Random Cars Articles http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Ford Partners With Edison, Will Test Plug-ins http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-partners-with-edison-will-test-plug-ins.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-partners-with-edison-will-test-plug-ins.html Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500


Dearborn-based car manufacturer Ford is set to announce its partnership with West Coast electric company Edison International. The partnership will be geared towards clearing the way for new generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The partnership between the two companies will mark the first one that a working relationship between an automaker and a company such as Edison will be made in an effort to promote the production of environment friendly vehicles. The two companies are expected to jointly announce their working relationship toady.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are considered one of the most promising alternative fuel technologies today. A plug-in hybrid vehicle or a PHEV is essentially a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius but with a plug-in capability meaning its battery pack can be recharged by plugging the car into a socket.

The batteries used by PHEVs should be more powerful than the ones currently used by hybrid vehicles. This is because PHEVs should be designed that they can be powered over long distances by electric power alone. This will result to reduced fuel consumption thus reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

The partnership between Ford and Edison is speculated to focus on studying how plug-in hybrids of the future will perform in the real world. The joint venture will also study how the presence of many plug-in hybrids will affect the grid. With millions of households connected to the grid, the demand is already staggering. With the introduction of millions more of plug-in hybrids in the future, the demand will multiply thus a solution needs to be uncovered.

Ford will be aiming to cut down the cost of production of plug-in hybrid vehicles. To date, aside from issues surrounding the battery pack that will be best suited for automotive application, another issue which makes mass production of PHEVs impossible is the cost. With advanced materials needed for the powertrain of PHEVs, the cost will make these vehicles impractical to produce and market today. But with the studies to be conducted by Edison and Ford, production cost may be reduced.

The partnership will also aim to develop a technology that will not only provide PHEVs with the power they need but will also allow them to supply power to the grid. This means that PHEVs of the future will not only sap energy from the grid, they can also provide electricity back to the grid.

“They understand the grid, we understand the vehicles and together we can figure out how to optimize the system,” said Susan M. Cischke, Ford's senior vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering.

According to the terms of the partnership Ford will furnish Edison with a batch of Ford Escape Hybrids which the later will study. After that, Ford will be providing plug-in variants of the Ford Escape Hybrid for testing by Edison.

“We're taking this beyond laboratory-scale work to a systematic evaluation of its impact on the grid”, said John Bryson, Chief Executive Officer of Edison International.

If the partnership between the two companies succeeds, we can expect tat Ford will be coming out with advanced PHEVs equipped with Ford components such as Ford exhaust pipes and other auto parts from the Dearborn automaker.





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Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> GM unveils Buick Models ahead of the New York Auto Show http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/gm-unveils-buick-models-ahead-of-the-new-york-auto-show.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/gm-unveils-buick-models-ahead-of-the-new-york-auto-show.html Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
In the news: General Motors---world’s number one automaker and producer of GM window regulator -- have presented two new Buick models during a press conference lunch held in New York. The presentation of the Buick models was made way ahead of next week’s opening of the New York Auto Show. The Buick models that were unveiled include the LaCrosse Super and the larger Lucerne Super which both reflects the effort of the automaker in reviving the Buick brand.

The two new Buick models were given more horsepower coupled with nice interior touches. Buick stressed that it is not trying to attract younger audience which is contrary to what most outside GM insist that the brand needs to survive. On the other hand Buick would like to attract a new generation of older buyers. The average age of a Buick sedan owner is 65 however today’s 65-year olds no longer fit the stereotype of the weakling white-shoed retiree in which Buick was popularly associated with.

According to Steve Shannon, GM’s general manager for Buick, the brand is not embarrassed by its appeal to a demographic that is referred to as simply as “grown-ups”. He also added, “They pay cash, they’re not credit challenged. So these are virtuous, wonderful consumers. They can appreciate nicer things, they can afford nicer things.” Plus many of them would likely appreciate a little more power under the hood.

The “Super” name will be added to some Buick models to reflect performance-oriented versions with upgraded powertrains and suspensions. And to differentiate the cars from other Buick cars they will bear distinctive exterior markings.

The Buick LaCrosse is the brand’s most affordable model and will be given a slight makeover coupled with some exterior modifications. Both of the Buick LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super are to be equipped with larger and more powerful engines pus both of these models will also have interior upgrades.

