Answering the need to be more eco-friendly as far as their business operations are concerned, Team Honda, Team Nissan and Team Toyota have announced the launch of their first carbon neutral dealerships in Lithia Springs, Georgia. After starting out with their tire and oil recycling measures, the auto dealers are now focusing their attention on offsetting their carbon footprint to become the first carbon neutral dealers in Georgia.

The concentration now is to bring down their energy use, a practice that has drawn prices and queries from their customers on where they can get one for their own homes or offices as well. Additionally, employees are given thermal porcelain cups in lieu of the usual Styrofoam which itself is an eco-friendly hazard.

All AutoNation dealerships, Team’s parent company, make it easy for car buyers to shop for more fuel-efficient vehicles with its E-Vehicle program. The program identifies cars and trucks that produce at least 28 miles per gallon or deliver 10 percent better fuel efficiency than average for their class. AutoNation also singles out what they call “F-vehicles” with a yellow leaf logo; these are cars and trucks that use flex-fuel technology.

With the combined efforts of these popular auto dealers, the call to lower carbon emissions and the various practices to attain it should be something customers and employees will learn from. Hopefully they will be the catalyst to improve on the call for better green living needed these day.

(Source) Press

Tags: Auto Dealers, autonation, better fuel efficiency, business operations, car buyers, carbon emissions, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel technology, honda team, launch, leaf logo, lithia springs georgia, miles per gallon, more fuel efficient vehicles, oil recycling, porcelain cups, styrofoam, team honda, team toyota, yellow leaf

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If there is one best tip to give motorists, it is that of taking advantage of peak seasons as far as their car maintenance needs are concerned. You don’t have to wait for the season where such parts like air conditioning or cooling systems need to be addressed. If you feel that a certain car part needs checking up, go ahead and don’t wait. Doing so may even aggravate it and cost you more than having it attended to before it actually gets worse.

Here are some tips from JC Whitney for the summer riders:

• Cooling System: In summer, the cooling system has to work harder to prevent the engine from overheating. Check the radiator, belts and hoses for leaks or cracks. Be sure all the connections are snug, and make sure all the fluids are “topped off”. When towing boats, campers, or trailers, be sure to install additional transmission or oil coolers. In all cases, take great care with a hot engine – it’s very easy to get burned by hot engine parts or fluids.
• Air Conditioning: The engine belts also drive the air conditioner’s compressor, so also inspect this system for worn or damaged belts. Have a local mechanic inspect the compressor’s cooling fluids.
• Tires: In contrast to winter tires, summer tires provide more speed, better handling, and better fuel efficiency. Many drivers keep two sets of wheels: one set mounted with snow tires and one set mounted with summer or all-season tires. For maximum mileage and wear, make sure tires are inflated to the maker’s specifications.
• Brakes: Hot weather can increase the temperature of brake systems, causing pads to wear more quickly, so it’s important to inspect the pads and rotors for wear more frequently in summer.

“A qualified technician can check the systems that often suffer from the summer heat,” added West. “Following the diagnosis, car owners can save money by buying the parts they need from JC Whitney and then having their local mechanic install them.”

(Source) Press

Tags: air conditioner, better fuel efficiency, car maintenance, car owners, cooling system, cooling systems, engine parts, hot weather, maximum mileage, oil coolers, peak seasons, press car, rotors, season tires, snow tires, summer heat, summer tires, winter tires

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As far as new cars are concerned, it is not surprising that most motorists are turning towards hybrid technology to curb down carbon emissions and better fuel efficient vehicles. This seems to be the trend these days as we see most car manufacturers unveiling their own version of hybrids, potentially to lure a curious market on the ideal car to have today.

The new 2010 automobiles will soon change the future in transportation as conventional vehicles make the switch to hybrid cars. The new cars also qualify for government incentives to use as a 2009 hybrid car tax credit. Hybrid cars can achieve better fuel efficiency and are led by car manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Honda, and General Motors.

The big switch is indeed apparent. We have been seeing various advertisements and promotions for the new breed of hybrids. And this time, it is not just a marketing gimmick. These car giants are really gearing towards the market demand. With due consideration to the two factors, carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, the product is that of having a hybrid or electric car in your lineup, something that we can see in most vehicle showrooms for customers looking for a new vehicle to own.

(Source) News Oxy

Tags: better fuel efficiency, car giants, car manufacturers, car tax, carbon emissions, conventional vehicles, due consideration, electric car, ford motor, ford motor company, fuel efficient vehicles, government incentives, hybrid car tax credit, hybrid cars, hybrid technology, hybrids, motor company toyota, new cars, vehicle showrooms

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Volkswagen of America’s contribution to the green effort is now officially available in the market as the all-new Touareg TDI will be available in dealer showrooms in all 50 states this May. Value priced at $42,800, the Touareg TDI is the lowest priced diesel SUV currently available in the marketplace.

Purchasers of the 2009 Touareg TDI are eligible for a $1,150 Federal Income Tax Credit. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the Touareg TDI qualifies for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

“The $1,150 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Touareg TDI,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “All of our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value. The Touareg TDI is an excellent addition to our clean diesel model line.”

The Touareg TDI showcases the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel Sport Utility Vehicle that provides fuel efficiency and go anywhere driving capability. Touareg TDI meets the most stringent emissions standards of all 50 states.

EPA estimates the Touareg TDI’s fuel economy at 17 city and 25 highway. At 25 miles per gallon on the highway the Touareg TDI provides better fuel efficiency than many hybrid SUVs.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program. With this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

(Source) Press

Tags: best of both worlds, better fuel efficiency, clean diesel, dealer showrooms, diesel vehicles, federal income tax, first source, fuel economy, hybrid suvs, income tax credit, lean burn, maintenance booklet, mark barnes, model line, sport utility vehicle, volkswagen of america, volkswagen of america inc, volkswagen touareg

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