The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.
Before Heading for Snow Country:
* Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
* Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing.
* Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
* Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Carry a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
* Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it's "snowed in," sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow; First Aid kit; and an old towel to clean your hands.
* It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
* Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas.
* Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
* Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow or, ice or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.
* Slow down. A highway speed of 55 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather - but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
* Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment.
* Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment.
* When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.
Drive safely!
Winter Driving Tips
Keep Your Old Car Running Like New
Brenda Rivera, 30, of Tulsa, Okla. does a lot of driving. She already has 80,000 miles on her seven year old Ford Taurus.
“My husband and I travel to Oklahoma City at least twice a month to see family and it’s over 100 miles each way,” says Rivera. “Between those trips and just every day driving, the miles add up.”
Rivera says she wants to keep her car running for as long as possible because she doesn’t want the expense of replacing it, and she is in good company. A significant number of drivers are keeping their vehicles longer. According to national surveys, the average age of passenger cars and light trucks nationally is now between 8.8 and 9.2 years.
“Thanks to better built engines and vehicles overall, improved technology in rust inhibitors and other anti-corrosives for automobile undercarriages and bodies and the general sticker shock relating to the average price of a new car, people are keeping their older cars longer and taking better care of them than ever before,” says Dave Kunkel, retail sales and marketing manager for Citgo’s Automotive Lubricants Division. “With proper maintenance, it’s not unusual to see vehicles accumulate 200,000 miles or more without needing expensive overhauls or repairs.”
Kunkel says it’s important to realize, however, that higher mileage vehicles have different needs when compared to newer vehicles. Over time, engine parts experience wear, deposits form on metal surfaces, and seals can dry out. “Older engines have different lubricating needs and require more attention than newer ones if they’re going to continue functioning well,” says Kunkel.
Citgo's Supergard Ultralife Motor Oil, introduced in October 2002, is specifically formulated to meet the needs of this growing population of older, higher mileage vehicles.
“The oil gives engines an extra layer of protection by providing additional cleaning agents for critical engine parts and conditioning seals, which, thereby, helps reduce oil leakage and prevent valve deposits,” says Kunkel.
Rivera says keeping her car running in tip top shape is very important. “It’s our family vehicle. I have two small children and it gives me piece of mind to know I’m doing something to keep my car running longer,” says Rivera.
Look for Supergard Ultralife Motor Oil at Citgo branded fast lubes and leading retail stores in your area.
How To Save Gas
18 Tips for Saving Money on Gasoline
by: Fisher Swanson
Gas prices are on the rise. Here are some tips to help you conserve gas and save money as we approach summer gas prices.
1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline.
2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving.
3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse gas mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open!
4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting).
5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill.
6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage.
7. Take unneeded items out of the car. You don't need to carry snow chains around with you in the summertime. Just make sure to put them back in when winter comes around.
8. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off.
9. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of time, especially new cars. New cars are made to run when cold.
10. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears unless you need the compression to slow down.
11. Try to drive the speed limit.
12. Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light. It's not a competition with the driver in the lane next to you. The fastest person through the intersection just gets to spend more on gas.
13. No need to buy the highest priced gasoline. Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check you owners manual or consult a mechanic. I have had many tell me that the more expensive gas is a waste of money.
14. Revving the engine needlessly wastes gas. There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off.
15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work.
16. Walk, bike or run to your intended location whenever possible.
17. When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gasoline.
18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving money on gas is always try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 miles-per-gallon and 40 miles-per-gallon is huge.
Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The www.ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 43% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. What's more, heating and cooling systems in the United States together emit 150 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, adding to global climate change. They also generate about 12% of the nation's sulfur dioxide and 4% of the nitrogen oxides, the chief ingredients in acid rain.
No matter what kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system you have in your house, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. But remember, an energy-efficient furnace alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using the whole-house approach. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling, and reduce environmental emissions, from 20% to 50%.
Heating and Cooling Tips
*
Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
*
Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
*
Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
*
Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.
*
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
*
Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.
*
During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
*
During the cooling season, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent solar gain.
