Top 10 Tips for Smart Car Shoppers

1. Know what you can afford. Decide what type of car you really need, and set a price range that fits your budget.
   
   
2. Research. Gather all the information you can find using the Internet, buying guides and consumer publications – to learn about vehicles on your short list.
   
   
3. Review your credit report. That way, you will know what creditors will see – plus you can correct any errors you find. You can get free copies of your credit report once a year from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies by calling 1-877-322-8228 toll-free or visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.
   
   
4. Comparison shop. Compare the interest rates ("APR") and other financing terms offered by several different sources, such as banks, credit unions, and dealers.
   
   
5. Understand the difference between buying and leasing. You can download a free government publication called "Keys to Vehicle Leasing" at www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/leasing.
   
   
6. Educate yourself. Be sure you are familiar with common words you’re likely to hear or read – such as down payment, fixed- and variable-rate financing, and on- and off-site financing – when you are buying or financing a car. You can find the definitions of many of such words at www.autofinancing101.org/resources/glossary.asp.
   
   
7. Negotiate. Remain calm, and take your time negotiating the car's price, as well as the financing rate you are offered.
   
   
8. Understand the value and price of optional services. Examples include credit insurance, guaranteed auto protection, and extended service contracts. If you do not want such services, do not sign for them.
   
   
9. Read any contract carefully before signing it. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
   
   
10. Make your payments on time. Late or missed payments incur late fees and may even cause your vehicle to be repossessed, permanently. And a bad payment record will show up on your credit report, damaging your ability to get credit in the future.

These smart car-shopping tips were brought to you by Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics (AWARE), a group of automotive industry leaders that have joined together to educate consumers about vehicle financing. For more tools, calculators, and other information on vehicle financing, visit the AWARE Web site at www.autofinancing101.org.

Top 7 Ways To Make Smart Car Buying Decisions For Your Business

1. First, maybe buying is not as smart as Leasing. Leasing may also allow you to get into a better vehicle faster than you might have been able to afford if you had to buy it yourself. I learned this lesson when I junked my Pontiac Gran Prix which was worth less than $300, and moved into a $24,000 truck when I was 20 yrs old.
   
   
2. According to Chuck Givens, in Financial Self Defense, he says to never buy a new car; Always buy a car that is 2 years old, because the majority of the depreciation happens in the first few years of the cars life.
   
   
3. If you are buying more than one car for your business, choose to standardize on one dealer and/or one model line. You will find that it is cheaper to work with one car/truck/vehicle vendor than having to figure out which vehicle has to go where for service when/if they break down.
   
   
4. Never buy on a emotional decision alone. Get on the Internet and do some price shopping to get a feel for what the vehicle of your dreams costs in different parts of the country. Use this information in order to better negotiate locally.
   
   
5. Time your buying so that you can take advantage of seasonal price breaks. Each car dealer has different selling pressures depending on season and how big their current inventory is. You may also get a better deal on the last few days a month, when a sales manager might be working their team harder and is more price flexible in order to meet his/her bonus.
   
   
6. Take a few moments to learn about 'how' the car dealer you are interested in buying from sells and what is important to them. You may pick up clues that will aid in your negotiation. Some have an easy way to throw in service, others can throw in special package deals that they bought at a discount, some have their financial CFO breathing down their neck to get rid of excess vehicle inventory where it may be cheaper for them to sell at a loss, just to turn their lot into cash. Bottom line: Learn what the unique advantages and special offerings that your dealer might be able to offer you, if you just ASKED a few more questions.
   
   
7. Be careful at the close. Most car dealers EXPECT to sell you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars AFTER you have already bought or made the decision to buy from them. ASK to get all the available information on pricing and options for your vehicle of choice, UPFRONT, because you will NOT recognize add ons AFTER you have given them the buy decision.

This Piece Was Submitted By Entrepreneur, Author, Business Builder and Email/Web/Internet Strategist, Christopher M. Knight.

Smart Car Hire

Author: Benered
So you have reached Jersey on a quiet holiday with your loved one. You want to enjoy the trip in total intimacy and absolute privacy. Then, smart car hire is the best option for going around the island.

Jersey lies to the south of UK and offers a host of memorable experiences to all those who come here. It has impressively varied natural beauty and great hospitality. Enjoying the sights of Jersey requires an unhurried approach. One could drive along beaches and climb onto mountain roads to follow the rugged cliffs. There are narrow, winding country lanes lined with fragrant wild flowers. Large cars with booming engines are totally out of sync with the ambience of the place. So, one should choose smart car hire.

The latest sensation in automobile world is the smart car. It is a cute one with comfortable seating for two. It has power-packed features like easy maneuverability and can be parked even in the most congested space. It has two versions - petrol and battery-powered.

Smart car hire is a popular choice among young people visiting Jersey. It gives them the freedom to frame their own itinerary and savor moments of togetherness. The roads are narrow and winding and hence the small car is most suitable. Since the island has strict environmental regulations, the smart car is ideal with its eco-friendly features. The speed limits on the roads of Jersey make traveling by the smart car a pleasurable experience. With its good fuel efficiency, the smart car provides great value for money.

Zebrahire is a popular car hire agency in Jersey and a pioneer of smart car hire. It accepts bookings online and offers attractive bargains to Internet clients. It is one of the oldest car hire agencies in the Channel Islands and is reputed for its courteous and efficient service. Since the smart car is much in demand, you would do well to specify your choice right at the time of booking.

Smart cars are manufactured by a Micro Compact Car AG

Author Brenda Williams
The company has its’ headquarters in Switzerland and produces a lot of its cars in France. The Smart car was created for European cities dwellers and was designed to be light on fuel and be easy to park. The car was made to be able to be park perpendicularly with ease.

One of the obvious concerns when one first looks at the Smart car is whether or not it is safe. It is awfully small when compared with the average American car. The thought of it colliding with a SV or even a sedan can be frightening. With so much highway driving in this country, it seems that a high impact, high speed crash would be devastating for the occupants of a Smart car. However, the company already considered this and created a tritium, which is a safety cell that helps the car more safely take on impact from bigger vehicles. It also has three layers of steel on various parts of the car so that occupants are protected in the event of a crash. There are also steel door beams and reinforced axles to avoid danger from side impacts.

The Smart car was first introduced in Europe and has very recently made its way to the United States. Many car experts where surprised at the cars introduction to the American market as Americans tend to like bigger cars and prize style over practicality. However, right now, due to the high gas prices that don’t appear to be decreasing, smaller cars that are cheaper at the fuel pump seem to becoming much more popular and practical. Also due to the “green movement,” individuals are more concerned about the environment and the Smart car produces less emissions then bigger, bulkier SUV’s. They are also a lot less expensive to fill up.

Right now is a great time for smaller, more fuel efficient cars to enter the automotive market in the United States due to on the high price of fuel. Small cars are better for the environment and emit far fewer harmful gases. With a cultural shift towards saving the environment, this gives smaller cars such as the Smart car an advantage.

The Smart car also makes great sense for individuals that live in cities. They are small, easy to manoeuvre and park. The safety precautions that the company has taken to alleviate fears of crashes will also go along way in making the car acceptable and practical in the United States. This year, 2008, is the first year that they car has been made available in the United States. It has become extremely popular in other countries. Only time will tell if the same will happen in this country. I suspect that if the price is right, the cars turn out to be sturdy enough and the “green” campaign keeps momentum, then the advantages associated with lower fuel prices and the effects on the environment will convince America to give the Smart car a chance.

Tiny Smart Car Hauls Big

Author: Anthony Fontanelle
More than 20,000 people have paid $99 deposits to buy Smart cars when the iconic two-seaters manufactured by DaimlerChrysler AG went on sale in January. "The response has been overwhelming," David Schembri, president of Smart USA, said at the Smart Fortwo presentation in Detroit Tuesday.

Michigan residents will have an opportunity to test drive the Smart car next week when the automaker brings five Fortwos to the Ann Arbor South University Art Fair as part of a cross-country road show.

Kat Dougherty, an information systems manager from Columbus, is thinking of putting down a deposit after seeing the boxy, 8.8-foot car in Port Huron. The owner rode in from Canada, where the car has been available since 2004. "He told me it got great gas mileage, around 49 to 50 miles per gallon," Dougherty said.

The Smart car that will be sold in the United States is inspired by the second-generation model recently launched in Europe. Built by the Mercedes Car Group at a factory in France, the car will be available in three trim levels with an MSRP of less than $12,000. It will be sold in the U.S. through a distribution agreement with Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Automotive Group. The
car may not be equipped with a Mercedes Benz water pump but its features are equally-striking as its siblings.

