For the last four years Ford has left the mini-van market alone. Back in 2006 they discontinued the Freestar and officially left the mini-van market to the other guys. But after four years Ford has decided to reenter the domestic market. They will debut their Ford C-Max at the Detroit auto show in January 2011 and mark their first effort to get back in the game of mini-vans.
Though Ford left the mini-van market in the U.S., they continued to sell them to European drivers. The C-Max has been on sale in Europe for awhile. The C-Max is able to carry seven passengers and, according to Ford, it will be capable of achieving better fuel economy than its competitors due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Ford C-Max is about two feet shorter than its competitors, such as the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Ford’s target market for the new mini-van is young, growing families.
The C-Max is based on the Ford Focus compact car; one of ten new models Ford plans to base on the structure of the Focus. According to Ford the C-Max will be offered with a good amount of standard technology as well as optional. They plan to sell the Ford C-Max by 2012 and according to auto analysts they could sell as many as 50,000 models annually.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
2011 Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year award is one of the most coveted awards in the auto industry. This year’s winners will be announced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 11, 2011.
The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.
The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.
The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.
The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Electric Cars Will Soon Come on Strong
Although there are not many electric vehicles on the road today, in a few years the availability and diversity of plug-in cars may be greater than any of us know what to do with. Almost every automaker including the big and small plan to have an all-electric vehicle out by 2012; Toyota plans to have three. There are many start-up companies that are placing their futures on the line with the emergence of the electric car market. Companies like Wheego and Fisker are staring their entrance into the car market with electric-cars.
Despite all of the possible offerings of electric cars, fewer than 7% of Americans say they would consider buying a plug-in vehicle. Of the few that would buy even fewer are willing to risk it on an unknown company. The dooming statistics don’t scare the big automakers because their futures do not rely solely on sales of plug-in vehicles; but for some of the smaller companies it’s electric cars or bust.
The smaller companies plan to compete with the bigger guys in customer service and specialization. Wheego’s CEO says “if you email me as CEO, you’re going to get a response back.” Also, the smaller guys don’t need to sell as many cars to stay afloat. Fisker Automotive plans to sell luxury plug-in sedan that will not be direct competition for cars like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.
By 2012 we may be seeing as many as 14 different electric plug-in vehicles for sale. Experts believe the market will be similar to the hybrid market, with one model taking half the sales and the others competing for the rest.
Despite all of the possible offerings of electric cars, fewer than 7% of Americans say they would consider buying a plug-in vehicle. Of the few that would buy even fewer are willing to risk it on an unknown company. The dooming statistics don’t scare the big automakers because their futures do not rely solely on sales of plug-in vehicles; but for some of the smaller companies it’s electric cars or bust.
The smaller companies plan to compete with the bigger guys in customer service and specialization. Wheego’s CEO says “if you email me as CEO, you’re going to get a response back.” Also, the smaller guys don’t need to sell as many cars to stay afloat. Fisker Automotive plans to sell luxury plug-in sedan that will not be direct competition for cars like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.
By 2012 we may be seeing as many as 14 different electric plug-in vehicles for sale. Experts believe the market will be similar to the hybrid market, with one model taking half the sales and the others competing for the rest.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Popular Cars by Region
What determines which type of car you drive? Most people would say style, individual needs, and budget are the three main factors that influence their purchase decision when buying a new car. However, where you live is apparently a major factor too.
This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).
So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?
Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala
Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500
Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan
This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).
So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?
Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala
Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500
Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Does Your Car Color Describe You?
It’s no secret what the most popular car colors are. Every time we drive down the highway or enter a parking lot, we can see that the overwhelming majority of cars on the road today are neutral colors: white, black, silver, and grey. According to studies, white is the most popular color overall in the United States (although black is making quite a comeback), while silver is the most popular worldwide. So what does this say about us as a nation? And what does your car color say about you?
Surprisingly, nothing. Although it would seem that our overwhelming preference for neutral colors shows a lack of creativity and style, it is actually a better representation of our practicality. Cars are an expensive purchase, and unlike clothing and accessories that we can throw in the back of our closets when they go out of style, we have to live with our car purchases for years.
Another reason that bland, non-colors such as white, black, and grey do not necessarily mean that we are boring when it comes to cars is the different shades that have become available. The bright colors of white we currently see are different from those we saw 50 years ago, and black finishes today are much more dramatic than they used to be.
However, car manufacturers do have the technology to develop high-impact colors that will make a statement, but they are not so easy to mass-produce, and nobody knows how popular they will be. So while we don’t know what the future will hold, it seems for now, the neutral colors are here to stay.
Surprisingly, nothing. Although it would seem that our overwhelming preference for neutral colors shows a lack of creativity and style, it is actually a better representation of our practicality. Cars are an expensive purchase, and unlike clothing and accessories that we can throw in the back of our closets when they go out of style, we have to live with our car purchases for years.
Another reason that bland, non-colors such as white, black, and grey do not necessarily mean that we are boring when it comes to cars is the different shades that have become available. The bright colors of white we currently see are different from those we saw 50 years ago, and black finishes today are much more dramatic than they used to be.
However, car manufacturers do have the technology to develop high-impact colors that will make a statement, but they are not so easy to mass-produce, and nobody knows how popular they will be. So while we don’t know what the future will hold, it seems for now, the neutral colors are here to stay.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Mercedes-Benz CLS: Best Car in Luxury Class
Worldwide the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been voted the Best Luxury Car of 2011, and with that was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel” award, one of the most important automotive awards in Europe.
Across Europe more than a quarter million readers and a top-class jury comprising of 40 automotive experts and prominent figures chose from 10 executive and luxury class vehicles to vote for the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel.” The vehicles were put through extensive tests and were rated on performance and style. The top 5 finalists for the award were the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volvo S 60.
According to the results of the road tests the Mercedes-Benz CLS is efficiency at the highest level with lightweight construction and aerodynamics as well as supreme driving dynamics and ride comfort, perfect for a long trip. There’s no doubt why the CLS was voted Best Car in its class and why it deserved the “Golden Steering Wheel” award.
Across Europe more than a quarter million readers and a top-class jury comprising of 40 automotive experts and prominent figures chose from 10 executive and luxury class vehicles to vote for the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel.” The vehicles were put through extensive tests and were rated on performance and style. The top 5 finalists for the award were the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volvo S 60.
According to the results of the road tests the Mercedes-Benz CLS is efficiency at the highest level with lightweight construction and aerodynamics as well as supreme driving dynamics and ride comfort, perfect for a long trip. There’s no doubt why the CLS was voted Best Car in its class and why it deserved the “Golden Steering Wheel” award.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Chevy Volt: 2011 Car of the Year
Chevrolet is making their entrance into the world of green cars this year, and they are making quite an entrance. The Chevy Volt has been impressing consumers and critics alike, and now it has been given one of the most prestigious titles in the automobile industry: the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year. So what exactly is it about the Volt that is capturing the attention of so many?
While the Volt is certainly not the first electric car, it is the first to offer many features that other green cars lack, such as ample seating, practicality, a large driving range, and, on top of that, an affordable price. One of the major ways in which the Volt blows its competition out of the water is the driving range. Unlike the others, Volt drivers can go 40 miles on pure electricity, followed by 300 miles on gasoline. And the annual electric power consumption to fully charge the Volt is about the same as a home water heater.
