite TV. A company called KVH Industries will offer subscribers some 300 Direct TV stations via a 30-pound antenna that attaches to a vehicle's roof rack. Whatever happened to comic books keeping the kids quiet during a road trip?
*Civilian Hummer H1 owners who want to carry out their own nighttime ops will be able to do so using an aftermarket night-vision system. The $5,000 Nightdriver system from Raytheon will reveal objects as much as 1,500 feet away. This falls far shy of the military night vision systems, however, which can pick up vehicles almost 4,000 feet away.
*More Hummer news: The H2 ranked dead-last in J.D. Power's latest initial quality survey. Respondents to the survey reported 225 problems per 100 Hummers, compared to an industry average of 133. The most frequent complaint? The Hummer's dismal fuel economy. Well, what the hell did they expect?
*Land Rover North America will present a '03 Discovery to a group of seven teenaged Alaskan girls to help in their humanitarian efforts. The group, nicknamed "The Dragon Slayers" as a result of their community rescue work in the face of daunting odds, will use the Disco to provide emergency services to inhabitants in the remote areas around Aniak, Alaska. The Discovery has been specially customized for the climate and includes safety equipment such as a full recovery kit, a winch, and a block heater. Off-road driving specialist and 1993 Camel Trophy winner Tim Hensley will train the girls on off-road driving techniques as well as give them tips on how to use the recovery equipment.
*GM paid at least $495 million to settle lawsuits filed by victims or the families of victims of accidents involving the side-saddle gas tanks used on older C/K pickups. That information came from a previously sealed court document that was unsealed by a judge in Montana, according to a story in the Detroit News. Legal analysts are worried that this information sets a dangerous precedent for the automaker and other large companies. "Everyone now knows what GM is worth," said a spokesman for a Washington, D.C., legal association.
For more up-to-the-minute headlines, breaking news, and just plain gossip and rumors, visit www.4wheeloffroad.com and click on the "Automotive News" link.
Displacement on Demand Coming to GM SUVsGeneral Motors announced it will boost the fuel economy of some of its '05 midsized SUVs by equipping them with new Displacement on Demand technology.