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.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The New CAFE Standards
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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Hilarious Video From CarLocate.com - Car Wreck, Multi-Car Pile Up and so on...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENS-0r-ppyk
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
WIN A BRAND NEW Panasonic HDTV!
CarLocate Photo Contest – “Most Creative Use of CarLocate.com Logo” Blog Article
Win fame, artistic recognition, and – oh yeah – a BRAND NEW Panasonic 58” Plasma HDTV!
We are looking for the most creative photo of our CarLocate.com logo or name “carlocate.com”. You have until February 8, 2010 to submit your best photo. And don’t worry if you don’t finish First - we’re awarding other cool prizes (a Netbook, another TV, and gift cards) to 2nd-5th Place. So make sure you tell your friends and family to vote beginning February 9, 2010!
The great thing about this contest is that no one is a loser! (If you give us your mailing address,) ALL participants will be awarded a t-shirt just for entering.
So put on your creative hats and show us one of the many great ways our logo can be used! For more information, check out www.carlocate.com/contest.
Win fame, artistic recognition, and – oh yeah – a BRAND NEW Panasonic 58” Plasma HDTV!
We are looking for the most creative photo of our CarLocate.com logo or name “carlocate.com”. You have until February 8, 2010 to submit your best photo. And don’t worry if you don’t finish First - we’re awarding other cool prizes (a Netbook, another TV, and gift cards) to 2nd-5th Place. So make sure you tell your friends and family to vote beginning February 9, 2010!
The great thing about this contest is that no one is a loser! (If you give us your mailing address,) ALL participants will be awarded a t-shirt just for entering.
So put on your creative hats and show us one of the many great ways our logo can be used! For more information, check out www.carlocate.com/contest.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Hyundai's Success & Latest Model, The Equus
Hyundai’s Success & Latest Model
With the economy still in a poor state, car sales are being dramatically affected. Except for the Cash for Clunkers program, this year’s sales have been disastrous. People are loosing their jobs, which is forcing them to hold onto their cash tight. Unfortunately, this is taking a toll on car sales. In spite of this economic gloom, there are a few companies that are managing to do pretty well. Hyundai is one of those businesses that are surviving in this poor economy.
In 1986, Hyundai Motor Company began sales and production in the United States with the affordable Hyundai Excel. It sold an astonishing 100,000 models in only the first seven months. Sales collapsed in the early 1990’s when Hyundai’s durability was very low, but this did not stop the company. Instead, Hyundai immediately went to work on new designs and technologies to improve the quality and durability of their models. Their goal was to achieve a leading position for quality in the automotive industry.
Currently, Hyundai produces fewer models than almost any other manufacturer, but with fast excelling quality and very reasonable prices. This has made them one of the top automotive manufacturers in the market. Hyundai recently experienced their most profitable quarter in the second quarter of 2009, reporting a final profit of $649.9 million. Additionally, Hyundai will be releasing for sale the Equus, their entry into the luxury car market.
This is their newest luxury line vehicle. The price for the Equus is reported to start at $48,000 and top out at around $60,000, but this is all speculation as Hyundai has not formally released the details. As a matter of fact, the Equus may go by a different name here in the US than what it is sold under overseas. The reported price tag is actually close to $20,000 less than the base price for a number of comparable luxury cars. The car comes equipped with a reclining rear seat, fold out tables, and separate rear radio and climate controls. The interior of this car is very tasteful. It has all of the features of any other luxury line car. Although buying a luxury car isn’t the first thing to do right now on most people’s lists, Hyundai still manages to make the finest sedans on the market and that could make anybody want to splurge.
With its attitude focused on quality and reliability we’re sure the Equus will be well received.
With the economy still in a poor state, car sales are being dramatically affected. Except for the Cash for Clunkers program, this year’s sales have been disastrous. People are loosing their jobs, which is forcing them to hold onto their cash tight. Unfortunately, this is taking a toll on car sales. In spite of this economic gloom, there are a few companies that are managing to do pretty well. Hyundai is one of those businesses that are surviving in this poor economy.
In 1986, Hyundai Motor Company began sales and production in the United States with the affordable Hyundai Excel. It sold an astonishing 100,000 models in only the first seven months. Sales collapsed in the early 1990’s when Hyundai’s durability was very low, but this did not stop the company. Instead, Hyundai immediately went to work on new designs and technologies to improve the quality and durability of their models. Their goal was to achieve a leading position for quality in the automotive industry.
Currently, Hyundai produces fewer models than almost any other manufacturer, but with fast excelling quality and very reasonable prices. This has made them one of the top automotive manufacturers in the market. Hyundai recently experienced their most profitable quarter in the second quarter of 2009, reporting a final profit of $649.9 million. Additionally, Hyundai will be releasing for sale the Equus, their entry into the luxury car market.
This is their newest luxury line vehicle. The price for the Equus is reported to start at $48,000 and top out at around $60,000, but this is all speculation as Hyundai has not formally released the details. As a matter of fact, the Equus may go by a different name here in the US than what it is sold under overseas. The reported price tag is actually close to $20,000 less than the base price for a number of comparable luxury cars. The car comes equipped with a reclining rear seat, fold out tables, and separate rear radio and climate controls. The interior of this car is very tasteful. It has all of the features of any other luxury line car. Although buying a luxury car isn’t the first thing to do right now on most people’s lists, Hyundai still manages to make the finest sedans on the market and that could make anybody want to splurge.
With its attitude focused on quality and reliability we’re sure the Equus will be well received.
Darwin Car Video Awards Volume 2
Check it out - hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STsMvXiNIDQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STsMvXiNIDQ
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