plus 4, AAA Offers Top Picks for Automotive Gifts This Holiday Season - TMCnet

AAA Offers Top Picks for Automotive Gifts This Holiday Season - TMCnet
Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ 1000 H2 - UTV Guide
2010 Kawasaki Mule 610 4X4 XC - UTV Guide
Christmas tree hunters missing near Medford - Dalles Chronicle
Oregon tree-cutters safe after 2 nights in snow - Everett Herald

AAA Offers Top Picks for Automotive Gifts This Holiday Season - TMCnet

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 08:36 AM PST

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec 04, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- To assist holiday shoppers looking for the perfect gift this season, AAA releases its top picks for automotive-related gifts. With nearly a quarter of a billion vehicles on the road in the U.S., a gift for the car is something just about everyone can use.

"Automotive gifts do not have to be limited to the gear head in your life. AAA's picks include items for those who like to tinker under the hood or simply enjoy the ride as a passenger," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Approved Auto Repair and Buying Network.

AAA's top picks for automotive-related gifts this holiday season include: MagnoGrip Wristbands ($16) -- For the person who is always tinkering with their vehicle, a magnetic wristband can make it easier to hold onto small bolts, fasteners and other pieces that can frequently get misplaced under the hood. The polyester wristband is embedded with a super strong magnet to hold metal parts in place until they are needed.

Magellan Roadmate GPS ($199) -- Just about any motorists will enjoy a Magellan Roadmate GPS navigation unit as a holiday gift. The latest model--the Magellan Roadmate 1445T--includes a 4.3-inch color touch screen and exclusive AAA TourBook information with ratings and descriptions on AAA approved places to stay, play, dine and save as well as AAA Approved Auto Repair locations. A highway lane assist function points users to the right exit, and Traffic Link provides subscription-free, live traffic updates. AAA members receive discounts and other benefits from Magellan on several units. Visit AAA.com/GPS for details.

Digital Tire Gauge ($10-$30) -- Less than one in 10 vehicles has four properly inflated tires, making a digital tire gauge a gift any motorists can use. Improperly inflated tires wear out more quickly and can cause handling and braking problems that make vehicle operation less safe. AAA recommends motorists check the pressure in their tires at least once a month and inflate tires to the pressure levels posted on the driver's door jamb--not on the tire sidewall. A digital tire gauge makes it easier to read the pressure level in a tire. A variety of models are available. Look for one with a backlit display for easier reading in low light conditions.

USB Car Charger ($14-$25) -- Many gadgets these days come with USB charging cables, such as iPods and smart phones. Rather than purchasing a separate 12-volt adapter for each gadget, a USB car charger converts a vehicle's 12-volt outlet into a USB charging outlet. With the growing number of gadgets using USB chargers, it's smart to look for an adapter that provides more than one USB outlet.

Cordless LED Work Light ($26-$60) -- A cordless LED work light can be a great addition to the garage and/or a vehicle's emergency kit. Look for one that's shatterproof, waterproof and comes equipped with a hook or stand to allow use of both hands while working on the car. A rechargeable unit will help save on replacement batteries, but make sure it comes with both a wall charger and 12-volt car charger--especially if planning to keep it in a vehicle.

AAA Battery Tender ($29-$59) -- The AAA Battery Tender is a great gift for anyone who has a vehicle they do not use on a full-time basis, such as a collectable vehicle, seasonal car, golf cart, ATV, RV or motorcycle. By keeping the battery charged when not in use, a Battery Tender extends battery life and ensures the vehicle will be ready to start the next time it is driven. Two units are available; the AAA Battery Tender Junior will maintain a battery's charge, while the AAA Battery Tender Plus can also recharge a wide variety of lead-acid vehicle batteries. AAA members receive a discount on Battery Tender units purchased through select AAA clubs.

Heated 12V Blanket ($21-$35) -- Many drivers and passengers battle over the car's climate control settings during road trips. While dual climate control has resolved this issue for some, for those whose vehicles do not include that feature, a heated 12-volt blanket might be a good gift. Several styles and colors are available. Look for one with a long cord to provide access for backseat passengers, and a safety timer with automatic shut-off.

Remote Start System ($80-$600) -- For those living in cold-weather environments, a remote start system can be a gift they will thank you for every cold morning. Systems vary greatly in features and pricing. Some features to look for include a visual confirmation that the remote start is engaged, such as flashing the headlights; a pin switch on the hood to prevent the vehicle from starting when the hood is up; transmission monitoring to ensure the vehicle is in park before it will start; the ability to manually shut down the engine via the remote transmitter; and a coolant temperature or oil pressure sensor to automatically shut down the engine if it starts to overheat or loses oil pressure. Also, make sure the system is compatible with any vehicle immobilizer system, which may require a key with an imbedded microchip to start the car. To ensure safe and proper operation, it's best to have a remote start system installed by a reputable auto repair facility.