The car's launch in U.S. is critical to the future of the Smart business, which has been downsized significantly in the past couple of years after losing more than $4 billion since its launch in 1998. DaimlerChrysler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche has eliminated a Smart four-seater and plans for a Smart SUV to refocus the brand on the Fortwo.

The Fortwo, launched as City Coupe in 1998, is the original Smart model. The name Fortwo was introduced when the automaker started producing additional models. The car was designed primarily for urban use in European cities, where parking is insufficient and fuel economy is of great significance. Additionally, the Fortwo's length allows as many as three of the vehicles to be parked in the space usually taken by one standard-length car.

In the past nine years, 770,000 Fortwos have been sold around the globe, and the car has established a cult following in some European capitals. Schembri declined to offer U.S. sales forecasts, but said he expected the recent rise in gas prices to bolster demand for the car. He said the car will get more than 40 miles per gallon in combined highway-city driving, helping to improve the U.S. fuel-economy ratings of the soon-to-be-renamed Daimler AG.

Then again, people wonder how such a small car would withstand a collision with a pickup or SUV, Schembri said. "The first question people ask is, is the car safe?" He said the occupants are protected by "a reinforced steel frame that acts much like a Nascar roll cage."

In addition to its diminutive size, the car has other limitations that may restrict its appeal in the U.S. market, said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. Its top speed is 91 mph and it seats only two. "After an initial surge of excitement, it will level off as a niche vehicle in this market," Libby said.

Libby expects Smart will end up with a smaller slice of the American market than BMW's Mini, which has sold around 40,000 vehicles in each of the past couple of years. "To me, this is more of a niche than the Mini." So far, Smart is stirring up a lot of attention in the run up to its introduction.

Are Smart Cars Safe?

Author: Jason Crawford
With the recent concern over high gas prices, many people here in Denver are looking for the highest mileage vehicles that they can find to drive on their daily commute. Denver has seen a boom in scooter sales and increased interest in bike commuting over the past few years. However, for those who cannot commute by bike, or do not feel safe riding a scooter in rush hour traffic, there is a better option.

The Smart Car is a radical departure from the typical American automobile. Developed in Europe where gas prices have always been high, streets are narrow and parking spaces at a premium, this car is about half the size of a typical automobile. It only carries two people and weighs close to a thousand pounds less than many of the other gas miser options out there. So, does this car's diminutive size mean that it is dangerous to drive?

Most of us assume that the bigger a vehicle is - the safer it is. This is true to a certain degree. However, safety engineers have been able to pack a tremendous amount of design features into today's smaller cars that decrease the chances that you will be seriously injured in a crash. The Smart Car is a great example of this fact.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHS) has recently performed comprehensive crash testing on this vehicle and it fared better than most people would have expected for it's size.

In frontal and side impact collisions, the Smart Car received a good rating. This is actually the highest possible rating under the IHS standards. It received an acceptable rating in rear end collisions. IHS performs an off-set frontal crash test which simulates most real-world auto collisions. In a pure frontal impact test performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the Smart Car received a five star rating for driver protection and a three star rating for passenger protection.

You may also view a video showing the Smart Car being crashed into a concrete barrier at 70 m.p.h. through the link at the bottom of this article. While not scientific, this video dramatically shows how well this car performs in crashes.

So, it appears as though the Smart Car designers have done a remarkable job at making this car a safe choice for many drivers. If I were looking for a vehicle to be used primarily on city streets with little to no highway driving, I would consider this as an option. If I needed a car to drive on highways, or if I needed to transport more than two people, I would look at other options such as the Honda Civic, which has always maintained an impressive safety record along with excellent fuel efficiency.

Why Smart Car Repair is the Way to Go ?

Author: Steven Magill
Smart car repairs are changing the way customers have vehicles serviced at auto body shops. The acronym S-M-A-R-T stands for Small, Medium Area Repair Technique.

This revolutionary car repair technique is saving customers' money by repairing only damaged areas of a vehicle. There is no longer a need to repair an entire vehicle surface for a scratch on the bumper or a dent on the door panel. All vehicles experience the need for repairs somewhere down the line.

Dents and scratches can damage more than the exterior of the vehicle. There can be considerable damage done to the monetary value of the vehicle as well. For this reason, it is highly advisable that car repairs be completed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from occurring.

Smart car repair services aide fleet operators, car hire services, car dealerships and consumers in obtaining inexpensive auto body work. This can be routine maintenance or large repairs caused by big dents or other exterior vehicle damage. Many utilize the services of a smart car repair shop for touch up work for cars, vans and motorcycles.

A variety of car repairs can be completed utilizing this revolutionary technique. A few items on the list include:

Scratches to door panels Scratches to front and back bumpers Scratches to wheel arches Dents to any portion of the vehicle exterior Smart car repairs are not limited to the cosmetic exterior of a vehicle. Interior blemishes can also be repaired. These include rips in the upholstery, small holes in plastic trim, windscreen chips and cigarette burns to seats, dashboard or other interior structures.

Repairs are limited to the damaged areas of the vehicle only. This dramatically cuts down on the cost of auto body work as it creates less time consuming repair projects. Specially designed paints and chemical based paints can be matched virtually identically to existing paint. This eliminates the need to repaint the entire vehicle for a repair job in a tiny portion of the vehicle.

This special paint dries in half the time of stock auto body shop paints. Repairs are done on site and all products needed are in stock. These two components alone significantly contribute to the dramatic cost saving methods of smart car repairs.

Some of the costliest auto body repairs lie in damaged or broken bumpers and spoilers. Smart car repair utilizes plastic welding and finishing techniques on the original vehicle pieces. This process eliminates the need for auto body shops to send out for replacement parts. In return, customers are not stuck paying a bill that includes costs for the down time between ordering replacement parts and having them installed on the vehicle.

Moving inside the vehicle, fabrics and upholstery can be repaired without needing to remove all of the interior fabrics, vinyl and leather. Cigarette burns, stains and spills brought on by everyday vehicle use can easily be repaired at little cost to the customer.

Smart car repairs are changing the way auto body shops do business in the future.

Smart Cars: the Future of Automobiles

Author: Robert Baird
Automobiles or cars are one of the most prevalent means of transportation in the present world and with the progress of time and enhancement of scientific technologies, various newer and innovative models of cars have emerged. Smart cars one of the recent innovations in the field of automobile engineering and it is a specialized car which makes use of artificial intelligence or AI for its functioning. These smart cars are more dependent on technology and technical skills and are aided in their functioning by computerized devices and automation technology. The experimentations with reference to the development of smart cars have led The European Commission to draw up a special program known as the Intelligent Car Flagship Initiative whose main aims include formation of smart cars having certain features like lane departure warning system, project AWAKE for lethargic drivers and Autonomous Cruise Control.

It is opined that the smart cars which will be devised and launched in the future will possess various advanced functions like satellite monitoring and position monitoring, self-parking and most significantly driverless commuting. In fact, various researchers have made premature claims that the smart cars of the future will be able to function without any form of interference from the point of view of the driver and will be able to cope with traffic hazards by means of infrared and wireless connections to decipher the road signs and signals while steering clear of accidents and making the right turns in case of road curves all by themselves. In fact it has been revealed that traveling among congested traffic is not going to be a difficult endeavor for the smart cars with the presence of the computerized engine management systems, wireless and GPS or global positioning system. one of the most important aims of the smart cars is to enable driverless commuting. This can be made possible in the future with the use of enhanced technical tools which permit their independent functioning with minimum interference form the driver and having alcohol locks for errant drivers and hypo-vigilance systems for the drowsy driers. Smart cars are also expected to ensure pollution control and possess anti-lock breaking systems. There are certain smart car ventures which have been launched for improving the level of intelligence. These include ComuniCar, SEVECOM, ADAS etc.

The perfect prototype of the smart car has been aptly represented in the sitcom Knight Rider as KITT. Some non-fictional smart car variants include Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz Robot Cars.

Smart Car Repair & Motoring

Author: Steven Magill
Nowadays, when taking care of the environment has become a priority, it has been realised that enough small changes made by many people can make a difference. Not just limited to recycling cans and saving electricity, this also extends to driving. If you are smart, car repair and motoring need not be such a burden on your surroundings.

Here are a few changes you can make, some of which will benefit not only the environment, but your safety and hip pocket as well!

Alter your lifestyle: It has been discovered that if 10% of the population used their car one day less a week, that every year 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide would be saved from going up into the atmosphere. So, try staying at home one day extra a week (working, not lazing around!). Alternatively, join a car pool.

Use SMART car repair for damages: Whatever brand your car is, treat minor damages the SMART (Small To Medium Repair Technique) way. SMART car repair can not only save you a fair amount of money, but can help the environment too, as the damaged parts ? particularly plastic ones - do not have to be replaced.