Other features of the Volt that have impressed critics include an informative dashboard that helps drivers maximize mileage and the eight-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack. Consumers will enjoy the $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as the 500 gallons of gasoline they will save each year.
While the Volt is certainly not the first electric car, it is the first to offer many features that other green cars lack, such as ample seating, practicality, a large driving range, and, on top of that, an affordable price. One of the major ways in which the Volt blows its competition out of the water is the driving range. Unlike the others, Volt drivers can go 40 miles on pure electricity, followed by 300 miles on gasoline. And the annual electric power consumption to fully charge the Volt is about the same as a home water heater.
Other features of the Volt that have impressed critics include an informative dashboard that helps drivers maximize mileage and the eight-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack. Consumers will enjoy the $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as the 500 gallons of gasoline they will save each year.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
World's Smallest Car
British constructor Perry Watkins drives his “Wind Up” mini car. The mini car, which is the world’s smallest car with a license to drive on public streets, is only 41 inches high, 51 inches long, and 26 inches wide. The “Wind Up” can drive 60 kph (37 mph) and even has seat belts.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Best Resale Value: 2011 Models
There are many factors to think about when purchasing a new car. Price, size, brand, and safety are all major considerations. Another factor consumers should think about when making this decision is the resale value of a vehicle. This is an important issue, as it not only estimates how much you can expect to get for the automobile if you decide to trade it in, but it is also an indicator of a high quality vehicle that is built to retain its value. Kelley Blue Book recently named the 2011 vehicles with the best resale value for each major category. And the winners are:
- Subcompact car: Honda Fit
- Compact Car: MINI Cooper
- Mid-Size Sedan: Honda Accord
- Full-Size Sedan: Ford Taurus
- Wagon: Subaru Outback
- Sports Car: Subaru Impreza WRX
- High-Performance Car: Ford Mustang GT
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Car: Volkswagen Golf TDI
- Compact Utility Vehicle: Honda CR-V
- Mid-Size Utility Vehicle: Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Full-Size Utility Vehicle: GMC Acadia
- Van: Toyota Sienna
- Near-Luxury Car: Lexus IS
- Luxury Car: Audi A5
- Full-Size Pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
- Luxury Utility Vehicle: BMW X5
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Vehicle: BMW X5 xDrive 35d
- Mid-Size Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
- Subcompact car: Honda Fit
- Compact Car: MINI Cooper
- Mid-Size Sedan: Honda Accord
- Full-Size Sedan: Ford Taurus
- Wagon: Subaru Outback
- Sports Car: Subaru Impreza WRX
- High-Performance Car: Ford Mustang GT
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Car: Volkswagen Golf TDI
- Compact Utility Vehicle: Honda CR-V
- Mid-Size Utility Vehicle: Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Full-Size Utility Vehicle: GMC Acadia
- Van: Toyota Sienna
- Near-Luxury Car: Lexus IS
- Luxury Car: Audi A5
- Full-Size Pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
- Luxury Utility Vehicle: BMW X5
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Vehicle: BMW X5 xDrive 35d
- Mid-Size Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
Friday, November 12, 2010
Cars that Lose Value Fast
It’s fairly common knowledge that as a new car drives off the lot it loses 20% of its value that day; but over time the value of that car will depreciate much slower than it did that first day. At least some cars slowly depreciate; a study was done to see which cars depreciate the quickest and by how much. During the first three years of a cars life it depreciates at an accelerated rate; but the cars that made this top 10 list have a super accelerated rate of depreciation. After 5 years a vehicle usually will have lost 65% of its value; but the vehicles on this list have lost 74% or more of their value.
1. Kia Sedona – 5 year depreciation of 80%
2. Lincoln Town Car- 5 year depreciation of 79%
3. Isuzu Ascender- 5 year depreciation of 77%
4. Dodge Durango- 5 year depreciation of 76%
5. Ford Econoline- 5 year depreciation of 76%
6. Suzuki Reno- 5 year depreciation of 75%
7. Chevrolet Uplander- 5 year depreciation of 75%
8. Suzuki Forenza- 5 year depreciation of 75%
9. Mercury Grand Marquis- 5 year depreciation of 75%
10. Suzuki Aerio- 5 year depreciation of 74%
1. Kia Sedona – 5 year depreciation of 80%
2. Lincoln Town Car- 5 year depreciation of 79%
3. Isuzu Ascender- 5 year depreciation of 77%
4. Dodge Durango- 5 year depreciation of 76%
5. Ford Econoline- 5 year depreciation of 76%
6. Suzuki Reno- 5 year depreciation of 75%
7. Chevrolet Uplander- 5 year depreciation of 75%
8. Suzuki Forenza- 5 year depreciation of 75%
9. Mercury Grand Marquis- 5 year depreciation of 75%
10. Suzuki Aerio- 5 year depreciation of 74%
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Buying vs. Leasing
When purchasing a new car, one of the main things to consider is whether to lease or buy the car. Although many people believe that leasing a car is more expensive and a waste of money, this is not always the case. Here is a look at buying versus leasing, and which option is right for you.
How long do you plan on keeping the car?
• Many years: Buy. If you will keep the car for years after it has been paid off, buying is the best option. This will allow you to one day own your car and be free of car payments, and will make the car less expensive than a lease.
• A few years: Lease. If you plan on trading in your car before it is paid off, as many people do, you are actually losing money. The ability to get a new car every couple years is one of the main benefits of a lease, so if you will be looking for a different car in a few years, leasing is the way to go.
How much can you afford?
• Low monthly payments and low maintenance: Lease. A major upside to a lease is the lower monthly cost. Leases typically have a lower down payment, monthly payment, and low maintenance fees. There are also no upfront sales taxes, and leasing a car can offer tax advantages for business owners.
• High monthly payments: Buy. If you can afford high monthly payments, you should be able to pay off a car relatively quickly. Just make sure you can also afford costly repairs after the warranty expires.
How far do you drive your car each year?
• Less than 15,000 miles: Lease. Most leases restrict the mileage you can put on a car each year to 15,000 miles, or sometimes less. But if you do not travel more than this, it will not be an issue.
• More than 15,000 miles: Buy. If you do go over the allotted mileage, you will be charged for each extra mile, which can really add up.
How well do you treat your car?
• Poorly: Buy. You will be responsible for any damage that is caused to a leased vehicle. So if you know that you do not have a good track record with cars, buying is your safest option. You should also buy if you want to do any customization.
• Well: Lease. If you keep your cars clean and take good care of them, there should not be any issues.
How long do you plan on keeping the car?
• Many years: Buy. If you will keep the car for years after it has been paid off, buying is the best option. This will allow you to one day own your car and be free of car payments, and will make the car less expensive than a lease.
• A few years: Lease. If you plan on trading in your car before it is paid off, as many people do, you are actually losing money. The ability to get a new car every couple years is one of the main benefits of a lease, so if you will be looking for a different car in a few years, leasing is the way to go.
How much can you afford?
• Low monthly payments and low maintenance: Lease. A major upside to a lease is the lower monthly cost. Leases typically have a lower down payment, monthly payment, and low maintenance fees. There are also no upfront sales taxes, and leasing a car can offer tax advantages for business owners.
• High monthly payments: Buy. If you can afford high monthly payments, you should be able to pay off a car relatively quickly. Just make sure you can also afford costly repairs after the warranty expires.