Long-Term Savings Tips
*
Select energy-efficient products when you buy new heating and cooling equipment. Your contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models, and designs to help you compare energy usage. For furnaces, look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The national minimum is 78% AFUE, but there are ENERGY STAR models on the market that exceed 90% AFUE.
*
For air conditioners, look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The current minimum is 13 SEER for central air conditioners. ENERGY STAR models are 14 SEER or more.
Driving and Car Maintenance
Transportation accounts for 67% of U.S. oil use—mainly in the form of gasoline. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to improve gas mileage.
Driving Tips
*
Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. No more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days is needed. Anything more simply wastes fuel and increases emissions.
*
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33% and city mileage 5%.
*
Avoid high speeds. Above 60 mph, gas mileage drops rapidly.
*
Clear out your car; extra weight decreases gas mileage by 1% to 2% for every 100 pounds.
*
Reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks. A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to buy a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5% or more.
*
Check into telecommuting, carpooling and public transit to cut mileage and car maintenance costs.
Car Maintenance Tips
*
Use the grade of motor oil recommended by your car's manufacturer. Using a different motor oil can lower your gasoline mileage by 1% to 2%.
*
Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to improve your gasoline mileage by around 3.3%.
*
Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks to avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid, or transmission problems.
*
Replace clogged air filters to improve gas mileage by as much as 10% and protect your engine.
*
Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each one taken from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
Long-Term Savings Tip
*
Consider buying a highly fuel-efficient vehicle. A fuel- efficient vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an alternative fuel vehicle could save you a lot at the gas pump and help the environment. See the Fuel Economy Guide for more on buying a new fuel-efficient car or truck.
How to check the engine oil
How to check the engine oil
Place your car at the level spot. Stop the engine. Wait for a while to let the engine oil to pour down to the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where is the engine oil dipstick, check your owner's manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "engine oil".
Wipe it off with a clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back all the way down into its place.
Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at "FULL" mark. For example, here you can see that it's a bit lower. It's not a big problem yet, but it's better to top it up. Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to change it. If it's slightly-brown, it's O.K. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's admissible but it's better to change it soon.
If it's white (coffee with milk color) it means the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem, for example, blown head gasket - have your car inspected.
How to top up the engine oil:
It would be better to add the same type and brand of the engine oil as you already have in the engine. Add a little amount of the oil as it's shown in the image. Wait for a minute to let the oil to pour down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But don't overfill it. Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you finished.
How to check automatic transmission fluid.
Place your car at a level surface and engage the parking brake. Start the engine. Set transmission shifter in "P" (Park) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this procedure may be different, check the owners' manual for details). Pull the transmission dipstick. Check your owners manual to find where transmission dipstick is located in your car.
Wipe it off with a clean lint free rag. Then insert it back carefully all the way down into its place.
Pull again and check the fluid level. If the engine is cold, it should be within "COLD" marks. If the car was driven and is fully warmed up, the level should be at the upper end of the "HOT" mark. If it's just a little bit lower I wouldn't worry about it. Otherwise I'd top it up. Check the fluid condition also: If it's too black and dirty with burnt smell - your transmission is not going to last. Normally it should be clean and transparent, as in the image. The new fluid comes red. Over the time it becomes brownish. If it is brown, check your owner's manual, may be it's time to change it. Some manufacturers require to change the transmission fluid at 30,000 or 50,000 miles others specify that you never have to change it - check what's your car owner's manual says.
How to top up the transmission fluid:
It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid - check your owners manual or simply visit your local dealer, they alway have proper transmission fluid in stock. Incorrect transmission fluid can even destroy the transmission. Add a small amount of the fluid through the dipstick pipe as shown in the image. Wait for a few minutes - let the fluid to flow down. Recheck the level again. Do not overfill, it also may cause problems with your transmission.
Engine coolant
Low coolant level will cause engine overheating, which may cause serious damage to the engine.
How to check the engine coolant level:
The coolant level should be between "LOW" and "FULL" marks in the coolant overflow tank as in the picture. If it's lower, top it up. If there is no coolant in overflow tank or you have to top it up quite often, have your car inspected in the garage, possibly there is a coolant leak.