The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 5.3 liter, 300 horsepower V8 engine. It has a fuel saving feature in which the engine shuts off four of its cylinders during highway cruising when their power is not required. The car’s steering and suspension will also be modified to improve handling and road feel.

The Lucerne Super for its part will have a 292 horsepower, version of the 4.6 liter V8 engine that is currently offered as an option for the base Lucerne. Aside from a powerful engine the Lucerne will also get interior upgrades which include a leather-wrapped instrument panel and other interior touches.

The LaCrosse is scheduled to hit dealerships this summer while the Lucerne Super is scheduled to hit showrooms in the spring of 2008. GM has not yet announced the pricing of the cars but Shannon said that the price premium over an ordinary LaCRosse or Lucerne would be modest. The current price tag of the LaCrosse is about $30,000 without the options while the price for the Lucerne increases to $35,000. Buick has been the low key luxury brand for its sibling the Cadillac since GM was formed in 1909.





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Noah Scott is a 30 year old native of New Jersey, writer, and car fan - having grown up with both parents being auto enthusiasts. He works for an automotive consultancy firm and regularly contributes articles to car magazines.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Profiteering government must put plans in place to stem misery of UK motorists http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/profiteering-government-must-put-plans-in-place-to-stem-misery-of-uk-motorists.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/profiteering-government-must-put-plans-in-place-to-stem-misery-of-uk-motorists.html Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
That’s the view of a leading online motoring organisation which is called on the government to act quickly and decisively to draw up plans to pump some of its petrol windfall back into the transport infrastructure.

www.mammothcars.com estimates that the government was earning an extra £2bn per year on VAT alone compared with this time last year – from rising petrol prices. But it seems content to sit on the extra cash without devising any sort of plan about how the money could be invested back into the economy to improve the UK’s road, rail and air network.

The company’s marketing director Jon Kirk accused the government of double standards because he believes that if such a windfall related to either health or education, ministers would be quicker than greased lightening to get on TV and announce how they intended to spend the money.

"Once again transport is the poor relation when it comes to government policy because it has very clear ideas on how to spend record amounts of taxpayers’ money on health and education but it doesn’t have a clue when it comes to transport," he said.

"The government is making extra cash hand over fist from rising fuel prices as petrol prices reached £1.20 a litre but it is failing in its responsibility to set out a vision for how that money can be used to make significant improvements which will benefit users of cars, bikes, trains and planes.

"It feels like motorists are the cash cow of the UK economy because drivers have to buy fuel and pay tax on their cars and the money they are forking out for both is rising dramatically and they have nothing to show for it as a result."

Kirk points to the fact that the government is currently spending approximately £20bn per year on transport and at current rates it is raising £9bn from VAT alone. It also collects duty which is approximately three times the amount of VAT on a litre of petrol. This means the government is currently raising an estimated £35bn from sales of petrol and diesel alone.

"This is an astronomical amount of money in itself and doesn’t take into account new car tax increases or Vehicle Excise Duty – which is about to go through the roof because of increases that will double in some instances and 43% of motorists will be worse off," said Kirk.

"And all this revenue is being generated by hitting the pockets of motorists but the government doesn’t appear to be giving anything back; either directly to ease the financial burden or by setting out a vision to invest the extra money wisely so it will benefit everyone.

"At every turn the government says that increases are to help the environment but there seems to be little evidence that the money is being used for that either."

Kirk thinks that the government is out of touch with the public and if it were a company it would be on the brink of going bust because it is riding roughshod over the needs of its customers.

"We are in business because we offer motorists a service to get the best deal possible on a new car," said Kirk. "And we will only stay in business by continuing to do just that.

"But the government seems to be operating in exactly the opposite way. It feels as if the government couldn’t give a stuff about its ‘customers’ and is willingly ripping them off because all it cares about is boosting its own coffers."

But maybe the signs of customer unrest are becoming more obvious.

Fuel protests, particularly from the haulage industry, were happening across the UK and the motoring media were starting to encourage the public to be more vocal in its discontentment.

Recently, the motoring magazine Whatcar? posted a petition on the Prime Minister’s website calling for the extra VAT revenue to be spent on renewable energy or improving transport with spending on roads, infrastructure and public transport.

"In the bigger scheme of things it’s not a big ask," concluded Kirk. "The government’s total budget for the current financial year is somewhere just shy of £600bn, so the £2bn it is raising from the extra VAT is small change.

