Sunday, November 30, 2008

Finding the Right Gift For Jeep Lovers

There are many types of vehicle that have a huge fan following. The Jeep is just one of them. Jeep lovers are found far and wide and they all have one special thing in common. In fact, Jeeps and Jeep related items are so popular that there are numerous fantastic gift ideas for the Jeep lover in your life. Of course, you will have to be sure that they do not already have some of these hot items. There are enough to choose from that there should easily be something to satisfy every unique Jeep owner.

Many Jeeps have a mounting bar of some kind for carrying things like bicycles. If the Jeep driver that you know of does not yet have one, looking into getting them a sound bar. It will allow them to mount and carry bikes but it is also quiet and very easy to use.

There is a huge assortment of clothing for Jeep owners. From t-shirts and sweaters for women to jackets and shirts for men, the Jeep logo can be found on many items. Many men like to wear a ball cap. Get one with the Jeep logo and the male Jeep lover you know will be overjoyed. Most Jeep clothing can be found online or at a Jeep dealer near you.

While many gifts are just for fun, some of them have a serious use too. Consider a Jeep radio lantern as a gift. It is equipped with a siren as well as an emergency blinker. It plugs into the lighter for power and can be used to flag down help in an emergency situation. This is the type of accessory that would be perfect for any vehicle driver.

Some people may not expect to find things like jewellery and watches bearing Jeep logos but there are certainly many of them. From earrings to wristwatches, there is almost nothing you can not get with a Jeep logo. They make great items for fun, once in a while use or they can be worn everyday.

Covers for the entire Jeep itself may be a great idea for someone that lives in an area that has a heavy winter. It helps protect the paint job while keeping harmful elements off the exterior. Seat covers are also an absolute must have accessory, especially for a Jeep owner that frequently has children in their vehicle.

Replicas and mini versions of the Jeep can be purchased at very low prices from your local department store. They can also be found at higher prices through a Jeep dealer. Those models are often of higher quality and collector sentiment. Some of them may even gain in value over time.

Jeep lovers are so crazy about their vehicles that the types of merchandise available to them continue to expand. Jeep blankets are a cozy way of staying warm while reminiscing about that fun filled day of mud bogging. From the bedroom to the jewellery box, the gifts for Jeep owners are immeasurable.

About the Author

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, free auto insurance quotes and helpful car insurance advice at www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com today.

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Hydrogen Hybrid Cars

This article about hydrogen hybrid cars discusses how cars can run on hydrogen and fuel cells, but also hybrid batteries, safety, brands and models, and availability.

Introduction

Nowadays, people are aggressively searching for more ways on how they could save on gas. In effect, companies are being pressured to offer something new to consumers other than their conventional cars. This is evident with their notable development of new technologies that are obviously aimed for fuel economy; one of which would be the hydrogen hybrid car.

Combining Two Innovative Technologies

Hydrogen technology and hybrid technology are two different innovations that are used to save gas, increase your vehicle’s power and most of all, make your car more environmental friendly in contrast to conventionally fuelled vehicles. Considering each of them are already powerful solely by themselves, just imagine if these two technologies are combined!

Well, here’s the good news, manufacturers have been working on hydrogen hybrid cars and they have finally come up with vehicles that support both of the said technologies! So, here are the essentials on what you should know about hydrogen powered hybrid cars.

How Does It Work?

Hydrogen hybrid cars actually make use of fuel cells. Major carmakers, focus on fuel cells, since they say it’s more clean and efficient than mere hydrogen internal combustion engines alone. Rather than burning fuel inside the engine, fuel cells would act more like batteries, where they would use electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity.

One company that is known to develop fuel cells would be Anuvu, which is actually almost prepared to produce large cargo vans and Nissan Frontier pickups that run on hydrogen and fuel cells.

A Deeper Look

What the company is selling are actually hybrid fuel cell vehicles. This kind of vehicle is the kind that utilizes a quite small fuel cell system in order to provide power to an electric motor, which supplies all the heavy work for the vehicle to move. The car is quite similar to gas-electric hybrids, which are currently on the market. However, this time, the vehicle makes use of fuel cells rather than internal combustion engines.

The stack of fuel cells has the ability to recharge the hybrid battery. Nevertheless, the latter could also be recharged simply by plugging it to a wall. Experts consider it to be an electric car that has all advantages that a car of its kind could have minus the disadvantages.

Trouble Shooting

You wouldn’t have to worry about hydrogen leaks either. If ever one occurs, hydrogen hybrid car censors would shut down your fuel cell stack. Nevertheless, there’s no need to worry since you could still drive your vehicle for another 30 miles simply by using your vehicle’s hybrid battery.

Looking At Mazda

On the other hand, Mazda also has their mixed hybrid and hydrogen car to offer. This would be the Mazda 5, which is known as the Premacy Hydrogen Hybrid in Japan. Nevertheless, whatever name you want to call it, this car is actually a concept vehicle. It is a hydrogen minivan in style. They say that it was based on RX-8 Hydrogen RE car. Mazda 5 is a rotary mild-hybrid bi-fuel which is considered to be the first mass-marketed car of its kind.

The Specs

This car actually runs using both compressed hydrogen gas and gasoline. All you have to do is just press a button on its dashboard and you would transform this minivan to a green vehicle. Press again to change back again whenever you need more distance to be covered.

It introduces a gasoline / bi-fuel hydrogen internal combustion engine. This solves one of the major infrastructure issues circling around where users could buy hydrogen when fuel stations still dominate the main scene. By doing this, hydrogen manufacturers and distributors would be given the incentive and chance to take their distribution network to a massive scale.

This hydrogen hybrid car's rotary engine and hybrid unit are transversely mounted in front of the car having a layout for a front-wheel drive. Additionally, it has a high-voltage battery underneath its 2nd row of seats. The gasoline tank is also near the high-voltage battery, while you can find the hydrogen tank next to the back seats. This kind of arrangement provides you a roomy and comfortable interior. It also gives you excellent driving performance along with environmental benefits.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about hydrogen hybrid cars at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

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2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

I discuss the following about the 2009 Mercury Mariner hybrid. First, I discuss all the upgrades from the 2008 hybrid. Second, I talk about style and space. Third, I talk about technology such as maps and GPS. I also talk about some other fun aspects of the Mariner hybrid.

Introduction

If you’re a Ford fan and you’re looking for a good hybrid SUV, then you’re probably in luck since the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is now in town. This SUV vehicle may look as if it doesn’t offer much that other SUV’s of its types do. However, looks can be pretty deceiving. This car shouldn’t be underestimated, since it has a lot to offer than what you may have in mind. So, here are essentials that you need to know about this practical SUV.

Upgrade Galore

Although Ford have made a significant upgrade from the 2007 model to the 2008 model, the company makes another yet notable improvements with its 2009 model. In fact, a lot of experts believe that this model has a lot to offer from the 2008 model.

As a sneak peek, one of these improvements would have something to do with its advent of Sirius and Sync Travel Link. These two technologies are used by Ford to distinguish itself. Additionally, the 2009 Mercury Mariner hybrid doesn’t only get a new cabin tech; its engine also becomes a little bigger. Hence, you get more horsepower, without losing the advantage of fuel economy.

General Specs

This car, along with its stable mate, the Ford Escape Hybrid, are actually the only available small full hybrid SUVs. This car can accommodate to seat five people. It also has a pretty large cargo space, which is built via unibody construction. Being a hybrid, this car could be driven by the use of mere electric power if you’re travelling short distances and on low speeds.

Another great perk of the car is that its engine automatically turns off whenever you’re stuck in traffic or on a stop light. This mere feature alone can help you save a lot with your car’s gas and power consumption! Because of this car’s characteristic, full hybrids usually get better mileage rates inside the city compared to the highway. In fact, the 2009 Mercury Mariner hybrid was rated by EPA at 31 mpg highway and 34 mpg city.

Traffic Avoidance

Although hybrid systems can help you save gas when caught in traffic, you would rather not crawl at 5 mph. On such situations, you can use the car’s navigation system, so that you could see how efficiently you could avoid traffic.

This car actually has a hard-drive-based system for navigation. It utilizes high-resolution touch screen maps. The best thing here is that the Sirius Travel Link actually gives you traffic reports, which would be overlaid on your car’s navigation maps. Here, you could see how traffic is flowing on highways and freeways. Additionally, you get reports on specific incidents, whether it be vehicle accidents or road construction.

Getting To Know The Cabin

Although this car is thought to be as a mid-luxury brand, between Lincoln and Ford, this car’s cabin isn't that dramatically nicer compared to what you could find with the Ford Escape. The cabin is generally made up of standard grade leather. However, it also has some small chrome accents. The car also comes with a steering wheel that is leather-wrapped.

Nevertheless, the cabin also has its major positive and impressive parts. For instance, its tech is actually the same for both brands. You also get full control using your touch-screen LCD over various amenities that your car provides, such as: hard-drive-based navigation, stereo and Bluetooth phone. However, what’s much better is that its Sync lets you get full control of such systems using your voice. It also gives full integration with the MP3 player.

Map Navigation

The 2009 Mercury Mariner hybrid also has a very excellent navigation system. This is probably because of its maps that are viewable in 3D or top-down. Since it’s hard-drive-based, the maps actually refresh in a quick rate. Thus, it becomes easier for you to move your map around to select various destinations by simply touching the location that you want to go to.

The system also provides you with full database of points-of-interest, along with different means of going to your destination like freeway entrance and address. If you’ll be using the car’s address entry, you’ll have to use 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid’s onscreen keyboard, which could be switched between QWERTY format and alphabetical order.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about the 2009 Mercury Mariner hybrid at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

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2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid

I discuss the 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid in this article, including topics such as its engine, fuel economy, design, and availability.

Introduction

At long last, General Motors have officially and finally announced their long talked about 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid. This car is considered to be an innovation among hybrids since it has something more to offer compared to other hybrid vehicles in the market.

Popularity At Its Best

Most experts consider that the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would be the most popular among all hybrids. This kind of expectation may be due to several reasons, mostly related to what the car has to offer its consumers. Nevertheless, Saturn still keeps up with consumer expectations as they continue to improve their Vue model.

Their 2009 model has been the talk of the town lately since it was noted that this car makes use of General Motor’s newest motor system, which is the Two-Mode Green System.

It’s All About The Engine

Since hybrids are known well for their engines, then you should expect this car to have a pretty specialized one. It actually has a gas engine that has 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection, which has been working its way up the automaker's lineup.

For starters, you should know that the conventional Vue would have an engine that has the ability to make 248 lb-ft of torque and 257 horsepower. Its electric power consequently comes from two transmission integrated 55 kilowatt electric motors. It’s really noteworthy that merely the older model can already be considered to be a mean machine.

What is pretty interesting though is that General Motor actually claims that the fuel economy for their newest model, which is the Vue 2 Mode would be 50% way better in contrast to their gas-only V-6. Additionally they claim that their new model would also have a 500 mile range.

Believe it or not, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid is so powerful that its 0-60 time is actually expected to be about 7.3 seconds. It would also have a maximum towing load fixed at a maximum of 3500 pounds.

The Results Of Good Team Work

What most people don’t know is that this car’s 2-Mode system is actually co-developed with former DaimlerChrysler and BMW. This system actually has the ability for regenerative braking. Another perk would be its engine idle off feature. The system also has various modes like electric-only operation during low speeds, around 30 mph.

The 2-Mode system also has well-organized accessory systems such as the electric power steering. Additionally, this car wouldn’t have any traditional reverse gear. Hence, there’s no more need to worry about doing scary reverse maneuvers, since all your reversing operations would be powered by your car’s electric motors.

Viewing Down Under

The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid vehicle doesn’t only impress from the outside nor the inside, but even its down under view can impress anyone. In fact, this model has gone chassis improvements and adjustments, so that it could compensate for its massive 189 pounds of additional heft, which includes stabilizer bar rates and revised springs. It also has recalibrated front struts, along with rear shock absorbers.

The Outer Make-Up

Generally, the physical appearance of the 2009 model is somewhat the same with the older version. In reality, not much has changed visually for this model. However, of course, you would find this car to have 2 Mode badges on its front doors. The bandages could also be found at its rear liftgate.

The car also sports rims that are made up of lightweight aluminum alloy. It also has special tires that are actually low-rolling resistance, which are designed to additional aid you with your fuel savings.

Additionally, subtle changes have been. One of these would be the car’s chrome door handles. In fact, it also has dual exhaust tips and rear and front skid plates that are all made up of chrome. The older version’s tachometer was also replaced with a fuel-efficienct gauge, which also informs you whenever your vehicle is currently on engine-only mode, electric-only mode, or the combination of both. Hence, your gauge also serves to be a reminder that your car is actually turned on, even if you know that your engine is turned off.

The arrival of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, which is scheduled to go into production in late 2008, questions the future of the existing "mild-hybrid" Vue Green Line. It appears GM is going to keep that model around as a lower-cost alternative, but the presence of two similarly named models may confuse some customers. Pricing and other details of the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be released closer to launch.

For sure, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid would definitely be a great buy if you’re really on the hunt for something that can save you money and at the same time has a deadly engine!

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

What is a Hybrid Car?

So, what is a hybrid car? In this article I define "hybrid car" including details on how the motor works. Special attention is given to how electric engines and gas engines are combined to acheive a hybrid car. Time is spent explaining how hybrid car recharging works. Finally, I explain the drawbacks of hybrid cars.

Introduction

It is pretty much obvious that technology is evolving in different fields. One sign of which would be the continuous innovations in the automobile industry. As each year passes, new systems are discovered. And as gas becomes a problem, more car technologies to save fuel are created and discovered incessantly. If you’re not that familiar with what’s new, then for sure you have little idea of what is a hybrid car. If this is the case then, here are the essential things you need to know about this type of cars.

What is a Hybrid Car? Well, It's A Mix of Technology!

New hybrids could offer you the best of both worlds. This is because they give you both the power of gas fuelled cars, along with the cost efficiency of electric cars. In fact, such kinds of cars are considered at present to be the highlighted showcase of what innovations from different areas could create when combined together in one vehicle.

However, if you’re not that much into technical stuff, you may find it hard to understand how hybrid cars function and process. Nevertheless, they are easy to use and are made to be user friendly by their manufacturers.

How The Motor Works

If you want to answer "What is a hybrid car?" you must understand hybrid car engines. In fact, what really makes such kind of car so special is its engine.

The engine’s function starts out by using windings, which are moved by electromagnetic force. Such force is produced when an electric current travels over the motor. If the current’s polarity runs one way, then the motor runs one way too. As the current’s polarity changes course, the motor current’s direction does too.

Conventional Motors

However, the motor of a conventional vehicle would be extremely different. In traditional gas engines, you would find pistons, which push up the gasoline into the crank. This pushing action provides power to your vehicle’s wheels so that it could move. This is a cycle that repeats itself for countless of times until your vehicle moves. Whenever the vehicle’s gas pedal is stepped down, gas would flow into the car’s system. In turn, it would increase your car’s pistons and wheel’s power.

Gas And Electricity

The great thing about hybrid vehicles is that they could make use of both electric engine and traditional engine systems. When these two systems come together, they actually produce a ground-breaking car power. When your car starts moving, its computer sensor would determine what engine type would be much suitable to be used at that given point in time.

In instances that your vehicle would need high power, then your car would automatically make use of its gas engine. Just the same, when your vehicle needs low power levels, it would automatically make use of its electric engine system.

Recharging Process

In relation to the electric engine system, whenever your car stops, its battery would regenerate by conserving energy. Whenever your vehicle’s power drains out from your electric battery, your car would automatically use your gas engine up to the point in which your electric battery could be recharged and ready for use again.

Point Of Difference

One main difference between conventional cars and hybrids is the behaviour of their engines. Whenever a conventional car is idle, its gas would continue running. However, whenever a hybrid vehicle is idle, its motor would sense it automatically and then switches from gas engine to electric engine. When your car stops, the electric energy would be absorbed back into your battery’s electrical portion.

Drawbacks

Although these environmental friendly cars are great, they still come with a drawback. One major down point would be the vehicle’s weight. In addition to your engine’s weight there would also be add-ons which are vital to support your electric engine, so that it could run smoothly. Nevertheless, the two different engine systems could co-exist smoothly in a hybrid vehicle. In the end you get an environmental friendly and worthwhile vehicle that can also help you save money.

Don’t be surprised if you ask people "What is a hybrid car?" and you get different answers. Although hybrids are all environmental friendly and economical, they still have variations. There are some that have charge coils, which allow users to recharge their electrical battery supply. There are also models that have alternative fuel sources like fuel cells.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about hybrid cars at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

See Also:

History of the Hybrid Car

In this article I will give you the history of the hybrid car. First, I talk about steam power. Second, I discuss electric power for hybrid vehicles. Third, I discuss the Porsche hybrid. Fourth, I discuss mass production. And lastly, I discuss hybrid cars and hybrid trucks in relation to gasoline powered cars.

It’s pretty interesting how people are becoming more aware of their environment nowadays. This can be seen on the increasing amount of environment friendly products in the market these days. Additionally, they’ve become aware of the various factors that contribute to the threatening pollution in the environment. Hence, companies started developing less toxic emitting products that also do well to the environment and one of the most prominent of this kind would be hybrid cars. As starter, here’s the history of the hybrid car.

It’s All About Steam

The concept of creating environment friendly or alternatively powered vehicles started with the idea of vehicles running with the use of steam. Between 1665 to1885 a couple of ideas regarding steam powered vehicles were noted. First off would be astronomer and Flemish Jesuit priest Ferdinand Verbiest, who had plans for a small four-wheeled unmanned steam car. Next would be Nicholas Cugnot who built a carriage powered by steam that was able to run for 6 miles/hour. Lastly would be Goldsworthy Gurney who was able to create a steam car that could run an 85 mile journey in just 10 hours.

Then Came Electricity

It was also quite early when people started conceptualizing and later on creating electricity powered cars. It was in 1839 when Scotsman Robert Anderson first created an electrically powered vehicle. Then, significant development was noted during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. In fact, it was during this time when a lot of companies started making use of electricity to power their vehicles.

Electric Cabs

Additionally electrically powered cabs became prominent during the 1897, because this is when the London Electric Cab Company started their regular service by the use of cars which were made by Walter Bersey. It was called the Bersey Cab. This cab uses a 40-cell battery with a 3 HP electric motor. People were able to drive it 50 miles in between charges.

The First Porsche Hybrid

It was during 1898 when Dr. Ferdinand Porsche was able to build his very first car, which was called Lohner Electric Chaise. This car was also 1st front-wheel-drive. Then, the second car that he made was a hybrid. Here, he used an internal combustion engine so that the car’s generator would spin. In effect, it produced power to be used by electric motors, which could be found on the wheel hubs. Just using batteries, the car was able to travel about 40 miles.

Going Large Scale

In the past, manufacturers weren’t really able to create as much cars as they wanted. This is because they weren’t equipped with the right tools and machines to do so. However, as technology developed, car companies were able to make big batches of production.

In fact, by 1900, American car companies were able to create made 936 gasoline, 1,575 electric 1,681 steam car. People were also becoming more open with the use of electric cars. This can be seen on a poll which was conducted during the 1st National Automobile Show, where patrons actually favored electric cars for their 1st choice, while steam cars placed second on a very close fight.

During the first couple of years in the 20th century, thousands of hybrid and electric cars were actually created. However, when Henry Ford’s car line arrived along with the start of self-starting gas engines, this signalled the rapid decline of hybrid cars during 1920.

Fuelled Cars Taking The Limelight

When fuelled cars were introduced, this became a very significant period of time for hybrid cars. Simply because people started opting for gasoline fuelled cars than those that were hybrids. Additionally, car manufacturing companies, like Ford also created lines of gas fuelled automobiles that were quite cheap to buy. Since these cars were cheap, people started buying the cheap gas cars than those more expensive hybrid cars.

