An operation which shapes metal parts by carving away excess material as chips produced in a sequential process of turning, milling and grinding operations.

A suspension system that consists of a combination coil spring and shock absorber in one compact unit at each wheel. With this 'independent' suspension design, road shocks at one wheel are not transferred to the opposite wheel. MacPherson struts use fewer parts, meaning a reduction on weight and fewer elements that could wear out. MacPherson struts also allow relatively long springs that can increase suspension travel and increase bump absorption capability.

The bearings in an engine block that support the crankshaft.

Brand name of a car or truck (ie. Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Honda).

A casting of passages or set of pipes which connect the cylinders to an inlet or outlet source.

A device that detects engine load by measuring air pressure or vacuum in the intake manifold.

Low pressure in an engine intake manifold formed just below the throttle plates. Manifold vacuum is highest at idle and drops under acceleration.

Manual chokes have a cable that lets the driver control the carburetor's choke operation. Most newer cars with carburetors have automatic chokes instead of manual chokes.

With a manual steering system, there is no power assist to the driver.

A mechanism in the drive train with gears to vary the power and torque delivered to the driven wheels. It consists of a lever that the driver operates in conjunction with the clutch to change from one gear to another.

Margin or gross margin the return an intermediary achieves on the selling price of the article. That is, if the intermediary buys a product for $1 and sells it for $1.50, the margin is calculated. For example, .50 divided by $1.50, or 33%.

Process technology (i.e. metal forming, machining, injection molding, blow molding, die casting, forgings, electronics/electrical, assembly, coating/plating); capacity utilization (in percent); production volumes; strategic alliances (e.g. joint ventures, technology agreements).

A device that detects engine load by measuring air pressure or vacuum in the intake manifold.

The percentage of total sales represented by an individual manufacturer/importer, make or nameplate.

A device that measures and straightens the flow of air entering the throttle housing.

A piston-type pump that produces pressure in the brake hydraulic system. The primary fluid pressurizing device in a hydraulic system. In automotive use, it is found in brake and hydraulic clutch systems and is pedal activated, either directly or, in a power brake system, through the power booster.

Vehicle maintenance and repair conducted by a mechanic/professional at a service outlet.

Vehicle weighing from 14,001 to 26,000 lbs.

Solid metal and molten metal process such as casting, forging, stamping and machining.

MMT is an organic manganese compound. It is used as a fuel additive designed to enhance octane levels in gasoline.