"We know it’s not the government’s fault that fuel prices are rising but it is not helping itself or us to ease the pain. We are not naive in expecting the Chancellor to drop the levels of duty, although that would be very welcome, but the Exchequer is hoarding our cash without stepping up to the plate and saying what the government intends to do with it to improve things for the electorate."



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Jon Kirk, Marketing Director at mammothcars.com has over 12 year's experience in internet marketing within the financial services and automotive sectors. He was responsible for the development of Norwich Union Direct's online car and home insurance products during the 90's before being a founding director of car insurance broker its4me.co.uk, sold to Swinton Insurance in late 2006. Jon has been in the automotive sector in the marketing of car broker uknewcars.com and mammothcars.com websites

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Vehicle Storage Security is Vital http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/vehicle-storage-security-is-vital.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/vehicle-storage-security-is-vital.html Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:02:52 -0600 Most of the stories that you hear about moving which are negative revolve around something that went wrong. This can have to do with any number of types of storage, but one of the ones that effects a person most if Vehicle storage. This is part of why Vehicle Storage Security is Vital. Vehicles can be bought because someone needs means of transportation or some vehicles have value that is more sentimental. For instance if someone’s grandfather had been a vehicle collector and then when he passed left the vehicles to his grandson, these vehicles might mean a great deal to this person. If the grandfather where to have pass away before the child was old enough to drive he would have had to have found storage for these cars which is some cases could be at a place of residence but in other cases could mean having to get a vehicle storage, storage unit. If these cars where not there when the child was finally able to drive, you could imagine the feelings he would have and the emotions that this person would be going through.

Vehicle storage security is vital in many different ways, you also have to decide if you are looking for long-term storage or if you only need a vehicle stored for a short amount of time. People who have previously needed RV storage, boat storage or even self storage may already have a place in mind where they would like their vehicle to be stored. One thing that these people should check for ahead of time is the security of the place where they would be getting a storage rental. There are also people who may have needed climate control storage or mini storage and asked for a referral to a person who would be able to help them with vehicle storage. These people may want to check even more thoroughly, some areas have great security for small storage but their larger storage, which includes vehicle storage, is not nearly as secure.

Some people simply need a place to store their vehicle for when they are not using it, for instance if they have a larger vehicle for moving equipment or other items but normally drive a much smaller car, they may drive the small car to their vehicle storage area and only use the larger vehicle when it is needed. This can be very helpful if you do not often need this vehicle but still use it often enough o not want to have to continually rent a vehicle. This can also mean that you have an extra vehicle on hand for if you have an emergency or for if you need it because of something happening to the vehicle that you drive daily or more often.

Some people who own stores that are small or even who own larger stores may need multiple storage units for vehicles because of different types of shipments and how many are active at a time. This can mean that if your vehicle is stolen you have an emergency that could hurt your business. Once a business is hurt, it can also effect the home life of an individual if that business was what provided them with the income that supported themselves or themselves and their family. When you are concentrating on the security of the item you are storing but are also taking into consideration its size and the temperature it needs if that is specific you are sure to get the storage that is correct for you and safest for your vehicle or item.

Many times if you concentrate on the security of the area where you will be storing your vehicle as the first and foremost part of your decision you can ensure the safety of your vehicle. You will also be able most likely to find the storage unit that is best for yourself and most likely to be a preferred storage unit for long-term storage because you know that your items or vehicle will be safe there. The security of your items should me what matters most to a company, and when the security of your items comes first so do you. If you find a company that works in storage units and is very safe, you know that not only will the items you need be protected but when you are on the premises you will not have the be afraid. Vehicle Storage Security is Vital, because then you are safe, your item is safe and any sentimental value it has can always be intact.



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Simply Self Storage - What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Review of Car Hire Industry http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/review-of-car-hire-industry.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/review-of-car-hire-industry.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
You can find car rental companies at most airports so when you arrive after a long journey from a foreign country you can simply collect your keys from a company counter and next thing you know you are now in possession of a car.

It does not matter what country you are in, you can always rent or hire a car vehicle in order to move onwards with your journey. Some rental companies can provide you with a prestigious car which can be very handy if you need to make an impression on people that you are going to meet.

In today's car and vehicle rental market there is nothing you cannot hire. It is merely a matter of searching on the internet to find what type of vehicle is available from the different rental companies.