Hence, gas fuelled cars took the limelight for quite some time. In fact, up to now, gas fuelled vehicles are still on the spot light.

However, hybrid cars were still somewhere in the backdrop. Sadly, only those that were creating cars for themselves or those that stayed in rural areas and had the means to create their own cars still hold on to this kind of vehicle.

Nevertheless, people have become aware of the benefits of hybrids nowadays. Hence, they are coming back into the picture. Ironically, most people think that such cars were only invented recently. However the colourful history of the hybrid car simply shows that it started quite early and was only overshadowed by gas fuelled cars due to convenience and money matters.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about the history of the hybrid car at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

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Hybrid Car Dealers

Looking for hybrid car dealers? In this article I cover the topic in the following sections. First, I discuss how hybrid car buying works. Second, I talk about hybrid car brands. Next, I talk about online car purchasing deals. Lastly, I talk about buying hybrid cars through classified advertisements and your local car dealer.

Introduction

As more people are becoming open to the technology of hybrid and as more consumers actually buy such kind of cars, the more people are also being curious on how they can buy these cars. Although it may seem to b a new technology, finding cars like these isn’t really that hard to do. In fact, unknown to many, a lot of hybrid dealers are out there, just waiting to be asked for whatever car they have to offer.

How The Deal Works

In reality, buying this kind of vehicle is just the same as buying a regular car. Hence, there’s really no problem on where you should go or find deals; simply because they’re everywhere! Considering the popularity of hybrids nowadays, you wouldn’t have problems in spotting such kind of deals. So, here are some tips on where and how you could find different dealers that can suffice your hybrid needs.

It’s A New Thing

One thing that you should realize when hunting for a good environmental friendly car is that such kinds of models are relatively new. Hence, they could only be bought from stores that sell them first hand. It would be quite impossible or rather extremely rare for you to find them in stores that sell second hand vehicles. It would also be rare to find someone selling his/her second hand hybrid.

Nevertheless, the good thing is that new dealers are starting to stock them even more each day. This is especially true, since more people are now getting more curious about these vehicles and finding hybrid car dealers.

Starting With A Brand

Before heading out to look for dealers, it is recommended that you have a car brand in mind. In this way it would be easier to spot deals that are relevant to what you are looking for.

If you’re starting with a brand, there’s really not much to worry about since almost all manufacturers, such as, Toyota, Chevrolet, Nissan, BMW and Ford are all in this kind of industry already. In fact, such companies are getting more pressured each day to produce the best hybrid they can create due to the incessant need for alternatives to expensive fuel.

Searching For Hybrid Car Dealers Online

For starters, the Internet would be a pretty good place to start your search for various car deals. This would be highly recommended if you think you’re not up to getting sales talked yet by a car salesman. Additionally, this method would also be helpful in letting you know more first about the features that the vehicle you are eyeing for has.

Nowadays, car deals are very rampant in cyberspace. It is possible for you to find different Web sites on the Internet that has various offers for hybrid cars. In fact, you could even get different quotations for various dealers. However, you should understand that the key to getting a good deal online is by having good research skills.

Try your best to get to know more info on the car that you want. You could also compare and contrast vehicles that different manufacturers offer. It would also be helpful if you read reviews online, both by experts and consumers to get more realistic feedback with your research. Once you feel that you are well-informed and ready to face a salesman, all you have to do is contact the Web site that you are interested on inquiring with.

Explore Your Newspapers’ Classified Ads

One classic way of looking for hybrid car sellers would be your local paper's classified ads. There are companies that advertise on papers and if they’re on your locality, then it would really be easy to drop by for a visit. However, you should be wary that you shouldn’t look on the second hand section of the ads, since as said earlier, most hybrids are not yet available in that kind of market.

Try Your Local Stores

If you’re looking for first hand experience, then you should try to observe your locality and see where you could find stores that sell cars. You could go directly to the manufacturer’s shop, if there’s any in your place or buy from hybrid dealers. Don’t hesitate to ask them if they have any promos or special offers, especially for hybrid vehicles.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about hybrid car dealers at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

See Also:

Hybrid Tax Credits

Looking for information about earning and saving via hybrid tax credits? In this article I cover that topic in the follow way. First, I discuss the history of credits. Second, I discuss how they are calculated. Third, I discuss the conditions that must be met. And lastly, I explain the IRS qualifications for hybrid vehicle tax credits.

What most people interested in buying a hybrid car does not know is the presence of hybrid tax credits. So, if you’re considering the idea of buying a hybrid simply because of its fuel economy, then here’s a very interesting factor that may instantly bring you to a ‘yes’ decision.

When It All Started

Since year 2005, the IRS has started giving tax credit to the individual taxpayers that drive cars which utilize alternative fuel sources. In fact, there was one time where green minded taxpayers only got a clean fuel burning deduction. However, that only applied to vehicles that were under the gas-electric hybrid category. Nevertheless, as 2005 came, the deduction rule was replaced by the up to date legislation, which is the Energy Policy Act.

What Does It Say?

By the conditions of the said 2005 law, they would take the tax credit directly from your total sum of tax which you, as the taxpayer would otherwise be indebted. This trims down or could even eliminate your tax which you should pay in the first place. If you’re not certain whether your specific "green" vehicle would qualify for this kind of credit or not, you could simply inquire from your local dealership or your car manufacturer.

The Marked Date

Qualified vehicles that were bought on or after January 1, 2006, would be at liberty for this kind of tax credit. In general, you could get an amount from about $400 up to $3,400. The amount that you’ll get would be based on your car’s fuel saving.

Basic Computation

The tax credit you can get from buying a hybrid vehicle is a mix of two diverse tax credits. You should understand that the math on this computation can be very complicated, and the good thing is, you are not obliged to do it. Your vehicle’s auto manufacturers along with the IRS would be the ones responsible in certifying your tax credit’s amount.

Certain Conditions

This kind of tax credit might be brief. It actually highly depends on the customer demand for the new hybrid trucks and cars. The tax credit’s value would start to diminish as soon as your manufacturer has sold sixty thousand or more qualified cars. Additionally, the phase-out would start on the level of your auto manufacturer. Hence, well-known brands might watch their tax credits diminish sooner, in contrast to less popular brands.

If your vehicle is valid, you may claim your credit’s full amount up until the end of the 1st quarter just after the quarter where your vehicle’s manufacturer records their sale of their 60,000th qualified vehicle. While during the 2nd and 3rd quarters after the quarter where the 60,000th vehicle was sold, you could claim 50% of your original tax credit. Nonetheless, during the 4ht quarter, you could only claim 25% of your allowable credit.

The government actually has qualified various models and makes for this kind of tax credit. Such certifications set the greatest dollar value which your credit could be. Your credit may also be reduce by different limitations.

Under direction released by the IRS, your auto manufacturer could give you a certification, which specifies the amount that is left on your tax credit. It would be the IRS, whom will dictate that the certification of the producer should have the following sixteen essentials:

1. Name2. Tax identification number and address of your manufacturer3. Make, model, model year, and various identification information 4. A written statement which states that the car was created by the manufacturer5. What type of credit your vehicle is qualified for6. Amount of your tax credit (with complete computations) 7. Your vehicle’s gross weight8. Your vehicle’s weight class9. Your city's fuel economy for the vehicle 10. A statement which says your vehicle actually complies with the necessities asked for on the Clean Air Act11. A duplicate of the certificate which proves that your vehicle suffices the emission standards that were set by the government in Clean Air Act12. A statement saying that your motor vehicle complies with your state's air Q.C. law13. A statement that your vehicle complies with specific motor vehicle safety conditions14. A statement that your vehicle utilizes hybrid technology: both internal combustion system and rechargeable energy system. 15. A statement that your vehicle meets or even exceeds California's standards on low vehicle emissions. 16. Proof that your vehicle doesn’t go further than the designated maximum power standard

These are just some of the prerequisites for you to get hybrid tax credits. Although there’s a lot of them, it is definitely worth it in the end.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about hybrid tax credits at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

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The Differences Between a Skid Steer and Equipment Trailer

Trailer terminology can often be confusing and a good example would be the differences between equipment and skid steer trailers. One of the leading contributors to this confusion is the lack of a universal naming conventions among all manufacturers, so each manufacturer uses the same terms but applies different meanings to each term.

Most people and manufacturers use the term interchangeably however there may be some fundamental differences. A good illustration of a manufacturer would use equipment and skid steer to describe two different styles of trailers would be Kaufman Trailers.

Kaufman Trailers uses the term Equipment Trailer to describe any trailer that hauls equipment and then segments equipment trailers into numerous subdivisions. Two of those subdivions are the Standard family and skid steer trailer family. They both are used to haul similar equipment, have matching GVWR’s and lengths, however there are a few key differences.

The first difference between a Kaufman standard trailer and a skid steer trailer is the deck height. The cross members of a skid steer are manufactured under the runners which allows for a lower height. This, in turn, allows for the second difference: a lip around the deck on a skid steer. This small lip encompasses three sides of the deck. The rear of the trailer deck does not have a lip to allow for easy loading and unloading of equipment.

The final difference between their skid steer and standard trailers is the width of the deck. Due to construction processes, a standard trailer has more actual decking. For example, Kaufman Trailer’s 16 foot, 8,000lb skid steer is 78″ width between the fender while the standard trailer version offers 82″ of deck width.

This issue gets further compounded because its subjective to the manufacturer on how to use the terms "skid steer" and "equipment trailer". Some manufacturers have one model to encompass both terms, other manufacturers to build a trailer that they classify as a skid steer that doesn't have the durability of another manufacturer. So the best way to make a wise purchasing decision is to ask a given dealer/manufacturer what their definition of a skid steer and equipment trailer is and get as much information as possible about the differences, if any. Otherwise you may end up not comparing "apples to apples".

A few more recommendations when looking for a good equipment/skid steer trailer are to compare features such as radial tires, axle capacity, hauling capacity, empty trailer weight (deduct trailer rated GVWR-empty trailer weight to determine actual hauling capacity), how long the manufacturer has been in business, extra features, such as toolboxes, etc. and there affiliation with NATM (The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers).

In conclusion, the term equipment trailer is used differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some manufacturers use the term “equipment trailer” to describe anything that hauls equipment, while others refer to “equipment trailers” as a specific style of trailer. When researching trailers, it is my recommendation to ask for each manufacturers definition of equipment and skid steer trailers to assure your comparing similar models with close attributes.

About the Author

Jim Builder has exposure to many trailer manufacturers in the U.S. As a result of that experience, he's recognized areas of confusion in trailer manufacturing. His articles are geared to help the general public understand in order to make wise decisions. A special thanks for KaufmanTrailers.com and AppalachianTrailers.com

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I Had To Sell My Subaru When The Maintenance Costs Rose

Back in 2000 when I was looking for my first car, I decided to buy my Subaru because it was neat and compact, with a small engine and low running costs. I was just out of university, struggling along in my first job, and the second-hand three-door little car was the best I could manage at the time.

Although I’ve since moved on from that job and am now paid a respectable salary, out of some bizarre kind of loyalty to my first car – which, in all fairness, has never caused me any great problems – I refused to sell my Subaru and kept it as its value depreciated and it became less and less practical. But since it continued to run, I also reasoned that there was no reason to look for a new car, employing the maxim, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ I don’t do many long journeys so didn’t feel justified in shelling out for a new car, with all the the associated financial and environmental costs. I figured I’d just run it into the ground and hold onto it for as long as I could.

I decided to sell my Subaru Impreza when I took it into the garage for its last service. When I realised that the money I would need to spend on it over the next couple of years to ensure it kept passing its MOTs would be greater than the value of the car itself, I bit the bullet and looked for a Subaru buyer. Selling my Subaru was a sorry decision but it made no sense to keep pouring cash into a car that was ultimately destined for the scrap heap – I might as well cut my losses and buy a newer car that would need less maintenance and would, in the long term, save me money.

I used the classified ads in the local paper both to sell my Subaru and look for a new car. It was a new experience for me; I had bought my first car from a family friend as I knew he was giving me a good deal and it would be in good condition, so I’d never had to negotiate the endless questions of model, age, space, safety record, fuel efficiency, price and colour that confronted me when I scanned the listings. In the end I decided my requirements (five door hatchback, no more than five years old), and made a set of fairly arbitrary decisions to narrow it down further.

I had several inquiries from people wanting to buy my Subaru, though one or two were put off when they saw it. I did everything I could (within reason) to make it more attractive, from the obvious clean and polish to replacing the worn old windscreen wipers and filling it with petrol as an incentive. I finally found my Subaru buyer – a student looking for a first car, who wasn’t too worried about the long-term potential as long as it got her to the end of her course. I felt it had found its rightful home and was pleased that I’d managed to get something for it, even if it wasn’t much.

About the Author

David Barber wrote the Article 'I had to sell my Subaru when the maintenance costs rose' and recommends you visit http://www.iainmutch.co.uk/sell-your-car/subaru.php if you've ever asked yourself "Where can I sell my Subaru?"

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Water Hybrid Cars

This article is about water hybrid cars and alternative fuel resources. First, I discuss renewable resources. Second, I explain Hybrid Hydrogen Oxygen (HHO) systems. Third, I talk about heat issues. And lastly, I discuss converting a traditional vehicle to a water hybrid car.

Introduction

Having a car that ran using water used to be an imaginative idea, which wasn't real enough for many. However nowadays, with the innovative technology really happening in real life, a water hybrid car is actually a clear-cut reality.

Making The Best Out Of Renewable Resources

This kind of vehicle would only call for a means to hold and break water to hydrogen and oxygen. In consequence, it would inject such gases to your car’s regular engine. Thus, your vehicle would literally run on water.

The good thing is, at present, this is pretty much possible. All you’ll need would be some technical effort and anyone could convert their normal car into a water powered vehicle. In effect, this would definitely bring some ease from the horrifying gas prices that keep on rising each week as you could see them on the news.

The System

Hybrid Hydrogen Oxygen (HHO) fuel cells supply hydroxy gas that is produced from water, to help in your car’s combustion. This utilizes HHO to lend a hand with the burning of gasoline through a full combustion cycle that has the capability to reduce gas emissions. Additionally, this process wouldn’t be that hard for your engine as it won’t eat up a big amount of your gas. In the end, you get more miles for travelling.

How Does It Work?

So, how exactly does the HHO reduce your car’s gas emissions and help save up with your gasoline expenses? The main reason is actually via a system which breaks down carbon, and removes its deposits from the engine of your car. This is a very efficient method that greatly increases your car’s fuel efficiency. It also heightens the longevity of your car’s engine.

Your alternator could generate just enough HHO using 12v at 1 amp to make use of a finely built HHO cell. As you can see, all these rewards make purchasing this kind of system and running it on your car makes everything worth it. In fact, some experts even say that these cells actually need less power supply compared to car wipers.

Issues On Heat

Some say that these kind of cells could get pretty hot in the combustion process. Nevertheless, there are still ways to take control of the heat; for instance, using sufficient amount of catalyst, such as baking soda; and/or a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM). Given that you’re using a water system in replacement for fuel, freezing weather might present some problems also while utilizing your catalyst. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t worry, since you could also control freezing by simply mixing 20% denatured alcohol with your fuel cell. Doing so would avoid freezing problems. Additionally, either of the said catalysts could help with the creation of HHO.

Thoughts On Conversion

Having your car converted to a water burning hybrid, is not really that hard to do. In fact, it doesn't even entail too much proficiency on engines or a degree in mechanical engineering. The best thing here is that you get access to the benefits of not needing the use of gasoline as fuel.

Benefits Of It All

By the use of water for fuel, you could now say goodbye to the incessantly rising gas costs. You also increase your vehicle’s mileage dramatically. However, the second benefit would still depend on the type of car you’re driving. Additionally, you also get to reduce poisonous emissions from your car and help prevent global warming. Last but not the least, you would be definitely happy if your car qualifies for hybrid tax credit from the IRS.

Reminders

If ever you have a water powered car, there are still things that you should keep in mind. For instance, just remember to look at your water level in every 2-3 hours. This is due to the reason that you have a big risk of depleting your water fuel, since combustion eats up your water supply. What happens is something like when water evaporates if you burn it. As soon as water transforms to HHO, it’s burned by your vehicle. Hence, the car’s water level would go down. If that happens, your water hybrid car may experience problems and could even implode in the end.

About the Author

John S. Rhodes talks more about water hybrid cars at Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Trucks and Hybrid Vans found at http://HybridCarsTrucksVans.com He also discusses hybrid motorcycles and hybrid minivans at that site, offering videos and advice on hybrid batteries and hybrid rental vehicles.

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The Four Wheel Drive System

I’m sure most of you reading this have heard of the term four-wheel drive, or 4x4, but I will bet some of you don’t know what it does, how it works, and why it might benefit you. For a vehicle to be considered to be a four-wheel drive, the engine must be capable of distributing torque to all four wheels. Torque is the power that moves your vehicle. In non four-wheel drive cars and trucks, torque is distributed to either the front or back wheels, while the remaining two wheels are free rolling. In a 4x4, you can either manually engage all four wheels, or it is done for you automatically. Most four-wheel drive owners believe it’s a 50/50 distribution of torque, but in most cars, it’s more like 65/35.

There are several reasons why one would need a four-wheel drive. All of them have to do with friction. While torque powers the wheels, friction between the tires and the driving surface is what gives you traction, and lets your vehicle move forward. If a vehicle is moving on a muddy surface, there is a lower amount of friction, which causes the tires of a two-wheel drive to spin out, while the vehicle stays in one spot. With a 4x4, the extra torque to all four wheels, instead of just 2 wheels for standard vehicles greatly increases the traction available to the vehicle.

This then provides better friction for the vehicle, ti enable forwward movement. This is also true for wet, snowy, and icy surfaces.

There are different types of four-wheel drive systems, some that require more driver input than others. In a manual four-wheel drive, one has to go outside of the vehicle and lock the hubs. This is a circular type knob located on the front wheels. Once this is done, the vehicle must be put in neutral, and then the control for the four-wheel drive is implemented. IN a “shift on the fly’ system, you can engage the four wheel drive while the vehicle is moving, as the hubs are automatically locked. In an automatic four-wheel drive system, the four-wheel drive only works when it is needed, and it requires no driver input. In an all wheel drive system, no driver input is required, and torque is constantly given to all four wheels.

The Audi Quattro is an amazing all wheel drive car that differs from most other vehicles. It has a 40/60 torque distribution, with the bulk of the torque geared towards the rear wheels. This distribution allows the torque from the engine to transfer to the road more efficiently, giving the driver a greater sense of control. It also adjusts to road conditions, and transfers power to the wheels that have the most traction! For instance, if a rear wheel is spinning torque to that wheel is reduced and re-distributed to the other wheels! This allows the driver to have a safer and more confident driving experience.

About the Author

Ed Terran is the pen name for the editor of a auto parts directory USA SUV listings UK SUV listings

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Benefits of Car Leasing

Car leasing is fast becoming a more popular option as compared to purchasing a brand new car outright. One of the primary reasons is that car leasing companies typically purchase direct from the vehicle manufacturers, thus passing on the benefits to their clients.

Take a look at some of the benefits of car leasing as opposed to outright purchase of a brand new vehicle:

No Major Upfront Costs with Car Leasing

Among the major benefits of leasing a car in the UK is that there is no major expenditure while acquiring a new car; typically all that is required is a small initial advance that is typically about 3 times the monthly lease amount. These smaller upfront costs mean businesses can maintain their profit margins while still experiencing the benefits of a new vehicle for the duration of the lease.

Fixed Interest Car Leasing Plans

Almost all car leases are available on a fixed payment basis. This means that irrespective of any movement in bank base rates, the monthly lease payments always remain constant and unchanged. Among other things, this allows people who lease cars to maintain accurate budgeting for at least the duration of the car leasing contract.