AAA Membership ($38-$80) -- The gift of a AAA membership provides peace of mind that comes from knowing the nation's oldest and largest motor club will come to the rescue in a time of need. AAA membership also provides the recipient with year-round discounts on a wide variety of products and services at retail stores, auto repair facilities, hotels, restaurants, attractions, prescriptions and much more. For information on memberships, visit AAA.com.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080226/DC15031LOGO) Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Christie Hyde https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=64864 AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

Stay connected with AAA on the web via: Twitter.com/AAAnews Twitter.com/AAAauto YouTube.com/AAA MySpace.com/AAAeveryday Facebook.com/AAAfanpage SOURCE AAA http://www.aaa.com

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Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ 1000 H2 - UTV Guide

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 02:31 AM PST

Arctic Cat has upped the ante in the UTV world by stuffing their fuel-injected 950cc v-twin Thundercat engine in the 2009 Prowler. The 950cc v-twin hemi puts down some serious torque that completely blows away other sport side x side vehicles that are currently available by Yamaha, Polaris and Kawasaki.

Although the big bore power is the most exciting news for the 2009 Prowler XTZ H2, the new Prowler side by side also sports a completely new chassis that lowers the ride height, improves strength and suspension.

This is groundbreaking news for those that thought the big manufacturers were to scared of lawsuits to give consumers the power they want. Let's hope that this trend continues with other manufacturers.

The H2 revolution of hemi-producing power will soon open a new dimension in power to the ROV class. As you can imagine, the 1000 H2 EFI has a potently powerful 951cc, SOHC, V-twin, liquid-cooled engine, designed for a wide torque curve with the smoothest power via Electronic Fuel Injection. Cold weather starting and changes in elevation are no longer an issue.
Keeping true to Arctic Cat ATV heritage, the Prowler was designed to conquer any job when it comes to storage and hauling capacities. Lift the hood on any Prowler XTZ and you will find a storage compartment that can hold 25lbs of hunting supplies, tools, and can double as a cooler to store ice. The composite cargo bed has a brand new box latch for easier box dumping so you can throw in 600lbs. of the harshest payloads and the Prowler won't even whimper.
Other amenities of the Prowler XTZ include a sport bumper and fascia, all-new cast aluminum 14" wheels with black painted inlays with 26x9R14 Maxxis RAZR front tires and 26x11R14 Maxxis RAZRs in the rear for the ultimate in offroad traction. Arctic Cat accessories come standard in the form of nerf bars, box rails, rear view mirror, hood scoop and Pro Grip steering wheel. All this packaged in Sunset Orange Metallic automotive paint that can be buffed and waxed.

I had the Prowler 1000 up to 65 mph before lifting. I can easily believe that it can hit 75 mph. With a stock roll cage and nothing but a shoulder harness, 65 mph was fast enough for me.

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2010 Kawasaki Mule 610 4X4 XC - UTV Guide

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 01:27 AM PST

Newest Mule Offers Expanded Off-Road Capabilities
After more than 20 years of service, the Mule name has come to define a whole category of hardworking utility vehicles. For 2010, here's an entirely new take on everyone's favorite beast of burden: The Kawasaki Mule^™ 610 4x4 XC appears to have been crossbred with Kawasaki's Teryx™ RUV. Aggressive 26 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires mounted on 12-inch wheels give it newfound off-road ability—and a slew of upgrades designed to complement its suddenly more aggressive nature, infuse the new Mule XC with something it's never really been known for: This Mule is cool.
The standard Mule 610 4x4 was nearly unstoppable, but the new 4x4 XC takes that a giant step further. Not only do those burly 26 inch Maxxis tires provide a bunch more traction, their greater width increases the Mule's track by 1.3 inches and their greater height gives the new Mule a full 8.1 inches of ground clearance. To accommodate that new capability, new 1.1 inch longer front and 1.5 inch longer rear suspension help the Mule climb over larger obstacles than ever, while standard skid plates protect vital systems.

To make room for those new tires, the new Mule's front bumper's been kicked forward about 1.2 inches, and while they were at it the Mule team added sporty new graphics—also a new, more comfortable seat covered in a more pliable material, and a smaller-diameter sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Kawasaki Teryx^™.
In spite of its new capabilities and the fact the XC looks like an entirely new vehicle on the outside, you can rest assured that its legendarily reliable and economical drivetrain remains intact on the inside. A durable, 401cc fan-cooled overhead-valve engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds power to all four wheels as needed, and simple, automotive controls mean it couldn't be much easier to operate. An enrichening system partially opens the throttle for easy engine starts, hot or cold, and the Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse gear, provided the brake pedal is applied. Select 2WD or 4WD, and away you go.
MacPherson strut front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering combine great bump absorption with light handling, and the Mule's mid-engine layout and swingarm rear suspension provide great traction at the rear. An upgraded braking system brings it all to a reliable halt.