For example, you may be moving home so perhaps you require to rent a large van, or maybe even hire a small type of truck; there are rental companies which specialise in providing these types of transport only. These businesses often do not supply small to medium type of cars to rent.

Some vans come with a box body and these are called Luton box body vans I have no idea where the association of the word Luton comes in. I'm sure however that if you were to research the term on any search engine you will find the answer eventually. Luton vans are generally a long wheel base and have a roller shutter at the back of them and an adult can easily stand up in the back in order to place items easily.

If you are clever enough to rent a Luton van with a tail lift you will be fortunate as this takes away the hard work of lifting the goods into the back of the rental vehicle. You could even place your goods on a wooden pallet and secure them to it with a product like pallet wrap. Once the goods are loaded you can use portable pallet truck to move the goods onto the tail lift of the Luton van. The hydraulic will enable you to lift your goods to the required level and place them in the van.

You will find that most commercial vans run on diesel so you must be careful not to put unleaded petrol into them. This could result in the hire van being towed to a nearby workshop in order to have the fuel pumped out. This will not only cost you money but it would cause you a huge delay in your time.

Sometimes drastic measures may be required. The rental company may have to give you a replacement van and once again this could cost you time and money; depending on how busy they are. They may not have another van or Luton van available for hire, so they may suggest a hire from another company. So you have to start all over again.

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Zub Dassu - Car & Van


Car Rental Leicester


Car Rental in Leicester




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Dodge Charger Formulates A Fully Charged Police Mobile http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/dodge-charger-formulates-a-fully-charged-police-mobile.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/dodge-charger-formulates-a-fully-charged-police-mobile.html Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Dodge proudly unleashed its recent incarnation of Charger. This time around, the automaker is breaking away from fleet sales and moving toward the fairly rewarding law enforcement vehicle manufacture. Since the inception of said vehicle, there were really no good options. Hence, Dodge formulated its new Charger to look ruggedly powerful in black and white while being utilized by the police force in chasing criminals.

Early this year, DaimlerChrysler released its latest police version of Dodge Charger, which has debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Said model features police-performance Electronic Stability Program, severe-duty cooling system, upgraded heavy-duty brakes and police performance-tuned steering. The police vehicle is also equipped with steel plate suitable for mounting radio equipment and controllers for police sirens and lights.

The base police package uses the 3.5 L V6 engine and bright center hubcaps. Optional Dodge Charger accessories and auto parts include the 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine, black vinyl floor covering, emergency rear door lock override, Engine Block Heater, full bolt-on wheel covers, and more.

Law enforcement agencies have earlier announced that they are purchasing 65,000 to 70,000 vehicles annually. This yearly purchase will be part of their multiyear contracts. Among the vehicles that these agencies are eyeing at is Dodge's police Charger, which has an MSRP of $26,825.

In one of the interviews, a Washington State Patrol officer said, "It may replace the Ford Crown Victoria, I just don't know." Crown Victoria is so far the unquestionable king of the cop car fleet. Some critics are saying that it is the only reason why Ford is still manufacturing it. In fact, in 2005, out of 63,939-manufactured Crown Victoria, 50,000 were police vehicles.

Dodge has started selling police versions of Charger last year and its transactions are making a dent in Ford sales. Dodge Charger is a rear-wheel drive, full-size 4-door sedan which was manufactured by DaimlerChrysler Corporation for its North American Dodge brand. Charger has etched a historical name in the automotive world. The latest version of Charger was introduced in February 2005. Said model shares the LX platform of Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300. Additionally, the interior of Charger is identical to that of Magnum's.




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Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Chinese Luxury Car Market Creates a Great Leap in the International Forum http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/chinese-luxury-car-market-creates-a-great-leap-in-the-international-forum.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/chinese-luxury-car-market-creates-a-great-leap-in-the-international-forum.html Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Automakers are enjoying its sales figures in great parts of the globe. Moreover, one of the biggest leaping territories when it comes to automobile market is China. China’s luxury car market consists of Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Porsche and Volvo. These automakers have benefited in the increase of market to more than 45 percent in just one year. The remarkable market growth has occurred in the early part of 2004 to the later part of 2005.

According to R. L. Polk & Co., a reliable provider of automotive information and marketing solutions, the most significant growth of the luxury market can be attributed to Jiangsu province which has created 84 percent increase. Next to Jiangsu is Guangdong, making 79 percent recorded growth in market. On the other hand, Zhejiang province also bagged a 54 percent increase.