Car Leasing Offers an Alternative Funding Source

Customers who take advantage of leasing to acquire new vehicles get to conserve their available capital and protect their primary funding sources including loans and overdraft facilities. This gives customers the unprecedented advantage of having extra available income without using up their external resources, which will still be available for them at a future date should the need arise.

UK Car Leasing is Tax Deductible

All payments that a business makes under a UK car leasing agreement are regarded as operating expenditure. Hence, these payments can lower the taxable profit on the business by as much as one hundred percent of the total payable rental.

Reduced Time Spent On Administration & Maintenance

With a 'Contract Hire' or a fully maintained operating lease, customers have the option to have the contract fully maintained. This means that all routine services including overnight service, manufacture recalls, service reminders as well as tyre replacements and all other items that may need to be replaced during the lifetime of the contract remains the responsibility of the leasing company. This can dramatically reduce the time spent, and expenditure, on the upkeep of the vehicles.

Car Leasing Offers you the Best of the Best

Sure you would like to drive around in the swankiest model available but you don't think that you would ever be able to save enough to actually own any of the latest models of cars. Purchasing a cheaper car is an option, however car leasing offers you the ability to drive around in any of the latest models of your choosing without having to over-extend yourself financially or worry about being head over heels in debt. Charges are incurred only in case the pre-agreed mileage allowance is exceeded or if there is excessive wear and tear on the vehicle.

In addition to all of the above advantages of UK car leasing is the unexpected benefit of not having to worry about car disposal should the need arise. All the risk is taken by the leasing company.

About the Author

RTS Vehicles are experts in the field of car leasing and van leasing, we have over 30 years experience in purchasing and supplying cars and vans to both business users and private individuals.

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Local Car Auctions. How to Find a Good Quality Cheap Used Car Within a 25 Mile Radius of Where You Live

While buying a used car listed in the local classifieds in your local paper might be a good idea, usually these are private sellers that are emotional about the vehicles they are selling. After all it was their baby. Normally this means the seller will want more than the car is really worth. Eventually what happens is during negotiations things get emotional and you'll end up paying more than the vehicle is worth or you'll have to walk away.

Participating in dealer level auctions like Mannheim car auctions and Pickles and others are usually off-limits to ordinary people like you and me. These higher dealer level auctions are reserved for registered automobile dealerships or dealers that are licensed, and conversely, this is where the best deals will be. Zero emotion, just good cars going for auction, to the highest bidder. Where does that leave you? Well unless you know a dealer that's a good buddy of yours willing to get you in and find the car you want at a great price, you're out of luck. There are other sources. Of course there's Craig's list and Kajiji USfreeads and many other online classifieds sites. Problem with these sites you got a pore over pages and pages of vehicles listed that you may not be interested in. If you did find a car on one of the sites, well you go out and see the vehicle and chances are it's being offered for sale by again, the private person that thinks his vehicle is made of gold. Well what about eBay motors? Is the listing local? Sure the price is right but do you want to drive across three or four states to see it and come back with your used car or worse, maybe not? Furthermore, just how safe is it to buy a car on eBay. Well as it turns out a staggering amount of complaints funnel up to the Federal Trade Commission regarding online or Internet auction fraud. Is eBay any safer? I think it is. As a matter of fact eBay motors has some pretty amazing tools that can protect you and ensure that the car you see in the listing is a car you're going to get and probably much cheaper than anywhere else. Lets look at some of these tools.

eBay motors vehicle purchase protection.

eBay motors via corporate purchase protection program provides protection of up to $50,000 against certain losses associated with some types of fraud. As a buyer you're automatically enrolled at no charge when you make a purchase.

The availability of a vehicle history report

eBay offers the ability to have the vehicle's history checked before you buy, and protect yourself from hidden problems. You can get the used car history in minutes were sometimes seconds. Single reports would cost $30 where you can usually buy a bundle of 10 for $35

The ability to arrange for a vehicle inspection by an independent third party.

Inspection by an independent third party can benefit you greatly. Inspections usually validate seller claims about a vehicles condition. So in essence for $99.50 you can relax in your chair and have a professional look at that car for you.

Getting back to local auctions for a moment, buying a car and eBay might be pretty safe, and were pretty sure the price of be the best to find online, how do you find locally. Well that's what they do at carsellerauctions.com. Basically it's a well-organized listing of local eBay motors auctions organized by major U.S. city and state saving you hours of searching. Also there are resources information and comparisons and valuable links to help you make the right vehicle choice.

So there you have it, buying a vehicle at a local online car auction is not a daunting task. Snoop around the car seller auctions.com site and find a vehicle you want, and a vehicle that is local to you.

About the Author

Gavin is a writer and automobile enthusiast, he invites you to visit CarSellerAuctions.com for well organized listings of good quality cheap used cars at local car auctions.

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Friday, November 28, 2008

EMI Supply Inc. Announces Partnership with Permali Deho

EMI Supply Inc. announces partnership with Permali Deho. This partnership recognizes EMI Supply Inc. as the exclusive distributor of Permali Deho Jabroc densified wood laminate for all of North America.

Concord, NC (PRWEB) November 29, 2008 -- EMI Supply Inc. announces partnership with Permali Deho of Gloucester England. This partnership recognizes EMI Supply Inc. as the exclusive distributor of Permali Deho's Jabroc densified wood laminate material for all of North America. Jabroc is a densified wood laminate made out of selected Beech veneers, impregnated under vacuum with synthetic resin and densified under heat and pressure. Jabroc densified wood laminates are used in LNG tankers, LNG terminals as an insulator and in motorsports applications as skid plates.

EMI Supply Inc. is a stocking distributor of Jabroc in sheet sizes of 2000mm (78.74") x 1000mm (39.37") and in thicknesses ranging from 4mm (5/32") up to 25mm (1"). Additional sizes are available upon request. Lead times and minimums may apply. Machining and custom parts can also be made per customer prints.

For more information on EMI Supply Inc. and Jabroc view our website at: www.emisupply.com or call 866-721-3641

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[Via Automotive]

Insure4USA.com Launches Website to Provide Local Provider Comparisons

Insure4USA.com recently announced the launch of their new online service which provides individuals with fast, free insurance quotes from their local insurance representatives.

(PRWEB) November 29, 2008 -- Insure4USA.com recently announced the launch of their new online service which provides individuals with fast, free insurance quotes from their local insurance representatives. Unlike other websites that use nationwide services to fill customer insurance requests, Insure4USA.com aims to provide its users with results from insurance companies that the individual can meet with face-to-face.

Insure4USA.com
Insure4USA.com

Insure4USA.com aims to add a personal approach to the online insurance market
The Insure4USA.com website covers most insurance types with auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and home insurance being at the forefront of their services. Users simply enter their zip code and fill in a short survey based on the type of insurance they are interested in purchasing.

Auto insurance quotes are available on any vehicle type and rate comparisons are provided to make sure customers receive the best rates locally. In addition, all insurance types (auto, home, life and health) provide discounts that have been established through exclusive partnership programs between Insure4USA.com and local representatives.

"Insure4USA.com aims to add a personal approach to the online insurance market," founder Alex T. stated. "Unlike other services that provide a 1-800 phone number and a website for customers to contact, we provide a local address, a local phone number and even driving directions if they are needed."

It is this personal approach that both propels and separates Insure4USA.com from its much larger and less intimate competition. The company's goal in creating the website was to provide the possible customer-centered experiences in ways that matter to is user base.

"We realized early on that it's difficult to compete with monster-sized insurance company finders that aim to provide traffic to equally monster-sized insurance companies. So, we decided that we would work for the local insurance companies, the ones whose core values remained unchanged and whose customer service and personal approaches have kept them in business for decades," Alex T. added.

In the end, it is the customer who wins, both by receiving excellent rates on insurance and by being able to invest their resources locally with insurance companies that share the common goals of success with the customer.

About Insure4USA
Insure4USA has been offering free auto, health, home and life insurance quotes online since 2008. For more information, visit Insure4usa.com (http://www.insure4usa.com).

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[Via Automotive]

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Gains Popularity in New Jersey

Bernardsville Volkswagen plays a key role in generating awareness for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel.

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel has been named the Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.

Bernardsville, NJ (PRWEB) November 28, 2008 -- The Jetta TDI gains popularity in New Jersey. Bernardsville Volkswagen participated in Maplewood Green Day Fair and provided a 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel for display to raise green awareness. Morristown Fall Festival along with Maplewood Green Day Fair were the two events chosen in 2008, by Bernardsville VW, to raise public awareness for the new clean diesel.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Green Car of the Year
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Green Car of the Year

Since Bernardsville Volkswagen's involvement in these events, they have seen an increase in customer's awareness, along with a 30 percent increase in TDI sales.

"The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel has been named the Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal." The Green Car Program is the industry leading measure of environmental progress, focusing on technology and energy to identify the one vehicle that offers the most significant achievement in the area during the new model year. This is the first time a diesel model has won this prestigious award.

"Developed for the United States market, this engine meets the strictest emissions requirements in the world and has been approved for sale in all 50 states," including California, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Find more information go to Federal Tax Credit when you purchase a new clean diesel and common myths about the diesel engine.

About Bernardsville Volkswagen
Volkswagens have been sold at this location since 1952; that makes it one of the most recognized Volkswagen dealerships in the state of New Jersey. Under new ownership, since June of 1994, Bernardsville Volkswagen has become the largest Volkswagen dealer in New Jersey. August of 2006 marked another milestone; an expansion and a total makeover took place. With the owner's personal input on the design, the showroom has achieved that warm feeling and elegance not found in any other Volkswagen store. The state-of-the-art facilities have become a benchmark in comfort and convenience.

Bernardsville Volkswagen is centrally located on the border of Somerset County and Morris County, just 10 minutes south of Morristown, NJ. The three incentives that Bernardsville Volkswagen offers exclusively are Free Tires for Life, Free Loaner Cars with every service and Free maintenance on all 2009 models. Bernardsville Volkswagen's Service department consistently maintains their # 1 ranking in customer satisfaction throughout the entire state of New Jersey. Once you step into their state-of-the-art facility you will feel confident you've chosen the right dealer.

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[Via Automotive]

Door to Door - Buying a Car Doesn't Have to be a Chore

L.A. Car Connection Takes Service Seriously. During today's economy, one thing is for sure, L.A. Car Connection continues to sell and lease vehicles without any bumps in the road.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 28, 2008 -- From Hummers to Hybrids to Houseboats, no one has to travel farther than his driveway to purchase an automobile from L.A. Car Connection. As part of the deal, owner, Eric Brooks offers a "door to door" delivery service of any vehicle. L.A. Car Connection, Inc. (LACC), which began in 1993, is a professional new car buying and leasing service located in Westlake Village, California. The company is known for its stress-free alternative to purchasing a vehicle and has the ability to offer discount pricing not found at the retail level.

Eric Brooks is sought after by customers looking to buy or lease even in today's economy where the option to lease has been quoted as "dead" due to cut backs and market trends. Brooks has customized finance and leasing programs available for just about anyone, not to mention that door-to-door service that has kept celebrities and auto-enthusiasts coming back to LACC over and over again. Brooks and his team's customer service are known throughout Southern California and their reputation is quickly spreading to other states including Nevada, New Mexico and even Florida.

A broker like Brooks knows that his relationships with banking institutions and car retailers are the reasons why LACC has been so successful over the years. The company has the connections to find whatever vehicle someone desires and they hold an approval rating of 100%, so far. Brooks has generations of relationships for a reason: it is because he listens to the client and has an uncanny ability to recommend the right choice of vehicle based on the buyer's needs.

"We don't have customers, said Eric Brooks, owner of L.A. Car Connection. "We have life-long friends."

With LACC's thriving street cred, Eric's "friends" usually keep him on speed dial. If someone is interested in purchasing a car, they call L.A.'s best car connection, describe the kind of car they are looking for and then sit back and relax while LACC searches the world over to find it.

After the car is found, LACC offers aftermarket upgrades from custom colors, televisions, and DVD players to mobile offices equipped with a copy machine; Brooks understands the importance of personalized vehicles and works hard to deliver a one-of-a-kind spectacular upgrade every time.

The ease of car buying is all about the experience, right? Well, then L.A. Car Connection is driving in the right direction and if you want, right up to your door. That's what I call opportunity knocking.

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[Via Automotive]

Alpine Electronics Research of America Selects Birdstep's RDM Mobile Database.

Alpine Electronics Research of America Selects Birdstep's RDM Mobile Database for Prototyping of their Next Generation In-Car Navigation Product.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) November 28, 2008 -- Birdstep Technology (OSE: BIRD), which offers state of the art embedded database technologies, today announced that Alpine Electronics Research of America has selected RDM Mobile for prototyping of their next generation in-car navigation product.

Alpine Electronics Research of America prototyping effort will use RDM Mobile to manage navigation system content. "When managing the growing number of POIs, and then delivering this information to the consumer in the quickest and most accurate way possible, it is important to use efficient indexing methods that accommodate the highest degree of flexibility. With the unique offerings of the Raima Database Manager (RDM) Mobile product, we feel we will be able to prototype a competitive next generation in-car navigation solution to our OEMs and provide a higher degree of satisfaction to the end-user," says Masaki Motoyama Ph.D., Chief Engineer Navigation Development, adding "next generation navigation products are beginning to handle larger amounts of complex data and consumers are demanding more from their in-car systems. As time goes on, and the market continues to require greater functionality, Alpine Electronics Research of America is confident that Birdstep has a portfolio of solutions along with a very supportive engineering staff and professional services organization that will scale nicely to meet these ever-growing market requirements."

"Birdstep has been dedicated to producing solutions that allow our customers expanded flexibility in how they model their data. Traditional indexing methods and database architectures don't always work the best for unique requirements, such as you find in navigation applications. We feel that we have the right set of solutions to help solve complex problems found in many of today's deeply embedded automotive systems," commented Duncan Bates, VP of Product Management for Birdstep.

About The Raima Database Manager Family
Raima released the first version of the Raima embedded database in 1984. Since then the family has grown into three successful embedded database products. RDM Embedded pioneered the embedded market space under the name dbVista. Building on the success of RDM Embedded, Raima released the product in a client/server configuration under the name Velocis, now called RDM Server. Augmenting the two is RDM Mobile, ideally suited for consumer electronics and low cost mobile devices such as set-top boxes, mp3 players etc. Please find free SDK downloads of the RDM Products at http://www.raima.com/downloads/

About Birdstep Technology, Inc:
Birdstep Technology, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Birdstep Technology ASA, is a leading provider of high-performance embedded database solutions known as the Raima Database Manager product-line. Since 1984, the company has been focused on solving data management problems in a wide variety of verticals such as Mil/Aero, Telecom, Financial, Consumer Electronics, Medical, Industrial Automation, Business Automation and more. With over 20,000 application developers, resulting in over 20,000,000 deployments, Birdstep continues to lead in the worldwide demand for embedded database technology.

Contact:
Paul Johnson
Marketing Manager
Birdstep Technology
paul.johnson (at) birdstep.com
(206) 748-5300
http://www.raima.com

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[Via Automotive]

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Long Beach Mercedes-Benz Dealer Is Having A Party

Get A Sneak Peek At The New 2010 Mercedes GLK 350 And Enjoy An Evening Of Food And Music At Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach's Customer Appreciation Open House On Thursday, Dec. 11

Signal Hill, California (PRWEB) November 27, 2008 -- Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is inviting all Southern California residents to their Customer Appreciation Open House at their dealership on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.
   
"We have an all-new team in place, myself included, so we hope to meet as many people as possible," said Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach General Manager Ray Burke. "Please stop by and let us show you around our showroom and award-winning service department to see the finest Mercedes-Benz has to offer."
   
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting, imported cheese and live jazz. The highlight of the Open House will be the first look at the much-anticipated 2010 Mercedes GLK 350.
   
Available in January, the new Mercedes GLK 350 is a compact luxury SUV that fits any lifestyle. Its edgy yet efficient design allows the driver to take the tightest shortcuts, while on the inside, 54.7 cubic feet of space allows for ample room to haul everything needed even for the long way around.
   
Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach, located at 2300 E. Spring Street in Signal Hill, Calif., strives to offer the highest levels of service in all departments with competitive pricing. With a knowledgeable sales staff, factory-trained service and parts experts and a wide selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is committed to providing Southern California residents with a true Mercedes experience.
   
For more information about the Customer Appreciation Open House or the Mercedes GLK class, please call 888.894.0875 or visit mbzlongbeach.com.

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[Via Automotive]

Top Three Finalists Announced in RacingJunk.com 2008 Sponsorship Giveaway

Manny Chaides of El Paso, Texas, Ric Kole of Southington, Ohio and Ed Kowalcyzk of Gilbert, South Carolina have been named the top three finalists in the RacingJunk.com 2008 Give Back to the Racers Sponsorship Giveaway, sponsored by Snap-on. Raceway Media's RacingJunk.com, the world's largest online motorsports marketplace, presents the annual Sponsorship Giveaway contest as a way of giving back to the grassroots racers who are at the heart of its membership.

North Adams, MA (PRWEB) November 27, 2008 -- Chaides, Kole and Kowalczyk received the most votes from fellow RacingJunk.com members who chose their favorite racer from among the 2008 Giveaway's 30 weekly winners. To choose their favorite racer, RacingJunk members viewed all 30 weekly winners' profiles on RJ RaceSpace, the RacingJunk.com social networking site, where the contenders posted pictures of their cars and wrote statements about why they should win. The finalists' profiles can all be accessed from the Giveaway Finalists webpage on the RacingJunk.com site, located at http://www.racingjunk.com/2008_giveaway/voting.

The three finalists will now have to wait until December 12 to find out which one has won the $100,000 value Grand Prize, a 34-foot Haulmark stacker race trailer packed with custom storage and tools from Snap-on, plus racing equipment from our other Giveaway sponsors.

Chaides, Kole and Kowalczyk will be flown to Orlando, Florida to attend the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, where the Grand Prize, second and third place winners will be named. The second and third prizes are $15,000 and $10,000 racing equipment packages featuring product from Giveaway sponsors Snap-on, Goodridge, AutoMeter, Lincoln Electric, RH2Way, Barry Grant, Champion System, Molecule, Simpson, Safety Solutions, Holley, Nitrous Express and Mickey Thompson.

Finalist Manny Chaides of El Paso, Texas joined RacingJunk.com in 2007. A lifelong racer, Chaides has been away from racing while recovering from a neck injury, but hopes to return to the sport soon. Ric Kole of Southington, OH has been racing for over 20 years. He currently races a '66 Nova and has been a member of RacingJunk.com since 2004. Finalist Ed Kowalcyzk of Gilbert, SC has been a RacingJunk member since 2004. A racer for 44 years, he currently races a '41 Willys Coupe.

The winners will be announced at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 12 at an awards ceremony at the RacingJunk.com booth (#1169) at the PRI Show. Gavin Jerome, PINKS Track Announcer and Official Spokesperson for RacingJunk.com, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. In the meantime, plans for the 2009 Sponsorship Giveaway are well underway. The 2009 Giveaway will mark the third year running that RacingJunk.com has offered the Giveaway program to its members.

ABOUT RACEWAY MEDIA, LLC
Raceway Media, LLC, a Boxcar Media, LLC company, is a multimedia publishing firm serving the racing and performance enthusiast industries. It is a free "one-stop shop" for those looking to buy, sell, trade, entertain or interact with people throughout the automotive and motorcycle racing and performance communities.

The company's holdings include RacingJunk.com and MotorcycleAds.com, which together receive more than 70 million page views per month and have more than 310,000 members. Raceway Media also owns BoatingJunk.com, MuscleCarJunk.com, RacingJunkRides.com, RJRaceSpace.com and the recently launched CollectorCarNation.com. Raceway Media has also recently partnered with Snap-on to launch S-TECH (http://education.snapon.com), a social networking site and online community for current and prospective transportation technology students, their instructors and professionals in the field.