Never open the radiator or coolant overflow tank when the engine is hot!
When engine temperature is reduced (few minutes after the engine has been turned off) , simply add a coolant into the overflow tank to "FULL" mark.
Tires
Check the tire pressure regularly - at least once a month. If you don't have tire pressure gauge it's really worth to buy it. You can find recommended tire pressure in the owner's manual or on the tire pressure placard. The maximum pressure listed on tires is NOT the proper pressure! Refer to the owner's manual
Rotate tires at every second oil change - it will insure all tires wear equally. Feel vibration at cruising speed? - have your tires balanced. There is a safe limit of the tread wear. If the tire is worn below this limit it's unsafe to drive. Refer to the result of mechanical inspection. Uneven tire wear indicates alignment problem.
Improper alignment causes increased tire and suspension components wear and poor handling. In worst case improper alignment may throw your car into a skid, especially on a wet road. If a car pulls aside, wanders or feels unstable on the road, have the alignment checked. Properly done alignment will make your car's ride a lot more enjoyable.
European BMW 118d Advanced Diesel named 2008 World Green Car at the 2008 New York International Auto Show
Jury of Nearly 50 Distinguished Automotive Journalists Recognize Emissions, Fuel Consumption and Power Plant Technology of BMW's 118d as Best in the World
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - March 20, 2008... The selection committee for the 2008 World Car Awards announced today that the European BMW 118d Advanced Diesel was named the 2008 World Green Car. Tom Purves, President and CEO of BMWNA, accepted the honor on behalf of BMW at the award reception, which was held this morning at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
"We are honored to receive the 2008 World Green Car Award for the BMW 118d," said Mr. Purves. "As a company we have been committed to reducing fuel consumption and emissions of our vehicles, while at the same time improving performance. This commitment is the driving force of our Efficient Dynamics platform and the philosophy behind BMW's vehicle designs and development of technologies such as the Advanced Diesel implemented in the 118d. This honor will inspire BMW's continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint." The BMW 118d is a four-door hatchback powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine and is not a model that is available in the U.S.
A jury of nearly 50 distinguished automotive journalists selected the BMW 118d as top choice from a list of three finalists that also included the Smart ForTwo CDI and Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. To be eligible for the 2008 World Green Car award, vehicles had to be available in at least one major market during 2007. The vehicle or the green technology could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2007. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.
Now in its fifth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the most prestigious and credible programs of their type in the world. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on a global scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.
The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.
Text Source - BMW Press Club
2010 Honda Fit
MSRP
$14,900 - $19,110
Invoice
Not Available
The 2010 Fit is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, or sports sedan, available in 6 trims, ranging from the... read more 5-Spd MT to the Sport 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 117-horsepower engine that achieves 27-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on the 5-Spd MT. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on the Sport 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System.
The 2010 Fit is a carryover from 2009.
2010 Honda Accord Sedan
MSRP
$21,055 - $31,105
Invoice
Not Available
The 2010 Accord Sedan is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 13 trims, ranging from the LX 5-Spd... read more MT to the EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System.
Upon introduction, the LX 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 177-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The EX-L V-6 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 271-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2010 Accord Sedan is a carryover from 2009.
Hyundai celebrates Scrappage success
Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Hyundai
The £100m extension to the Scrappage Scheme was welcomed by everyone in the struggling UK motor industry. But one company in particular has reason to celebrate.
Korean manufacturer, Hyundai sold more cars in September than they have sold in any other month. The firm has also beaten their previous annual record sales total of 37,611, racking up 40,578 so far this year. Managing Director of Hyundai, Tony Whitehorn, claims they "could have sold twice as many in September but simply ran out of cars and time".
As a whole the UK saw new car sales boosted 11.4% compared to the same time last year, also marking the third consecutive monthly increase in registrations.
The newly extended scheme, which has resulted in 367,929 cars and light vans ordered since it launched in May 2009, should ensure that the motor industry continues to thrive well into the new year.
Detailed figures also reveal that the introduction of Alfa Romeo's small hatchback, the MiTo, has contributed to sales figures 148% higher than in September 2008.
Some of the biggest winners and losers of the scheme are laid out below.