A lot of SMART car repair jobs also take a lot less time than at a garage. In addition, many SMART car repair jobs can be done on your premises, saving you the petrol used to travel there, as well as time and inconvenience.

Techniques that SMART car repair undertake include paintless dent removal, seat and trim repair, plastic welding and bumper repair, air conditioning repair, and alloy wheel repair.

Get SMART car repair technicians to check you out: lluminated warning signals on your dashboard need immediate attention as they could indicate serious problems indirectly leading to inefficient fuel consumption (in addition to the car being unsafe to drive!). Make use of SMART car repair services, which also include a car diagnostics service to ensure the problem does not escalate.

Choose a car that facilitates your lifestyle: If you mainly use it as a run around, then a small car or electric one would be much better than a 4WD, which will use a lot more petrol and cost a lot more to run and maintain, though SMART car repair can reduce a lot of those costs in the case of minor damage.

For regular long-distance drivers, a diesel engine uses less fuel than a petrol engine, so would be a better choice ? environmentally speaking.

Slow down: Putting the "pedal to the metal" may be cool in films, but in reality, it's an excessive waste of petrol radically and unnecessarily increasing your fuel consumption. By reducing your speed from 135 kms/hr to 112 kms/hr, your fuel efficiency increases to 25%. By travelling between 80 and 96 kms/hr, your fuel consumption will be at its optimum.

Alter your driving: Slamming on the brakes or accelerating suddenly also increases fuel consumption and increases your risk of an accident. Although SMART car repair services are quite comprehensive, if you lurch forward in slow-moving traffic and smash into the car in front causing considerable damage, SMART car repair technicians may not be able to fix it.

Use mobile services: Where possible and practical, use mobile services that come to you, rather than you going to them, such as SMART car repair services. You will save on petrol and reduce fuel emissions.

Walk: Try walking (rather than driving) to your destination. It will alleviate any thoughts about fuel consumption or SMART car repair services, will be better for your health, and better for the environment!

The Smart Car in America

Author: dennis james
Smart is a subsidiary of Daimler AG that creates the “smart” model, a two or four seat vehicle that is aimed especially for urban use. The first Smart vehicles were produced by the Swatch Swiss watch manufacturer.

They wanted a very small car that could be easy to drive and park in the crowded European cities. They also wanted the car to be cheap enough for young people to afford it. From 2006 onward, all the Smart models are being created and sold by the Mercedes-Benz automobile group, while intended as a cheap and affordable mini, the Smart was too expensive for young people and it became somewhat as a fashion statement. There are several Smart models sold: the Fortwo, the Forfour and until 2005 there was a cabriolet model.

In many parts of Europe the Smart, especially the Fortwo model (as its name implies, it can carry only two passengers) was a success, while the Fortwo model was taken out of production recently. However, many people are asking if the Smart car could become a success in America, the home country of full size SUVs and powerful V-8 engines.

Until recently, the Smart models could not be imported legally in the US as they did not meet the American emissions regulations. All of the models that could be found on the market were modified so they could pass the emissions tests.

However, the Mercedes-Benz automobile group has developed new engines for their 2008 model, so it could be sold throughout the world. The question remains though if the US market is ready for the Smart car.

Its supporters say it is the best city car in the world, as it is only 106.1 in long and it can be parked almost anywhere in the city center. Its small engine is powerful enough for urban needs, however it lacks the power for long highway cruises. The smart car has a titanium structure, making it the safest mini car on the market.

However, there are people that say the Smart has poor value as it has several disadvantages. First, it can only carry two people (the driver and a single passenger), while some of its competitors car carry five people in full comfort. In the same time its relatively short wheelbase (73.5 in) means that the smart car is very uncomfortable, especially on poor roads. The first models were also speed limited, as they could become unstable as high speeds. However, the 2008 model is safer, more comfortable and fun to drive.

Its critics say that despite its 1L engine, the smart car does not boost a significant fuel economy and the Toyota Prius offers significantly lower fuel consumption, especially around town.

However, the Toyota Prius is a hybrid model and among the non-hybrids, the smart car has been declared the most fuel efficient car in the U.S. in the Federal Government's 2008 Fuel Economy Guide. The smart car can be a very fun car to drive, especially if you do not consider being in such a small car a major inconvenience.

A Cheap Smart Car is a Smart Purchase

Author: Peter Clark
Smart cars are fast becoming more popular over the last 12 months. Originally considered a novelty, the smart car is on the rise as a modern fuel efficient and cheap motoring alternative.

Cheap smart cars are now an excellent way to avoid the high cost of motoring.

You may already be familiar with smart cars. A tiny four wheeled vehicle no more than about half the length of a normal car. The smart car has a distinctive shape and look and you may well have seen them in the street.

If not you'll recognize a smart car when you do see it. The most distinctive feature of the car, apart from the fact that the smart car is extremely short, is the steep windshield sloping down to the front of the car, with the front bumper, if you could call it that, right in front of the front wheels.

The original intention of the smart car was to be of use as a vehicle that avoided the parking headaches of larger cars by reason of the fact that it was so short it could park in parking spots so small that not much other than a motorcycle could park there. Not only that but it was also so small that it could park nose or tail in to the kerb without the other end of the car poking out into the traffic and causing a traffic hazard.

It was intended that two smart cars could park in a space which would normally be taken by one regular car, or even 3 smart cars could park in the space occupied by a large vehicle.

The smart car was the result of a joint venture between Daimler Benz the car manufacturer and Swatch the Swiss watch manufacturer. The smart cars were manufactured in a purpose built factory in France which as established in 1994 and so have been around for some time. It is said that almost 1 million smart cars have been sold in over 25 countries.

In early 2008 smart cars became available in the US, and people started to realize that a cheap smart car was a smart motoring purchase.

Smart cars are cheap compared to average vehicles, and have many advantages over many vehicles as well. And of course they also have disadvantages. They take only 2 people, and are extremely small so it isn't practical to spend a day shopping and expect to put your new television in the back of the car.

That being said there are some good reasons to buy a cheap smart car, particularly for city dwellers. As said they are cheap to buy and cheap to operate. They have a gasoline motor but because of the small size and weight of the car don't eat as much fuel as just about any other car. They are easy to park and easy to house even in the smallest garage. They have achieved surprisingly good results in safety crash tests.

For the canny buyer there are good reasons to buy a cheap smart car. There are small numbers of used smart cars on the market and a second hand smart car is a good way to maximise your savings from a purchase of a smart car. There are a number of places where you can pick up a bargain on a used smart car online if you know where to look.

So if the price of gas is becoming an issue for you and you'd like to keep driving but at a much reduced cost then consider a cheap smart car. It's a smart purchase and may well keep you on the road when others can no longer afford gas.

A Cheap Smart Car Is Cheap Smart Motoring

Author: Peter Clark
Are you getting killed by the price of gas? Has it become almost impossible to fill up your car without spending what you need to feed the kids tonight? What you need is to buy yourself a cheap smart car and get onto some cheap motoring, while giving yourself some parking options while you're at it.

What is a smart car? A smart car is a tiny four wheeled car that originated in Europe in the mid 90s. It carries 2 people and is so short that it can, and was intended to, park nose or tail into the kerb so that you can park 2 or even 3 smart cars in the space that one regular car takes up. Parking is becoming a bit of a nightmare in todays crowded world, and if you can expand your parking options with a smart car you may find yourself saving quite a bit of time from driving around looking for a parking spot.

The smart car was the result of a joint venture between Daimler Benz the car company and Swatch the Swiss watch company. They set up a factory in France back in 1994 where the smart cars were made and started producing cheap smart cars for the European car market, and this expanded so that now it is said that smart cars are sold in at least 25 countries and roughly 1 million have been sold. A cheap smart car makes for cheap motoring and so the smart car is selling, and has recently been introduced to the US.

It runs on regular gasonline but because it is so small and light it only requires a small motor and so is extremely cheap to run, way cheaper than, say, your average SUV. You'll be very pleasantly surprised at how cheap motoring becomes if you buy a smart car.

Like everything smart cars have their advantages and disadvantages over regular vehicles. As previously said, they only take 2 people, so don't expect to take the whole family shopping and fill up the car with 4 people and a stack of stuff. But nowadays most families have 2 vehicles and one can be small and economical and useful around town to do the small tasks where you don't need to be driving that gas guzzling SUV.

However whilst being small a smart car is extremely cheap to buy and to run. It can park almost anywhere and you'll smile when you're filling it up. You don't need a huge amount of garage space to park one at home and they can be perfect for an apartment dweller in the city for running about town.

So if you're being killed by the price of gas and you need to find a smart motoring alternative, consider a cheap smart car. It's a smart decision in a world of high prices for gas and hard to find parking.