How far do you drive your car each year?
• Less than 15,000 miles: Lease. Most leases restrict the mileage you can put on a car each year to 15,000 miles, or sometimes less. But if you do not travel more than this, it will not be an issue.
• More than 15,000 miles: Buy. If you do go over the allotted mileage, you will be charged for each extra mile, which can really add up.
How well do you treat your car?
• Poorly: Buy. You will be responsible for any damage that is caused to a leased vehicle. So if you know that you do not have a good track record with cars, buying is your safest option. You should also buy if you want to do any customization.
• Well: Lease. If you keep your cars clean and take good care of them, there should not be any issues.
Buying vs. Leasing
When purchasing a new car, one of the main things to consider is whether to lease or buy the car. Although many people believe that leasing a car is more expensive and a waste of money, this is not always the case. Here is a look at buying versus leasing, and which option is right for you.
How long do you plan on keeping the car?
• Many years: Buy. If you will keep the car for years after it has been paid off, buying is the best option. This will allow you to one day own your car and be free of car payments, and will make the car less expensive than a lease.
• A few years: Lease. If you plan on trading in your car before it is paid off, as many people do, you are actually losing money. The ability to get a new car every couple years is one of the main benefits of a lease, so if you will be looking for a different car in a few years, leasing is the way to go.
How much can you afford?
• Low monthly payments and low maintenance: Lease. A major upside to a lease is the lower monthly cost. Leases typically have a lower down payment, monthly payment, and low maintenance fees. There are also no upfront sales taxes, and leasing a car can offer tax advantages for business owners.
• High monthly payments: Buy. If you can afford high monthly payments, you should be able to pay off a car relatively quickly. Just make sure you can also afford costly repairs after the warranty expires.
How far do you drive your car each year?
• Less than 15,000 miles: Lease. Most leases restrict the mileage you can put on a car each year to 15,000 miles, or sometimes less. But if you do not travel more than this, it will not be an issue.
• More than 15,000 miles: Buy. If you do go over the allotted mileage, you will be charged for each extra mile, which can really add up.
How well do you treat your car?
• Poorly: Buy. You will be responsible for any damage that is caused to a leased vehicle. So if you know that you do not have a good track record with cars, buying is your safest option. You should also buy if you want to do any customization.
• Well: Lease. If you keep your cars clean and take good care of them, there should not be any issues.
How long do you plan on keeping the car?
• Many years: Buy. If you will keep the car for years after it has been paid off, buying is the best option. This will allow you to one day own your car and be free of car payments, and will make the car less expensive than a lease.
• A few years: Lease. If you plan on trading in your car before it is paid off, as many people do, you are actually losing money. The ability to get a new car every couple years is one of the main benefits of a lease, so if you will be looking for a different car in a few years, leasing is the way to go.
How much can you afford?
• Low monthly payments and low maintenance: Lease. A major upside to a lease is the lower monthly cost. Leases typically have a lower down payment, monthly payment, and low maintenance fees. There are also no upfront sales taxes, and leasing a car can offer tax advantages for business owners.
• High monthly payments: Buy. If you can afford high monthly payments, you should be able to pay off a car relatively quickly. Just make sure you can also afford costly repairs after the warranty expires.
How far do you drive your car each year?
• Less than 15,000 miles: Lease. Most leases restrict the mileage you can put on a car each year to 15,000 miles, or sometimes less. But if you do not travel more than this, it will not be an issue.
• More than 15,000 miles: Buy. If you do go over the allotted mileage, you will be charged for each extra mile, which can really add up.
How well do you treat your car?
• Poorly: Buy. You will be responsible for any damage that is caused to a leased vehicle. So if you know that you do not have a good track record with cars, buying is your safest option. You should also buy if you want to do any customization.
• Well: Lease. If you keep your cars clean and take good care of them, there should not be any issues.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
When to Buy a New Car
Buying a car is a tricky process. There are so many dealerships to choose from, models to look at, and you’re never quite sure how much of that MSRP you should really be paying. We know the ability to negotiate and the bottom line price vary from salesperson to salesperson and dealer to dealer, but do they also vary from day to day? As it turns out, they do… sort of.
According to several experts, the best day of the year to buy a new car is Labor Day Weekend. This is when many dealers want to really start clearing out last year’s models to make room for the new ones coming in. During this time of year, there are still enough models left to choose the color and trim you want, but dealers want to get them off of their lot, which equals you getting the car you want at a great price.
However, Labor Day Weekend only comes once a year, and sometimes you just cannot wait until it comes along again to purchase your new car. So what happens when your car breaks down, suddenly becomes inoperable, or you just want a new car, but don’t want to wait 10 months to get it?
The best time to buy a car year round is at the end of the month. Most car dealerships run on a quota system, and salespeople gain an incremental bonus when they hit their sales mark for the month. If a salesperson is still a few sales away from his bonus, he will be much more likely to offer incentives and push his manager to knock down the price of a car at the end of the month in order to make the sale and get him closer to that quota. So even if you can’t wait until next September to get that new car, do not waste extra money by making a purchase in the beginning or middle of a month. Wait until the end, save some cash, and make your salesman happy by getting him one step closer to that bonus.
According to several experts, the best day of the year to buy a new car is Labor Day Weekend. This is when many dealers want to really start clearing out last year’s models to make room for the new ones coming in. During this time of year, there are still enough models left to choose the color and trim you want, but dealers want to get them off of their lot, which equals you getting the car you want at a great price.
However, Labor Day Weekend only comes once a year, and sometimes you just cannot wait until it comes along again to purchase your new car. So what happens when your car breaks down, suddenly becomes inoperable, or you just want a new car, but don’t want to wait 10 months to get it?
The best time to buy a car year round is at the end of the month. Most car dealerships run on a quota system, and salespeople gain an incremental bonus when they hit their sales mark for the month. If a salesperson is still a few sales away from his bonus, he will be much more likely to offer incentives and push his manager to knock down the price of a car at the end of the month in order to make the sale and get him closer to that quota. So even if you can’t wait until next September to get that new car, do not waste extra money by making a purchase in the beginning or middle of a month. Wait until the end, save some cash, and make your salesman happy by getting him one step closer to that bonus.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Electric Cars Are (Almost) Here
After hearing about them for years, the time has come for two of the largest auto manufacturers to begin rolling out electric cars. Nissan and General Motors are ready to introduce plug-ins by the end of 2010, and several other automakers, including Toyota and Ford, have announced plans to launch electric cars in 2011.
Now I know electric cars are eco-friendly and budget-friendly, as they eliminate the cost of fuel, but I must admit the idea scares me. I was the proud owner of an electric Barbie car as a child, and I still have vivid memories of waiting hours for my car to charge, only to have it run for 30 minutes and leave me stranded on the sidewalk. So when I heard that we would be seeing plug-ins before the end of the year, I decided to do some research to answer some FAQ and ease my fears.
1. How far can you travel before charges?
Depends on the car, but the range is 50 to over 200 miles. The Nissan Leaf will be able to travel up to 100 miles when fully charged.
2. How long will it take to charge?
Rapid charging can charge a battery in 30 minutes. However, the Nissan Leaf will take up to 8 hours to fully charge a dead battery.