The information about the remarkable growth of luxury car market in China was delivered by Stephen Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. at the International Forum of China Automotive Industry Development. His presentation of the information is intended to open new doors of opportunities to support Chinese automakers in developing strategies to boost the growing marketplace.

Polk said “We've studied the Chinese market very closely and can provide important business intelligence data to enable manufacturers to control some inevitable change. Building on our U.S. expertise, we are mindful of similarities, but well-educated on the unique customer behavior and automotive trends in China today." Polk further noted “Chinese automakers must continue to strive for excellence in customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, while offering competitive prices. Both are critical to winning market share."

On the other side of it, while the luxury car market has dramatically increased, the retail price of the top ten registered cars plummeted. The retail price was slashed to about 15 percent since 2005. The figures manifest the pressure behind the increase in the market and the automakers are finding it hard to adjust with the new flow of demands. It was also obvious that customers are opting for larger engines in their luxury cars. Moreover, it is expected that Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Porsche and Volvo auto parts will be addressing this demand from its market.




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As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> The Evolution of the Diesel Engine http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/the-evolution-of-the-diesel-engine.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/the-evolution-of-the-diesel-engine.html Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
People saw that big engines were very inefficient and they started looking for new solutions. The answer to the large gasoline engines were rather small, turbo powered diesel engines.

Until then diesel engines have been used mainly on heavy-duty machinery and large trucks, but scientists began to install them on small cars for their fuel efficiency and cost savings.

Diesels are still considered by some people as noisy, unreliable and expensive to maintain, but things have evolved greatly since the early days of the diesel engine. General Motors was among the first companies to fit diesel engines to cars like Chevrolet Caprice and the Oldsmobile, but these engines were shaky and very unreliable. GM soon admitted they had been doing things wrong and re-fitted those cars with normal gasoline engines. It was a large image hit and that is why consumers are still very reluctant to buying a diesel-powered car today.

Diesel engines also cause a bit more pollutant than comparative gasoline engines and with the taxes on polluting cars growing every year, no body wants to pay more taxes for their car if they can buy a gasoline engine car and pay less from the start.

Car companies also have looked at how they can optimize power output of modern diesels and how these engines can be made greener and they have came out with modern solutions.

European carmakers have been putting diesel engines in their cars for many years now and in Europe more then half of the cars sold are diesel powered. Manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes or BMW are selling their large limousines mostly with diesel engines, for their power efficiency and cost savings when it comes to mileage. However, not only large cars have been fitted with diesel engines in Europe, but also sports cars. Audi, for example, is producing a 500-horse power sports car fitted with a V12 diesel engine. In addition, they claim this engine to be more powerful, greener and more efficient than its gasoline counterpart does.

Car manufacturers, especially in Europe and Japan, have been fitting large SUVs and 4x4 with diesel engines mostly for decades now. Fitting a gasoline engine on a large 4x4 would mean that its mileage would be extremely bad and its taxes would overcome its owner.

However, modern diesel engines are very powerful and a lot more reliable than they have been 20 or 30 years ago. Car manufacturers all over the world offer the same warranty for its diesel-powered cars like they do on their gasoline cars and this proves that modern diesel engines have the same reliability as gasoline engines have.

In most countries, the cost of the diesel fuel is lower than the price for gasoline and this combined with the better mileage of diesel-powered cars means significant money savings.

American car manufacturers are looking into installing diesel engines in their cars and it is only a matter of time until you will be able to buy your favorite car with a diesel engine.

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Dennis runs Car Dealer Check which has reviews on Pennsylvania Car Dealers including Pittsburgh Car Dealers.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Auto Warranty and Loan Solutions http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/auto-warranty-and-loan-solutions.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/auto-warranty-and-loan-solutions.html Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Well, consider this fact. The standard warranty on most new and pre-owned vehicles is 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) and the average auto loan term is 66 months.


Those unexpected out of pocket repairs can cause undue stress to your checkbook and budget. By adding warranty protection to your monthly auto payment you can protect yourself from
making monthly payments on a non-functioning or improperly functioning vehicle because you cannot afford to make repairs.
Getting less than fair market value for your trade-in because your vehicle is non-functioning or improperly functioning.
Getting behind on your monthly auto payments because of unexpected repair costs.
Carrying over negative trade equity (being-upside down) to your next vehicle loan.