What’s the Buzz Behind the Smart Car?

Submitted By: Brenda Williams

Smart cars are manufactured by a Micro Compact Car AG. The company has its’ headquarters in Switzerland and produces a lot of its cars in France. The Smart car was created for European cities dwellers and was designed to be light on fuel and be easy to park. The car was made to be able to be park perpendicularly with ease.

One of the obvious concerns when one first looks at the Smart car is whether or not it is safe. It is awfully small when compared with the average American car. The thought of it colliding with a SV or even a sedan can be frightening. With so much highway driving in this country, it seems that a high impact, high speed crash would be devastating for the occupants of a Smart car. However, the company already considered this and created a tritium, which is a safety cell that helps the car more safely take on impact from bigger vehicles. It also has three layers of steel on various parts of the car so that occupants are protected in the event of a crash. There are also steel door beams and reinforced axles to avoid danger from side impacts.

The Smart car was first introduced in Europe and has very recently made its way to the United States. Many car experts where surprised at the cars introduction to the American market as Americans tend to like bigger cars and prize style over practicality. However, right now, due to the high gas prices that don’t appear to be decreasing, smaller cars that are cheaper at the fuel pump seem to becoming much more popular and practical. Also due to the “green movement,” individuals are more concerned about the environment and the Smart car produces less emissions then bigger, bulkier SUV’s. They are also a lot less expensive to fill up.

Right now is a great time for smaller, more fuel efficient cars to enter the automotive market in the United States due to on the high price of fuel. Small cars are better for the environment and emit far fewer harmful gases. With a cultural shift towards saving the environment, this gives smaller cars such as the Smart car an advantage.

The Smart car also makes great sense for individuals that live in cities. They are small, easy to manoeuvre and park. The safety precautions that the company has taken to alleviate fears of crashes will also go along way in making the car acceptable and practical in the United States. This year, 2008, is the first year that they car has been made available in the United States. It has become extremely popular in other countries. Only time will tell if the same will happen in this country. I suspect that if the price is right, the cars turn out to be sturdy enough and the “green” campaign keeps momentum, then the advantages associated with lower fuel prices and the effects on the environment will convince America to give the Smart car a chance.

Published At: www.Isnare.com

Luxury Car Sales Booming in China

At the Beijing Auto Show organizers assigned 4,000 square meters of space for luxury cars, where top brands are displaying their new models.

Competition among luxury car brands in China is becoming more and more intense, with the latest indication of exciting times being the launching of Porsche AG 's new showroom in Shanghai last week. Even though the European luxury brands spread over different price ranges, they all have the climbing number of affluent Chinese customers in their sights.

According to a survey conducted, the number of China 's middle class, aged between 20 and 49 with annual incomes in the range of $8,000 and $27,000, will reach 100 million by 2016, an increase of 35 million from last year. Meanwhile, the nation has attained growth of more than 10 percent annually in gross domestic product over the past few years and has given birth to more than 300,000 millionaires in U.S.-dollar terms. According to the latest "rich list" made public in China, more than 500 people had assets of more than $100 million.

The market for luxury cars in China is not showing indications of backtracking. It is anticipated to grow 20 percent annually until 2008 and then at 10 percent per year until 2015, according to Ernst & Young. Freshers including Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Spyker are all struggling for new customers by taking part in auto shows.

On the second day of the show, a Rolls-Royce Phantom on display was bought for 6.6 million yuan (US$838,681) and a Bentley Arnage Mulliner sold for 6.48 million yuan, the Beijing Morning Post reported. Last year Bentley sold 64 cars on the Chinese mainland market. Among them 30 were Arnage models, with the minimum price 3.88 million yuan.

Statistics reveal that Land Rover, Jaguar and BMW also went through surging sales in China in 2005. Jaguar said sales in China increased by 220% in 2005 over the previous year. Land Rover sold 1,415 vehicles in the Chinese market, an increase of 107% year on year. Mainland China has become the fastest-improving market for BMW, which sold 23,595 cars in the country, an increase of 52.4%.

China imports more than 100,000 cars every year, most of which cost in excess of $40,000, according to customs figures. Import figures arrived at 147,000 cars, valued at $4.84 billion, for the first eight months this year, an increase of 56.1% and 71.8% respectively from the same period of 2005. The progress in unit price demonstrates that luxury cars are now a major import sector.

Analysts say that every year leading brands sell 20% of their output in Asia, with mainland China being the most lucrative market.

Some luxury-auto makers, including DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Audi and Volvo, have formed assembly lines in the country to benefit from lower production costs.

It has been predicted that, five years from now the Chinese market for luxury cars will develop to the point that sales will be progressing at an annual average rate of 60%.

Sale of luxury sports cars in China is booming, and the country is anticipated to be Ferrari 's fifth- or sixth-largest market in three to five years. It is estimated that only 5% of Chinese can currently afford private cars, but that translates into 65 million people considering the huge population.

Vehicle sales are predicted to arrive at 7 million in 2006, including 4 million sedans and 320,000 luxury vehicles. The markets for luxury cars in China and luxury sports cars in China promise to be among the hottest in the new year.

Green Concept Cars You Might Be Driving in the Next Five Years

With the price of gas steadily climbing around the country, more and more drivers are looking forward to the next wave of cars that will look great, serve their needs, and save them money at the pump (or take them away from the pump). At auto shows around the country this past year, more and more auto makers were showing concept cars that were green, ones that used little to no gas. Here are a few of those cars that you may be driving in the next five years.

Mazda Nagare

Offering a sleek style and futuristic look, the Mazda Nagare features gull-wing doors that open up to reveal space inside for four passengers, with the driver sitting front and center, and three passengers sitting in the rear lounge style seat. While Mazda hasn't confirmed exactly what type of drive-train will be used on the Nagare, they have said that it could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. No time table or production numbers have yet been given for the Nagare, as Mazda is currently using it mostly as a design experiment.

Daihatsu UFE-III

A third generation concept from the Tokyo auto show, the UFE-III features three seats (a 1 + 2 configuration), and an aerodynamic body that is part of the root of its fuel economy. Powered by a diminutive 660cc Atkinson 3 cylinder engine and two electric motors, the UFE-III has a fuel economy of 203 miles per gallon. It 's unclear if this car will ever be seen in the United States, but the design and fuel economy are exactly that US drivers are currently looking for.

GM Saab Aero X

Taking a cue from their aviation roots, Saab has created a concept car without traditional doors, instead opting for a canopy opening similar to what one would find on a fighter jet. This two seater is made from lighter materials to help with fuel economy, and uses ethanol instead of standard gasoline to fuel its 400-hp twin turbo V6 engine. No word on when or if this car will ever see production, but more than one car enthusiast is already drooling over the possibility.

Volvo 3CC

Featuring an electric powertrain that can quietly propel the car to a top speed of 85mph, the Volvo 3CC is what many drivers are starting to look forward to – a car that doesn't rely on gasoline. Initially designed with 3 seats (2 in the front, one in the back), the current design is offering a more traditional four seat layout, while maintaining the futuristic look of many concept cars, including upswing doors for easy entrance. Included in this concept car, are added safety features such as steering wheel, instrument panel, and foot pedals that all shift forward during a collision to reduce impact.

Ford Airstream

Taking a page from the classic airstream trailers, the Ford Airstream pays homage with its classic colors and body design, all the while offering a family car for the next century. Powered by an electric fuel cell that gets the equivalent of 41 miles per gallon, the Ford Airstream can travel 25 miles before the fuel cells kick in to recharge the lithium ion batteries that give power to operate the car. With a screen for entertaining and setting the mood inside the car, this is a family vehicle that looks great and is great for the environment. Ford hasn't said whether you'll be able to find this at your local dealership yet (be that a Kansas Ford dealership or someplace in California), but with the demand for family vehicles that are environmentally friendly, be on the lookout for it in the near future.

Toyota FT-HS

A sports car for the next century, the Toyota FT-HS features seating for between two and four passengers (depending on whether or not the roof is retracted), and 400-hp or engine output from its Hybrid Synergy Drive. With a dedicated drivers cockpit that has all of the instruments and readings necessary centered on the driver, this sports car features sleek lines to help reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Toyota hasn't said when or if the FT-HS will see production, but do keep an eye out for some of its features to start appearing in Scions.

Honda FCX

One of the closer vehicles to seeing production, the Honda FCX features a fuel cell system, but that 's only the start of what makes this concept so impressive. Speed sensitive adjusting instrument panels move according to speed to be more effective, biometric systems adjust the mirrors, wheel, and pedals to your settings as you approach the vehicle, and line of sight operated switches allow you to control things like audio and air conditioning without removing your hands from the wheel. All of this, coupled with a spacious interior made from new-age light-weight materials and you have a vehicle that provides 21st century technology and green efficiency into a vehicle that suits the needs of most drivers.

