NASA Launches into Auto Industry

Automakers are always looking for new, innovative ways to improve the quality and performance of the vehicles that they make. Now they may receive that technology from an agency that is out of this world.

NASA will be pitching nearly 40 different space-age technologies to automakers and their suppliers on October 27^th at an event at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will show off newer technologies that could be implemented into automobiles to improve quality, performance, and cost.

Over 100 companies have already signed up to attend the event including Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Toyota and Honda will also be attending the event along with several suppliers from around the country.

Some of the technology that will be on display will include sensors and controls that could help hybrid or electric cars become more efficient; solid oxide fuel cells to power vehicles; new materials that can be used to contain pressurized natural gas; and green polymers that put out only water instead of noxious gases when they are used.

This event should prove to be beneficial for both the auto industry as well as NASA. Automakers can use the latest and greatest technology and materials to improve their cars and NASA brings in more business to help itself.

Not only are automakers excited for the event, but manufacturers are also interested in the event. The event is being co-sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University and the manufacturing advocacy and consulting group Magnet, which is based in Cleveland.

The auto industry is quite excited to see what type of NASA technologies can be implemented into their vehicles. This event could prove to be the start of a new partnership that revolutionizes how automobiles are manufactured around the world.

10-minute Car Charger Developed by Nissan

One of the biggest complaints about the electric cars that are being developed is that it takes too long for the cars to be recharged. Nissan has been working to develop a new charger that will significantly reduce that time.

Nissan, whose Leaf is one of the most popular electric cars on the market, has the necessary technology to create an electric car charger that can fully charge an electric car in about 10 minutes. This would be a significant improvement over the current eight hours it takes to charge most electric car batteries.

Nissan has been working with Japan's Kansai University on the creation of this new development. The batteries that were charged in the early testing of the new charger showed no significant effect on storage capacity or voltage.

This breakthrough not only would make it more efficient to charge an electric car, but it could also improve the sale of electric cars across the world. If consumers has the available technology to charge their cars in 10 minutes, it would make the purchase of an electric car more appealing to them.

This technology could take up to ten years to fully develop and commercialize here in the United States. However, Nissan is set to begin setting up similar chargers in Japan this November. This charger would be compatible with all of Nissan's electric vehicles as well as other vehicles produced by companies like Honda or Toyota.

While it may take a great amount of time before we see this type on technology in the United States, it is still refreshing to know that developments and progress are being made today.

2011 Civic’s Sales not Slowing Down Anytime Soon

It’s hard to believe that the 2012 Honda Civic is almost here, especially if you take a look at the 2011 model’s sales over the past few months. Despite the fact that the new model will soon be launched, the 2011 Civic continues to be a top 10 seller in the United States, and saw a record sales month in December. So what is it about Honda vehicles that make consumers unable to wait just a few months for the new models to arrive?

Honda has long been a favorite of US drivers, mainly due to the proven quality and reliability of their vehicles. Honda stays on top of styling trends, offering attractive vehicles that are not only a good fit, but are also comfortable. In addition, Honda engines are solidly made and fuel efficient, with the 2011 Civic receiving an EPA rating of 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, which is especially important as we see gas prices continuously rising.

While it remains to be seen how the 2012 Civic will stack up next to its predecessor, one of the major changes consumers have to look forward to is the introduction of new models of the Civic. The 2012 will be available in the traditional sedan and coupe, as well as a sportier “Si,” hybrid, and natural-gas variants. The new Civic will also be the first Honda hybrid to feature a lithium ion battery cell.

Ford Reenters Min-Van Market with C-Max

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.

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

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