If your vehicle is worth less than the loan amount, you will have to add this amount to your next vehicle loan. What does this mean to you? Well consider this example.

Tim purchases a new Cavalier© in January of 2002 and decides against purchasing the warranty protection. In June 2005 Tim’s engine failed and the repair estimate came to $3,350.00 because he had over 41,000 miles on the Cavalier© and he was over the 3 year 36,000 mile standard warranty. Tim didn’t have the money so; he decided to trade it in as-is at the dealership where he originally purchased it for a brand new Chevy Cobalt©.

Kelly Blue Book shows that Tim’s Cavalier© is worth $5,425.00 in “Good” condition. However, because of the blown engine, Tim’s trade-in is worth only $2,075.00 because of the necessary engine repairs. Tim’s payoff amount for his existing loan on the Cavalier is $5,625.00.


The difference between what Tim’s Cavalier© is worth and how much he owes on his existing loan is $3,550.00. Tim will now have to add this amount to the loan for his new Cobalt©. This is what is referred to as “being upside down” or having “negative trade equity”. Having warranty protection on the original loan could have saved Tim over $3,000 and prevented him from paying additional repair costs and adding additional cost to his new Chevy Cobalt© loan. Tim could be paying for this mistake for years to come because more time is needed to pay the negative equity that was added to his new Cobalt© loan.

Warranty protection plans can be added to your monthly note for less than $30.00 a month.


Best Auto Solutions

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finance officer of car dealership

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ford, Nissan Design New Models for Aging Baby Boomers http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-nissan-design-new-models-for-aging-baby-boomers.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-nissan-design-new-models-for-aging-baby-boomers.html Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Crossovers are selling like hot cakes in America. Low-riding SUVs like the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge that combine attributes of off-roaders, MPVs and estates are rapidly gaining market share. Ford has also predicted that the crossovers will cover a big share of more than three million sales a year in America by the end of the decade as more and more automakers are joining in the crossover bandwagon.

At present automakers are starting to look for more ways on how they can improve further the design and features of their crossover in order to become more competitive in the market. Currently manufactured cars are designed for younger family buyers but as this population ages their needs also change and in the process they tend to look for something different. Automakers would like to be ready to answer these changing needs.

America’s population is continuously ageing and it is seen that by the end of the decade approximately 57 million ranging from 50 to 64 years old consumers which is a 38% increase compared to the year 2000 according to University of Michigan. Everyday ten thousand Americans turn 50 everyday.

Ford has already introduced their concept crossover called the Airstream at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show – a vehicle, which they say, will satisfy consumers especially retirees who love to travel. Ford’s Airstream is a joint venture between Ford and Airstream Trailer Company which is the maker of iconic American aluminum streamlined caravans of the 1950s. According to Ford Group Design Vice-President J Mays, “We’re seeing demand for recreational vehicles.”

The Airstream is far from the traditional truck-based RV. It has a hybrid powertrain enabling it to achieve a fuel consumption of 41 mpg. It can cover 25 miles on pure electricity. Its styling looks as if it was based on Stanley’s Kubrick’s sci-fi film 2001 rather than the airstream trailers. Ford’s Airstream features illuminated orange window surrounds and asymmetric doors.

Aside from Ford’s Airstream another crossover with similar layout was unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show designed also for aging baby boomers—the Nissan Bevel. This car is specially designed for 45 to 60 years old men who are “hobbyists” or DIY enthusiasts who always carry lots of things while traveling around.

According to Nissan Design American designer John Cupit the Bevel was a “category buster” and designed for people who just don’t want an off-roader or an MPV but for men and also women with hobbies, who love to tinker with things and handymen. The Bevel, just like the Airstream has an asymmetric door layout with a single offside driver’s door and wide-opening double suicide doors on the nearside plus a rear tailgate that flips over to surprisingly turn into a loading shelf.

Another feature of the Bevel is its overt ‘70s styling element which could become part of Nissan’s design “house style” if ever in the future. The oblong grille incorporating top-of-the-line Nissan parts such as the front lightning, and the configurable flat-panel dashboard is likely to become a part of future Nissan design concept.
Ford and Nissan have not yet confirmed the productions of the Airstream and the Bevel but for consumers the concept vehicles presented by the two automakers is a clear indication that they are looking beyond the current trends which is a good thing. Hopefully the two concept crossovers will make it into production.




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Corey Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>