Chevrolet Volt

Looking to see production in 2010, the Chevy Volt drew rave reviews at the most recent car shows due to its design and E-Flex propulsion system that utilizes a combination of plug-in electricity and gasoline to provide a car that can attain an estimated 640 miles on a single tank of gas. All of this on a car that is rumored to range in price from $20,000 to $35,000.

With most people commuting less than 40 miles, Chevy designed the Volt to travel up to 40 miles without using a single drop of gas, and then using gas only to recharge the batteries that actually move the wheels. With space for five and a futuristic design that is both appealing and aerodynamic, the Volt is well on its way to being the first of many vehicles that are environmentally friendly and stylish at the same time.

More to Come

Every year more and more manufacturers are offering concept cars that are stylish, spacious, and fuel efficient to a more and more demanding public. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of green concept cars, there will certainly be more shown in the years to come.

Sports Cars: The Ladies Like Them Too

As a female child of the 60’s, I grew up in New Hampshire when a sports car was just the thing for those super-cool young men or the balding, Aqua-Velva wearing, slightly paunchy, middle-aged Peter Pans out there. Women racecar drivers were practically unheard of, and my mother drove a nice, respectable Ford station wagon, while my older sister drove a rather nondescript, beige 1968 Chevy Nova, hardly anything to make my pre-teen peers stop and gaze in awestruck, open-mouthed wonder.

My older brother, however, drove a 1968 Rally Red Corvette with T-tops, which, according to my ten year old brain was the epitome of cool. He shopped around at the used car Dover dealers and used car nh dealers until he found the right one. The deep-throated rumble of that 327c1 350hp engine when he roared off down the street was music to my ears. I remember marveling at the hidden windshield wipers and the unmistakable smell of the black leather upholstery heated by the midday sun. I remember how that same black leather upholstery would sear the backs of my shorts-clad legs during the summer on the rare occasions when I did get to ride in that magnificent vehicle (which was only when my mother forced my brother to take me to swim lessons at the pool when she got too busy.) But I didn’t care. The wide-eyed stares and envious remarks from my swim class more than made up for the pain when I got in with a flourish and shut the door I’d give my friends a lofty wave as we made our way out of the parking lot, that magnificent engine purring away. My brother knew what he was doing – he would back out of the space, then proceed slowly and nonchalantly to the stop sign at the corner, at which he would look both ways, then floor it. The engine would roar like a tiger as we peeled out into the road, and we would exit in high style, him smirking and glancing in the rear view mirror while my friends all stood stock-still, visibly impressed. The memory of that sweet slice of automotive heaven will stay with me for the rest of my days.

Fast forward 30 years later. I am now a married, professional businesswoman with a husband and three kids, one in college and two not far behind. I drive a minivan (only when I have to) and a 1997 slightly upscale red Eagle Talon ESI, which boasts a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder with 16 valves. It’s only 140 horsepower, but it still looks good for its age (like me I hope) and it’s paid for. Men and boys often stop me at the gas pump and ask if I want to sell it. I always say no.

But my real baby is garaged 9 months out of the year, isn’t driven in the rain, and never except in summer. It’s my 2003 garnet red Mazda MX5 convertible. It’s a five-speed (let’s admit it, an automatic transmission in a sports car is a travesty.) It has a 1,839 cc 1.8 liter 4 in-line front engine with DOHC, and at 142 HP, it’s affordable (remember those three kids and the mortgage) and fun to drive. And, like any woman of good breeding, I tactfully ignore the neighbors’ smiling tongue-in-cheek references to my “second youth” when I drive that baby down the street. And sometimes when nobody’s around, I peel out, just for fun.

It seems I am not the only woman in love with the sports car. Times certainly have changed. According to recent statistics, some 25 percent of Corvettes are bought by women — not bad for a car that typically stickers at anywhere from $44,000 to $65,000. And I see more and more boomers like myself driving sexy retro-styled cars these days. Hmmm…I’m driving a Miata in my forties, will I be driving a ’68 Corvette in my 60’s? I sure hope so.

Car Fuel And Fuel Cells

Fuel tanks corrode and debris accumulates inside over the years, this can clog the fuel filter much faster than on newer cars. Fuel cells are up to 80% efficient. They will get two or three times more energy out of hydrogen, than will a modified car engine.

Fuel System Icing Inhibitors (Anti-icing additives) reduce the freezing point of water precipitated from jet fuels due to cooling at high altitudes and prevent the formation of ice crystals which restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. This type of additive does not affect the freezing point of the fuel itself.

Fuel cells are a promising means of producing energy in the future. Some fuel cells, such as this one, do not consume fossil fuels and therefore are considered environmentally friendly. Fuel cell recharge time is short. Recharging a fuel cell only requires squirting in more fuel or putting in a new fuel cartridge.

Fuel pressure - manifold pressure will give you the pressure differential used to calculate injector flow for a given injector. This will through off any car, but will render this project COMPLETELY useless on forced induction car. Fuel includes gas, coal, oil, nuclear, wood, and other materials.

As one kilogram of these materials produces a different amount of energy, more useful comparisons can be drawn by comparing power. Fuel Cell 2008 is the fifth annual conference designed for organizations interested in learning more about and applying fuel cell technology. The conference provides an interactive forum for OEMs, designers, engineers and integrators to discuss the latest advancements in the industry.

Fuel Safes on-going commitment to quality and service is number one. Our on-going research and development is constantly discovering new and improved ways to make our products stronger, lighter and safer.

Fuel costs were up 20% for Southwest in the first quarter whereas American said its fuel costs were up nearly 50%, which wiped out profit for the nation 's largest airline. On average, Southwest paid about $1.98 for a gallon while American, which hedged about 27% of its fuel use, paid $2.74 a gallon.

Fuel pumps can get hot before they die. Porsche recommends using Chevron fuel injector cleaner with Techron as a preventative maintenance on the fuel system; this will help keep the fuel injection components from clogging up, and keep them lubricated. Fuel had already laid down the instrumental tracks for their fourth album and soon started auditioning singers so the band could move forward.

The single shot up to the Top 10 download list on iTunes and stayed there for a number of days. Fuels such as turpentine, alcohol, aniline, and ammonia use nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid oxygen as oxidizers. More power can be obtained by oxidizing hydrazine, diborane, or hydrogen with oxygen, ozone, or fluorine.

Fuel cells do get hot though, so the water comes out of the fuel cells as water vapor, or steam. Fuel use of Class 8 trucks, at 18 billion gallons per year, far exceeds that of commercial trucks in any other weight class. Class 6 and Class 2b use the next largest amount of fuel, but both are well under 4 billion gallons per year.

Fuel have also enlisted ex-Godsmack drummer Tommy Stewart, who had previously filled in for a handful of live shows after former drummer Kevin Miller left. Their first album was out around the same time as the first Godsmack record.

Fuel cells operate silently, so they reduce noise pollution as well as air pollution and the waste heat from a fuel cell can be used to provide hot water or space heating for a home or office.

Run Your Car On Water, Simple Conversion & Huge Savings!

A new underground movement is slowly gaining pace, in the face of rising fuel prices. This makes use of old expired patents that the Oil Industry, Car manufacturers and the Government, Do Not want us to use.

Many people have a feeling that there is something wrong in the area of energy and fuel. They believe there must be answers to the hight cost of Oil and fuel efficiency in cars in general. They feel that they are just being used as Cash Cows by the Government and big business. Guess what? They are right!

Right now the Oil price has been sky-rocketing for a while. This has been blamed on increased demand from China and India as well as a phenomena called Peak Oil (it is claimed that on a planetary scale we have now passed the point where most of the oil available to us has already been pumped out of the ground). Lacking refinery capacity has also been blamed. But few if any refineries have been built lately. Then we have the Green Movement, who might have been high-jacked as an excuse to increase fuel prices. It is now a sin to drive your car or use non-renewable energy. But where are the calls for alternatives? Where are the rewards for inventors?

It is like saying that “You should not eat, grains, rice, maize or beans (the kind of foods that provides the bulk of food for most of the worlds population) so therefor we will drastically increase the price of these foods – for your own good.” But at the same time provide no alternatives that can take the place of these foods.

There is a way of running your car for a lot less, by fitting a “Hydrogen on Demand” system to your car. This is a gadget called an electrolyzer and it splits water into Hydrogen and Oxygen gas. This gas is then tubed into the engine where it acts as a catalyst that makes your normal fuel burn more effectively, more cleanly and as a result produces more power with less pollution and it even cleans your engine of deposits, making it run smoother.