Winners
Manufacturer September 2009 September 2008 %Change
Alfa Romeo 1,978 796 148
Hyundai 11,031 4,970 122
Kia 9,778 4,825 101
SEAT 5,628 4,072 38
Nissan 16,142 12,417 30
Losers
Manufacturer September 2009 September 2008 %Change
Daihatsu 284 1,077 -74
Saab 1,093 2,186 -50
Jeep 560 660 -15
Mercedes 12,690 14,777 -14
Audi 15,117 16,355 -8
Infiniti M35 Hybrid
By Luke Madden
08th October 2009
Take a look at Infinit's first ever hybrid! Based on the striking Essence concept car, the new vehicle is hoping to combine the efficiency of a hybrid with the driving pleasure of a conventional car.
The Japanese company has developed a single electric motor/ twin clutch hybrid system for the new rear-wheel drive car. What sets this apart from other set-ups is that the first clutch is located between the 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor, allowing for all components to act on a singleprop-shaft. According to Inifniti engineers this gives a consistent driving feel and 'direct responses'
A new 'laminated' Lithium-ion battery pack which is half the size of a conventional battery set-up but twice as powerful will drive the electric motor. The batteries can be recharged by a regenerative braking system or by the electric motor, which can also act as a generator.
Three power modes are available to drive the car, including an electric only mode for low speed city driving and a 'power assist' option which boosts the V6 for maximum acceleration.
Conventionally powered M-models will be released in 2010, while the hybrid model will go on sale in 2011.
2010 BMW 6 Series
The 2010 6 Series is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury sports car, or convertible sports car, available in two... read more trims, the 650i Coupe and the 650i Convertible.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 360-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2010 6 Series is a carryover from 2009.
2010 BMW 5 Series
The 2010 5 Series is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, or luxury wagon, available in... read more 6 trims, ranging from the 528i Sedan to the 550i Sedan.
Upon introduction, the 528i Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 550i Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 360-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2010 5 Series is a carryover from 2009.
Bugatti Veyron Car Review
Posted by Duckeldannys Money Blog under: Cars; General; Reviews; Technology .
bugatti veyron car review moneyThe Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS introduced in 2005. It is the quickest accelerating and decelerating road-legal production car in the world, and it was the world’s fastest car until it was beaten by the SSC Ultimate Aero TT in 2007. Powered by a 1,001 PS (987 hp/736 kW) W16 engine,[2] it is able to achieve an average top speed of 408.47 km/h (253.81 mph).[3] The car reached full production in September 2005, and is handcrafted in a factory Volkswagen built near the former Bugatti headquarters in Château St Jean in Molsheim (Alsace, France). It is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.
bugatti veyron blog
Manufacturer
Bugatti Automobiles SAS
Parent company
Volkswagen AG
Production
2005-present
(approx. 300 to be produced)
Assembly
Molsheim, Alsace, France
Predecessor
Bugatti EB110
Body style(s)
2-door coupe
bugatti moneyblog
Layout
mid-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine(s)
8.0 L quad-turbocharged W16
Transmission(s)
7-speed DSG sequential manual
Wheelbase
2710 mm (106.69 in)
Length
4462 mm (175.67 in)
Width
1998 mm (78.66 in)
Height
1204 mm (47.4 in)
at normal position
Curb weight
1888 kg (4162.33 lb)
Fuel capacity
100 L (26 US gal/22 imp gal)
Designer
Hartmut Warkuss, and Jozef Kabaň
bugatti duckeldannys money blog
Technorati Tags: bugatti, car, review, veyron
Used Ford Fiesta - Don't Miss The Deals
Written by AutoHugger
Whilst all the fuss surrounding the brand new Ford Fiesta is going on, the savvy and economically minded amongst us have spotted the ideal opportunity to bag ourselves a recession-busting bargain. Anybody who is considering buying a Ford Fiesta in the not-too-distant future is automatically going to hone in on the brand new model. These people are missing out on one of the greatest money-saving bargains available on the car market, but it’s certainly not one that I am going to turn my nose up at.