3. Where do you charge?
Currently, electric owners are expected to do 80% of charging at home, especially overnight. There are public charging stations in some parking garages and shopping centers. Soon Charging systems will be installed in Best Buy parking lots, and BP and ARCO stations. The Obama Administration has set a goal to have 20,000 charging stations installed nationwide by 2012.
4. What kind of special maintenance do electric cars require?
Electric cars do not require oil changes or tune-ups, and they have 1/10 as many parts as gas cars, so maintenance is relatively easy. The battery will need to be checked often, and may need to be watered. The connections will need to be kept clean and tight, and tires checked.
5. How fast can electric cars travel?
Depends on the car, but most can reach 55-65 mph and some may reach 85-90 mph
Now I know electric cars are eco-friendly and budget-friendly, as they eliminate the cost of fuel, but I must admit the idea scares me. I was the proud owner of an electric Barbie car as a child, and I still have vivid memories of waiting hours for my car to charge, only to have it run for 30 minutes and leave me stranded on the sidewalk. So when I heard that we would be seeing plug-ins before the end of the year, I decided to do some research to answer some FAQ and ease my fears.
1. How far can you travel before charges?
Depends on the car, but the range is 50 to over 200 miles. The Nissan Leaf will be able to travel up to 100 miles when fully charged.
2. How long will it take to charge?
Rapid charging can charge a battery in 30 minutes. However, the Nissan Leaf will take up to 8 hours to fully charge a dead battery.
3. Where do you charge?
Currently, electric owners are expected to do 80% of charging at home, especially overnight. There are public charging stations in some parking garages and shopping centers. Soon Charging systems will be installed in Best Buy parking lots, and BP and ARCO stations. The Obama Administration has set a goal to have 20,000 charging stations installed nationwide by 2012.
4. What kind of special maintenance do electric cars require?
Electric cars do not require oil changes or tune-ups, and they have 1/10 as many parts as gas cars, so maintenance is relatively easy. The battery will need to be checked often, and may need to be watered. The connections will need to be kept clean and tight, and tires checked.
5. How fast can electric cars travel?
Depends on the car, but most can reach 55-65 mph and some may reach 85-90 mph
Friday, October 22, 2010
Winterizing Your Car
As the leaves start to change color and fall to the ground those of us in the north take that as a sign that winter is on its way; and with winter comes snow, ice and salty roads. It's time to winterize your car. Below are a few tips to help your car make it through another long, cold winter.
1.Take your car to the mechanic. Have them check out the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster. If there is something wrong have them go ahead and fix it. You don't want to end up stranded on the side of the road because your battery dies.
2.Check the tread on your tires. If your tires don't have adequate tread they will have trouble getting through the ice, snow and sludge. If you need new tires consider snow tires which have a tread equipped for getting through the snow and ice.
3.Replace your windshield wiper fluid with one that is made to spray in freezing conditions. Also consider replacing your windshield wiper blades with ones made to cut through snow and ice.
4.Once you start driving on the salty, icy roads rinse the undercarriage of your car often. The salt can cause corrosion and rust to the undercarriage which can harm the integrity of the car. If you get a chance wash your car well and give it a fresh coat of wax.
1.Take your car to the mechanic. Have them check out the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster. If there is something wrong have them go ahead and fix it. You don't want to end up stranded on the side of the road because your battery dies.
2.Check the tread on your tires. If your tires don't have adequate tread they will have trouble getting through the ice, snow and sludge. If you need new tires consider snow tires which have a tread equipped for getting through the snow and ice.
3.Replace your windshield wiper fluid with one that is made to spray in freezing conditions. Also consider replacing your windshield wiper blades with ones made to cut through snow and ice.
4.Once you start driving on the salty, icy roads rinse the undercarriage of your car often. The salt can cause corrosion and rust to the undercarriage which can harm the integrity of the car. If you get a chance wash your car well and give it a fresh coat of wax.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
CarLocate Celebrates its 1st Birthday
Just last week CarLocate.com celebrated their 1st year of helping consumers “shop smart” for their next new or used car, and to go along with this celebration they also added a few enhancements to the site to make the “shopping” even easier for the consumer.
Most of the added enhancements are features that will allow the “shopper” to have a more refined search based on their basic criteria. On the Car Research and vehicle detail pages consumers will see a list of similar vehicles to the one they are researching that are within their search criteria and area. The maximum search distance for a vehicle has also been expanded to nationwide to help the “shopper” more quickly and easily find the exact vehicle they are looking for.
These enhancements will help improve the shoppers vehicle search results and put more car choices at their “fingertips so that they can search more quickly and efficiently for their next new or used car.”
Happy Birthday CarLocate.com!
Most of the added enhancements are features that will allow the “shopper” to have a more refined search based on their basic criteria. On the Car Research and vehicle detail pages consumers will see a list of similar vehicles to the one they are researching that are within their search criteria and area. The maximum search distance for a vehicle has also been expanded to nationwide to help the “shopper” more quickly and easily find the exact vehicle they are looking for.
These enhancements will help improve the shoppers vehicle search results and put more car choices at their “fingertips so that they can search more quickly and efficiently for their next new or used car.”
Happy Birthday CarLocate.com!
Monday, September 27, 2010
The All-New Toyota RAV4 EV
Look for Toyota's step into the electric vehicle game with the appearance of their all-new 2012 RAV4 EV. It will debut this fall at the LA Auto Show. The new model for 2012 will run on Tesla's lithium ion battery technology and has been redesigned to be more aerodynamic. No pictures have been released of the new RAV4 so there is much anticipation for its debut in Los Angeles. The success of the RAV4 will help Toyota with their plans to release 6 new hybrid vehicles to their line-up by the end of 2012.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Fuel Economy Labels Due for A Change
Check out the new labels designed by the EPA to give car buyers a better way to compare new cars. These new labels will show the car's environmental impact from green house emissions in addition to average fuel economy and annual fuel costs.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Health & Well-Being Concept for New Nissan Cars
Nissan is working on an idea for their vehicles that will give both drivers and passengers the perfect in-car environment. They are calling their project the “Health and Well-Being Concept” and its goal is to help reduce stress and driver fatigue by providing the occupants of the car with a more comfortable posture, a comfortable thermal environment and good cabin air quality. Three features are part of the concept to make these goals attainable.
The first feature is a more comfortable driver and front passenger seat. The seats include a cushion integrated leg rest, an articulated seatback and three-layered cushion pads. The hope is that the new seats will improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.
The second new feature is an addition to a normal climate control system. Nissan's new concept climate control system has three devices aimed at improving air quality. The first new device is a plasmacluster ions generator. This system is basically vitamin C being pumped into the air. The vitamin C will reduce airborne bacteria and mold levels in the vehicle. The vitamin C ions can also help moisturize skin. The other two devices are inside/outside air control and a grape polyphenol clean air filter.
The third and final feature is the quick comfort seat heater. This seat heater has two stages of operation; in the first stage the heater warms the thighs and buttocks. Once the heat becomes stable, the second stage warms the lower back. These two operations decrease the time it takes for a person to feel warm by 35% and creates a longer sense of comfort.
These new features part of the Health and Well Being Concept are just the beginning. We'll all just to wait and see what else Nissan develops to make the driving experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
The first feature is a more comfortable driver and front passenger seat. The seats include a cushion integrated leg rest, an articulated seatback and three-layered cushion pads. The hope is that the new seats will improve blood flow and reduce fatigue.