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[Via Automotive]

One of Cable Television's Longest Running Automotive Series Renews for a 6th Successful Season

WAS PRODUCTIONS announces its signature automotive series CHOP CUT REBUILD…with Dan Woods has been renewed for a 6th season with the FOX specialty network: SPEED Channel.

November 27, 2008 -- WAS Productions announces its signature automotive series Chop Cut Rebuild…with Dan Woods has been renewed for a 6th season with the FOX specialty network: SPEED Channel.

Production for the 6th season of the critically acclaimed, audience favorite automotive build and restore show Chop Cut Rebuild will begin this coming January, with new episodes scheduled to premier early next summer. Executive producer, Dan Woods applauded the work of Was Productions' staff and crew. Woods added, "We're thrilled to begin a sixth year with SPEED. We have enjoyed a great relationship with everyone at the network. They have helped shape and improve our series year after year. Our staff, sponsors, and viewers are testimony to the dedication we have enjoyed from the outset more than half a decade ago."

We're thrilled to begin a sixth year with SPEED. We have enjoyed a great relationship with everyone at the network. They have helped shape and improve our series year after year. Our staff, sponsors, and viewers are testimony to the dedication we have enjoyed from the outset more than half a decade ago.
Since 2004, Chop Cut Rebuild has delivered a team of hand-picked builders and technicians who bring exciting projects and enthusiastic insight in every episode. The series has developed into a cornerstone program and audience favorite for SPEED. WAS Productions is proud to be packaging thirteen new episodes for next season including the 100th episode in 2009. Woods commented, "Surpassing one hundred episodes is a milestone few in this industry have the luxury of achieving. It's going to be an exciting year."

The production company has begun selecting project vehicles for the new season. In past years the series featured shops and builders from San Diego to Allentown PA. Next season production will exclusively focus on high profile Hollywood car makers to deliver a west coast muscle theme.

It promises to be another great season of wrenching to the wire with Real Cars, Real Techs, and Real TV…with CHOP CUT REBUILD starting summer 2009 on SPEED. Catch the current season weekdays and on Saturday mornings during the Castrol Engine Block on SPEED.

visit:
www.http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/11/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/11/ccr.tv
www.speedtv.com

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[Via Automotive]

Cape Fox Professional Services Gets Additional $3.8 Million for Marine Corps Traffic Safety Program

The U.S. Marine Corps obligated Cape Fox Professional Services (CFPS) $3.8 million in funding to support its existing Navy and Marine Corps Traffic Safety and Recreational Off-Duty Safety Program (TS/RODS) contract. 25 Marines have been killed in motorcycle crashes since November 2007. The TS/RODS program was developed to significantly reduce deaths and injuries as a result of traffic and recreational accidents.

Manassas, VA (PRWEB) November 27, 2008 -- The U.S. Marine Corps obligated Cape Fox Professional Services (CFPS) $3.8 million in funding to support its existing Navy and Marine Corps Traffic Safety and Recreational Off-Duty Safety Program (TS/RODS) contract. The original five year contract was awarded to CFPS in September 2008.

Marine Corps motorcycle accidents have taken more lives in the past year than those lost in war zones. Twenty-five Marines have been killed in motorcycle crashes since November 2007, compared to the 20 Marines killed in Iraq in the same time frame.    

The TS/RODS program was developed to significantly reduce deaths and injuries as a result of traffic and recreational accidents. It is a comprehensive training program being implemented across all Marine Corps and Navy Installations worldwide. The current program includes training in basic, advanced, and sport-bike motorcycle safety; basic and advanced off-road vehicle safety; traffic safety and recreational safety. Behavioral modification training, motivational seminars and high-tech vehicle simulators are also integrated into the curriculum to help ensure all Marines and Sailors have the necessary skills to effectively and safely operate a vehicle and/or motorcycle.

Zack Sionakides, TS/RODS Program Manager for CFPS states, "CFPS is bringing years of safety experience to our partnership with the Marine Corps to aid them in reducing vehicular mishaps and fatalities. The Marine Corps has initiated revolutionary steps to reduce traffic and motorcycle mishaps with advanced training classes and behavioral modification courses. CFPS is proud to be on the front lines with the safety professionals of the Marine Corps to tackle this extremely important mission."

CFPS centrally manages and directs the administration of the TS/RODS Program which anticipates training tens of thousands of Marines and Sailors within the year.

Cape Fox Professional Services (CFPS) was certified for participation in the SBA 8(a) Program on November 12, 2003 as an ANC 8(a) and certified in December 2003 as a HUBZone Small Business. Today, CFPS provides value-driven advanced technology business solutions to public and private organizations. To learn more about CFPS, visit www.capefoxit.com.

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[Via Automotive]

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Lamenting Economic Solutions: Time to Return to Sound Money for Solid Economic Footing Says The John Birch Society

Americans seeking solutions to this disaster should be looking to the U.S. Constitution, says John McManus, president of The John Birch Society.

Appelton, WI (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 26, 2008 -- As the U.S. government shores up a failing economy by pumping in trillions of dollars, Americans need to be seeking alternative solutions to preserve a better future for upcoming generations. "Americans seeking solutions to this disaster should be looking to the U.S. Constitution," says John McManus, president of The John Birch Society and publisher of "The New American" magazine.

News Image

Americans seeking solutions to this disaster should be looking to the U.S. Constitution
The cover story of the November 24, 2008, issue correctly points out, "In a Free Market, Money Doesn't Grow on Trees." As stated in the article, "the key to restoring the economy to good health is to stop harming it … stop creating money out of thin air … allow market forces to set interest rates, and limit government to its proper constitutional size."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid recently said during the Congress' lame-duck session, "We are seeing a potential meltdown in the auto industry, with consequences that could directly impact millions of American workers and cause further devastation to our economy."

The possible devastation he mentioned should certainly be considered regarding inflation and deficit spending. Deficit-driven inflation impacts more than just workers, rather all current and future generations of Americans. Congressman Ron Paul predicted an automakers' bailout in September in a "U.S. News & World Report" blog. He noted, "Our policy is such that everybody gets bailed out. It's like a drug addict, they've got to take their fix. It's too tough getting off these drugs. And the drug here is easy credit."

Bailouts are a short-term fix, but their toll will be felt over the long term by taxpayers. Repayment of the debt, as well as higher prices and deteriorating standards of living, thanks to inflation, are assured results of creating billions of dollars backed by nothing.

Author of the 1993 "Financial Terrorism" that warned about deficits and inflation, McManus has written and narrated "Dollars & $ense," a new DVD that explains in clear terms such topics as money and inflation, free market economics, and sound currency. In the DVD, McManus points out that during his lifetime, the U.S. has gone from the greatest creditor nation with the most respected currency to the greatest debtor nation with an increasingly shunned currency. At the end of the DVD, McManus provides an avenue for establishing sound currency, including allowing competing currencies and abolishing the Federal Reserve.

McManus joined the staff of The John Birch Society in August 1966, and by 1991 was named its President and Publisher of its official magazine, "The New American." He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs and has written and produced numerous videos and DVDs, including the popular "Overview of America," a moving survey of America's remarkable roots. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Massachusetts. He served on active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years. For six years before accepting a staff position with the Society, he was employed as an electronics engineer.

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Appleton, Wis., The John Birch Society is dedicated to restoring and preserving freedom under the U.S. Constitution. Members come from all walks of life and are active throughout the 50 states on local, regional and national issues. United by a strong belief in personal freedom and limited government, plus a sense of duty, members have played a continuous and pivotal role in halting legislation and federal policies that threaten the independence of our country and the freedom of American citizens. Visit JBS.org for more information.

To interview John F. McManus regarding sound money and free market economic solutions, contact Bill Hahn, Public Relations Manager, The John Birch Society/ The New American 920-225-5606, bhahn @ jbs.org

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[Via Automotive]

Hypertherm's Powermax Showing Up on More and More Holiday Wish Lists

Hypertherm, the world leader in plasma arc metal cutting technology, is working with distributors nationwide to make sure store shelves are stocked with Powermax Plasma Cutters this holiday season.

Hanover, N.H. (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 26, 2008 -- Hypertherm, the world leader in plasma arc metal cutting technology, is working with distributors nationwide to make sure store shelves are stocked with Powermax Plasma Cutters this holiday season.

Hypertherm, Inc.
Hypertherm, Inc.

We know Hypertherm Plasma Cutters are a popular Gift choice among people who fix, restore, or customize cars, and farmers who need to repair equipment. Artists or people who enjoy various do-it-yourself projects involving metal also benefit from the Gift of plasma
"We know Hypertherm Plasma Cutters are a popular Gift choice among people who fix, restore, or customize cars, and farmers who need to repair equipment. Artists or people who enjoy various do-it-yourself projects involving metal also benefit from the Gift of plasma," said Reese Madden, Hypertherm's Powermax product manager. "This is why we are working now to make sure our distribution partners have enough units on hand to meet the increased demand we see this time of year."

Hypertherm is expecting increased demand for its Plasma Cutters because of the current economic environment and the savings associated with handling your own metal working projects, rather than sending the work out.

Two of the more popular systems on people's holiday Gift wish list are the Powermax30 and the newly introduced Powermax45. Weighing only 20 pounds, the Powermax30 is among the smallest handheld plasma systems on the market. It has a ¼" recommended cut capacity but is capable of cutting metal twice as thick when needed, which makes it a great choice for many DIY jobs. Another plus is the Powermax30's ability to adjust automatically to any incoming current from 120-to 230 volts, giving operators the ability to move easily from site to site.

Hypertherm's Powermax45 is another unit receiving lots of attention this holiday Gift season. This 37 pound system, with a recommended ½ inch cut and 1" severance capacity, delivers the perfect combination of power and portability. It is a great choice for use around the farm and for other jobs where a bit more cutting power is needed.

Both the Powermax30 and Powermax45 are available at gas and welding distributors nationwide. For help finding a distributor, please visit www.hypertherm.com or call 800-737-2978.

Hypertherm designs and manufactures the world's most advanced plasma cutting systems for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes handheld and mechanized plasma systems and consumables, as well as CNC motion and height controls. Hypertherm systems are trusted for performance and reliability that results in increased productivity and profitability for tens of thousands of businesses. The New Hampshire based company's reputation for plasma innovation dates back 40 years, to 1968, with Hypertherm's invention of water injection plasma cutting. The company, consistently named one of the best places to work in America, has more than 1,000 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.

Contact: Michelle Avila at 603-643-3441.

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[Via Automotive]

Wheel Rims Can Be Repaired!

Our vehicles endure a lot of wear and tear, especially certain areas of our vehicle. Areas like the bumper, the hood, the side mirrors, the windshield and our wheel rims. Our wheel rims encounter a lot each day and sometimes get scraped or scratched. It is important to keep our vehicles looking good and that means sometimes having to get auto body repairs. One auto body repair that you may need is wheel rim repair, and it is also one repair that you are surprised can be done.

Many times our vehicles wheel rims get damaged from parking curbs, taking corners to sharp on curbs, accidents and so forth. Most people do not realize that wheel rims can be repaired if they need straightening or are scratched or scraped. It is actually a fairly simple process. These are the steps you will take to get your wheel rims replaced.

First you will need to look for a qualified auto body shop to do the work for you. You will want to choose a shop that has a good reputation and that will give you a fair price. You will ask for an estimate, most times they will give you the estimate for free. You may want to ask to see the kind of work they produce to see that their quality matching with what you are expecting. You should look into a few shops before deciding which one is best for you and your vehicle.

Next they will schedule you a time to come in. They should tell you how long it will take to repair your vehicle ahead of time so you can prepare and make arrangements if needed. Most times wheel rim repair can be completed quickly so you may not necessarily need a rental. Then they will begin work on your vehicles wheel rims.

They first begin by inspecting the wheel rims looking for any bends or cracks. Any bends or cracks would get straightened before any other work would be done to them. You will want to make sure that they will complete the repair without the use of heat since that can compromise the temper or composition of the alloy wheel rim. If your wheel rims have scrapes or scratches they will clean and then sandblast the wheel rims. Once that is complete they will weld in any missing pieces. Then a top quality primer is applied to the wheel rims. After that they will color match the wheel rims with technology to ensure the color matches the other wheel rims, with two clear coats on top of the paint. Last it is cooked under a shortwave light to harden it and protect it from future damage. It comes out looking great! Most shops will give you a warranty on their work as well if there are any problems.

If your wheel rims are damaged you should definitely get wheel rims repair. Wheel rim repair is much cheaper than buying new rims and can be completed in a fraction of time as well!

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs

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Don’t Let Your Vehicle Fall Into a Recession Too!

Our economy keeps getting worse and worse, most say we are in a recession. In a recession the worst thing is that people stop spending money completely, which has a very negative effect on the economy as a whole. If people are not buying things they need less people to work in stores, restaurants and other retail or service businesses, which means more people get laid off. Which means less money being spent, and the cycle will continue. It has a downward spiral effect. The same thing will happen to your car if you don’t spend any money to repair it when it needs it. Your vehicle will feel some very negative effects. So, don’t let your vehicle fall into a recession too, get auto body repairs when they are needed.

Auto body repairs or automotive reconditioning is where your vehicles auto body is repaired by a skilled and trained professional. They use the existing materials and possible a few extra materials to repair your vehicles auto body rather than just replace it with new. Some repairs that can be completed are bumper repair, auto body repair, windshield repair, paint touch up, wheel rim repair, paintless dent removal, interior repair and more. The auto body repairs come out looking just as good and are just as safe as replacement. You can find an auto body repair shop around you with no problem, but you need to look for a few things. Make sure they have established a good reputation and make sure you are getting a good deal also.

Most people don’t get their vehicles auto body repaired because they think it costs too much money. What they don’t realize is that many auto body shops will work with your insurance and some will handle the whole process with your insurance company. But, more surprisingly is that most people don’t even use their insurance because the repairs are so affordable. Also most repairs are completed within just two to six hours, which means you shouldn’t need a rental at all or for very long so you will save money on that as well.

Also, what most people don’t realize is that by trying to save money and not get the repair done, they could be costing themselves more money in the end. Many times if you do not get an auto body repair completed in a timely manner you will be faced with more damage and more costly damage as your first auto body damage leads to more because you simply did not get it repaired. Also if you do not repair your vehicles auto body damage you are subtracting from your vehicles resale or trade in value, which will mean less money towards a new car and more money out of your pocket.

So, don’t let your vehicle fall into a recession along with the economy.

Take care of auto body repairs fast and keep more money in your wallet! Find an auto body shop to repair your vehicles auto body today.

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs

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What to do if Your Vehicle Has Damage From a Storm

So many states are being hit by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes and more. Those disasters usually bring damage to our homes and vehicles since unfortunately we do not all have the option to keep our vehicles covered or protected. Our vehicles can incur a lot of auto body damage from hail, water, or from the wind pushing other items on to your vehicles and causing damage. If your vehicle is damaged during a storm, what should you do to get it repaired?

You first need to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for any storm damage. They will let you know if and what they will cover. They will also tell you what your deductible is for the repairs. If you decide to use your insurance to help pay for the auto body repairs you will need to see if they require you to use certain repair shops or if you can just use one of your choice. You may be surprised to find that many times the repairs are quite affordable and most people do not even choose to use their insurance.

You will also need to decide whether you will be getting a repair or replacement. A repair is a great way to go since they take less time to complete and will cost much less as well. Auto body repairs that can be completed at most auto body shops include bumper repair, auto body repair, windshield repair, paint touch up, paintless dent removal, wheel rim repair, interior repair and much more. The repairs come out looking great in the end and it is hard to notice that there was damage to begin with. Also the repairs hold up safety wise just as good as the replacement does.

Your next step is to choose an auto body shop for the repair. It is important that you look around for an auto body shop that will produce the best quality work for your vehicle. You should start by asking around to check the reputation of auto body shops around you. Then you should visit them and see what kind of operation they are running and make sure you feel comfortable there and with the auto body repair specialist as well. You may also want to ask while you are there to see some examples of their work so that you can see the degree of quality they produce on their work. You also want to get a good deal, so get estimates from all the places you are considering especially since they are usually done for free. Also remember if you are using your insurance you need to check to make sure that they auto body shop accepts the insurance provider you are using.

You want to make sure that you take care of repairs quickly since many times unrepaired damage leads to more damage which means more money out of your wallet. So look for an auto body shop to repair your vehicles storm damage today.

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs

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Choose an Auto Body Shop That Gives Back!

Right now there are so many people, families and organizations that need help whether it be financially or supplies to be donated. Also right now there are businesses out there that can donate supplies or donate money or simply offer a discount to certain members of the community who need help. Also it is good to see how a business can help the community that they are doing business in. When looking for an auto body shop to use you do want to look for many other things but it would be great if you could choose an auto body shop that gives back to those who could use it so you can help as well by giving them business to be able to give back!

Of course you are going to look for an auto body shop that has a good reputation for producing good quality work. You are also going to choose an auto body shop that gives you a good deal or a fair price. However, you should add choose an auto body shop that gives back to the community and those in need. Here are a few ways that an auto body shop may give back to the community.

First they may offer a discount to senior citizens. Most times senior citizens are living on social security and really might not be able to afford to get their vehicles repaired when needed. So, the auto body shop may offer them a 5% or 10% or a dollar amount off services they receive. It may not seem like a lot, but it can really help them out.

Also, there are many military members or veterans who are struggling that could use a break as well. Also they are risking their lives every day so that we can have freedom and keep us safe in the U.S. they are definitely someone to give back too. So, the auto body shop may also offer a similar discount as for the senior citizens.

Another way is to sponsor groups, charities or schools in your area. They may be able to donate items, raise money for them, or donate money for them. They may even be able to let them come to their shop and set up a small event to raise money for their group, charity, or school similar to what the girl scouts do.

They may also be able to donate a portion of what you pay for repair to a reputable charitable organization. This is for your community and many others who are affected by hardships.

There are many different ways that an auto body shop can give back to the community and society as a whole and you can help. By choosing an auto body shop that does give back you know that you are also helping to support their efforts in giving back to your community where you live.

So, find an auto body shop that provides good quality work, will give you a good deal and that gives back to the community in some way!

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs

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Offer Perks For Your Customers at Your Franchise

Becoming a franchise owner is a great opportunity to own and operate your own business. Franchises are usually more successful than independently started businesses since they have already worked out the bumps along the way and have a working system in place. However that does not mean that you will not have to do work to make your franchise successful. You may even have to put some new systems and promotions in place for your franchise. To get new business and keep the current business takes work, one way to do that is to offer perks to customers new and current at your franchise!

There are many different types of perks you can offer at your franchise business, but here are few to start with:

First you can offer a referral perk. This is great because it gets new business in your franchise and gives back the current customer too! Usually how a referral perk works is where if a current customer refers so many people or maybe even just one (whatever you feel appropriate for your franchise) to your franchise for work they will get something in return. It may be something free or even discounted, make it worth it! Also for this to work you must be provided great customer service and also great quality work or a quality product.

You may also want to offer a perk to certain groups of people. For example you could offer a senior discount for those over a certain age, military discounts are always good, or even to police, firefighters or other community workers as you choose. Usually this is like a 5% or 10% discount or maybe something free with the purchase of something else. Again it really depends on the type of franchise what you would offer. This is not only great for those individuals who meet those requirements but is shows that you are giving back to the community in some way which looks good and should make you feel good as well.

You may even offer a perk for companies who work with you in your area and support your efforts. You may offer their employees something or a discount. Or you may work with the other company to provide benefits to their member as well if they are interested in using your services.

You may even choose to have a perk as simple as having a stamp card perk. This usually works where they get a stamp per something they purchase or a stamp per purchase amount. For example you get a stamp for each ten dollars you spend or a stamp for each pre designated item purchased. This is great because the customers are spending money to get the stamps but they still get something in return.

All of these perk suggestions are great to incorporate into your franchise business. You just need to find what will work for your franchise and your customers. These suggestions can lead to more business for your franchise which will lead to a more successful franchise!