Manuals are now available on how to make such a system yourself, and a few places have started to make and sell the components of this system. The idea is to form a grass-root movement, that flies below the radar of big business. The aim is to get enough people all over the world to make these changes to their cars, so that this technology no longer can be ignored by the powers that be. Savings on fuel ranges from 30 – 50% on average.

There are two main systems being promoted. One is much simpler and basic when in comes to Hydrogen Production, but complements this with a number of other fuel saving devices and tips. This is less demanding to make and maintain, and is recommended for the person who is not that skilled in Electronics and Mechanics. It also has a handy little device for manipulating the car computer (which, believe it or not, has as part of it 's function to nullify additional fuel saving devices added by owners). This system also have more support in the form of providers of the gadgets needed and places that will fit them.

The second one is producing more hydrogen, but lacks all the other devices. But first and foremost requires much more competence from the builder of the system, both mechanically and electronically. It uses a pulse system to split water – getting more Hydrogen & Oxygen gas for your electricity. The web site promoting it also lacks testimonials from users, which tend to indicate that not many customers actually end up having made and fitted this in their cars.

The main reason people convert their cars to this system is the fuel savings. But lowered emissions and a sense of being pioneers, are also among the reasons for this. And lets not forget that it feels good to do something back to those that have just been using us!

This method of supplementing your standard fuel with HHO Gas (two Hydrogen atoms, one Oxygen - “H2O”) can of course also be used just as well in Trucks, Tractors, Generators, Boats, etc. Any Internal Combustion engine should benefit from a device like this.

Imagine also how much more interesting your car would be with a device in it that makes Hydrogen on Demand as a fuel saving method. As well as a method of cleaning the exhausts that is just as good, if not better than the catalytic converter. For cars without a catalytic converter this would be a real bonus. Same goes for old Trucks and Buses who might not pass new stringent emission guidelines for some cities.

This could well be a good little business – providing and fitting Hydrogen on Demand systems in commercial fleets. I know here in the UK many truckers are seriously worried about staying competitive with the recent fuel cost increases.

This is well worth looking into further. Maybe we can't do much about the cost of Oil going up, but we can do something to get more out of the oil we do buy!
Imagine if you could drive twice as far on one tank.

Kent Bengtsson

From Aircraft To Racing Cars And Beyond

BMW has a very mixed heritage in terms of when the company was formed. The origin of BMW have been traced to back to the start of the 20th century when a man called Karl Friedrich Rapp, who was a very well known engineer in Germany working for a German aircraft company, set up his own business called Rapp Motoren, in a part of his home town of Munich. He specialised in building aircraft engines for planes of that time. In its early years the company was very successful and Rapp stepped down from the business due to personal financial problems.

Two Austrian men Franz Josef Popp and Max Friz took over the company and in that year (1916) they renamed the business to Bayersiche Motoren Werke or Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) which is the company that we know of today. They continued to build aircraft engines throughout the next few years providing the Luftwaffe with BMW powered aircraft during the First World War.

Then, in 1923, BMW made their first motorcycle called the R23, producing 3090 of them during its 3 year lifetime and production carried on until 1926.

It wasn't until 1928 that BMW made their first car. It was called the Dixi 3/15 PS and it used a 743cc 4 cylinder engine which produced 15hp. The car was capable of hitting 50 mph which was good for the time. Over the next two years it was improved with the DA2 and in 1930 the car scored its first wins in motorsport around Europe. Over the next few years production continued and a total of 18,976 Dixis were produced.

The BMW M1

Many enthusiasts consider the BMW M1 the most iconic BMW that has ever been produced. This is because the car is considered the only mid engined car that BMW have ever put into production. It started life as a racing project as BMW wanted to enter Group 4 and Group 5 racing. It was quoted at the beginning of its life as the 'Mid-Engined BMW M1 Project'.

To be allowed to race in Group 4 and 5, BMW had to produce 400 identical M1 's in 2 years before the season started. The body was designed by Giugiaro and it was planned to be built by Lamborghini in their factory as a joint effort. But during the late 70 's Lamborghini was in deep financial trouble and because BMW couldn't delay production they moved the assembly to their factory in Baur.

The car had a 3.5l straight 6 engine that was mid mounted, which produced up to 277hp and 243lb of torque. It was a fairly light car (weighed 2175lb) which enabled the M1 to sprint from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and had a top speed of 162mph. Production of the BMW M1 started in 1976 with the first car being completed in 1978. After all the delays the M1 was not compliant with the Group 4 or 5 rules so they turned their attention to the Procar series.

When BMW finally managed to sell enough models of the M1 they were no longer competitive enough in the Group 5 category due to new technologically advanced cars such as the Porsche 935. Finally in 1981 the final BMW M1 was completed and it was the end of an era for Mid engine BMW M1 's . In total, 455 cars were built with 399 road cars being made and 56 race cars. In the current model range (the 1,3,5,6,7 and x3 and 5 series) there are no mid engine cars meaning that the M1 was truly the only Mid engine and rarest cars that BMW have ever produced.

Save On Fuel Prices: Australia 's Top 10 'Green' Cars

As the fuel prices continue to edge upwards, our interest in "green" cars is going right along with it.

Last year a survey conducted by the Australian Automobile Association, found that 79 per cent of Australian motorists are concerned about the effect cars are having on our environment.

We're also very concerned about the effects oil prices are having on our hip pocket. Luckily both concerns can be addressed by one vehicle.

Buying an eco-friendly car also means buying more fuel efficiency. And some makes and models do it a lot better than others.

All new vehicles sold in Australia with up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass are tested for fuel consumption and their level of CO2 emissions.

This information is displayed on fuel consumption labels fixed to the windows of all new vehicles. Being able to see this information at a glance can help car buyers make decisions based on fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse impact. When you're considering fuel efficiency, the lower the numbers, the better the vehicle.

Choosing a car that ranks high for fuel efficiency could save you thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.

To learn more about the best "green" cars available in Australia, the Federal Government 's Green Vehicles Guide provides lists of the best cars across a number of classes. We've included the top 10 performers in four classes: small cars, medium cars, large cars and off-road.

Top Ten Small Cars
Smart Forfour
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 5.6
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8

Fiat Punto
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 5.7
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8

Mitsubishi Colt
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 5.6
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8

Mini Cooper
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 5.8
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8

Peugeot GT 207cc
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 5.9
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8

Citroen C3
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 6.2
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7.5

Citroen C2
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 6.3
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7.5

Mercedes Benz A150
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 6.7
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7.5

Mercedes Benz A200
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Holden Astra
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Top Ten Medium Cars
Toyota Prius
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 4.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8.5

Citroen C4 D
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 4.5
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8.5

Honda Civic Hybrid
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 4.6
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8.5

Honda Civic
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 6.9
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Toyota Corolla
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Mercedes Benz B200
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Peugeot 307
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Dodge Calibre
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Mercedes Benz CLK
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8.5

Mercedes Benz C Class
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9.6
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 5.5

Top Ten Large Cars
Volkswagon Jetta
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6.5

Saab 9-3
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.3
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 8

Mercedes Benz CLK
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.4
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6.5

Hyndai Sonata
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.8
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Toyota Camry
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.9
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Mercedes Benz R Class (D)
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9.3
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 5

Mercedes Benz E Class
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9.7
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 5.5

Toyota Aurion
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9.9
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 5.5

Mercedes Benz S Class
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 10.2
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 5

Chrysler 300C
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 11
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 5

Top Ten Off-Road Cars
Suzuki Jimny
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 7.3
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 7

Lexus RX400H
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.1
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6.5

Hyundai Santa Fe
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.1
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Jeep Compass
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 8.7
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Kia Sportage
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Suzuki Grand Vitara
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Toyota Rav 4
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 9.1
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 6

Lexus RX350
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 11.2
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 6.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 4.5

Jeep Wrangler
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 11.5
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 4.5

Mercedes Benz M Class
-Fuel consumption (L/100 km) 11.7
-Air pollution rating (10=best) 8.5
-Greenhouse rating (10=best) 4.5

Car Wallpaper Enthusiasts

by: Brad Miller
Car Enthusiasts - Rev up your desktops

Take a look at any of your average desktops. They are usually pretty plain and bland. Usually, it still has the default theme and wallpaper and looks just like the million other or so desktops out there.

Now there are a couple of things that you can do to spruce up your desktop and make it a bit more exciting. You can easily look online and find some good quality sites that would provide you with quality wallpaper, and desktops. Some even have themes for you to utilize as well.

Some of the most stunning wallpaper photos and backgrounds out there have to be those related to cars. Those car wallpaper graphics are so stunning that they literally seem to make the car jump off the screen.