The second new feature is an addition to a normal climate control system. Nissan's new concept climate control system has three devices aimed at improving air quality. The first new device is a plasmacluster ions generator. This system is basically vitamin C being pumped into the air. The vitamin C will reduce airborne bacteria and mold levels in the vehicle. The vitamin C ions can also help moisturize skin. The other two devices are inside/outside air control and a grape polyphenol clean air filter.
The third and final feature is the quick comfort seat heater. This seat heater has two stages of operation; in the first stage the heater warms the thighs and buttocks. Once the heat becomes stable, the second stage warms the lower back. These two operations decrease the time it takes for a person to feel warm by 35% and creates a longer sense of comfort.
These new features part of the Health and Well Being Concept are just the beginning. We'll all just to wait and see what else Nissan develops to make the driving experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Car Maintenance Tips for New Drivers
1. Changing a tire. This is one of the most important tips; I myself have had too many flat tires and if it wasn’t for my dad teaching me in the driveway I would’ve been stranded on the side of the road. Changing a flat tire is fairly simple and should only require a few practice times at home before the driver can do it themselves.
2. Maintaining your tires. Ensuring the car’s tires are properly inflated can save a lot of headaches in the future. Proper tire inflation decreases the risk of flats and blow outs. It’s a good idea to keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove box and show your child how to use the air pump at a gas station. Checking the tread on tires is also important. To check the tread simply insert a dime upside down into the tire groove. If you can see the top of FDR’s head then you need new tires.
3. Know when maintenance is required. Most young drivers aren’t aware of all the regularly scheduled maintenance needed for cars. Your young driver should know when to get an oil change or have the other fluids checked. The information about timing and mileage for regular maintenance can be found in the owner’s manual.
4. Lastly, make sure your driver is prepared for an emergency on the road. It is a good idea to keep a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, bottles of water, paper towels and a blanket in the trunk. Also make there is a spare tire in the trunk that is in good condition.
2. Maintaining your tires. Ensuring the car’s tires are properly inflated can save a lot of headaches in the future. Proper tire inflation decreases the risk of flats and blow outs. It’s a good idea to keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove box and show your child how to use the air pump at a gas station. Checking the tread on tires is also important. To check the tread simply insert a dime upside down into the tire groove. If you can see the top of FDR’s head then you need new tires.
3. Know when maintenance is required. Most young drivers aren’t aware of all the regularly scheduled maintenance needed for cars. Your young driver should know when to get an oil change or have the other fluids checked. The information about timing and mileage for regular maintenance can be found in the owner’s manual.
4. Lastly, make sure your driver is prepared for an emergency on the road. It is a good idea to keep a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, bottles of water, paper towels and a blanket in the trunk. Also make there is a spare tire in the trunk that is in good condition.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
5 Helpful Tips to Improve Your Fuel Economy
With the rising increase in fuel over the last few years our gas bills keep going up. There are options available to help with this problem, you could buy a new more fuel efficient car or you could stop driving all together and rely more on public transit or ride your bike or walk. However, the most time and cost effective option is simply to drive your current car in a way that will increase your fuel economy. Below are a few tips that can help you reduce your trips to the pump.
1. Avoid aggressive driving. Starting quickly and braking suddenly greatly reduces your fuel efficiency. You will increase your fuel consumption up to 40% with “jack-rabbit” starts and braking hard. Studies have shown that you will only increase your travel time by 4 minutes and increase your toxic emissions by more than 5 times.
2. Avoid idling. If you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, except in traffic, turn your engine off. While idling you are producing unnecessary greenhouse gases and wasting a lot of gas.
3. Keep your car in good shape. This includes maintaining the engine and keeping your tires inflated properly. When your tires are not properly inflated you will increase your fuel consumption by more than 6%. Check your tires at least once a month to make sure they are at the proper inflation.
4. Use your air conditioning less often. When using your air conditioning you are increasing your fuel consumption by as much as 10%. If it is a nice enough day use your flow-through ventilation instead of the A/C. At low speeds you can also roll the windows down to avoid using the air conditioning. However, at higher speeds using your air conditioning may be more efficient then having the windows down due to the wind resistance you will get from the open windows.
5. Whenever possible park your car in the shade and make sure your gas cap is screwed on until it clicks. Sitting in the sun can cause the gas to evaporate, especially if the cap is not screwed on completely. Also, if you park in the shade you may not need to turn on the air conditioning to cool it down.
Follow these tips and you could eventually buy a new car with all the money you'll be saivng on gas.
1. Avoid aggressive driving. Starting quickly and braking suddenly greatly reduces your fuel efficiency. You will increase your fuel consumption up to 40% with “jack-rabbit” starts and braking hard. Studies have shown that you will only increase your travel time by 4 minutes and increase your toxic emissions by more than 5 times.
2. Avoid idling. If you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, except in traffic, turn your engine off. While idling you are producing unnecessary greenhouse gases and wasting a lot of gas.
3. Keep your car in good shape. This includes maintaining the engine and keeping your tires inflated properly. When your tires are not properly inflated you will increase your fuel consumption by more than 6%. Check your tires at least once a month to make sure they are at the proper inflation.
4. Use your air conditioning less often. When using your air conditioning you are increasing your fuel consumption by as much as 10%. If it is a nice enough day use your flow-through ventilation instead of the A/C. At low speeds you can also roll the windows down to avoid using the air conditioning. However, at higher speeds using your air conditioning may be more efficient then having the windows down due to the wind resistance you will get from the open windows.
5. Whenever possible park your car in the shade and make sure your gas cap is screwed on until it clicks. Sitting in the sun can cause the gas to evaporate, especially if the cap is not screwed on completely. Also, if you park in the shade you may not need to turn on the air conditioning to cool it down.
Follow these tips and you could eventually buy a new car with all the money you'll be saivng on gas.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
CarLocate.com Adds Socialize Page
In June CarLocate.com added a “Socialize” page to its growing site. CarLocate.com is a site that makes the experience of buying a new or used car, “easier, faster and more effective.” The Socialize page is just another way to this. Now car buyers can connect with other car buyers as well as members of the CarLocate.com team. With the socialize page it is now easier to find recent topics from the CarLocate.com blog and automotive forum. Socialize also helps viewers quickly browse through information about CarLocate.com’s activities, events, contests and social media.
In the CarLocate.com blog buyers can find information and the latest news from the automotive industry and about car shopping. The Automotive Forum allows buyers to connect with one another and learn from each other’s insights and experiences with cars and car buying. Socialize also allows users to connect with CarLocate.com’s latest Facebook and Twitter posts. The Press Room posts news releases about what’s happening within the company. Lastly, the Socialize page also contains an “About Us” section where users can learn more about the “CarLocate Crew.”
In the CarLocate.com blog buyers can find information and the latest news from the automotive industry and about car shopping. The Automotive Forum allows buyers to connect with one another and learn from each other’s insights and experiences with cars and car buying. Socialize also allows users to connect with CarLocate.com’s latest Facebook and Twitter posts. The Press Room posts news releases about what’s happening within the company. Lastly, the Socialize page also contains an “About Us” section where users can learn more about the “CarLocate Crew.”