About the Author

For more information on an automotive franchise, visit BumperDoc auto body franchise and start your path to business ownership.

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Is Window Tint For Your Vehicle?

With the cost of pretty much everything rising right now more people are not buying new vehicles. Instead they are adding to their current vehicles to make them worth more and more attractive. There are so many different things you can do to enhance your vehicle some of which are affordable and others not so much. If you are looking for an affordable way to improve your vehicles appearance and gain a few added benefits you should consider getting window tint for your vehicle. Find out if Window tint is for your vehicle.

Window tinting involves getting a professional to install a tinted film to your vehicles windows. There are different colors and shades of window tint. You could get them lightly tinted or dark tinted. However, before you get them tinted you will need to check your states laws on window tinting. Most states govern where and how dark of a tint you can have on your vehicle. The process is fairly quick usually taking about an hour to an hour and an half to complete. It is also very affordable especially compared to other upgrades available, usually costing around 100 to 200 dollars depending on what tint you get and what type of vehicle you own. You may make an appointment to get your vehicles windows tinted or walk in most places, however an appointment is suggested.

There are many great benefits to getting your vehicles windows tinted. First of all it is an upgrade to your vehicle so therefore it will add a little more value to your vehicle if you were to sell it or trade it in. It also just simply makes your vehicle look attractive, however there are still more benefits. Window tint also gives your vehicle added security and privacy. What a thief can see they can’t steal, not saying to leave all your valuable in your car but it is more secure. Window tint also makes driving conditions safer as it blocks a lot of sun and glare as well making it easier to see. You will also be keeping your vehicle cooler since the tint blocks much of the sun’s rays, which means a few good things. First of all you will be protecting your skin from exposure to the damaging rays. Second you will be protecting your vehicles interior from damage such as cracking and fading. Last and best you will save money on gas. Since your vehicle will already be cooler you air will not have to work as hard to cool your car down which will mean the use of less gas. How can you deny you and your vehicle these great benefits?

With all those great benefits at such a low price you clearly see that window tint is a great choice for every car! It is the best deal with the best benefits that you can get for your vehicle. So start looking for a window tint professional to install window tint on your vehicle today!

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from window tint to fixing the major auto body repairs

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Tips For Getting Your Vehicles Auto Body Repaired!

When your vehicle is in need of auto body repair you are already under a lot of stress. You trying to think of everything and hoping that your vehicles repair come out looking great. You have a lot to worry about so you should have something to help you as you prepare to get your vehicles auto body repaired. Here are a few tips for getting your vehicles auto body repaired.

First of all you need to be sure that you take the time to find a great auto body repair shop. You must find a shop that has a good reputation, so ask around and see what you find out about auto body shops near you. Also you should get a good feeling from the auto body repair specialist as well, so if you get a bad feeling move on. You can and should ask to see examples of work they have completed so that you can see for yourself their standards of workmanship. You also want to make sure that you are getting a good deal. Most auto body shops will give you an estimate for free, so ask for one from each shop you are considering. If you are going to be using insurance to help pay for the repair you must ask if they work with the insurance provider before you get the work done. After all this research you will move to the next step.

Once you have found the auto body shop that will work for you, your vehicle and your budget you will want to set up a time to get your vehicles auto body repaired. Before you set up a time you should ask the auto body repair specialist how long they will be working on your vehicle so you can plan for it. Some auto body repairs take more time than others. Once you set up the time you are on your way to a great looking vehicle. However you may need a rental car depending on your situation. Be sure to ask if they offer any discounts on rentals at nearby rental facilities that way you can save a little money. Plan on a little set back when getting your vehicle auto body repaired. They may have told you a 4 hour time frame, but may tell you they are running a little behind. Things can come up while repairing your vehicle that they might not expect. It will reduce the amount of stress you encounter if you simply just plan for a little delay. Once your auto body repair is complete they will usually contact you to let you know and you will be able to go pick up your vehicle. Usually when it comes to auto body repairs they can be completed in a way that it is not even visible that there was ever any damage to your vehicles auto body.

Follow these tips to getting your vehicles auto body repair and you will find that auto body repairs can really get your vehicle to look great!

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs

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Your Vehicle Can Look Like New With Auto Reconditioning!

Many car owners lead a very busy life, which means that usually something gets a little neglected. Most of the time that something that gets neglected is their vehicles. Our Vehicles are very important to most car owners since they get us to all the places we need and want to go. But usually that is the one thing that we say we will tend to later, but somehow later never comes. The end result is usually a vehicle that is in less perfect condition and we are unhappy with. So, if your vehicle has suffered a little due to lack of time or whatever else you can do something about it. Find out how your vehicle can look like new with auto reconditioning.

Auto reconditioning is also known as minor auto body repair. A skilled auto body reconditioning specialist will use the latest skills and practices to repair your vehicle using the materials already on your vehicle. Usually the repairs are completed within two to six hours, which is not a lot of time considering the work that can be completed. Also most repairs are affordable, and most shops will even work with your insurance as well. Auto reconditioning encompasses body and paint repair, dent removal, scratches to the paint, interior repair, glass repairs and much more. You may be surprised just how great of a job they can do with your vehicle.

A preview of some services that are offered are paintless dent removal, interior repair, paint touch up, auto detailing, wheel rim repair, windshield repair, bumper repair, auto body repair, headlight restoration, and more. Some auto reconditioning shops will even offer additional services that will protect your vehicle from further damage like window tint and the 3M clear bra.

The first step to take is to find an auto reconditioning shop that produces a good quality work and also has a fair price to go along with that. You will want to make sure that you choose shops that have established a good name for themselves. Also you should feel comfortable with the auto body specialists who work there. If you get a bad feeling don’t choose that shop. You can get estimates for the work at all the shops, they are usually free. You can get the estimate in person, by phone and sometimes online. Once you have decided which shop you want to use they will set up a time for you to come and get started working on your vehicle.

Most times when you get your vehicle back after auto reconditioning it is nearly impossible to tell that there was ever damage in the first place. You will be impressed with what they can do using the latest skills and a few materials, if any.

So, your vehicle can look like new with auto reconditioning which will save you thousands by not buying a new vehicle! Find an auto reconditioning shop that can get your vehicle looking its best for you in no time today!

About the Author

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs

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Before You Leave On That Road Trip: Making Sure Your Car Is Ready

A big road trip is looming in the future. Can you be sure that your car is ready? Before you head out on the open road, there are some important safety checks you need to make. After all, nothing would ruin a vacation faster than serious car trouble on your way to your destination!

On Month Before Leaving

Preparing for a car trip starts long before you are ready to go. About a month before you are ready to leave, there are some steps you need to take. First, you need to complete any major repairs that are needed on the vehicle. Often repairs lead to the discovery of more problems, and you want to be sure that your car is in the best shape possible before you take a long trip.

If you are traveling in the summer or headed somewhere that is significantly warmer than your home, have your coolant checked. If you are traveling where it will be below freezing, make sure the coolant has the proper amount of antifreeze in it. Change the coolant if it needs to be changed.

This is also the time to check your tires. Do a tread check by placing a penny in the car's tread, with President Lincoln's head pointed down and facing you. If you can see the entire head, the tread is too worn and you need to replace your tires. While this might seem like a very big expense, worn tires can burst while driving, which can be a very dangerous situation. Also, make sure your spare is inflated and that you have the necessary tools to change a tire if needed, such as a jack and a wrench.

This is also a good time to spring for a brake inspection. Brakes that fail can cause serious accidents, and often something as simple as replacing the brake pads can keep your family much safer. It is better to know now that something is wrong with your brakes, rather than finding out as you are driving.

Finally, check the glove box for the car's owner's manual, insurance card, and registration. If any of these items are missing, request them. You can order a manual from the car's manufacturer, or you may be able to download it online. If your insurance or registration is going to expire while you are on your trip, renew it before you leave.

The Week You Leave

When you are getting closer to the time of your departure, head to the mechanic to have an oil change done along with any other routine maintenance that is due on the vehicle. You may wish to schedule a full tune up. You want your car to be running as efficiently as possible before you head onto the open road. Check the pressure in the tires and double check the tread. Make sure the air filter is clean, because a dirty air filter will reduce your gas mileage. If the air filter has been in the car for 10,000 or more miles, go ahead and change it, even if you do not think it looks dirty.

Now you need to clean out the interior of your car. You need room for your luggage, and anything that you do not need simply adds weight to the vehicle, which cuts down on your gas mileage. Some things you should not remove, however, are your first aid kit and emergency supply stash. Make sure these are well stocked. However, if you are not going to be in cold weather, you can remove the winter emergency kit from the car, if you have one. Don't get the car washed or vacuum the interior yet, however, because you still have a week to get it dirty again.

If you do not have an atlas, buy a good one. If you do have one and it is old, replace it. GPS systems and map printouts are great, but an atlas is one tool that you can rely on even if the electronics stop working. Also, you may be forced to take a detour, either due to construction or because you want to see some sights, and your printed maps or GPS may not help in this situation, as they are going to show you the shortest possible route to your destination.

The Day Before Departure

The day before you are scheduled to leave, you need to check the tire tread and the tire pressure again. Tires are not something to leave to chance, so make sure they are in good shape before you leave! Check the owner's manual to see if your vehicle has separate tire pressure recommendations for heavy loads or high speeds, both of which probably apply to you as you prepare for your trip. If you need to make an adjustment, do so when you fill up, which is another thing you can do the night before you leave. Then you have one less thing to do on your way out of town the next day.

Packing up to Leave

On the day of departure, think carefully about where you pack your items in your vehicle. The heavier items should be placed as far forward as possible. Also, try to keep the load level. Make sure that you do not overload your vehicle. Remember, every vehicle has limits. These tips will help to increase your fuel economy as you drive. It will also keep your family safer if you should run into inclement weather along the way. A car that is packed unevenly is more prone to spinning off of the road and does not get good gas mileage.

With these tips, your family will be as safe as possible on your next road trip. Remember, you cannot plan for the unexpected, but you can be as prepared as possible for whatever comes your way. Preparing your car is not just a good idea, but it is also essential to enjoying your vacation free from worry and hassle.

About the Author

Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of MyAutoMarket, a popular automotive parts and accessories website.

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Plastic Bed Liners For Your Truck - Better 4 Ways

Plastic bed liners may be better for your truck than an expensive spray on liner. Not just because they're cheaper either.

Pickup truck bed liners are one of the best ways to keep your truck looking good. You can choose from several types of liners. Plastic bed liners may be the best choice if you really use your vehicle for serious hauling. If you only haul groceries, any liner will do or maybe you don't even need a bed lining. Often the spray on liner is considered the top choice and they have several advantages. But plastic truck bed liners may be better sometimes and here's why.

No more dents.

Nothing makes a pickup bed look much worse than a lot of dents and dings. And some kinds of hauling just produces dents. It's almost impossible to avoid. Here's where plastic linings really shine. One of these liners is almost impossible to dent. Just the thickness and weight of a good liner is a clue about how tough these liners are. Plastic tough liners absorb shocks that would damage lesser materials. Now the best spray on liners absorb a lot of damage, but they're more rubbery and not as hard and tough as plastic.

No more scrapes.

The other way to destroy a truck bed is with scrapes and scratches. Of course this kind of damage is bad enough, but the damage is a place for rust to get a start. Rust is the real killer. And unless you keep scratches repaired, you'll get rust. A great plastic lining will eliminate scratches from any kind of cargo. Think about concrete blocks. No way you can avoid bed damage if you haul a few concrete blocks without a liner. And remember a spray on liner may keep gouges from reaching the bed. But that doesn't mean the expensive liner doesn't get scarred up. So a damaged spray on bed liner must be repaired or you live with the damage.

Good looks.

Which leads to the looks factor. A pickup just doesn't look right without a bed liner. A custom drop in liner looks just as good as a spray on liner. But of course the spray liner is permanent. That isn't all good since normal wear and tear may make your liner look shabby over time. With a plastic bed liner, abuse it all you want and just pull it out and slip in another at any time.

Cheap is good.

Replacing a plastic liner isn't such a big deal, since they're so much cheaper than a spray on liner. The price may be half or less than a spray liner. These liners are cheap protection for your truck bed and easy to maintain or replace. You have a couple of different types to choose from too. The most common drop in bed liners are one piece, custom made to fit a particular truck model. A really good alternative to the one piece model is a custom multi-piece liner. These liners have separate pieces for the bottom, sides, front and tail gate. You get a great fit, an even better custom fit than with a one piece unit. Plus the multi-piece plastic bed liner is easier to ship and still is quick to install and tough too.

A plastic bed liner is a great alternative to a spray on bed liner. Protect your bed from dents and scrapes. Do it a lot cheaper than many other liners too. A multi-piece unit is also easy to ship and fits even better than the one piece units.

Puzzled about choosing a truck bed liner? Need more information? Visit our site for tips about plastic truck bed liners.

About the Author

Al Bullington is a retired auto industry engineer who writes about trucks and truck projects. Puzzled about choosing a truck bed liner? Need more information? Visit our site for tips about plastic truck bed liners. We invite you to visit http://www.BedLinerForTrucks.com for answers to your truck bed liner questions.

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Bruce Schuetz of Overland, Missouri Named 2008 TECH-NET Professional Auto Service� / ASE Technician of the Year

Bruce Schuetz of Len's Auto Repair in Overland, Missouri has been named the TECH-NET Professional Auto Service® / ASE Master Automotive Technician of the Year for 2008.

Religh, NC (PRWEB) November 26, 2008 -- Bruce Schuetz of Len's Auto Repair in Overland, Missouri has been named the TECH-NET Professional Auto Service® / ASE Master Automotive Technician of the Year for 2008. He was selected for the award after meeting the criteria set by CARQUEST®.

Schuetz has been an ASE Master Technician for 30 years and Ford factory trained technician for 20 years. For the past two years he has been employed by Len's Auto Repair.

Being a technician is a challenge every day, doing a quality job and being a craftsman at your work is fulfilling
"Being a technician is a challenge every day, doing a quality job and being a craftsman at your work is fulfilling," said Schuetz. "ASE certification gives all technicians the recognition we deserve and the chance to test our knowledge."

Len's Auto Repair is a member of TECH-NET Professional Auto Service, an elite performance network, where independent service facilities share common goals of being world-class automotive service centers. Membership in TECH-NET is reserved only for the best professional independent automotive service facilities across North America that adhere to the strictest standards set forth by CARQUEST.

"Len's Auto Repair and Bruce Schuetz share a dedication to the industry and community that make them ideal members of TECH-NET," said Mike DeSorbo, vice president customer solutions for CARQUEST. "Adding Bruce's name to the list of TECH-NET/ASE Technician of the Year winners only confirms how far one must strive in automotive service excellence to become a winner of this award."

As the winner of the 2008 TECH-NET / ASE Technician of the Year, Mr. Schuetz will receive more than $20,000 worth of prizes. He will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the ASE Board meeting where he will be presented with a trophy and gold ring, and will join the membership of the CARQUEST Advisory Council. In addition, he will be honored as the co-Grand Marshal of the 2009 CARQUEST 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Charlotte, N.C.

About CARQUEST
CARQUEST Auto Parts has more than 3,400 locations throughout North America. It is the premier supplier of replacement products, accessories, supplies and equipment for virtually all makes and models of automobiles, as well as light and heavy-duty trucks, off-road equipment, buses, recreational vehicles and agricultural equipment. Additionally, CARQUEST distributes and sells tools, equipment, chemicals, paint and accessories. For more information, please visit CARQUEST.com.

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[Via Automotive]

Professional Resume Writing - The Holiday Gift that Keeps Giving Forget 'Black Friday' Malls, Long Lines, and Traffic -- Give Thoughtful and Economical GoodResume.com Gift Certificates as Holiday Gifts.

Realizing the increase in demand for resume writing services, Steven M. Kendus, owner of GoodResume.com, suggests that holiday shoppers consider giving professional resume writing gift certificates this holiday season.

Wilmington, DE (PRWEB) November 26, 2008 -- Realizing the increase in demand for resume writing services, Steven M. Kendus, owner of GoodResume.com, suggests that holiday shoppers consider giving professional resume writing gift certificates this holiday season.

"Rather than wasting time shopping for boring holiday gifts that will probably be returned anyway, give that special someone the holiday gift that keeps giving - a professionally written resume from GoodResume.com," states Kendus. "Today's economy is forcing a lot of people out of their jobs, so a quality resume is a practical and thoughtful gift that will pay dividends for years to come."

GoodResume.com, established in 1993, offers professional, top-quality resume writing services that enable all types of job seekers to stand out from the crowd. With resume writing packages starting at $150, GoodResume.com gift certificates are economical gift choices for recent graduates, laid off financial and auto workers, and any member of the workforce who is looking for a job change.


About Steven M. Kendus

Steven M. Kendus is a written communications expert with more than 20 years of marketing and technical writing experience and more than seven years of executive management experience in software- and Web-oriented environments. Mr. Kendus founded The Writer's Block - GoodResume.com in 1993, and has assisted organizations in enhancing their productivity and identity through marketing, corporate communications, and employee education.

In addition to writing over 500 professional resumes for an array of clients, he has authored the book Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting, written various technical documents and newspaper articles, and has assisted large-scale companies and smaller, nonprofit organizations with their technical and marketing writing needs. Mr. Kendus served as vice president of marketing for QED Financial Systems; manager of technical education and corporate communications for Integrated Software Solutions, Inc.; director of product communications for eCal Corporation; senior technical writer for EXE Technologies; and training program designer for The Bank of New York (Delaware).

Mr. Kendus has a Bachelor of Arts in English - Business and Technical Writing from the University of Delaware and a certificate in Web design from the Delaware College of Art and Design. He is a senior member of the Society for Technical Communication.

Contact:
Steven M. Kendus
302.562.8996

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[Via Automotive]

BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com Offers New Lines of Truck Tool Boxes

The online retailer, BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com, has added a wide variety of new truck tool boxes to their selection, including tool boxes from the Owens Garrison series, Scout series, and Extreme Truck series.

Clifton, NJ (PRWEB) November 26, 2008 -- Getting the right tool box for your truck is important. That is why the popular truck accessories online retailer, BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com, has expanded its selection of truck tool boxes to include high end lines such as Owens Garrison, Scout, and Extreme Truck, among others.

"If you are shopping for a tool box for your truck, you don't want to have to check a million different sites before you find the model and the price you are looking for," said Bob Moore, marketing manager of BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com. "We want our online store to be the only place you have to check, which is why we have substantially added to our selection."

If you are shopping for a tool box for your truck, you don't want to have to check a million different sites before you find the model and the price you are looking for
Truck tool boxes offered by BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com include popular models such as the Owens Scout series gull wing crossover tool box with a diamond tread finish. Crossover tool boxes are models that reach from side to side across the bed, usually right behind the cab. Gull wing refers to the type of model that opens on both sides, with the lid hinges toward the middle, so that the open lids look like a gull's wings.

Aluminum tool boxes are also popular. This sturdy, lightweight metal resists rust and corrosion, and can withstand the beatings a truck tool box gets from daily use.

Other popular styles and models include single lid crossover tool boxes, which also extend the full width of the truck bed, but have a single lid that opens all the way across the top; sidemount tool boxes, which mount along each side of the truck bed, perpendicular to the back of the cab; wheel well tool boxes, which are designed to make the most of the space around the wheel wells; and toolbox chests and tote tool boxes, large sturdy truck tool boxes that are not necessarily mounted to the truck bed.

"The more choices our customers have, the happier they are with their shopping experience on our website," Moore said. "We want to make sure we have exactly what our customers are looking for."

For more information about BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com's selection of Owens Garrison, Scout, and Extreme Truck tool boxes, please visit www.BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com.

About BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com
With easy online ordering and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com offers a satisfying shopping experience for all car and truck enthusiasts. The online retailer's wide selection of automotive, SUV and truck accessories include the top brands and models of truck tool boxes, cab guards, and other equipment for work or play. For more information or to browse accessories for your vehicle, please visit www.BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com.

