Chrysler got a new lease on life some months back with regards to its current financial standing. Now it seems that they have totally forgotten how to redeem itself from their poor showing as the company is still mum on what it plans to do with their current product line. There has been no word on new vehicles that would be coming out and yet we are nearing the close of 2009. Has Chrysler totally lost it?

Unlike Ford which has put much of its weight on their electric car, the Volt, Chrysler has not leaked or shown any new car models to look forward to. Rather they are providing customers with perks like car leasing and specialized features. How long can they do that? Unless they start getting their act together they are better off closing the company or perhaps selling it to someone else. They do have plans of a brand makeover but time is essential. Apparently Chrysler forgot all about that.

Tags: auto chrysler, available resources, car industry, car leasing, car models, Cars, Dodge, doors, economic turmoil, electric car, Ford, makeover, market position, models, new blood, new car, new direction, new lease on life, new vehicles, quick time, rebates, signs of life, special offers, trucks, Volt, waste of time

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They call it “Acts of God” but if you look at it as a whole, it is a glitch that most car insurance companies have dug up to avoid covering the thousands of cars that have been damaged in the Philippines the past week. Thousands of cars were damaged and left useless as a result of the storms and car insurance companies certainly went to work finding an “Escape Clause” to save them money.

Apparently this is one claim that many Filipino motorists chose to forego since based on experience, hurricanes or outrageous life-threatening events barely touched Philippine soil. That was until Typhoon Ondoy came in. So now, turning to car insurance for aid was a big letdown, especially for the ones who have new vehicles and paid their car insurance premiums religiously.

You have to hate car insurance companies for this. Saving on cost is one thing but including a low blow just to avoid paying for the damages on their clients (damages that they totally could not avoid) was certainly something motorists could do without during this state of calamity in the Philippines. Business is business but if only to help get the country back to its feet, the best they could do is forego this for now or perhaps shoulder at least a portion of the car repairs that thousands are busy with at the moment. This is one reason why you will really hate car insurance, especially in the Philippines!

Tags: acts of god, business is business, calamity in the philippines, car insurance companies, car insurance premiums, car repairs, damages, glitch, hurricanes, letdown, low blow, motorists, new vehicles, outrageous life, philippine daily inquirer, philippines business, soil, state of calamity, storms, typhoon ondoy

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The growing problem of reduce emissions has become a concern and various tactics to try and reduce them comes in various forms and resolutions. And if there is one driving factor that helps in reducing these harmful carbon emissions, it is that of financial incentive programs as proven by Emisstar LLC.

Emisstar Principal Glenn Goldstein said, “Our aim with this study was to analyze existing incentive-based emissions reduction approaches nationwide, and to recommend how a regional NGV financial incentive program could be developed and implemented in the New York area.” The Emisstar report was commissioned by NGV America, a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen.

The Emisstar report suggests a specific framework for a regional natural gas program that would offer incentives for the replacement of Class 6 through Class 8 diesel-fueled vehicles with new vehicles powered by natural gas. The report provides detailed recommendations regarding administrative processes and program criteria including vehicle eligibility, scrapping requirements, funding sources and thresholds based on emissions reduced.

(Source) Press

Tags: administrative processes, diesel, financial incentive programs, funding sources, goldstein, harmful carbon emissions, Hydrogen, incentive program, incentives, national organization, natural gas program, natural gas vehicle, new vehicles, profitable market, program criteria, resolutions, thresholds, vehicle eligibility

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ZipCar is once again in focus but this time, it is because of their first-ever Electric Vehicle Pod. These new vehicles are among the most efficient and technologically advanced on the road today and are available to members by the hour for a fraction of the cost of owning one.

“Since early in this decade, Zipcar has been integrating alternative vehicles into the fleet — giving our members the opportunity to push the envelope and evaluate a range of advanced-vehicle technologies,” said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. “Our proprietary car sharing technology platform allows us to manage a variety of cutting-edge vehicles, serving hundreds of thousands of Zipsters who benefit from convenience, cost savings and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.”

With the uncertainty as far as reliability and feasibility of owning one still up in the air, people who want to go places can still do so by trying out this alternative. Apparently a lot of issues such as charging issues and the length at where they can go is still unresolved so why worry if you have ZipCar to help you out for now?