Monday, July 26, 2010
No Questions Asked 60 Day Return Policy from Chrysler
Customers who purchase a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Dodge RAM truck over the next few months have the option to choose a 60 day return policy on the vehicle. The 60-day return policy option goes by different names depending on the brand. Chrysler calls it the “Regret Free Purchase”; Dodge has the “60-day Test Drive” and RAM trucks deal goes by “60-day Handshake.” Jeep hasn’t developed a name yet. This program allows the customer to return the vehicle after 60 days if they are not satisfied. If they return it Chrysler will also pay the first two months payments on the vehicle up to $1000. There are a few caveats to this deal; customers cannot return the vehicle for at least 30 days and they must pay a 40-cent charge per mile driven. The vehicle also cannot have incurred more than $200 damage or have more than 4000 miles on the odometer. Chrysler recently ran a similar program with its minivans, the Town & Country and Grand Caravan, and it was a huge success. This time the deal is available on virtually all models. Last year GM ran a 60-day return program with great success, less than one percent of the buyers actually returned their cars.
This program is being offered to improve customer confidence in Chrysler brands. According to the Lead Executive for US Sales, “We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge; consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked.” About 2000 of Chrysler’s dealerships will be participating in the 60-day return program incentive.
This program is being offered to improve customer confidence in Chrysler brands. According to the Lead Executive for US Sales, “We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge; consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked.” About 2000 of Chrysler’s dealerships will be participating in the 60-day return program incentive.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Should You Take your Car Back to the Dealer for Service?
My car is about to hit the 100,000 mile mark and it’s time for a checkup. Should I take it to a dealer who specializes in my car or will any old mechanic do? This question comes up a lot. There is always going to be the big debate of which is better. A lot depends on whether you are willing to spend the extra money at the dealership because you know the mechanics there know about your specific model.
Taking your car to the dealer may cost you a little more than a general mechanic. But what you get for that premium is satisfaction that the mechnic working on your car is certified to work on your specific make and model. General mechanics are not trained on one particular car and may not know all of the little ins and outs of your specific model. Also, after 5 years chances are most major parts on your car are still under warranty. The dealership will honor this warranty and fix the problem free of charge, possibly without even charging labor costs. But if you take it to the mechanic down the street you will be paying for every hour spent figuring out what is wrong as well as paying for the parts needed to fix the problem. If a part needs replaced on your car the dealer should be able to get the part quickly, if they don’t already have it, where as the general mechanic will probably have to order it and it could take weeks to get the part in.
There’s a lot to be said for taking your car to the general mechanic if all you need is a belt replaced or an oil change. They are fast and fairly inexpensive; but when more major work needs to be done on your vehicle it’s best to let the professionals do it. Dealer mechanics have had lots of experience and are licensed to work on your specific vehicle.
Taking your car to the dealer may cost you a little more than a general mechanic. But what you get for that premium is satisfaction that the mechnic working on your car is certified to work on your specific make and model. General mechanics are not trained on one particular car and may not know all of the little ins and outs of your specific model. Also, after 5 years chances are most major parts on your car are still under warranty. The dealership will honor this warranty and fix the problem free of charge, possibly without even charging labor costs. But if you take it to the mechanic down the street you will be paying for every hour spent figuring out what is wrong as well as paying for the parts needed to fix the problem. If a part needs replaced on your car the dealer should be able to get the part quickly, if they don’t already have it, where as the general mechanic will probably have to order it and it could take weeks to get the part in.
There’s a lot to be said for taking your car to the general mechanic if all you need is a belt replaced or an oil change. They are fast and fairly inexpensive; but when more major work needs to be done on your vehicle it’s best to let the professionals do it. Dealer mechanics have had lots of experience and are licensed to work on your specific vehicle.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Why So Many Recalls?
It seems like lately every time you turn on the news everyday there are more car manufacturers recalling at least one of their vehicles. With the continuing release of more and more recalls the question has to be asked; why are cars that are supposed to be safer seeming to be more dangerous? Though the cars do have problems; consumer knowledge and world-wide spread news are some of the biggest factors in creating recalls. Consumers today have higher expectations and are much more aware of potential safety issues. Problems in cars are more likely to be reported and in order to avoid any problems or accusations of trying to hide something car manufacturers have found it’s safer to simply recall the “problematic” vehicles. After Toyota was accused of “dragging its feet” with reference to all of its recent recalls other manufacturers are willingly recalling any vehicle that may cause problems. The government’s legal system “encourages companies to recall products proactively instead of waiting for something to go wrong.”
What do all of these recalls mean for the automotive industry? Absolutely nothing. The automotive industry is not going to suffer from all of the recent recalls. Today’s cars are still safer than any in the past and most manufacturers are just being cautious. Quality standards in the industry have improved as well as industry regulation. The reality is that recalls are normal; according to the Consumer Union; “virtually every car has at least one recall.” This is due to the components and systems in newer cars that change with age; and since vehicles are lasting longer than ever it is only natural that they component could potentially cause problems in the future. But manufacturers cannot wait 10 or 15 years to introduce a new system into the market simply to see how it ages. Chances are taken and occasionally there are problems. But today’s cars are still the safest on the road.
If you have a car on the recall list take it to the dealer, let them fix the problem and then be on your way.Once manufacturers find a problem they are quick to find the solution. There are many current Toyota owners who remain loyal to Toyota despite all of its recalls. Ultimately what is most important is how the manufacturer handles the problem for the consumer
What do all of these recalls mean for the automotive industry? Absolutely nothing. The automotive industry is not going to suffer from all of the recent recalls. Today’s cars are still safer than any in the past and most manufacturers are just being cautious. Quality standards in the industry have improved as well as industry regulation. The reality is that recalls are normal; according to the Consumer Union; “virtually every car has at least one recall.” This is due to the components and systems in newer cars that change with age; and since vehicles are lasting longer than ever it is only natural that they component could potentially cause problems in the future. But manufacturers cannot wait 10 or 15 years to introduce a new system into the market simply to see how it ages. Chances are taken and occasionally there are problems. But today’s cars are still the safest on the road.
If you have a car on the recall list take it to the dealer, let them fix the problem and then be on your way.Once manufacturers find a problem they are quick to find the solution. There are many current Toyota owners who remain loyal to Toyota despite all of its recalls. Ultimately what is most important is how the manufacturer handles the problem for the consumer
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Future of Flying Cars- Reserve Yours Today!
Every driver has imagined flying above the crowd when they are stuck in rush hour traffic, well by the end of next year this dream could be a reality. For only $10,000 as a deposit you can reserve your very own Terrafugia Transition, a flying vehicle that is also street legal. Terrafugia has been working on the design for this vehicle since 2006 and it is finally becoming a reality.
This flying car, or as the company refers to it, this “roadable aircraft” gets 30 mpgs on the highway, has front wheel drive, and can hold two people. The cargo space has room for skis, golf clubs or fishing poles. On the road this “aircraft” can reach normal highway speeds and is able to fit in a normal size garage and parking space; if the wings are folded up. When you are ready to drive just push the button in the cockpit and wings unfold. Then all you need is a third of a mile of straight road and you are ready to take off.
With a range of 400 miles and a cruising speed of 115 mph in the air the Transition is great for taking those long family vacations. According to Terrafugia, this aircraft is “perfect for trips between 100 and 400 miles.” All that is required to drive and pilot the Transition is a license to fly a Light Sports Aircraft as well as a valid driver’s license. The pilot’s license only requires 20 hours of flight time and only 5 of those must be solo. If you do choose to purchase this “aircraft” you can even get your license through Terrafugia.