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[Via Automotive]

50,000 Used Equipment Adverts on Mascus

Mascus, the Pan European on-line marketplace for used equipment and transportation vehicles passed the amount of 50 000 adverts on its pages

London, UK (PRWEB) November 26, 2008 -- More used machines and trucks for sale than ever

Mascus, the first Pan European electronic market place for used transportation vehicles, construction, agriculture, forest and groundscare machines and material handling equipment has reached the outstanding number of 50,000 adverts on its pages. From the beginning of November, buyers of used equipment can browse from more than 50,000 ads of used tractors, trucks, harvesters, forklifts, backhoe loaders, excavators, and forest or groundscare machines from various locations all over Europe. In addition, the number of dealers placing ads on Mascus has been constantly growing. Currently the marketplace reports to have more than 1800 advertising dealers from all over Europe and even Asia and North America. "We have been very glad to see that more and more dealers have appreciated our products. We help our customers sell. Nowadays, everybody is on Mascus, we have customers from various countries and continents." says, Rickard Petersson, Mascus Sales Director.

We have been very glad to see that more and more dealers have appreciated our products. We help our customers sell. Nowadays, everybody is on Mascus, we have customers from various countries and continents.
Excellent purchase opportunities for buyers of used equipment

Additionally to the growing number of used equipment and trucks, the amount of buyers visiting the electronic marketplace has doubled year to year. For October, the marketplace accounts to have had over half a million monthly unique visitors on the site and this number continue to grow continuously.
"Buyers of used equipment simply know that Mascus offers diverse selection of used machinery available in various conditions, from different dealers. Buyers can always find the right machine for sale on our e-marketplace, from local or international markets. " says Tomasz Odrobinski, Marketing, / Internationalization Director. "In addition, our teams all over Europe do great job to constantly promote Mascus on fairs and events. We have been present on every major European event for 2008." he adds.

More opportunities to buy and sell on Mascus

"Our success lies on our multi-local concept." says Robert Tate, UK and Ireland country manager. "I constantly receive calls from new customers from Ireland and UK, because they know that via Mascus they can reach buyers from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and even Africa, without having to speak another language."
In addition to the constantly growing number of ads, advertisers and visitors, the marketplace invest in improving its products and services to further help its customers manage and promote their used machines on stock.

Contacts:
Robert Tate, Mascus UK & Ireland Region Manager, +44 (0) 7970 23 00 55,
Rickard Petersson, Sales Director, + 46 70 660 2780,
Tomasz Odrobinski, Internationalization / Marketing Director, + 358 40 750 4922,

About Mascus:
Mascus - Is an electronic marketplace for used and agricultural equipment, forestry, and groundscare equipment and transportation vehicles. Product ranges include used tractors, used trailers, used trucks, diggers, box trailers, and excavators. Mascus makes trading in used machinery and equipment quicker and more efficient by collecting in one place information about the supply and the demand. All dealers, producers, and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and equipment for sale via the marketplace.

Mascus is a trading company of Alma Media Corporation.

Press materials and pictures:
English www.mascus.co.uk/press

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[Via Automotive]

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

See The New 2009 E320 Bluetec At Merecedes-Benz Of Long Beach

A Clean Diesel With All The Power

Signal Hill, Calif. (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is inviting all Southern California residents to come in and check out the new 2009 E320 BlueTEC Sedan.

"The 2009 E320 blends fuel efficiency and low noise, without sacrificing the power," said General Manager Ray Burke. "It has uncompromising performance, safety and luxury."

Starting at an MSRP of $53,775, the E320's V-6, 3.0-liter, 24-valve engine delivers a full 210-horsepower with 32 miles per gallon highway. This combined with its 7-speed automatic transmission, Touch Shift technology and acceleration rate of 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds makes the E320 a pleasure to drive.

The breakthrough BlueTEC technology in the E320 reduces soot and harmful emissions but still delivers an amazing amount of horsepower. Through the use of Selective Catalytic Reduction and DeNOx, catalytic converters successfully reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides. The result is simply the cleanest production diesel engine available.

The E320 is also equipped with the all-new COMAND System, which allows for hands-free calling and optional navigation functions. With this option you can choose music tracks, change stations, adjust the volume as well as make calls and get directions to your final destination. Beyond traditional music sources, there is also the choice for SIRIUS Satellite Radio and an SD memory card slot to take your driving experience to the next level.

Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach, located at 2300 E. Spring Street in Signal Hill, Calif., strives to offer the highest levels of service in all departments with competitive pricing. With a knowledgeable sales staff, factory-trained service and parts experts and a wide selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is committed to providing Southern California residents with a true Mercedes experience. For more information, please visit mbzlongbeach.com.

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[Via Automotive]

Vehicle Tracking Systems Explained

The main use of vehicle tracking systems is to be able to identify quickly and easily the exact location of a vehicle. The technology has developed and expanded in recent years which means that the satellite systems that vehicle tracking relies upon can be accessed almost anywhere. The devices are used in a variety of ways, including as an addition to vehicle anti theft security and as a monitoring tool, which allows the monitor to track the movements and current whereabouts of any vehicle that is linked in to their system.

The anti-theft vehicle tracking systems are one of the more complicated versions 24 hours a day as part of the service. Essentially if a vehicle fitted with one of of the technology and normally needs to be manned by the supplying company these systems were stolen then it would be possible to track it as a result of the signal that the device sends out via satellite. The police in conjunction with the company that supplied the device would be able to see on a computer screen the whereabouts of the vehicle clearly making retrieval of the vehicle more likely before it is damaged or hidden and reused in some way. More advanced systems allow you to immobilise vehicles remotely to further enhance security.

Some of the more complex systems are based on the same basic principle but have a greater range of sophisticated applications, which can allow a monitor with access to the control centre exact ongoing information on the location and movements of a vehicle including what speed it is doing. The control centre from which vehicle movements can be observed is basically a computer screen. Monitoring information can be viewed on any computer or laptop anywhere so long as there is Internet access and the user has the necessary web information. This clearly has significant implications for how the technology can be used.

As well as its value to the police or other security services, the main users of the technology are vehicle dependant businesses for whom it can be very beneficial to be able to keep track of the whereabouts of a number of vehicles simultaneously. This allows the business owners or managers an ongoing and instant overview of how their business is running which is otherwise a much more difficult, time consuming and expensive process involving endless time on mobile phones. Employers can review overtime hours, taking waiting times into consideration.

There are a number of business advantages to the overview that vehicle tracking systems provide, particularly in relation to the efficiency of operations. The monitoring of driver habits will provide clarity on which staff are working most efficiently in terms of the routes they take and the stops they make; once this is noted quicker routes can be sought and unnecessary stops eliminated where necessary in order to reduce fuel costs and increase productivity. Knowing exactly who is where when also means that accurate information can be given to customers as to the whereabouts of the driver they are expecting, should they need to know.

The easy availability of technological monitoring systems is on the increase, and it would seem that there is little doubt that vehicle tracking systems will improve vehicle security and can be an invaluable source of information to vehicle dependent businesses on many levels. The levels of sophistication can vary so look at what features you actually need before you buy anything.

About the Author

Kent Stabler – Marketing Manager – Chameleon Direct are suppliers of gps fleet management systems, hands free car kits and speed camera detector equipment. With over 1 Million UK customers Chameleon Direct they also provide hands free installation services.

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Get the Most Out of Your Truck With Truck Accessories

With the sudden and dramatic rise in gas prices this year, it has brought home with stunning vividness the fact that it can be very expensive to enjoy the convenience and usefulness of owning a truck. However, many of us still need our trucks for work, family obligations, and for the necessary recreation that makes all the workaday drudgery we endure worth it. If you are a truck owner right now, then you need to get the absolute most out of that truck to not only increase its value with things like chrome grille inserts, but also expand the range of functions that it can perform. From heavy-duty shocks for driving off-road inaccessible areas, to high-intensity lamps for assistance while driving, the uses for additions to your vehicle are endless.

Even with all of the options offered by manufacturers that you can get from a dealer; there are still things that you might need that your dealer doesn't carry. Oftentimes dealer's prices are expensive and other retailers might be less expensive if you order them direct. However, you must do your research. Many experts have suggested that those in the market to purchase vehicles should research the pros and cons of buying base models vs. customization. While additions to your vehicle can modify your vehicle to fit your own unique, personal needs, it can also become costly. It can get addicting to add so many cool additions to your truck, so be sure you research what you truly want and what you truly need. Ask yourself, do I really need flashing lights on my truck? Or would I be better off buying a tonneau cover to help my gas efficiency? These questions are important.

You can also extend your truck's range with additional fuel tanks, fuel transfer tanks, cold air intakes and the like. With the addition of certain accessories for your truck, you don't have to settle for the low gas mileage that your truck has when it rolls off the assembly line. These days you can get a great deal on a truck just due to the simple fact that demand is low. You don't have to be picky about what extras the vehicle has. Get online and find those items that you call for instead of searching around for the perfect truck to fit your needs. In fact, given the wide range of products that are currently available, there is practically no end to the number of extras you can find that will make your truck so much more useful, beautiful, and efficient.

In the future more and more people will start to add those items that your dealer hasn't. Your truck won't just be your mode of transportation; it will also be your home-away-from-home on the road with expanded navigational, communication, and entertainment features. Automotive manufacturers are already looking at adding features like mini-refrigerators and microwaves to make it more convenient to travel in your truck, especially if you have to put in long hours at work or for those long distance trips to your favorite leisure destination. With the entertainment additions there is no more crying from the backseat are we there yet? Customizing your vehicle to become more efficient for your business or family will only get better as time progresses. Keep an eye out as new products are released.

If you're a pet owner, then you have a lot of items to choose from to make traveling with your dog or cat a lot more convenient and comfortable. Companies offer everything from dog and cat boxes to cargo liners and pet partitions, heavy duty floor mats and floor guards to help keep your pet safe and keep your truck clean for those times when your pet has an accident while traveling. The last thing you want is to be stuck re-carpeting or reupholstering your vehicle.

The benefits of truck accessories will remain constant year after year, but the important thing to remember is to get the right fit for you. Do your research and think through your investment. You'll ultimately have the truck you've been dreaming of.

About the Author

Buy Auto Truck Accessories offer great products for truck enthusiast looking to customize their ride. They offer truck accessories from hood ornaments to tonneau covers. For more information please visit BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com.

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GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems

GPS vehicle tracking systems are a handy piece of technology that can provide a range of information and security benefits for users. After being fitted to a vehicle a tracking device is then able to emit signals via satellite systems, which can be viewed on computer screens with the aid of the Internet.

The implications of this type of technology are wide ranging for security services and anyone who needs to monitor information on vehicle movements. As an anti-theft device for a vehicle it is a huge leap forwards and similarly as a monitoring system for detailed vehicle movements there is not really a comparable precedent.

To be able to instantly locate a vehicle through a vehicle tracking system, and with some of the more sophisticated systems to be able to see on a computerised map its current movements, has until relatively recently been the stuff of James Bond films and the like. In recent years technology of this type has become available and affordable to everyone from individuals to security services and businesses.

As a system to increase the security of vehicles against theft it can be used to recover stolen vehicles or to demobilise a vehicle when not in use. At a simple level if a stolen vehicle needs to be found then a tracking device will allow the police, in tandem with the system providers, to discover exactly where the vehicle is. More sophisticated systems can allow a vehicle to be mobilised or demobilised remotely from a computer screen.

The systems involved in vehicle tracking range in sophistication with some now being able to provide an increasing range of information. The use of GPS tracking systems by businesses that own multiple vehicles is a fast growing area of the use of the technology. It is invaluable for a business to know instantly where those vehicles are, what they are doing and to some extent being able to control them remotely. The anti-theft security systems mentioned above are immensely useful, as some of the more sophisticated systems would allow a user to demobilise a fairly large number of vehicles remotely, thus protecting them from theft or any other unauthorised use.

In the realms of business efficiency, staff that are mobile and drive around have been impossible to monitor effectively until the advent of this type of GPS technology. Now businesses can directly observe driver habits including the efficiency of their working methods, whether they are wasting time or not and also in terms of the details of their actual driving. It is possible for example to see whether they are speeding or not. This type of information can both increase efficiency and productivity of staff as well as monitoring their safety and wellbeing.

To be able to gain information of the whereabouts of a vehicle at the tips of your fingers is clearly the main advantage of GPS technology. For those with in need of advanced vehicle security and/or for those with vehicle dependent businesses, GPS technology offers new possibilities of relieving old headaches associated with those areas.

About the Author

Kent Stabler – Marketing Manager – Chameleon Direct are suppliers of vehicle tracking systems, gps vehicle tracking devices, hands free car kits and speed camera detector equipment. With over 1 Million UK customers Chameleon Direct they also provide hands free installation services.

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Advanced Technology Helps Make Today’s Vehicles Safer

Envelope-pushing automotive engineers and suppliers continue to help vehicle manufacturers make vehicles safer by providing a complete portfolio of active and passive safety products that are being continually improved through engineering design innovation.

It's been two decades since automotive engineers tackled the challenge of converting very expensive, low-volume, military aerospace radar systems into less expensive, high-volume radar for passenger cars. This hard work is now paying off and consumers will benefit as automakers manufacture vehicles with more safety features.

Many of these sophisticated systems will be on the road soon, including a new generation of radar sensors used for smart or adaptive cruise control, pre-crash mitigation with autonomous brake assist, pedestrian detection and collision warning.

Today's newest radar sensor systems will enable better performance at a lower cost, making it possible for vehicle manufacturers to offer collision mitigation technology across a larger percentage of their fleets. This next-generation radar has a wide field of view and provides simultaneous long and medium range capabilities in a single sensor. By combining a waveform with an innovative electronic scanning transceiver, enhanced target detection is achieved while increasing reliability…and with no moving parts.

Another approach, known as sensor data fusion, combines multiple sensor technologies to achieve greater performance than available with an individual sensor. Incorporating the complementary technologies of radar and vision provides higher quality inputs into threat assessment algorithms for collision mitigation and avoidance applications. Radar is used to detect object range and range rate, while vision systems confirm the classification of identified objects, such as vehicles, traffic signs, bridges and tunnels. Fusing this data allows for a "look" at the road ahead that provides more information and enhances performance of active safety systems.

Innovative automotive suppliers are also working on a single integrated Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) camera-based system that provides multiple safety enhancements at a lower cost than independent systems. The vision system hardware and algorithms enable a single camera to provide multiple functions. In addition to enhancing performance of smart cruise control and pre-crash systems, the vision system can integrate additional features such as lane departure warning, intelligent headlamp control, rain and light sensing, active near infrared night vision, rain sensing, traffic sign recognition and pedestrian detection.

Some systems use vision algorithms with their vision processor in the development of these vision and sensor fusion systems. This unique approach provides a scalable vision architecture that allows for a simple upgrade path to more complex features using the same single camera system. In addition, a single camera also simplifies vehicle packaging - eliminating redundant cameras and other standalone products that compete for limited windshield space. The following technologies may involve multiple functions and features on a single vehicle camera to decrease cost and increase functionality:

Lane Departure Warning - A lane tracking system that helps alert drivers when they unintentionally drift out of their intended lane. Using a camera and image processing to detect painted lane markers up to 25 meters ahead of the equipped vehicle, the system determines the vehicle's heading and lateral position in the lane to provide the appropriate warning.

Rain Sensing - With the addition of a small proprietary optical system, this safety convenience operates the rain sensing function that activates wipers when moisture is detected on the windshield,

Intelligent Headlamp Control - Another convenience system using a camera and intelligent headlamp control automatically activates the high beams according to lighting and traffic conditions and automatically dims headlights for oncoming traffic and when approaching vehicles from the rear.

Active Night Vision - Active night vision uses near infrared headlamps to illuminate the road scene ahead and displays an enhanced image in the vehicle, making high-beam visibility available without blinding oncoming traffic. The system provides more natural looking images to the driver than thermal vision systems and allows non-thermal-intense objects like trees and lane markers to be seen.

Pedestrian Detection - Again, a camera enables pedestrian detection, a system that detects and classifies pedestrians. It predicts potential pedestrian impact and activates countermeasures to mitigate injuries. Pedestrian protection technologies are gaining much attention in Europe and other countries with densely populated cities.

Road Sign Recognition - An amazing technology that will have a positive impact for all drivers. Using a camera to recognize and read road and traffic signs, the system can alert the driver to varying conditions ahead such as speed limits and no-passing zones.

A reduction in accident-related deaths coincided with the development of passive safety devices from 1995 to 2005. Similarly, as automotive engineers innovate and introduce more active safety technologies to the mass market, another positive trend in automotive safety statistics is very likely on the horizon.

About the Author

Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer. Delphi Corp. is a leading innovator of automobile safety equipment and technology. To learn about Delphi's safety advancements, visit www.Delphi.com/4safe.

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Active Safety Takes Occupant Protection to the Next Level

As experienced drivers and vehicle owners can readily attest, today's vehicles are safer than ever before. Thanks to passive safety improvements like driver and passenger air bags, steel reinforced side beams, innovative seat restraints and frames that include engineered crumple zones, impressive reductions in vehicle accident fatalities have been witnessed.

According to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2005, there has been a dramatic decrease in accident-related deaths over the past 40 years. As the research shows, fatalities were reduced from 1965 through 2005, an era that coincides precisely with the development of most passive safety improvements. Also, injuries have seen a steady decline over the past 20 years.

It would be difficult to argue against the idea that passive safety measures have accomplished what they set out to do - save lives. Unfortunately, drivers still have accidents. In fact, NHTSA data shows that the actual number of vehicle accidents is virtually unchanged from 1988 to 2005. This is where researchers hope active safety technology will have its greatest impact.

Active safety technology product development is focused squarely on the types of products that can have the most impact on accident avoidance. Studies being conducted by the Transportation Active Safety Institute (TASI), located in Indianapolis, have identified "Zones of Greatest Opportunity," which are high accident categories and thus product development targets for active safety technology.

Active safety technology addresses a major cause of accidents: driver error. According to another study by NHTSA, published in October 1999, the majority of accidents occur under benign driving conditions: in daylight, in normal weather conditions and at speeds less than 50 mph. In breaking down the cause of accidents to percentages, 24% of accidents were due to factors such as road conditions, vehicle defects and the driver's physiological state. An overwhelming 76% of accidents were due to a mistake by the vehicle's driver.

Helping reduce the actual number of vehicle accidents is the logical next step in automotive safety, and this is where active safety technology may have a tremendous impact. Building a "cocoon of safety" for the vehicle, with the ability to provide front, rear and side collision avoidance, as well as the technology to monitor the driver's state, is the next technology frontier. And we are already catching glimpses of active safety technology that is either on the road today or well along in the development cycle.

The use of radar is perhaps the most exciting adoption of an existing technology that will drive many active safety systems. Many of these sophisticated systems will be on the road soon, including a new generation of radar sensors used for smart or adaptive cruise control, accident avoidance, pedestrian detection and collision warning. These newest radar sensor systems are designed to enhance performance at a lower cost, making this smart technology available across a larger percentage of vehicles.

Next-generation radar has a wide field of view and provides simultaneous long and medium range capabilities in a single sensor. There are also multi-sensor applications in development that incorporate both radar and visual technology. Radar is used to detect object range and range rate, while vision systems confirm the classification of identified objects such as vehicles, traffic signs, bridges and tunnels. In the rush to meet consumer demand and stay competitive, suppliers tend to be increasingly eager to develop ways to integrate these systems. As an example, the following technologies may involve integration of multiple functions and features on a single vehicle camera to decrease cost and increase functionality:

Lane Departure Warning - A lane tracking system that helps alert drivers when they unintentionally drift out of their intended lane. Using a camera and image processing to detect painted lane markers up to 25 meters ahead of the equipped vehicle, the system determines the vehicle's heading and lateral position in the lane to provide the appropriate warning.