(Source) Press

Tags: advanced vehicle technologies, cutting edge, electric car, electric vehicle, feasibility, new vehicles, pod, reducing carbon emissions, technology platform, zipcar

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Various groups have been aiming to educate consumers on whether they are eligible for the much publicized “Cash for Clunkers” program but now Polk offers a new solution that can possibly get right down to which vehicles are actually eligible, saving people the trouble of being turned down and wasting their time.

Polk’s new custom solution is a predictive model created by taking into account a vehicle’s age, category, current market value and EPA combined fuel economy. It enables focused targeting of consumers most likely to qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program.

“Polk has followed the Cash for Clunkers concept since it was introduced and has created a robust resource to help our customers target qualifying households that may benefit from this government program. Ultimately, it’s about selling new vehicles,” said Lonnie Miller, director of industry analysis at Polk. “We forecast that the U.S. will see roughly 200,000 additional sales this year due to the Cash for Clunkers program.”

(Source) Press

Tags: consumers, households, new solution, new vehicles, program source, vehicle eligibility

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As you may know, the government announced its Cash For Clunkers plan recently. Under the plan, consumers can get rid of their older gas guzzling vehicles and receive a voucher to use towards purchasing new vehicles. But, there’s a catch! There is a ceiling limit on the vehicles which means those valued at $4500 or higher will not qualify for the program.

The problem with this, some believe, is that those who have a vehicle valued so low may be unable to afford a new car in the first place. The program does not work for all cars, either. You will need to check out the government’s website to find out if your vehicle is approved. This is based on age and the MPG the car gets, too. The program isn’t as simple as it sounds.

Tags: $4500, Cash for Clunkers, new vehicles

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Controversial or not, Volkswagen of America has vowed its support for the “Cash for Clunkers” program of the government where each of their vehicles for their 2009 lineup qualifies for the said program. Under the “Cash for Clunkers” programs, potential new car buyers can get up to $4,500 off from the purchase price of new vehicles who trade-in their old cars.

In order to qualify, eligible new vehicles must achieve at least 22 miles-per-gallon for automobiles, and at least 18 mpg for small light-duty trucks and SUV’s, and trade-in vehicles must achieve 18 mpg or less.

“Volkswagen of America supports this historic decision of the United States Government to enact the Cash for Clunkers program.” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America. “The fact that Volkswagen has long been known for producing fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles, combined with our eight Top Safety Pick rated vehicles by the IIHS, should put Volkswagen on any new car buyers shopping list.” added Jacoby.

Among the new cars that Volkswagen has lined up include:

• 2009 Rabbit
• GTI
• Jetta
• Jetta SportWagen
• New Beetle
• New Beetle convertible
• Passat
• Passat Wagon
• Eos
• CC

(Source) Press

Tags: car buyers, fuel efficient vehicles, IIHS, Jetta, jetta sportwagen, light duty trucks, miles per gallon, new beetle, new car, new cars, new vehicles, old cars, president ceo, rabbit gti, shopping list, Stefan Jacoby, united states government, volkswagen, volkswagen of america

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Whether the intent is just to get a glimpse of the new American muscle made cars or to possible purchase one would not matter at this point but if you think about it, consumers still prefer to check out these American-made cars.

Topping the list was Chevrolet’s all-new 2010 Camaro, up from No. 4 in April of this year. The recently redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang came in at No. 2 on the most-searched new vehicles on AutoTrader.com in May, down from No. 1 in April of this year. Rounding out the top three was the Dodge Challenger, which was introduced last year as a 2009 model.

“The 1-2-3 finish by Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge shows that the U.S. is still in love with the American muscle car and that the U.S. manufacturers are rolling out head-turning products that generate the same kind of buzz you hear for Hondas, Toyotas, BMWs and other foreign makes,” said AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry. “More importantly, the success of the Fusion and the Escape proves that domestic automakers are able to translate the excitement of their halo models into the cars and crossovers that make up the true heart of the American automotive marketplace.”

Not to take anything away from the other car manufacturers, but as mentioned earlier, these figures don’t sum up the intent. Viewership can be based on a lot of things such as merely for glimpses or even a blog review. But then again, who knows if people are simply waiting to get their hands on them when and if the whole recession and economic gloom is lifted.

(Source) Press

Tags: american made cars, american muscle car, automotive marketplace, AutoTrader, bmws, camaro, car manufacturers, Chevrolet, dodge challenger, economic gloom, ford mustang, hondas, new vehicles

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For people who need more information and actual demonstrations on the proper understanding of hydrogen and renewable fuel, perhaps a visit to Downtown Seattle can do the trick. Propel Fuels has arranged for a Hydrogen Vehicle Showdown in Seattle, providing a preview on the latest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle designs.