Now that the entire population are clamouring over themselves to get hold of the new Fiesta, you will find a whole host of the previous model at unbelievable discounts, especially if they are ex-demo or nearly new. The 04-08 model Fiestas are going to have trouble shifting off the forecourts with the brand new model available, so the dealerships are going to start slashing prices like they were in some kind of low-budget 70’s horror film.
This is extremely good news if you want a Ford Fiesta, but aren’t overly bothered about remaining on the cusp of fashion at all times. As a man with no sense of fashion, I firmly fit into this category.
The previous model Fiesta was an almost perfect combination of form and engineering that looked and performed akin to a slightly scaled down Ford Focus. With a veritable wealth of engines and trims available, there is bound to be a used Ford Fiesta to suit everyone’s tastes. The only issue is which Fiestas are available at which dealers? That, my friends, is where the bargain hunt begins.
After routing around the web briefly, I found a huge amount of nearly new Ford Fiestas with discounts that almost made my hat fall off. For around £5,000 you can get a 2 year old Fiesta Zetec 1.4litre, with less than 13,000 miles on the clock. Just a matter of months ago this very model would have been worth almost double that, or maybe more!
If you’re looking for a vehicle to just get you around the town on a weekend, how about a 1.25Litre Zetec Climate, with less than 15,000 miles on the clock for less than £5,000? The offers you can take advantage of if you look in the right places are amazing.
This is a great time for first-time car buyers as well. A Used Ford Fiesta is the perfect car for new drivers as it combines, safety, practicality, economical driving and looks the part as well. With the initial cost-effective outlay of being a used Ford Fiesta, you can concentrate on using the rest of your cash upgrading the stereo, or paying the ridiculously high insurance rates for new drivers.
Whilst all the posers and trendy-types are queuing up and joing mailing lists for the new Fiesta, you could get one today, at a fraction of the price, which has practically the same engine and specification as the new model. So unless you are highly concerned about the exterior aesthetic of your car, can you really afford to ignore these bargains.
So I guess I’ll see you down the dealerships then!
GM Sales Decline Improves; Toyota Tanks
GM, Ford and Honda post lowest sales declines this year, while Nissan and Toyota record steepest slides.
Ford, Honda and General Motors posted their lowest sales declines of the year in April, while Nissan and Toyota had their largest, as the industry improved from depressed levels of February and March.
Drops of 33 percent at Ford and GM were in line with analysts' forecasts, as was Honda's 25.3 percent slide. Nissan's 37.8 percent fall and Toyota U.S.A.'s 41.9 percent tumble were steeper than forecasts.
For the second straight month, no automaker posted a sales increase. The April total slipped to 819,817 U.S. light vehicles, a 34.3 percent decline from a year earlier and the smallest drop since October. Autos sold at a seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 9.5 million units, below analysts' projections but another increase from February's 9.1 million rate, which was a 27-year low.
"Reports that the light-vehicle sales rate could reach 10 million units turned out to be somewhat exaggerated," Ford sales analyst George Pipas said today during a conference call.
Daimler AG's sales fell 30.7 percent, including a 49.9 percent plunge for smart minicars. That marked the first decline this year for the smart brand, introduced in January 2008. Subaru, one of the few automakers to post a sales increase through March, fell 6.7 percent in April for its sharpest decline this year.
Ford Outsells Toyota
Ford's sales had dropped more than 40 percent in each of the first three months of the year. Its April decline included a 36.9 percent slide at Volvo. Sales of its traditional Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models fell 31.3 percent. Ford outsold Toyota for the first time since March 2008.
Ford executives said the sales pace degraded in the final week of the month. Pipas attributed the slowdown in part to the "CNN effect." He said uncertain customers stayed away from showrooms in the wake of reports about turmoil at Chrysler and at General Motors.
Chrysler posted a 48.1 percent decline for April, a day after filing for bankruptcy. General Motors is at risk of filing within a month.
The month's results "fell a little short of our expectations, and we believe it was because of more turbulence in the minds of the consumer as to what was going on," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of U.S. sales and marketing.