Fun as it looks, the XC is all about hard work, with a new special black texture paint applied to its 400-pound capacity tilting bed for even greater long-lasting looks and durability, and 1,100-pound towing capacity that means you can bring whatever you need. Dual cup holders keep thirst at bay when you're on the clock, a capacious glove box can carry more than just gloves, and the front hood pops open to reveal more than 12 gallons-worth of storage. Popular accessories include an enclosed cab, snow plow, winch, and soft or hard tops, available through Kawasaki dealers.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC's Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki's tagline, "Let the good times roll.™", is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki 's complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

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Christmas tree hunters missing near Medford - Dalles Chronicle

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 01:20 AM PST

December 3, 2009

Christmas tree hunters missing near Medford

By Jeff Barnard
The Associated Press

MEDFORD — Searchers combed icy roads near the crest of the Cascade Range early Thursday, looking for a missing couple who told their children they were seeking a Christmas tree high in the southern Oregon mountains.
Jackson County Sheriff's Lt. Pat Rowland said they were saturating the area with Sno-Cats and ATVs, looking for Jennifer, 38, and Keith Lee, 36, of Medford. The two set out Tuesday morning in their electric blue, all-wheel-drive Subaru but told no one exactly where they were going. Keith Lee is diabetic, a relative said. A search and rescue spokeswoman, Deana Carvalho, said Thursday morning the couple was not found overnight.
"It's cold weather and not a lot of snow, but there's ice out there," making backcountry roads treacherous, Rowland said. "If the car tipped over, it's not going to be easy to spot."
The couple did tell their four kids, ages 8 to 18, that they hoped to bring back a silvertip fir, a prized tree found only at high elevations.
Rowland said about 45 searchers planned to hunt for the couple through the night in temperatures that dipped into the teens and mid-20s.
The search focused on the high Cascades between Medford and Klamath Falls after police found a piece of paper in the couple's home with the numbers 140 and 37 written on it, an apparent reference to two highways that intersect at Fish Lake near the crest of the mountains, police Sgt. Mike Budreau said.
Helicopter and ground searches turned up nothing in the Siskiyou Mountains south of Medford, where the couple got stuck for four hours while getting their tree last year, Budreau said.
A helicopter joined the search in the Cascades until darkness fell, Rowland said.
Like thousands of Oregonians each year, the Lees bought their Christmas tree permit from the local national forest office and headed into the mountains, police said. They first went tree hunting Monday but didn't find what they wanted, so they set out again Tuesday after the kids went to school. Jennifer Lee asked a friend to pick up their 8-year-old daughter.
Each year searches are mounted for a few who get stranded or lost while hunting for Christmas trees in Oregon, Rowland said.
Keith Lee's uncle said his nephew was familiar with the woods from frequent camping trips and backcountry motorcycle riding; was good with cars, being the manager of an auto parts store; and always carried a cell phone.
"He loves the woods," Hill said just before leaving for Medford from Sacramento, Calif., where Keith Lee lived before moving to Oregon two years ago.
"And he loves to rough it a lot. That's why I'm not too worried about him at this point," said Hill, a retired civilian employee on an Air Force base. "But the one who hasn't done a lot of camping is his wife, Jennifer. And what really scares me about him is he's diabetic now. If he forgot his insulin or something like that, it might be dangerous."

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Oregon tree-cutters safe after 2 nights in snow - Everett Herald

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 03:33 PM PST

MEDFORD, Ore. — A search of the mountains near the Oregon-California border was called off today after a couple returned from a Christmas tree hunt, saying they got stuck in the snow for two days.

Jennifer and Keith Lee told Jackson County sheriff's deputies their all-wheel drive Subaru got high-centered on a remote road leading into California on the south side of Mount Ashland.

"This morning they got enough rocks to put under the tires to get it freed up," sheriff's Lt. Pat Rowland said.

Rowland said the couple used a cell phone to contact police from a small town near Medford as soon as they heard searchers were looking for them.
Deputies were interviewing the couple, who had been missing since Tuesday.

A search began Wednesday with Sno-Cats and ATVs. Jennifer, 38, and Keith, 36, had told their four children, ages 8 to 18, that they hoped to bring back a silvertip fir, a prized tree found only at high elevations.

An initial search by helicopter and ground searches turned up nothing in the Siskiyou Mountains south of Medford, where the couple got stuck for four hours last year while getting their tree, authorities said.

The couple apparently had strayed into a road system that crosses the border into California, Rowland said.

Like thousands of Oregonians each year, the Lees bought their Christmas tree permit from the local national forest office and headed into the mountains, police said.

The couple first went tree hunting Monday but didn't find what they wanted, so they set out again Tuesday after the kids went to school. Jennifer Lee asked a friend to pick up their 8-year-old daughter.

Each year searches are mounted for a few who get stranded or lost while hunting for Christmas trees in Oregon, Rowland said.

Keith Lee's uncle said his nephew was familiar with the woods from frequent camping trips and backcountry motorcycle riding; was good with cars, being the manager of an auto parts store; and always carried a cell phone.

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