Being a car enthusiast myself, I always try to get the most updated car wallpaper that I can. I just enjoy the look and feel of a brand new exotic car on my desktop. I might not be able to financially afford it, but I can easily revel in its beauty on a daily basis. You too can enjoy this feeling.

There are all sorts of different car wallpapers that you can find. They have created some on exotic cars, muscle cars and my favorite vintage cars. Car wallpapers are usually not that hard to find, but quality car wallpaper is.

By doing a search on Google you can usually find what it is you are looking for, whether it's a Shelby Mustang or even a Citroen. Whatever it is, just type in the name and style of the car followed by wallpaper and you should be able to find the right car wallpaper.

Once you have found the right one, there should be some dimension options for you to select. These dimensions are based on your monitor size so choose wisely. If you choose the wrong one, you will have a pixilated version of the wallpaper that will not look very good. It will look very distorted.

It doesn't take much to change your wallpaper. Just a couple of clicks of the mouse and you are done. The easiest way to change your wallpaper on a windows based computer is to right click on your desktop and select properties. Next, select the desktop tab and click on the browse button. Now, you just need to find the image that you downloaded and select that as your desktop. Press ok, and you should have your exciting new car wallpaper staring back at you.

If you choose the right one, you should feel an instant sense of gratification. Sometimes I even use it as motivation. I take a look at the exotic car and I just imagine what it would like to own it and to drive it. I can practically smell the motor oil already.

What First Time Car Owners Must Remember

by: Charlie Angeles
The days when you had no other option but to hire an irport limo service company when you had to fetch or drive somebody to the airport are finally over—you are now a proud owner of a beautiful piece of automotive engineering miracle. Before you start shifting gears and channeling your inner Michael Schumacher however, remember that there are a variety of things--from automotive diagnostics to the real importance of getting car insurance-- you must know and remember.

First, always, always get car insurance. Not only is this a responsible and smart thing to do, in some countries, it is the lawful thing to do too as well. In the United States for example, failure to purchase an insurance policy for your car can lead to fines, license suspension and, in some cases, jail time. Now how are you supposed to enjoy being king of the road if you’re held up inside jail?

Remember too that when it comes to driving, safety always comes first. As a first time car owner, it is understandable that you would want to floor the pedal every chance you get. But remember that when you drive recklessly, you don’t just put yourself in danger, you risk the lives of the other people on the road with you too. So be careful on the road and try to suppress the urge to see if your Prius can roar like a Formula One car (just for the record, it can’t).

Also, regularly check your car’s safety devices and make sure they’re always working. Are your seat belts ok? Are the air bags functioning? And most especially, are your brakes working properly? Does your car slow down or stop the moment you step on the break pedals? If not, then better bring your vehicle to the shop for auto brake repair services now.

Another important thing you need to remember is that when it comes to cars, you must treat everything like a major problem. Things you shrug off and dismiss as “minor inconveniences” could snowball and cause major headaches for you. When you think your car is not running as smoothly as it did before or when a gallon of gas is now only good for a couple of miles, take it for an tune up before your engine gets any worse. A tune up (which can includes the adjusting the carburetor, replacing the air filter and inspecting the ignition system) will improve your car’s performance and efficiency.

When you are experiencing problems with your car’s performance but you or your mechanic is not sure what exactly is wrong, then better take your car to an automotive diagnostics center and let their specialists run tests on your vehicle and determine what is or isn’t wrong with it. This would give you more reliable and accurate information about your car and let you avoid paying for costly repairs and parts replacements that would later prove to be unnecessary and useless.

Owning your very first car comes with a tremendous feeling of pride, exhilaration and freedom. But it also comes with a trunk full of duties and responsibilities too.

Car loans: access finance at great terms to purchase a car

by: Eva Baldwyn
In today’s fast paced life especially in metros or urban areas cars are very much in demand. It is because these mean machines not only assist the various individuals to commute from one place to another, it also adds a certain glamour factor. With more emphasis being given on comfort and space, the present day car comes in various shapes and sizes. However it is the price factor which makes it an expensive affair. To help those individuals who do not have the necessary financial back up, lenders in the finance market are now offering car loans.

These loans are especially meant to provide finances which in turn enable a person to buy his or hers dream car. The amount obtained under these loans can be obtained to purchase a car of any make or model. Moreover, borrower can also use the amount to purchase a used car provided it must be at least 5-6 years old.

For the convenience of the borrower, lenders offer these loans in secured and unsecured form. Secured form of the loans can be accessed only by pledging any valuable asset such as home, real estate as collateral. In fact, borrower can also pledge the car as collateral to secure the loan amount.

On the other hand, unsecured form of the loans can be accessed by the borrower without providing any valuable asset as collateral. This loan option is beneficial for borrowers like tenants and non homeowners. The interest rates for the loans are slightly higher but if a proper research of the market is undertaken, borrower can find lenders offering these loans at competitive rates.

Individual borrowers with bad credit history such as CCJs, IVA, arrears, defaults etc can also apply for the loans. To avail the loans, borrower must convince the lender that he is capable of repaying the loan amount with his monthly income.

Further using the online mode will assist the borrower to avail these loans at cheap interest rates that too instantly. However before availing the loans, borrower must compare the quotes to select a better deal.

With car loans, borrower can easily purchase a car that too at the best available terms and conditions.

The Benefits Of Fuel Efficient Cars

Owning a fuel efficient vehicle has become of greater importance in today 's world, where gas has become a documented expense, as opposed to a spur of the moment purchase. Instead of being one of the minor factors considered when buying a car, fuel economy is now one of the top aspects looked at. Currently, highly fuel efficient vehicles are more expensive than their lesser counterparts, so it may take years to see a net profit from the savings on fuel.

Some people are willing to pay the extra money because they are conscious of the environment and want to consume less fuel, as it is beneficial to the planet, and others are negatively affected psychologically by seeing such high numbers at the pump. One who is environmentally and fuel conscious has a multitude of vehicle options to choose from, as there is no shortage of efficient cars in our society.

Kia offers several fuel efficient vehicles that are not lacking in other features. The 2008 Kia Rio is safe, sporty, and comes standard at $11,540. There is plenty of room, a powerful engine, and a reputable Powertrain Warranty. Best of all, the highway fuel economy is rated at 35mpg. The base model can be upgraded to LX and SX for only a few thousand dollars more, although upgrades do not effect fuel economy.

Mazda is not known for focusing on fuel economy, although a few of their vehicles are prominent in this respect. The Mazda3 4-Door has 148HP, multi-port electronic fuel injection, and a heap of sophisticated external features. Manual transmission yields higher fuel efficiency than automatic, with 32 highway miles per gallon compared to 30, respectively. Interesting, the higher priced Mazda vehicles have much lower efficiency than the cheaper ones. For example, as the Mazda3 is continually upgraded (there are five unique models of it), the economy gets proportionally lower.

Like Mazda, Mitsubishi is more popular for its innovative designs and impressive features than efficiency. Despite this, many of Mitsubishi 's newer models take in to account the general population 's desire for efficient vehicles. The 2009 Lancer is a perfect case of this. Its aerodynamic design makes it move easier, and it has many features that are more likely to be found on a jet than a car.

In fact, it has many futuristic characteristics that make it a pleasure to own. A keyless entry system enables drivers to open doors and start the ignition without actually needing to insert a key, and advanced navigation and Bluetooth technology complement the other attributes seamlessly. With all this, the Lancer still manages to get 30 highway miles per gallon, and a respectable 22 in city.

The company that is most notably leading the way in fuel efficiency is Chevy. Fuel solutions are one of their top priorities, next to safety, and they are pioneering the way towards a gas-free future. The Concept Chevy Volt, which has not entered the market yet, is one of the most promising electric vehicles ever designed. Chevrolet has dedicated extensive resources to perfecting the vehicle, and it is expected to have a driving range of 640 miles before needing to be recharged.

In addition to electricity, Chevrolet sees biofuels as an ideal alternative to petroleum, specifically E85 ethanol, which is made mostly from corn. Several vehicles even have the ability to run solely on ethanol, and if that fuel is not available, regular gasoline can be used as an alternative.

With Car Loans, The Desire Of Driving Your Passion Comes True

by: Eva Baldwyn
Wishes and desires play a very important role in life as far as the personal satisfaction of a person is concerned. But this desire also may take shape of a need which you cannot ignore. One such need is a car which may be desired early on but with the fast pace of the world, it is important to own one as well and this can be easily done with the help of car loans.

With these loans available so easily to the borrowers, owning an automobile is no distant dream now. Everyone can own it and use it for their need when traveling in the public means somewhat expensive and time-consuming. Borrowers can buy a car which is either new or old depending upon the personal wish. Any car which is 5-7 years old can also be bought with the money borrowed.