The safety features of the Transition comply with all federal auto safety standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It includes crumple zones, airbags and other safety features that are required to make this aircraft street legal. Additional safety features comply with the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. For flying time the aircraft is equipped with modern glass avionics and a full vehicle parachute.
The Transition is set to make its debut at the end of 2011. Reserve yours today and be one of the first flying above rush hour traffic!
This flying car, or as the company refers to it, this “roadable aircraft” gets 30 mpgs on the highway, has front wheel drive, and can hold two people. The cargo space has room for skis, golf clubs or fishing poles. On the road this “aircraft” can reach normal highway speeds and is able to fit in a normal size garage and parking space; if the wings are folded up. When you are ready to drive just push the button in the cockpit and wings unfold. Then all you need is a third of a mile of straight road and you are ready to take off.
With a range of 400 miles and a cruising speed of 115 mph in the air the Transition is great for taking those long family vacations. According to Terrafugia, this aircraft is “perfect for trips between 100 and 400 miles.” All that is required to drive and pilot the Transition is a license to fly a Light Sports Aircraft as well as a valid driver’s license. The pilot’s license only requires 20 hours of flight time and only 5 of those must be solo. If you do choose to purchase this “aircraft” you can even get your license through Terrafugia.
The safety features of the Transition comply with all federal auto safety standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It includes crumple zones, airbags and other safety features that are required to make this aircraft street legal. Additional safety features comply with the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. For flying time the aircraft is equipped with modern glass avionics and a full vehicle parachute.
The Transition is set to make its debut at the end of 2011. Reserve yours today and be one of the first flying above rush hour traffic!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Texting and Driving- Banned by 19 States and More to Follow...
In 2008 6,000 people were killed in car crashes that involved a distracted or inattentive driver and over half a million were injured. These looming statistics have caused the US to create guidelines for states to create laws that will ban texting while driving.
Back in January a nationwide ban was issued by the Transportation Department for any commercial driver; including truckers and bus drivers to engage in texting while driving. Nineteen states including the District of Colombia have already banned texting while driving. California and New York are two of the seven states that have banned the use of handheld devices for any reason. Massachusetts is on its way to banning texting while driving right now. The bill was approved unanimously by the Massachusetts House and is waiting on approval by the Senate. The US has encouraged all states to enact laws that prohibit texting while driving.
Drivers pulled over for texting in states where it is banned could face a minimum fine of $75 and possible action against their driving privileges. In cases that result in serious injury or death the offender could be charged with a felony. Commercial drivers caught texting while driving could be subject to civil or criminal charges of up to $2,750.
According to the results of one study a driver’s reaction time is better when they’re drunk and driving (0.46seconds) versus when texting and driving (0.52 seconds) and both are better then when the driver is reading a text and driving (0.57). In other words; if a car is traveling at 35 mphs it will travel an extra 21 feet before the driver applies the brakes if he is reading a text and an extra 16 feet before applying the brakes if the driver is writing a text. The faster the car is going the more distance the car will cover before the brakes are applied.
There’s no question about it; texting while driving can be a very dangerous choice. If you must text; pull over. Some even recommend just turning your phone off when you get in the car so you will not be distracted by others texting or calling you and you won’t be tempted to text yourself. Texting and driving is joining the horrible ranks of driving under the influence (DUI) and drinking while intoxicated (DWI); it is now known as DWT.
Back in January a nationwide ban was issued by the Transportation Department for any commercial driver; including truckers and bus drivers to engage in texting while driving. Nineteen states including the District of Colombia have already banned texting while driving. California and New York are two of the seven states that have banned the use of handheld devices for any reason. Massachusetts is on its way to banning texting while driving right now. The bill was approved unanimously by the Massachusetts House and is waiting on approval by the Senate. The US has encouraged all states to enact laws that prohibit texting while driving.
Drivers pulled over for texting in states where it is banned could face a minimum fine of $75 and possible action against their driving privileges. In cases that result in serious injury or death the offender could be charged with a felony. Commercial drivers caught texting while driving could be subject to civil or criminal charges of up to $2,750.
According to the results of one study a driver’s reaction time is better when they’re drunk and driving (0.46seconds) versus when texting and driving (0.52 seconds) and both are better then when the driver is reading a text and driving (0.57). In other words; if a car is traveling at 35 mphs it will travel an extra 21 feet before the driver applies the brakes if he is reading a text and an extra 16 feet before applying the brakes if the driver is writing a text. The faster the car is going the more distance the car will cover before the brakes are applied.
There’s no question about it; texting while driving can be a very dangerous choice. If you must text; pull over. Some even recommend just turning your phone off when you get in the car so you will not be distracted by others texting or calling you and you won’t be tempted to text yourself. Texting and driving is joining the horrible ranks of driving under the influence (DUI) and drinking while intoxicated (DWI); it is now known as DWT.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Electric Car Rebates and Incentives Being Offered By California
California is taking the lead in the push to get consumers to buy and drive more environmentally friendly vehicles. They are offering numerous incentives to consumers to go out and purchase electric vehicles including generous rebates. Along with the tax rebate of $7,500 from the government to owners of low-emissions vehicles the state of California is offering an added rebate of $3,000 to $5,000 more; or $20,000 to buyers of low-emission commercial vehicles. Their goal is to have 7,500 all-electric and 25,000 plug-in hybrids on its roads by 2014 with an increase to 60,000 electrics and 85,000 plug-in hybrids by 2017.
In order to reach this goal and persuade buyers to purchase these new concept vehicles they plan on putting $200 million a year through 2015 into low-emission vehicles. They are going to be subsidizing charging stations that should be in operation by 2012. They’re intention is to ease the consumers biggest concern about electric cars- will I run out of power before I reach a place to recharge the batteries? With a range of only about 100 miles in most electric cars this is a very real concern for consumers. Major shopping centers or malls, movie theaters, hotels and restaurants are being considered as great locations for charge stations. The stations need to be in places where people are willing to spend a few hours waiting for their vehicle to recharge. New charging stations are being designed to give 220- to 240-volt electricity which will charge cars in about two to four hours, half the time needed with standard 110-volt current. Once businesses learn that they can give away a few dollars worth of electricity to capture consumers for a few hours they become very interested in installing charge stations in their parking lots.
With electric cars becoming more mainstream added incentives are great ways to get consumers to purchase these low-emission vehicles. About two dozen car companies are coming up with ideas and new models of electric cars. The Nissan Leaf coming out sometime at the end of this year is a pure electric car with a driving range of about 100 miles. The Chevy Volt is another type of electric car known as a plug-in hybrid. This vehicle runs on electric battery until it runs out of power, then the gas engine turns on. Currently the only mass-produced electric car is the Tesla sports car which came out a few years ago, and has produced over 1,500 vehicles. However, at a price tag of over $100,000 this car is not for the everyday driver. The new electric cars to hit the market will carry a much lower base sticker price.