Rain Sensing - A true safety convenience, a camera operates the rain sensing function that activates wipers when moisture is detected on the windshield, with the addition of a small proprietary optical system.

Intelligent Headlamp Control - Another convenience system using a camera and intelligent headlamp control automatically activates the high beams according to lighting and traffic conditions and automatically dims headlights for oncoming traffic and when approaching vehicles from the rear.

Active Night Vision - Active night vision uses near infrared headlamps to illuminate the road scene ahead and displays an enhanced image in the vehicle. This system provides high-beam visibility without blinding oncoming traffic. The system provides more natural looking images to the driver than thermal vision systems and allows non-thermal-intense objects like trees and lane markers to be seen.

Pedestrian Recognition - Again, a camera enables pedestrian detection, a system that detects and classifies pedestrians. It predicts potential pedestrian impact and activates countermeasures to mitigate injuries. Pedestrian protection technologies are gaining much attention in Europe and other countries with densely populated cities.

Road Sign Recognition - An amazing technology that will have a positive impact for all drivers. Using a camera to recognize and read road and traffic signs, the system can alert the driver to varying conditions ahead such as speed limits and no-passing zones.

A reduction in accident-related deaths coincided with the development of passive safety devices from 1995 to 2005. Similarly, as automotive engineers innovate and introduce more active safety technologies to the mass market, another positive trend in automotive safety statistics is very likely on the horizon.

About the Author

Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer. Delphi Corp. is a leading innovator of automobile safety equipment and technology. To learn about Delphi's safety advancements, visit www.Delphi.com/4safe.

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Carson Toyota Unveils The All-New Venza

Newest Addition To Toyota Family Combines The Best Of Toyota Cars And SUVs

Carson, Calif. (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- Carson Toyota is inviting all Southern California residents to stop by and check out the new 2009 Toyota Venza. Designed exclusively for the North American market, the Venza is the latest addition to the Toyota line-up.

"Whether you're looking for a car, station wagon or SUV, this is the vehicle you want to check out," said Carson Toyota General Manager Marty Brylski. "With it's sleek and stylish design, refined interior and fun-to-drive attributes, the Venza has something to offer everyone."

Starting at an MSRP of $25,975, the Venza is powered by two available engines: a 3.5-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve VVT-i V6 or a 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve dual independent VVT-i 4-cylinder. Both engines come with a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence and sequential shift.

The Venza boasts several safety features such as the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability and traction control as well as anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. A new Toyota feature offered in the Venza are high intensity discharge headlamps with Automatic High Beam. This feature automatically dips headlamps to low beams for oncoming traffic and returns to high beams when road ahead is clear.

Inside, enjoy an available voice-activated touch-screen DVD-navigation system with 4-disc in-dash changer with integrated satellite radio and MP3/WMA playback capability on 13 speakers as well as a panoramic roof with separate glass panels over the front and rear seats. The Venza, which seats five, not only has a low rocker design to allow occupants to get in and out more easily than other SUVs, it also features a higher ride-height that provides better visibility than most sedans.

Carson Toyota has been serving Southern California residents since 1974. With an inventory of more than 1,000 new and pre-owned vehicles in stock, a knowledgeable sales staff, expert factory-trained technicians and a state-of-the-art parts and service department on more than 10-acres, Carson Toyota is one of the highest volume Toyota dealerships in the nation. Visit Carson Toyota today at 1333 233rd Street in Carson, Calif. or carsontoyota.com.

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[Via Automotive]

Combating Qatar's CO2 Emissions, Carbon World 2009 Addresses Reduction

Carbon World Doha 2009, held under the patronage of H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy & Industry and Chairman of Qatar Petroleum, will showcase Qatar's CO2 emissions reduction initiatives designed to move it toward an ecologically friendly low carbon economic model. This critical 3-day conference will highlight Qatar's emerging government-industry symbiosis to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well as address key issues in Qatar's evolving carbon market.

Doha, Qatar (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- Carbon World Doha 2009, organized by the Centre for Management Technology (CMT) with the support of Qatar Petroleum, is the latest in government initiatives to address the reduction of CO2 emissions in Qatar and other GCC countries. Scheduled April 26-28 in Doha, Qatar, this groundbreaking conference will provide a platform to showcase Qatar's aggressive strategies to reduce CO2 emissions by the forging of a symbiotic partnership between government and industry.
Strategies to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Image  Stephen Strathdee | Dreamstime.com

Qatar is the latest Middle Eastern country to aggressively push toward reducing their per capita CO2 emissions and embrace a low carbon economy. The country's need for new initiatives to reduce green house gases gained global attention after a 2007 UNDP Human Development Report revealed Qatar's per capita CO2 emissions to be the highest in the world at 79.3 tones/capita, well above the 9th ranked United States.

As a major resource holder in a time of rising demand for oil and gas, Qatar is keenly aware of the need to balance the energy security concerns of our customers with the need to preserve the environment.
Qatar's excessive per capita carbon dioxide emissions are caused by its high emitting gas production sector and small population. Less than 10 percent of Qatar's energy is used within its borders while 90 percent is exported. To decrease CO2 emissions, the Qatari government is taking a pro-active role.

At the launch of the ambitious $70 million, 10-year joint research project with Shell, Qatar Petroleum, Imperial College London and Qatar Science & Technology Park, H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah stated his government's views on reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining its position as the largest gas producing country in the world. He stated, "As a major resource holder in a time of rising demand for oil and gas, Qatar is keenly aware of the need to balance the energy security concerns of our customers with the need to preserve the environment."

This joint research project will involve the investigation of carbon capture and sequestration in carbonate reservoirs by a team of 20 Imperial College London researchers. Acquired data will be used to propose new CO2 management plans and carbon capture technology and identify suitable carbonate rock formations for carbon capture and storage of CO2 emitted from gas production, oil refineries and other manufacturing plants.

Concerning the project, H.E. Minister Al-Attiyah remarked, "My country is committed to the development and implementation of technologies that will allow us to take on this challenge in an effective and responsible manner and is proud to have Shell and Imperial College London as partners in this quest."

The first GCC country to join the World Bank's Global Gas Flaring Reduction (GGFR) project, Qatar aims to reduce CO2 emissions by exercising tight controls on gas flaring, a major contributor to the country's CO2 emissions. This public-private partnership joins oil-producing countries, state-owned companies and major international oil companies to overcome barriers in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions caused by gas flaring.

Qatar's Investment Authority was also the first to confirm its investment of £150 million into UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown's new £250 million UK venture capital fund for renewable energy projects. Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, who spearheaded the initiative in Qatar stated, "The partnership will provide low carbon, clean energy knowledge transfer into Qatar, and create opportunities in business, education and skills development for Qatar's low carbon economy."

Those seeking more information or an opportunity to participate as a sponsor, media partner, exhibitor, delegate or speaker at Carbon World Doha 2009 are urged to visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/carbonworld/landing/c02-emissions.html.

About Carbon World Doha 2009
Carbon World Doha 2009 will examine and map the latest GCC policies, research and economic initiatives in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, expanding carbon capture and storage capabilities and providing an active carbon trading platform while maintaining their position as the world's largest oil and gas producers. Carbon World Doha 2009 is organized by the Centre for Management Technology, whose mission focuses on providing access to the latest technology and business intelligence through high profile alternative energy conferences.

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[Via Automotive]

Rising Logistics Costs Plague Automotive Aftermarketers, Purolator USA Offers Solutions

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers find themselves in a precarious position as a result of the downturn in the nation's economy. On the one hand, the market for aftermarket products is strong, as many consumers are opting to forego new car purchases in favor of maintaining existing vehicles. But, the costs of moving those car and truck parts through the supply chain have increased dramatically in recent months. As a result, many automotive aftermarket manufacturers are looking to an experienced logistics provider, Purolator USA, for cost-savings solutions and insight into the unique needs of the industry.

Jericho, NY (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 25, 2008 -- Automotive aftermarket manufacturers find themselves in a precarious position as a result of the downturn in the nation's economy. On the one hand, the market for aftermarket products is strong, as many consumers are opting to forego new car purchases in favor of maintaining existing vehicles. But, the costs of moving those car and truck parts through the supply chain have increased dramatically in recent months. As a result, many automotive aftermarket manufacturers are looking to an experienced logistics provider, Purolator USA, for cost-savings solutions and insight into the unique needs of the industry.

Purolator USA
Purolator USA

Purolator's core strengths can really help automotive aftermarket manufacturers during the current economic downturn
Purolator USA offers comprehensive logistics services for shipments traveling across the border into Canada as well as for shipments traveling within the United States. Purolator is noted for its extensive distribution networks within each country, its cross border and regulatory expertise, and for its high level of customer service. "Purolator's core strengths can really help automotive aftermarket manufacturers during the current economic downturn," says Purolator USA Director of Transportation Solutions, Michael Locke.

Each Purolator USA customer works with a service professional to understand the unique needs of the customer's supply chain. A client relations representative, who understands each of the customers' needs, ensures the individualized logistics plan is maintained. This is particularly important in the automotive aftermarket industry, where time is of the essence in getting an auto or truck part delivered to a waiting customer.

"Our logistics specialists are able to help customers evaluate their shipping needs and priorities, and put together cost efficient logistics solutions that ensure timely delivery," says Locke. "We have many tools to offer our customers that help us control costs while ensuring a smooth and timely logistics process."

Purolator USA often evaluates shipment linehaul, which results in lower transit costs. For goods crossing the border, consolidating shipments can mean minimal delays and reduced import fees, since consolidated goods cross the border as single shipment, rather than as a group of individual packages.

Purolator also offers aftermarket manufacturers access to its deep distribution networks throughout both the U.S. and Canada. "Goods travel on a Purolator truck with minimal stopovers or transfers, and customers in even the most remote regions of the two countries can be accessed," says Locke. "And," he adds, "Many aftermarketers are realizing that it makes sense to send return shipments back with Purolator. This way, we're able to maximize efficiencies and better manage costs."

This increased attention to customers' bottom lines comes at a time when transportation logistics are at a high. A recent study by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals found that American businesses spent $1.4 trillion on logistics last year. While fuel prices have come down, logistics prices overall remain high due to decreased volume and higher operating costs.

"While there is no magic solution, we can make sure customers are operating as wisely and efficiently as possible," Locke said.

Purolator USA is the small-package and freight forwarding subsidiary of Canada's leading overnight courier company. In the United States, Purolator USA has doubled the size of its office network during the past 18 months, with branches now operating in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, Buffalo, New York/Metro and Newburgh, NY.

For more information about Purolator USA, please visit www.purolatorusa.com.

For more information, please contact:
Kimberly Caiaccio
Purolator USA
(516) 681-3749 ext. 2170

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[Via Automotive]

RVT.com Joins Forces With GetRV.com

New partnership combining RV sales and RV rentals means greater choice and enhanced options for RV travelers, used RV owners and RV dealers.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- Two powerful forces in the RV supply industry, RVT.com (www.rvt.com) and GetRv.com (www.getrv.com) have teamed up to offer travelers more ways to hit the open road.

RVT.com is an online classified site offering new and used RVs, including motor homes, trailers, fifth wheels, camper vans and truck campers. The site's online RV classifieds exceed 40,000 private and dealer listings, which are viewed by more than 10,000 visitors daily.

We are always looking for ways to enhance our customers' web experience
With the addition of RV Rentals, powered by GetRV.com, RVT customers who may not be ready to commit to a purchase can rent to decide if the RV life is right for them. They can do specific searches for RVs to rent in their local area--virtually anywhere in the United States and in some Canadian cities, and browse through hundreds of Class As, Class Cs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-ups to find the perfect vehicle for their needs.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance our customers' web experience," says Rodney Friesen, Senior Managing Director of RVT.com. "Providing this capability to them demonstrates that we understand they want more options, and helps us to stand out from our competitors."

Brian Heath, CEO of GetRV.com says that, "according to customer feedback, over 40% of people who rent RVs are interested in purchasing one."

When ready to explore the idea of RV ownership, visitors of GetRV.com, which average 5,500 daily in winter and up to 9,500 per day in the summer months, can simply click on RVs for sale to be linked to the search engine powered by RVT.com to search the site's extensive array of RV buy and sell classifieds. "In addition, RV owners and dealers who have not considered renting list their RVs on our site, which is an excellent way to increase cash flow," says Heath.

"Joining forces makes perfect sense," adds Friesen. "Together, RVT.com and GetRV.com can serve our customers at any stage in their RV travel adventure."

For more, visit www.RVT.com or www.GetRV.com.

About RVT.com -- Leader in RV classifieds online, since 1999, RVT.com (formerly RVTrader.com) has specialized in offering new and used RVs for sale, along with trailers, fifth wheels, camper vans, truck campers, trucks, tow cars, and more. RVT.com is very popular with private sellers and new and used RV Dealers. Built on a platform of "Bringing MORE Buyers and Sellers together," its online trading websites are popular choices for visitors coast to coast in the United States and Canada.

About GetRV.com -- The largest independent RV rental website in the industry, GetRV.com provides the "market place" for RV rental owners and customers to come together and complete the reservation transaction process at one time, in real time. Renters can shop, check out pricing (from the best rates in the industry) and availability, reserve, pay and get reservation confirmations all in one sitting. Additionally, GetRV.com provides RV rental owners with a way to display, market, reserve, process payment and confirm reservations on the owner's website. GetRV.com has developed in domestic US cities and is currently expanding internationally.

Contact:
Rodney Friesen
Senior Managing Director
RVT.com
250-861-0508
Rod(at)rvt.com
www.RVT.com

Brian Heath
CEO
GetRV.com
888-438-7844
Bheath(at)getrv.com
www.GetRV.com

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[Via Automotive]

Go Green at Nation's First Full-Service Eco-Friendly Car Wash, Now Open in Houston, TX

Green Earth Detail, LLC. announces the opening of the nation's first full service eco-friendly car wash and detail, offering consumers a revolutionary way to go green. Each vehicle wash by Green Earth Auto Detail saves 40-160 gallons of water while producing an exceptionally clean vehicle, superior shine and clear coat protection.

You have to see it to believe the difference! A traditional car wash simply does not compare

Houston (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- Houston residents have a new way to go green, with the opening of Green Earth Auto Detail, the nation's first eco-friendly full service car wash and auto detail. Located in Northwest Houston, Green Earth Auto Detail opened for business last Wednesday, and will celebrate with Grand Opening festivities on Saturday, December 6.

A Green Earth wash is eco-friendly because Green Earth uses a specially formulated solution that is safe, non-hazardous and water-based. When sprayed onto the vehicle it simply dissolves the dirt so it can be easily wiped off with a micro fiber cloth and then buffed with another, leaving the vehicle clean, shiny and super smooth to the touch. The only water used in the process is that which is used to mix the solution. The beauty of the whole process is that it saves between 40 and 160 gallons of water per wash and is much better for the clear coat and paint on a vehicle than traditional car washes and detail shops. It not only eliminates the opportunity for scratches to occur during the wash, but also conditions the clear coat.

"You have to see it to believe the difference! A traditional car wash simply does not compare," says Chad Shipman, Executive Vice President of Green Earth. Green Earth Auto Detail was founded upon realizing that with EPA regulations, water rationing and green focus, the eco-friendly car wash's time has come. Green Earth Auto Detail is "Where Clean Meets Green."

"We look forward to serving Houston and beyond," states Mike Winkler, Managing Director. "We are planning on opening three more locations in Houston in 2009 and have plans to open additional markets throughout the Southwest and Southeast."
Green Earth Auto Detail #1 is located at 12807 FM 1960 West, Houston, TX 77065. Phone number 713-662-WASH (9274). Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to dusk Tuesday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to dusk Sunday.

For more information on how to go green with Green Earth Auto Detail, the nation's first full service car wash and auto detailer, visit www.greenearthdetail.com. For investment opportunity in Green Earth Detail, LLC, contact Chad Shipman. For press inquiries, contact Mike Winkler at 713-662-9274.

###

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[Via Automotive]

Monday, November 24, 2008

Streak Free Fever Is Spreading Across The Land Starting In Louisville, KY

Small businessman has hit the big-time with this 21st Century cleaning cloth.

This was just too simple. I wet it. I wrung it. I wiped. Then, stood back and

Greenfield, TN (PRWEB) November 24, 2008 -- The Louisville Kentucky area has caught "STREAK FREE" fever. Ever since Brenda Woods, a local Louisville woman, went on vacation and returned with a Streak Free Pro microfiber cloth, parts of Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois have never been the same.

Streak Free Pro
Streak Free Pro

All it took was one newspaper article in the Louisville Courier Journal submitted by Brenda and now irritating streaks are disappearing rapidly across the region.

As Brenda excitedly stated in her article, "My first project was the bathroom mirror spanning a full wall. I have spent untold hours cleaning, wiping, sweating, wiping again only to back up and still see streaks. I have used every product offered in stores and resorted to household hints like washing with vinegar and water and wiping it dry with wadded‐up newspaper. All that did was make the room smell like pickles and leave my hands black."

"This was just too simple. I wet it. I wrung it. I wiped. Then, stood back and "oohed, aahed."
A clean mirror! It had NO streaks. I went into a glass cleaning frenzy. Mirrors, pictures, glass cabinet doors, TV screens, computer monitor. I was in love!"

Would you believe you can clean any surface streak free without cleaning chemicals? It really is as simple as that. All that is needed is a streak free pro microfiber cloth and water. Wet it, wring it and wipe it and you're done!

Along with making your life streak free, this microfiber cloth is easy to clean. Just throw the dirty cloth in the washer with regular detergent and let air dry.

Not only are they a must have for your home, but they make wonderful gifts. This gift will have the recipient thinking of you every time they use it. It's nice to be thought of in a positive way. Each Streak Free Pro microfiber cloth includes a full color four page brochure that explains how the cloth works.

How would you like to clean chemical free? It's a way to clean "Green". No more chemicals!

Houses today are so energy efficient that out-gassing chemicals have nowhere to go, therefore the toxins build up in the house.

"Since the early 50's we have been producing about 1000 chemicals per year. That is over 56,000 synthetic chemicals that have been produced", said Fournier, owner of StreakFreePro.com. He went on to say, "More than 95% of these have NOT BEEN TESTED for toxicity, mutation and carcinogenic effects. In fact, the majority of today's chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects."

This is one of the most important factors for using the Streak Free Pro cleaning cloth according to Mr. Fournier, the owner of the company.

The average home contains 62 toxic chemicals. In fact, a recent EPA survey revealed that the air indoors was 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. We breathe in 10,000 to 20,000 liters of air per day. 90% of that is indoor air for most people. The full health effect of all these chemicals may never be known. The main source of these chemicals is thought to be from household cleaning supplies and products. Household cleaners have become the number one cause of poisoning accidents in children.

In order to purchase Made in the USA Streak Free Pro microfiber cloths with FREE shipping visit:
http://www.StreakFreePro.com

About the company:
As a former product designer, Streak Free Pro owner, Glenn Fournier, recognized a product that worked and made a difference in these micro-fiber cleaning cloths. Mr. Fournier founded Streak Free Pro in January of 2004 and has experienced a steady growth since then, tripling his sales in the last year alone.

You can contact Mr. Fournier between the hours of 8am and 3pm Eastern time for interviews with the media and can be reached by phone or by email.

Contact:
Glenn Fournier, Owner
731-235-0204

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[Via Automotive]

OneCommand works with Auto Dealers Nationwide to Collect One Million Toys for Needy Kids this Holiday Season

OneCommand, (www.onecommand.com), the nation's leader in, automated, multi-channel communications, today announced the launch of a nationwide campaign with its auto dealer clients throughout the US, to collect one million toys and bring joy to needy children this holiday season.

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) November 24, 2008 -- OneCommand, (www.onecommand.com), the nation's leader in, automated, multi-channel communications, today announced the launch of a nationwide campaign with its auto dealer clients throughout the US, to collect one million toys and bring joy to needy children this holiday season.