April marked the 18th straight year-over-year sales drop. Analysts predict a sales recovery in the second half of the year, as the United States struggles to climb out of a recession that's also in its 18th month — the longest since the Great Depression.
Sales to individual customers "continued at about the same selling rate as February and March," said Mark LaNeve, GM's North American sales chief, in a statement. GM's better results were "largely driven by a return to more normal volumes of fleet sales," the company said in a statement.
At Chrysler, co-President Jim Press said a 66 percent decline in fleet sales was the biggest drag on April numbers. Retail sales fell 39 percent, he said.
Consumers Poised?
Sales that have hovered between a 9 million- and 10 million-unit rate this year are signs of stability, said GM sales analyst Mike DiGiovanni.
"Consumers could be poised to start spending some money," he said. "They're taking a wait-and-see attitude."
Earlier this week, the Conference Board, a market information group, reported that its consumer confidence index had increased to 39.2 in April from 26.9 in March. That's still down from 62.8 in April 2008. As a reference, the board says the level of consumer confidence in 1985 was 100.
Six analysts surveyed by Automotive News and three dozen economists in a Reuters poll had predicted an average April sales rate of 9.8 million units.
The rate rose in April despite incentives declining about 4 percent from March levels to $3,031 per vehicle, according to Edmunds.com data. That's still up almost 30 percent from April 2008. Of the biggest automakers, Chrysler spent the most on incentives: $4,288 per sale.
Among GM's eight brands, the smallest declines came from the four it said this week it would keep: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. Chevrolet declined the least: 26.7 percent.
Richard Truett, Jamie LaReau and Amy Wilson contributed to this report.
Volkswagen’s World Car of the Year Shows Important Trend
Written by TalentZoo
Volkswagen drivers must be proud of the carmaker’s latest achievement. The newest version of the VW hatchback, or Golf MkVI, has been named the 2009 World Car of the Year.
The top three contenders for the annual title were the Ford Fiesta, Toyota iQ, and the Golf. Others that were shortlisted included the Audi A4, BMW 7-series, Citroen C5, Fiat 500, Honda Jazz, Jaguar XF, Mazda6 and Nissan GT-R. The WCOTY jury consists of 59 prominent motoring writers from 25 countries.
Now I know what you’re thinking.
1. All three front-runners were compact and fuel-efficient cars.
2. Cars such as the legendary GT-R and the ultra-luxurious 7-series were beaten by a freakin’ Fiesta.
This is yet another sign in the automotive industry that consumers are increasingly veering away from the more powerful and established vehicles in exchange for cheaper and more convenient alternatives. Let’s take a look at the previous winners of the WCOTY.
2005 - Audi A6
2006 - BMW 3-series
2007 - Lexus LS460
2008 - Mazda2/Mazda Demio
The trend is especially apparent between ‘07 and ‘08, where the winner went from a luxurious sedan to a 3-door hatchback. This is certainly not to say that the WCOTY will be favoring smaller cars from now on, but the winner most definitely reflects the current direction of the automotive industry as well as the mindset of consumers.
Some of you may remember my past entry on GM and Chrysler and their need to adopt a more specialized approach towards their products. No, I’m not talking about risking their brand identity by joining the compact/fuel-efficient party. Specialize by getting down the whole electric motor technology first, then worry about the rest later — that’s if GM and Chrysler still have a “later.”
Jon Leung is a blog warrior with a passion for brand marketing and digital media due to his experience in related fields. He now plans to enroll in the Management program at the prestigious Cass Business School in London this fall. Catch his ramblings on Beneath the Brand and Digital Pivot or stalk him on Twitter.
Hang On For Dear Life
New Mercedes E63 is a clear alternative to BMW M and Audi S models.
Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division chief, Volker Mornhinweg, offers this procedure for those who want to get the most out of the all-new 2010 E63 AMG:
Step 1. Fully depress brake pedal.
Step 2. Shift transmission to D.
Step 3. Switch electronic stability program to sport mode.
Step 4. Switch transmission to race-start mode.
Step 5. Click upshift paddle to confirm.
Step 6. Fully depress accelerator pedal.
Step 7. Release brake.