The question remains though, are consumers ready for electric cars? With California’s incentive rebates along with the governments rebates these cars won’t cost more than a standard gas powered car; but will the limited range of the vehicle deter potential buyers? And what about the rest of the country, California is known for its push to be environmentally friendly, but is the rest of country as concerned? We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
In order to reach this goal and persuade buyers to purchase these new concept vehicles they plan on putting $200 million a year through 2015 into low-emission vehicles. They are going to be subsidizing charging stations that should be in operation by 2012. They’re intention is to ease the consumers biggest concern about electric cars- will I run out of power before I reach a place to recharge the batteries? With a range of only about 100 miles in most electric cars this is a very real concern for consumers. Major shopping centers or malls, movie theaters, hotels and restaurants are being considered as great locations for charge stations. The stations need to be in places where people are willing to spend a few hours waiting for their vehicle to recharge. New charging stations are being designed to give 220- to 240-volt electricity which will charge cars in about two to four hours, half the time needed with standard 110-volt current. Once businesses learn that they can give away a few dollars worth of electricity to capture consumers for a few hours they become very interested in installing charge stations in their parking lots.
With electric cars becoming more mainstream added incentives are great ways to get consumers to purchase these low-emission vehicles. About two dozen car companies are coming up with ideas and new models of electric cars. The Nissan Leaf coming out sometime at the end of this year is a pure electric car with a driving range of about 100 miles. The Chevy Volt is another type of electric car known as a plug-in hybrid. This vehicle runs on electric battery until it runs out of power, then the gas engine turns on. Currently the only mass-produced electric car is the Tesla sports car which came out a few years ago, and has produced over 1,500 vehicles. However, at a price tag of over $100,000 this car is not for the everyday driver. The new electric cars to hit the market will carry a much lower base sticker price.
The question remains though, are consumers ready for electric cars? With California’s incentive rebates along with the governments rebates these cars won’t cost more than a standard gas powered car; but will the limited range of the vehicle deter potential buyers? And what about the rest of the country, California is known for its push to be environmentally friendly, but is the rest of country as concerned? We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The New CAFE Standards
The United States has some of the weakest standards in terms of fuel economy ratings among first world nations; with an estimated average 25 mpg in the US versus 45 mpg in the European Union. However, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations are getting their biggest change since 1975 starting in 2011. Auto makers will be required to progressively increase their fleet's fuel economy, reaching the new standards by 2016. New cars must meet a standard of 37.8 average miles per gallon, an increase from 27.5 mpgs. Light truck standards will increase from 23.5 to 28.8 miles per gallon. This will be a total increase of 37% for cars and 23% for trucks. The CAFE regulations will allow auto makers to average their miles per gallon across all models. Companies like Ford and Chevrolet may have trucks that do not meet the CAFE standards, but their coupes and sedans do which will cancel out the “guzzlers.” The new standards will also take into consideration the vehicles footprint when figuring out its fuel economy must be. The footprint will be measured as the product of the vehicles wheelbase and its track, in square feet. For example, the Ford Focus will be required to have a much better fuel economy then the Mercedes S-Class due to the difference in size of the vehicle.
In the past many manufacturers have found it easier to just pay the CAFE penalties instead of trying to meet the standards. Then there are other automakers which produce a large fleet of subcompact cars and gain many fuel-economy surpluses. With the new regulations the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been instructed to establish a credit trading and transferring system. Manufacturers can now transfer their credits between categories or choose to sell them to other manufacturers who may not meet the standards with their fleet.
These new standards are estimated to increase the cost of a 2016 model compared to a 2011 model by about $1000. These new regulations are not making the automakers too happy, but with the rising cost of gas at the pump and the consumers interest in saving the planet these new "greener" cars will be a welcome addition for the customers.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
When the Unexpected Occurs…Be Prepared.
With all of the upcoming vacation trips looming on the horizon, we felt it was a great idea for some safety tips. ‘Expect the Unexpected!’ This is a common phrase we have all heard before. It is also a great piece of advice when it comes to driving. When on the road, anything can happen, and as drivers we should always be prepared. It is best to prepare an emergency car kit filled with necessary items, just incase the unexpected does happen. A car emergency kit should contain the following items:
• Water- Always keep a few bottles on hand. You never know when you might get stuck somewhere in your car unexpectedly for hours, or even days. Besides drinking, water can also be beneficial to fill your radiator if it overheats.
• Medication- If you are on a daily medication, be certain to have enough to last a few days.
• Food- Make sure the food is nonperishable so it will not go bad while being kept in your car over those long drives. A few good examples of food to keep handy are packaged nuts and granola bars.
• Flashlight- It’s best to have a wind up flashlight. This way, you don’t have to worry about the batteries going dead. It is also a good practice to keep a spare as well.
• First Aid Kit- In case an injury occurs, have plenty of bandaids, gauze, tape, and antiseptic wipes.
• Blanket- This is especially important during the winter months. If you get stranded in your car, without heat, you will need a blanket to keep warm. A blanket can also be used to cover a broken window to keep cold air out. Candles and matches are a very good idea for those who live in more northern climates as a single candle burning can raise the car’s interior temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Road Flares- If it is dark or there is bad weather, flares will help other drivers spot your car. It is best to keep about 6 flares with you, along with a few matches.
• Mini Tool Kit- If your car breaks down, you might need a variety of tools to fix it. Be prepared by keeping a screwdriver, wrench, hammer, wire cutters, multi purpose knife, and duct tape in your car.
• Cell Phone Charger- In case of an emergency, you always want to have a fully charged phone.
Once you have gathered these items in a duffel bag or some other type of containment, store them in a readily accessible location in your car. It is best to use the passenger or back seat, but if this is not possible, then the trunk is also an option.
Remember, it is always better to be over prepared rather than underprepared… especially when the unexpected happens! Now go out there and enjoy your next road trip.
• Water- Always keep a few bottles on hand. You never know when you might get stuck somewhere in your car unexpectedly for hours, or even days. Besides drinking, water can also be beneficial to fill your radiator if it overheats.
• Medication- If you are on a daily medication, be certain to have enough to last a few days.
• Food- Make sure the food is nonperishable so it will not go bad while being kept in your car over those long drives. A few good examples of food to keep handy are packaged nuts and granola bars.
• Flashlight- It’s best to have a wind up flashlight. This way, you don’t have to worry about the batteries going dead. It is also a good practice to keep a spare as well.
• First Aid Kit- In case an injury occurs, have plenty of bandaids, gauze, tape, and antiseptic wipes.
• Blanket- This is especially important during the winter months. If you get stranded in your car, without heat, you will need a blanket to keep warm. A blanket can also be used to cover a broken window to keep cold air out. Candles and matches are a very good idea for those who live in more northern climates as a single candle burning can raise the car’s interior temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Road Flares- If it is dark or there is bad weather, flares will help other drivers spot your car. It is best to keep about 6 flares with you, along with a few matches.
• Mini Tool Kit- If your car breaks down, you might need a variety of tools to fix it. Be prepared by keeping a screwdriver, wrench, hammer, wire cutters, multi purpose knife, and duct tape in your car.
• Cell Phone Charger- In case of an emergency, you always want to have a fully charged phone.
Once you have gathered these items in a duffel bag or some other type of containment, store them in a readily accessible location in your car. It is best to use the passenger or back seat, but if this is not possible, then the trunk is also an option.
Remember, it is always better to be over prepared rather than underprepared… especially when the unexpected happens! Now go out there and enjoy your next road trip.
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