These loans may require the borrower to make a choice. If the borrower chooses the secured option for his need, then he will have to pledge the car being bought as collateral with the lender. This will help the borrower in getting a low rate of interest for these loans as repayment is assured due to security pledged.

However if the borrower does not want to put his car to any kind of risk, he may take up the unsecured form of these loans. This form will not require the borrower to pledge any assets and just a slight raise in the interest rate will have to be agreed upon by the borrower in order to take up these loans. The term of repayment for these loans is 5-7 years irrespective of the choice that the borrower makes between the two options available as the market value of the car starts to decrease after this duration.

Car loans facilitate the borrowers in buying a car for their use. These have empowered the people that they too can easily match up with the world and a car is no more a luxury but a need.

The Secrets To Protecting Yourself After You Have A Car Accident

by: Gary E Rosenberg
No one plans to have an accident. But, you can be prepared if one should happen.

1. Before you have an accident, keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone,as well as a pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk.

2. If you have an accident: Stop. Do not drive away from the scene! You can be charged with "hit and run" even if the accident wasn't your fault if it involves a pedestrian, a moving car, or even a parked car or someone's property.

3. Move vehicles to safety. Make every effort to prevent further accidents. You may be liable for damages to approaching vehicles unless they are properly warned. Do not move your car too far. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles, if possible. If your car can't be driven, have the emergency responders call a tow truck. Get the name, address and telephone number of the towing company and, if you can, find out where it is taking your car.

4. Move people to safety. Check for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to safety.

5. Call for help. As soon as you can get to a telephone, call 911. Explain the situation and give the exact location of the accident, so that help can arrive quickly. Be sure to mention whether you need an ambulance or a fire engine. Don't hang up until the operator tells you it is okay to.

6. Cooperate with the authorities. In New York State if you are involved in a vehicle accident causing injury to person or property, you are required to stop and give your name, address, and show your driver's license and insurance identification card to the person who is injured or whose property is damaged, or to a police officer. If such information isn't available at the scene of the accident, it must be given to the nearest police station or judicial officer as soon as possible. Be sure to cooperate with the police officer investigating the case. But,stick to the facts. For instance, if you were driving 30 miles an hour, say so. Do not say, "I wasn't speeding."

7. Tell the police the truth. Follow police instructions carefully. Note the officer's name and precinct number, command, or barracks. Ask how you can get a copy of the police accident report.

8. But don't admit fault. Do not volunteer any information about who was to blame for the accident. You may think you are in the wrong and then learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are. You should first talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer, or both. Anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later. Do not agree to pay for damages or sign any paper except a traffic ticket until you check with your insurance company or lawyer.

9. Document what happened. Make a note of the details of the accident, including date and time, road conditions, weather conditions and speed of all other cars involved. It also is a good idea to draw a diagram of the accident showing the position and direction of the cars justprior to and after the accident: make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color and the exact location of the collision and how it happened.

10. Take photographs. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. (Use a cell phone's camera if you have nothing else.) Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident. Take your own photographs even if the police take photographs or you believe that your mechanic or insurance company will take them.

Photograph: (a) any broken parts, inside or outside the vehicle such as dashboard, windshield, seat, broken glass or lenses, bumper that fell off, etc.; (b) vehicle license plates; (c) skid marks; (d) street signs; and, (e) injuries to persons involved in the accident. Take the photos from different angles and positions. Take more photographs than you think you'll need. ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WATCH FOR TRAFFIC.

11. Exchange information. Exchange the following information after the accident: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, take down the name and address for each individual. If possible, obtain the names of the insurance companies and the policy numbers covering the other autos in the accident. In New York State, it's the law to carry an insurance policy information card in every vehicle. These cards can be your source for such information.

12. Get witness information. If there are witnesses, try to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened. Request that they talk to the police before leaving. If they refuse to identify themselves, jot down the license plate numbers of their automobiles. Do not discuss the accident with the witnesses. Do not give their names to anyone but the police, your attorney or your insurance company.

13. Report to your insurance company. Remember to call your insurance company or insurance broker immediately after the accident. Don't forget to send written notice to your insurance company as soon as possible. The notice should include the time, place and circumstances of the accident. If you fail to notify your insurance company of the accident in writing within a reasonable time, this could be grounds for the company's denying any obligation to protect your interests in the event a claim is made against you. Also, make sure your report contains the names of all injured persons and drivers and the names of all available witnesses.

14. Report to Albany. The law requires that the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident in New York State in which a person is killed or injured or one in which damage to the property of any person, in a written report with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. If the operator is unable to make such a report, another participant must make it. Remember to keep copies for your records. This report form, known as an MV-104, may be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles or its website (over the Internet). Often, your insurance company, insurance broker or attorney can send you the form.

15. Call an attorney. Consult an attorney who is experienced in accident cases if you or a loved one is hurt. Ask lots of questions.

A car bore’s guide to a used Ford Mondeo

by: Kevin Creese
Go to any car dealership and you can be certain you’ll come across a used Ford Mondeo - it is a fact as inevitable as the world being round or water being wet. Supplies of Ford cars are plentiful - used Ford especially so - with competitive pricing and popular styling just two features of a car company making arguably the best cars it ever has done.

There are two histories the used Ford Mondeo sitting on the forecourt could have in its logbook. The first history would reveal a mid-thirtysomething salesman with many motorway journeys under his belt (and many corporate lunches too no doubt). His suit jacket having been lovingly hung up in the back as it accompanied him on his travels and sales pitter patter. The second life the car could’ve had would be the all purpose, all conquering family pet. Muddy football boots, furniture from Ikea and mountains of glitter from a night out would all have come into contact with the Mondeo.

Whether the car comes with life history 1 or history 2, it doesn’t matter. Either way the car would’ve faithfully carried out it’s duties and has only appeared on the forecourt because either: a) salesman didn’t sell enough and was sacked, b) salesman sold lots and was given a new Mondeo, c) family had another child and bought a people carrier. A good buy on all accounts then, but before you decide on which colour to go for, let me fill you in on the birth of the Mondeo and how it made Ford’s accountants’ life expectancies rise dramatically.

Replacing an institution is tough. Whether you’re singing Freddie Mercury’s parts for Queen, acting James Bond in the latest film, or playing rugby instead of an injured Johnny Wilkinson for England, you’ll be more closely scrutinised than the original. And so was the case with the Mondeo. Entering the showrooms in 1993, the new car replaced the much-loved granddaddy, the Ford Sierra. Despite its global market, the European arm of Ford was haemorrhaging money and had developed the unenviable reputation of making cars the accountants wanted. This resulted in poorly built vehicles that were as interesting to look at as a Monet in a cardboard box.

Things started promisingly (not for the accountants mind) as the Mondeo shared very little in the way of parts or design with its appalling 90’s predecessors the Escort and Orion - resulting in high development costs. Top pub quiz fact: it was the first car to have a drivers’ airbag across the entire range. This forward thinking from Ford meant it topped many safety test standings and appealed to companies not wishing to give their staff death traps and of course families. Sales rocketed and it was named European Car of the Year in 1994.

One criticism was that the styling was still more cardboard box than Monet. A facelift in 1996 addressed this to such a degree, that only the doors and roof remained the same as the Mk I model. The corporate Ford oval was incorporated into the front grill giving the car a more curvy and playful look. Still no Monet but the palette was starting to take shape. The facelift was as well-received as Jackie Collins’ and this helped boost sales further although the additional outlay from Ford did mean specification levels dropped, meaning wheel trims were back and alloy wheels were consigned to the optional extras order form.

Over the next four years, with Ford’s European fortunes taking a drastic u-turn for the better and as the new space-edge Ka and Focus models were being launched, the Mondeo was suddenly in need of another shot of botox. As the new millennium dawned, so did the Mk III Mondeo – the car that more than likely stands before you at the used Ford dealership. Although it was in the same design club as the Ka and Focus, it wasn’t considered part of the ‘New Edge’ Ford design and therefore sat in the corner of the club looking restrained. A more expensive, Volkswagen Passat inspired interior is the stand-out feature, which looks expensive because it is.

Combined with further safety enhancements including the excitingly titled ‘Intelligent Protection System’ (IPS) which was a system that basically decided for you which life-saving features to use in the event of a crash. It was the most popular large family car for its entire 2000 – 2007 life-cycle. It is too early to comment on the latest Mk IV model, although it did find its way into the latest Bond film ‘Casino Royale’ for a brief scene, before being swiftly replaced by Bond’s orginal Aston Martin DB5 (what did I say about following an institution?)

To summarise, the Mondeo may be the most popular vehicle of its class and therefore buying one will result in you being as unique as a Manchester United supporter, but it has sold in it’s droves for a mutlitude of good reasons. The choice as they say, is yours.