To that process, we might add a precautionary Step 8, "Hang on for dear life," because this version of the all-new E-class sedan looks like a rocket just waiting for someone to light the fuse.
Set for its global debut at the New York auto show, the high-performance E63 AMG will arrive in November, following the midsummer release of the 2010 E-class sedan and coupe. And while the new E-class is a surprise in itself, the E63 is more of a shocker — a statement that the E-class is leaping well beyond its staid past to establish itself as a clear alternative to BMW's M sedans and Audi's S models, among others.
Completely restyled sheetmetal — along with powertrain, suspension, interior and safety-equipment improvements — highlight the 2010 model. The E63 picks up much of the reborn E-class styling, taking it to an extreme level with wider fenders, side skirts, AMG-specific front and rear fascias and quad rectangular tailpipes. Inside, sport seats and a four-spoke AMG steering wheel with shift paddles and a center-console-mounted shift lever are among the special features.
Under the hood, the 6.3-liter V8 continues from the previous model, with improvements that increase horsepower by 11, to 518 hp (torque remains at 465 lb-ft). At the same time, fuel economy is up by 12 percent (to more than 17 mpg combined) thanks to more efficient engine management and reduced cylinder-wall friction, along with the shift to the multidisc wet-clutch AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission. It's that tranny, previously offered only in the SL63 AMG, that promises the largest jump in the E63's fun-for-the-money ratio, featuring the race-start option, which provides maximum possible acceleration, along with four other settings: controlled efficiency, sport, sport plus and manual.Chassis upgrades include AMG's newly developed electronic ride and damping control, which uses air springs in the rear to maintain constant height and variable shock settings to reduce body roll. A new front axle, with a wider track and a design that migrates from the C63 AMG, improves grip, while a 22-percent-quicker steering ratio adds responsiveness and precision.
An optional AMG Performance Package adds 19-inch wheels and tires, a stiffer suspension, a partially locking rear differential and a three-spoke AMG steering wheel. Oh, and a revised top speed of 186 mph (up from 155 mph).
Chevy Camaro Gets Super-Tuned
Motor magician John Hennessey increases this new muscle car’s power to 562 horses.
The 6.2-liter V8 in the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS cranks out 426 hp or 400 hp, depending on the transmission choice.
But there are some people out there who want more. With a higher-performance Z28 Camaro from the factory on the back shelf as General Motors battles for survival, aftermarket tuners are ready to fill the void.
Among the first out of the gate is Hennessey Performance Engineering of Houston, Texas, with its HPE550 Camaro.
Bolting a Magnuson/Hennessey supercharger and Corsa stainless-steel exhaust system onto GM's LS3 V8 enables Hennessey to crank up the output to 562 hp at 6,200 rpm and 557 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm.
Hennessey says that powertrain will rocket the Camaro from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, compared with runs in the 5.0-second range in the stock Camaro SS with a manual transmission. Hennessey says the reworked Camaro will cover the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds with a top speed of 119 mph.
How much damage does this do you to bank account? Hennessey says the parts for the HPE550 Camaro — which include high-flow fuel injectors, air induction, aluminum wheels and an aerodynamics package — will sell for $18,950 plus shipping charges, but that leaves the installation up to you.
Hennessey will create the HPE550 for you for $24,950 plus shipping (plus the $31,000 base price of a Camaro SS.) Buyers also get a half-day class at the Lonestar Motorsports Park drag strip, next door to Hennessey's facility. There also is a menu of upgrade options, which include brake and suspension changes and an automatic transmission. Hennessey plans to build a maximum of 500 units for the 2010 model year.But wait! You say the HPE550 still isn't enough? Then Hennessey will steer you toward dropping in a 705-hp version of the LS9 V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The company hired racer and retired GM engineer John Heinricy as developer and test driver. The LS9 upgrade will set you back a mere $39,500.
And it gets even crazier from there. Hennessey offers 850-hp and 1,000-hp twin-turbo upgrades, for $54,500 and $59,500, respectively.
Although the EPA rates the 2010 Fusion Hybrid at 42 mpg in the city, you can almost double that with a little effort and a light foot.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid gets up to 41 mpg — officially. But with a little effort, you can easily double that.