Also, the show aims to properly educate people on the perks and benefits that renewable fuel brings to society, a familiar term we have been hearing for the past months in connection for the call towards new vehicles running on alternative sources of fuel. Fuel cell vehicles from Daimler, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen are on display, and experts from these companies are on hand to answer questions from Propel customers and alternative fuel enthusiasts.

“Propel’s fueling platform delivers advanced low carbon fuels including biodiesel from waste stream feedstocks like recycled fats and oils, and locally grown, marginal land crops like camelina,” said Rob Elam, President and Co-Founder of Propel. “Our fueling platform has the forward-flexibility to accommodate advanced fuels such as bio-methane, hydrogen and electric charging as these vehicle technologies gain momentum in the marketplace. Today’s event shows how close these vehicles are to commercialization.”

(Source) Press

Tags: alternative fuel, biodiesel, carbon fuels, Daimler, fats and oils, feedstocks, fuel cell vehicle, fuel cell vehicles, gain momentum, hydrogen fuel cell, methane, new vehicles, renewable fuel

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One thing definite in vehicles these days, added strains on the engine lead to fluctuating fuel consumption. Like in the use of car air conditioning, you can bet that they add to the load of the car engine, perhaps upping the fuel consumption of a car since they are needed to mediate the in-car temperature

As far as helping out the cooling systems in cars, tints and films have been known to lower that burden. With an adjustable thermostat, the load on the car engine is diminished and hence lower. So with that in mind, Southwest Technologies offers the XIR Films.

These infrared reflective glass using XIR film technology for all new vehicles helps a lot in improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The XIR film is laminated with uncoated glass and enables any automotive glass manufacturer to produce IR reflective glass without the need to invest in tens of millions of dollars in glass coating equipment.

XIR film also makes IR reflective glass cost-effective for low-to-mid volume model runs and for aftermarket replacement glass that otherwise could never justify the fixed costs associated with glass coating production.

“Standardizing on IR reflective glass enables smaller AC systems for all vehicle models,” Capovilla added. “This not only justifies the cost premium of the glass but also makes it a value-added feature for consumers who are increasingly seeking options to reduce their impact on the environment.”

(Source) Press

Tags: ac systems, adjustable thermostat, automotive glass, car air conditioning, car engine, cooling systems, film technology, fuel consumption, fuel efficiency, glass coating, glass manufacturer, mid volume, new vehicles, reducing carbon emissions, reflective glass, replacement glass, technology aim, tints, vehicle models, volume model

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Hyundai launches a new eco-friendly vehicle variant with the new Accent variant running on LPG. The new passenger car has been priced at Rs 533,900 which is Rs 34,900 more than its existing petrol model. It is fitted with an engine immobilizer as a standard fitment for added security.

The new Accent eco is equipped with a LPG kit and powered by a 1.5 liter engine. It has a manual transmission which should all the more balance the proper consumption of fuel important for motorists today.

With separate Petrol (45 Litre) and LPG (27.2 litre) fuel tanks, the customers has an option to choose from both LPG and petrol driving mode. The LPG tank in the Accent eco has a special ‘Toroidal’ design that allows intelligent use of space and makes for a larger luggage room available to the customer.

LPG use is nothing new for most cars today. In fact, the number of motorists who have turned towards converting to these cheaper mode of motoring. With the new Hyundai Accent, you can do away with that conversion intent since you get it packaged with an all-new vehicle expected to deliver what new vehicles normally come in.

(Source) Press

Tags: added security, consumption, conversion, engine immobilizer, fuel tanks, Hyundai Accent, liter engine, litre, lpg kit, lpg tank, manual transmission, motorists, new hyundai, new vehicles, passenger car, toroidal

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The Obama Administration is set to reveal the new vehicle emission standards to help guide current car manufacturers and curb down the growing issue of greenhouse gases. As far as these new standards are concerned, expect them to be stricter as U.S. president Barack Obama leads the way in making sure that eco-friendly issues are being addressed from the car sector.

It will also establish high fuel efficiency targets for new vehicles that would set a 35.5 mile per gallon average for new passenger vehicles and light trucks by 2016, four years earlier than required under the 2007 energy bill, sources close to the administration said.

This development is also seen to be in line with the call of the State of California in address the long standing problem of carbon emissions. The administration is embracing standards stringent enough to satisfy the state of California which has been fighting for a waiver from federal law so that it could set its own guidelines.