That's what a team of Ford engineers, a hypermiling legend and NASCAR star Carl Edwards managed to pull off this week, registering an average of 81.5 mpg in a 1,445.7-mile journey designed to show off the eco prowess of the new hybrid sedan.
The crew left Mount Vernon, Va., on Saturday morning and finished on the George Washington Parkway in Washington, running out of gas just before dawn. They clicked off the 1,000-mile mark — the original goal — Monday morning, with Edwards at the wheel.
The EPA has rated the Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway, besting other hybrids including the Toyota Camry. By using hypermiling techniques, such as accelerating smoothly and coasting to red lights, the Fusion drivers were able to considerably increase the car's fuel economy.
Its official estimated range is 700 miles on a tank of gas, which the hypermilers doubled. The car was not modified and drove around Washington nearly continuously for 69 hours.
The drivers had hoped to get 57 mpg, but were able to easily better that. Other mileage tricks included closing the windows to reduce drag, shutting off the heater and air conditioner to cut the strain on the engine, and using momentum to help carry the car up and down hills.
They broke up the drive into two- and three-hour stints. Edwards, fresh off a dramatic crash Sunday at Talladega that saw his No. 99 car get airborne, said he was excited to be a part of the drive. He noted that he owns a Fusion Hybrid.
Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes also was part of the team, which raised $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Fiat, Magna in Rival Bid for Opel
A bidding war over GM subsidiary Opel has emerged between Fiat and auto parts supplier Magna International.
Fiat S.p.a. and Magna International Inc. are emerging as rival bidders for a significant stake in General Motors' Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary.
Magna International and Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska are considering taking a 50 percent share in Opel, Canada's Globe and Mail reported on Monday.
Magna would purchase about 20 per cent of Opel and Deripaska would possibly combine with Russian banks to pick up another 30 per cent, the newspaper said.
German politicians and Opel's union bosses say Fiat wants a controlling stake in Opel.
Italian sources told Automotive News Europe that Fiat and Magna are rival investors in Opel.
Fiat is sweetening its bid by offering to build its Punto hatchback in Opel's plant in Eisenach, Germany, to help maximize the plant's production capacity, German daily Handlesblatt reported Tuesday. The Punto shares its platform with the Opel Corsa, which is built at Eisenach.
Magna Plan for Opel 'Interesting'
Opel's union chiefs and some German politicians have spoken out against Fiat taking a stake in Opel. They fear massive job cuts, plant closures and believe a partnership would not work because there is too much overlap between the brands.
Fiat has pledged to maintain all of Opel's four German production sites should it acquire the company, Der Spiegel reported at the weekend.
Fiat's reported offer to build the Punto in Eisenach and keep open Opel factories did not impress union representatives.
"It changes nothing," Opel's works council chairman Klaus Franz told Handlesblatt.
German Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg met senior representatives of Magna on Tuesday to discuss its possible investment in Opel. After the meeting, Guttenberg said Magna had presented an interesting initial rough plan to invest in Opel.
Guttenberg added that the government still needed hard facts and figures from GM to back up Magna's plans for Opel.
Cash-strapped GM is carving out German-based Opel and its British sister brand Vauxhall into a separate unit and is seeking outside equity investors to give Opel a major cash infusion.
GM must sell a significant stake in Opel to convince German politicians to provide billions of euros in loan guarantees to the carmaker and, with an election due in September, the government is anxious to find a way of saving jobs at the company.
GM Favors Single Bidder
GM favors one major investor rather than a combination of bidders but wants to retain a stake in a new independent Opel, a company source familiar with the negotiations told ANE.
GM wants to agree a memorandum of understanding with a bidder in the next two to three weeks, the source said.
GM CEO Fritz Henderson told news conference Monday that talks between Opel and several parties interested in investing in the automaker will continue until mid-May.
Henderson said GM would retain a substantial interest in Opel's European business.
A GM Europe spokesman said: "We continue to aggressively work to secure third party investment. Time is of the essence. It is a complex situation with several parties in the mix and this is going to take some time."
Douglas A. Bolduc and Reuters contributed.