(Source) Washington Post

Tags: Barack Obama, car sector, carbon emissions, energy bill, fuel efficiency, greenhouse gases, light trucks, new vehicles, passenger vehicles, state of california, targets, vehicle emission standards

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Car owners are trying to wise up their vehicle needs by turning towards own maintenance measures rather than buying new vehicles in the market. And to make sure that they properly maintain their cars, 3M has an array of products for their vehicle maintenance needs. Americans now look at their cars as valuable assets worthy of investing time and elbow grease to keep them running and looking good, so shows the second annual 3M “Elbow Grease Economics” national study.

In “Elbow Grease Economics”, a study of 1,835 car owners in the United States, 3M Car Care found that a growing number of consumers are taking their car maintenance into their own hands — and on their own driveways – as their household budgets continue to tighten and their economic fears grow. And the younger generation of car owners ages 18 to 34 is even more focused on caring for their own cars, creating a new wave of automotive do-it-yourselfers.

Key findings of 3M Car Care’s “Elbow Grease Economics” include:

• Just over one-third (36%) of car owners consider their car to be one of their biggest investments, although for those making between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, this increases to 42 percent.
• Nearly half (49%) of car owners are dependent on their cars to get to work or find a job. This is even higher among men ages 45 to 54 at 65 percent.
• More than one-third (34%) of car owners feel they have to take better care of their car now because they can’t afford a new one.
• For some respondents, the economy is so worrisome that 3 percent say they are afraid they might have to live in their car if their home is foreclosed.

3M Car Care offers an entire line of consumer car care products, all based on its high-performance professional products, to make it easier for consumers to take care of routine maintenance and car appearance projects. It also offers easy to use kits for tune-ups, headlight restoration and other tasks with all of the products needed for the job in one package.

(Source) Press

Tags: 3m, car care products, car maintenance, car owners, consumer car, driveways, elbow grease, high performance, household budgets, new vehicles, professional products, respondents, routine maintenance, tune ups, vehicle maintenance

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People who have signed up with Sam’s Club are sure to have been promised some incentives like bargains and deals. But this time around, they get something more lucrative like special pricing on vehicles in the market under the Mitsubishi brand.

From March 3 through April 30, Mitsubishi Motors is offering its entire lineup of 2008 and 2009 new vehicles to Sam’s Club Members at special Member pricing, plus a $500 Sam’s Club Gift Card.

This unique offer is made available through the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program, which provides its members with a valuable alternative to the traditional method of buying a car or truck. Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is one of the nation’s largest warehouse club retailers.

“Mitsubishi Motors’ exclusive offer enables Sam’s Club Members to get into any one of Mitsubishi’s all-new cars or trucks at phenomenal prices. And as an added incentive, purchasers receive a $500 Sam’s Club Gift Card to use for everyday purchases. Sam’s Club Members responded well to the first Mitsubishi promotion and this second promotion is bigger than the first,” said Jesse Hopkins, president of Member Services, Inc. (MSI). MSI provides and administers the service for Sam’s Club.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto buying, bargains, club auto, club members, everyday purchases, exclusive offer, gift card, Mitsubishi, mitsubishi motors, msi, new cars, new vehicles, phenomenal prices, sam s club, trucks, wal mart, wal mart stores, warehouse club

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Regardless of the type of auto in the market today, anyone of them will get hit by the economic problems plaguing the world today. Retail new-vehicle sales during the first 17 selling days of March were down by 40 percent compared with the same period one year ago, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers real-time transaction data from more than 10,000 dealerships across the United States.

New-vehicle retail sales for the entire month of March are projected to come in at 633,000 units, compared with 1.07 million units a year ago. Retail sales in February totaled 557,000 units. To better reflect consumer demand for new vehicles, J.D. Power and Associates focuses on retail sales, which include only dealership sales and leases to private parties and does not include fleet sales.

The crossover utility vehicle (CUV) segment is generating the greatest year-over-year segment share growth, up by three percentage points since March 2008. In contrast, the traditional utility vehicle, compact car and midsize car segments are generating the greatest year-over-year declines in segment share. A proliferation of new CUV models has been introduced to capitalize on this shift in consumer demand. A total of nine new models have been introduced since February 2008.

(Source) Press

Tags: compact car, Crossover, economic problems, j d power and associates, midsize car, new vehicles, plunge, private parties, retail sales, time transaction

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