According to OneCommand CEO, Al Babbington, the company is working with several nationally recognized organizations to supply toys to children in need this holiday season, "The credit crisis and the Wall Street meltdown have shattered consumer confidence and devastated the savings of millions of Americans. Car Dealers throughout America are resourceful, determined and resilient entrepreneurs. They are the anchors of their communities and second to none for philanthropy and community spirit. This is a call to action that brings hope to the lives of the most desperate in our communities," commented Babbington.

give and you will receive campaign
OneCommand is taking action by working with its dealer customers to collect one million toys for the needy and underprivileged. It is asking all of its dealer customers to participate in this "give and you will receive campaign" to ensure that no child is left out this holiday season. In keeping with the charitable nature of the campaign, it will be provided at no additional cost to OneCommand customers.

The objective is to reach out over the coming weeks to up to 30 million unique households in the OneCommand database on behalf of its dealer customers to urge these households to support this aggressive and worthy goal, and drive a strong percentage of them into their local dealership showrooms and service drives with gifts and toys for the needy.

For more information about the program or to sign up visit www/OneCommand.com/giveandreceive or call 866.595.3142.

About OneCommand (www.onecommand.com)
OneCommand is a leading provider of integrated and automated, personalized communications designed to streamline work-flow, reduce marketing expense and generate superior customer response. Focusing on the delivery of the right message, at the right time, and through the right channel, OneCommand has rapidly expanded its market penetration by helping its clients realize significant improvements in loyalty and retention, frequency of visit and overall profitability. In 2007 the Company delivered over 100 million personalized communications on behalf of over 4,000 clients throughout North America.

OneCommand's proven, web-based Relationship Marketing Solutions enable customers to leverage the power of their voice through a multitude of channels, including voice messaging, mobile messaging, e-mail marketing, live call center services, direct mail and a variety of two-way communication streams.

By providing a seamless solution for communication from shop to buy to service and repurchase, OneCommand offers the opportunity to coordinate a unified message to customers. This approach, paired with custom automation of timely, relevant and consistent communications, has led to significant reductions in marketing expense and even greater improvements in the customer experience. For more information call 1.800.814.6820, email lleugers (at) onecommand.com or visit www.onecommand.com.

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[Via Automotive]

It Was Indeed, A Doozy

During the decade of the 1930's it was quite common to hear the phrase, "It's a doozy." This was used to describe anything that was the best of everything.

It is attributed to the Duesenberg automobile that was reputed to have the mechanical precision of a Rolls Royce accompanied by the epitome of style, luxury, and elegance.

The Duesenberg was the creation of Fred and August Duesenberg, self-taught engineers, who hand crafted their cars. In 1913, they opened the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Co. on State Street in Garner, Iowa and started building sports cars.

At the Daytona in 1930, the Duesenberg set a new land record speed of 156 miles per hour. Again in 1921, Jimmy Murphy, who was the first American to win the French Grand Prix, drove a Duesenberg across the finish line at LeMans. And as late as 1960, the only American car to win a European Grand Prix was the Duesenberg.

Then again in 1924, 1925, and 1927 a Duesenberg finished first in the Indianapolis 500.

However, in July of 1921, the Duesenberg factory was moved to Indianapolis and began the production of passenger cars. The first vehicle manufactured was the Model A. Six hundred and sixty of these cars were produced.

The Model A was an advanced car for the times. It had dual overhead camshafts, 4 valve cylinder heads and the first hydraulic brakes ever installed on a passenger car.

In spite of this, it was not a success and the company was forced to file bankruptcy in 1922.

In 1926, E. L. Cord, who was already a successful automotive entrepreneur, purchased the company to acquire the engineering skills of the brothers and the brand name.

Fred Duesenberg was a genius engineer and Cord was an innovative designer. Together they were an unbeatable team. They produced the Model J, which was unveiled at the New York Car Show in 1928. It had a top speed of 119 mph and could attain 94 mph in second gear. It was undoubtedly the best of its time.

Only the chassis and engine was exhibited in New York. The interior and body were always custom built to the purchaser's specifications.

The Duesenberg was definitely the choice of the rich and famous. It was popular with Hollywood celebrities as well as European royalty. Gary Cooper and Clark Gable drove the convertible. King Alfonso XIII chose the Duesenberg J to accompany him into exile.

The Duesenberg was not only owned by Hollywood actors and actresses, it also starred in films.In the 1959film,"Some Like It Hot", starring Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis, the Duesenberg, charges into a parking lot and unloads a car full of outlaws. They deliver a barrage of bullets to their mobster foes, jump back in the car, and leave with the chain and entry "Sound Your Horn" sign hanging on to the bottom of the car. A Duesenberg also appeared in "Pocketful of Miracles" and "The Mummy Returns."

The Duesenberg was advertised as the best car in the world and the claim would be difficult to dispute. Unfortunately, Cord's financial empire was unable to survive The Great Depression and the company ceased production in 1937.

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The Moped

The moped is a form of motorized scooter or bicycle that does not move as fast as a motorcycle or motor vehicle but still gets the job done. Mopeds are popular in the United States and all throughout Europe. Most mopeds are built having two to three wheels, some have human powered pedals combined with a motorized engine, which in turn is called a Hybrid Moped. Some moped laws do not require the same driving age as motorcycles and other motor vehicles so mopeds have become wildly popular among the youth of Europe and the United States.

Mopeds were originally designed and released to the public in the 1950s. The early version of mopeds was a normal bicycle with a helper motor attached to either the front or rear wheel that allowed for propulsion without a whole lot of human effort. The term moped came about in 1952 and was coined by Swedish journalist Harald Nielsen. He combined the two terms motor and pedal, while dropping a couple of letters to form the word moped.

The moped did not become popular in the United States until the mid-1970s. Most states within the country had different restrictions and laws against mopeds which prohibited them from being used on open roadways for public transportation instead of normal motor vehicles. Mopeds, in their early days, had incredibly small engines and did not create enough power to exceed more than 40 miles per hour. Despite the low amount of speed mopeds were known for their fuel efficiency. A moped could run on one tank of gas for 220 miles at a time. By 1977, over 200,000 people within the United States had owned a moped. Mopeds quickly became a popular form of transportation when the country was suffering through its fuel crisis sparked by OAPEC.

Once the fuel crisis began to wane and vehicle manufacturing companies began offering newer, more fuel efficient cars, the moped’s popularity began to fade and they almost became irrelevant on the roadways of the United States. There are still moped clubs and associations across the country that are devoted to promoting mopeds and their effectiveness and usefulness on the roads. Those clubs are the Moped Army and the Moped Riders Association. The latter is an international association that is dedicated to sharing information among riders and scheduling riding events across the world.

As with riding a motorcycle, bicycle or other form of motorized scooter, all moped riders should always wear a helmet for their safety and should not make sharp turns or sudden turns for the fear of tipping or rolling the moped over onto the driver. Always obey all the rules of the road as you would when driving a motor vehicle or motorcycle. Moped drivers have to follow all the same rules and regulations that other motor vehicle drivers have to follow and are subject to the same fines and penalties that all other drivers are subject to when breaking the law or driving illegally on the roads.

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The Chopper

A chopper is a motorcycle but not the traditional type. Choppers are motorcycles that have been radically modified by the owner or even the manufacturer. Choppers are motorcycles that have a few less features than a regular motorcycle. The chopper came into existence following World War II when soldiers came back to the United States and began modifying their motorcycles. The soldiers removed any part of their motorcycle that was unnecessary, too big, too ugly and too heavy. The parts that were removed were the fenders, the front brakes and turn indicators. Most motorcycles also have a spring saddle, but not choppers. Choppers have the spring saddle removed from the frame so that the driver can sit as low to the ground as possible. Most choppers are made with a v-twin engine.

The main reason for redesigning and editing a motorcycle into the form of a chopper was to prepare the bike for dirt track racing and even mud racing. Removing all of the heavy, unwanted and unnecessary parts made the bike lighter and easier to handle in a high speed race. The large front tire is replaced with a smaller one and so is the headlight and the fuel tank. Most motorcycles have a large fuel tank but choppers have a smaller fuel tank to lighten the load of the bike. As required by law, almost all choppers across the country have to have protective bars for the driver installed. Those bars, which are on the back of the bike and stick straight up in the air, are often referred to as ‘sissy bars.’ More often than not the ‘sissy bars’ can be seen over the driver’s head when looking at a chopper from the front of the bike.

The reason for returning soldiers from World War II to work on their motorcycles was that the majority of them had been trained by the United States to work on automobiles and heavy machinery while in the armed forces. They were trained to repair these vehicles while on the battlefield and while at the camp in case of breakdown or other technical problems. Almost all of these soldiers weren’t even mechanics before joining the service.

There are a handful of companies across the country and the world that produce choppers. Jesse G. James’ West Coast Choppers, Orange County Choppers, Indian Larry, Falcon Motorcycles, Warlock Motorcycles and Von Dutch Kustom Cycles are just a few companies that manufacture chopper motorcycles.

Where did the term chopper come from? Well, when the servicemen originally began chopping up and welding the frame of their motorcycles the term chopper was born. Choppers are not only popular in the United States but have become wildly popular in Australia, where ATV and dirt bike racing is also incredibly popular among the sports fans. Choppers have become so popular in the United States that even bicycles are being manufactured to have the look and feel of a chopper motorcycle. So now, even kids can ride a chopper if their parents don’t own one.

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

US Fidelis Continues To Hire Workers Despite Slumping Economy

St. Louis area company, US Fidelis, has added more than 400 workers in the past two years and continues to recruit for full and part-time positions.

Wentzville, MO (PRWEB) November 24, 2008 -- The U.S. Labor Department's monthly jobs report for September showed a net loss of 159,000 jobs, the largest monthly job loss total in 5 years. In fact, September was the ninth straight month the U.S. economy lost jobs.

While those numbers paint a gloomy picture for the economy in general, one St. Louis area company continues to create jobs. US Fidelis, one of the nation's leading providers of extended automobile warranties, has added more than 400 workers to its payroll in just the past two years, and continues to aggressively recruit more.

The driving force behind all the hiring is simple--customer demand for our products
"The driving force behind all the hiring is simple--customer demand for our products," said Cory Atkinson, Co-Owner, US Fidelis. "And because that demand continues to grow, we continue to seek energetic people who want to work in a bright, friendly, faith-based environment."

US Fidelis provides its associates competitive salaries, excellent benefits and a very employee-friendly work environment, which includes an arcade, a weight room, a prayer/meditation room, and even a basketball court!

US Fidelis currently has 80 full and part-time openings for several positions, including pre-sales and callback sales, customer service representatives, and for bi-lingual sales representatives. Interested applicants can apply in person at 100 Mall Parkway in Wentzville, fax a resume to 636-625-8009 or email to re.mormino@enaws.com.

US Fidelis is a faith-based company, specializing in extended warranties that deliver peace of mind protection from high auto repair costs. The company uses its proprietary software to research hundreds of warranty plans from the top-rated insurance providers. A commitment to integrity and excellence has positioned US Fidelis as an industry leader in customer service and sales. US Fidelis stands behind every warranty with a commitment to treating every customer with honesty and integrity. Headquartered immediately outside St. Louis, MO, the company houses a call center employing more than 650 dedicated warranty professionals. For more information, visit www.usfidelis.com.

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[Via Automotive]

AutohausAZ.com Named Website of the Year Finalist in Stevie� Awards for Women in Business

AutohausAZ.com's user-friendly website was recently recognized as a Website of the Year Finalist in the 5th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. This award recognizes excellence in websites created and maintained by and for women.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) November 24, 2008 -- AutohausAZ.com (Autohaus Arizona, Inc.), a Phoenix-based worldwide distributor of OEM auto parts for European and Asian cars, was selected as a Website of the Year Finalist in the 5th Annual Stevie Awards for Women from entries worldwide. Nicknamed the Stevies from the Greek 'crowned', they're hailed as the world's premier business awards and are often referred to as the Oscars for business.

AutohausAZ.com named  Website of the Year Finalist
AutohausAZ.com named Website of the Year Finalist

In the male-dominated auto parts industry, AutohausAZ.com stands out from its competition not only as a 100% woman-owned company but also as one of the largest European car parts distributors on the Internet.

"What makes AutohausAZ unique is that we're one of the only auto parts websites worldwide handling everything in-house -- ecatalog compilation/maintenance, order processing, shipping, website design & innovation, brand selection, pricing, repair article authoring, and pre- & post-sales support. We take pride in helping customers solve car repair problems by providing superior products, excellent pricing and unmatched customer service," states Carolyn Lefebvre, President/CEO, Autohaus Arizona, Inc.

"Most of our competitors subcontract out nearly all these critical customer service functions, thus losing control of the quality of their customers' shopping experiences, brands being offered, and accuracy of their cataloging and order processing. AutohausAZ is truly committed to making every customer's visit with us, whether online or via email or telephone, as pleasant, easy and convenient as possible."

Customers are pleasantly surprised by AutohausAZ's distinctly different customer service, much of which stems from its woman-ownership. Women tend to avoid being overly technical and they're not usually knowledgeable about auto repair or parts shopping. As mothers, they're also nurturing and empathetic. And they're always trying to balance time constraints.

Hence, AutohausAZ's website design evolved into an interface that's extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate with intuitive search options and well-documented parts descriptions. Men and women of all auto repair skill levels can quickly find the correct parts for their cars. This user-friendly approach is AutohausAZ's focus because single-parent and dual-income households are the rule, not the exception. Leisure time is scarce and shouldn't be spent struggling with difficult navigation to find car parts or wasting time returning wrong parts and waiting for replacements.

Further simplifying the shopping experience, customers have the option to securely store personal and car data so future shopping visits don't require redundant re-entry of information. Customers can, furthermore, store parts in a secure shopping cart for future purchase to save time later when they're ready to buy.

Additionally, AutohausAZ provides valuable information to visitors through auto repair articles (Gasoline Alley), tech tips (Import Auto News) and automotive resources (Hot Auto Links). Added convenience is provided through a useful maintenance/repair log interface, which allows customers to store vehicle data and maintenance logs for their car(s) and setup automatic email reminders for future maintenance, taking the pressure off them to remember when particular services need to be done. AutohausAZ's goal is to save customers time and money in every aspect of car maintenance and repair.

As a Website of the Year Finalist in the Stevie Awards for Women, AutohausAZ is proud of its contribution to assisting both genders with car repair and of the recognition it's received by so many highly respected organizations.

About AutohausAZ.com

Autohaus Arizona, Inc. began in 1979 as Autohaus Phoenix, a local wholesale distributor of European auto parts in Phoenix. The Company launched its website in 1998 and today AutohausAZ.com distributes OEM European auto parts and Japanese auto parts to wholesale and retail customers worldwide. Specializing in German car parts (Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini Cooper, Porsche, and Volkswagen), AutohausAZ.com also carries a wide selection of auto parts for Swedish (Saab, Volvo), British (LandRover, Jaguar) and Japanese/Asian cars (Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota, to name just a few). For more information on Autohaus Arizona, please visit our website at http://www.AutohausAZ.com.

In 2008, AutohausAZ.com was awarded honors in the Top 500 Women-Owned Businesses in the US (347th), Top 100 Small Businesses in Arizona (12th), Top 100 Diversity-Owned Businesses in Arizona (8th), and Top 100 Woman-Owned Businesses in Arizona (7th) from DiversityBusiness.com. AutohausAZ was also named to the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the USA (#1868), Top 100 Businesses in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale AZ (49th), and Top 100 Retail Companies in America (77th) by Inc.com/Inc. Magazine. In addition, AutohausAZ.com was recognized as an Arizona Company to Watch by the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA), in collaboration with Comerica Bank and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Carolyn Lefebvre, President/CEO of AutohausAZ, was also named to Arizona Woman Magazine's Million Dollar Club.

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Suzuki Motor Corporation

The Suzuki Motor Corporation has been in business since 1909 and its headquarters is located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. The current CEO is Osamu Suzuki and the current COO is Hiroshi Tsuda. The company’s main source of revenue comes from the manufacturing of motor vehicles and light trucks. The company also manufactures motorcycle and outboard motors. Suzuki Motor Corporation has a revenue close to $20 billion. There are currently 45,000 employees within the corporation. Their website is located at http://globalsuzuki.com. Suzuki has become the 12th largest automobile manufacturer in the world today based off of production volume. The Suzuki Motor Corporation has become so large that it has 35 production facilities in 23 countries and 133 distributors in 192 countries worldwide.

The company was originally founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki as the Suzuki Loom Company that manufactured weaving looms for Japan’s silk industry. For the first 30 years of the company’s existence, the manufacturing was focused on the development of these looms and their distribution worldwide. Michio Suzuki also filed as many as 120 patents of different products during his time with the company. The company’s first motor vehicle was manufactured and distributed to the public in 1955. It was called the ‘Suzulight’ and was a lightweight car as evidenced by its name.

Before the company began manufacturing motor vehicles they began manufacturing motorcycles. Their first motorcycle came off the assembly line in 1952 and was more or less a motorized bicycle. Their motorcycles became more popular throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Aside from manufacturing motorcycles, Suzuki Motor Corporation also races their bikes. The company won the 2000 MotoGP title and since 2006 the company has been sponsored by Rizla and has been known as the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Team.

The company as a vehicle manufacturer took off after that. They then began manufacturing trucks, other compact cars, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and much more. Suzuki has also manufactured vehicles for other major motor vehicle manufacturing companies. Those companies are General Motors, Subaru, Mazda, Nissan and Maruti Suzuki. Aside from the motor vehicles, Suzuki has had major success in the production of ATVs and motorcycles.

Suzuki’s ATVs are as follows:

Utility Sport

•Suzuki KingQuad 700•Suzuki TwinPeaks 700•Suzuki Vinson 500•Suzuki Eiger 400•Suzuki Ozark 250

Sport

•Suzuki LT 230•Suzuki LT 250•Suzuki LT-Z250•Suzuki LT-Z400•Suzuki LT-R450 (race ready)•Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak version (rally/road)•Suzuki Cultus Pikes Peak version (rally/road)

The Suzuki Motor Corporation also fields a Suzuki World Rally Team. The team is backed by the factory and competes in motor vehicle races across the world. It is fairly brand new. It debuted in 2007 as a competitor in the Rallye de France. The team has competed in only a few races in 2007 and 2008 and will add a couple more races to its docket in 2009.

The Suzuki Motor Corporation has been producing and distributing quality motor vehicles, motorcycles, outboard engines, ATVs and light trucks since the early 1900s and continue to climb the ladder of most productive automotive manufacturing companies in the world today.

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Mazda Motor Corporation

The Mazda Motor Corporation is an associate company of the Ford Motor Company and is headquartered in Fuchu, Aki, Hiroshima, Japan. A handful of Mazda vehicles have been rebadged and sold under the Ford name in the United States. The founder of the company is Jujiro Matsuda who founded Mazda in 1920. In 2007, Mazda manufactured close to 1.3 million vehicles for worldwide distribution. They employ close to 40,000 people and their revenue has reached almost $4 billion. Mazda has produced millions of vehicles since its founding in 1920 and has become a world power in vehicle manufacturing over the past two decades.

As with many businesses and car manufacturing companies, Mazda has changed its logo as the years have progressed. The very first logo for Mazda was designed and used from 1962-1975.

The company’s second logo was used from 1991-1992:

From 1992-1997 the company’s logo looked like this:

The company’s current logo, which debuted in 1997, is this:

Mazda has produced more than 50 different models of cars since its inception in 1920 and one of its most popular models has been the Mazda Miata. The Miata was first developed in 1989 and is still being manufactured today. The Miata is in the Roadster class and is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan.

There are three generations of the Mazda Miata. The first generation was from 1989-1997, the second generation was from 1999-2005 and the third generation began in 2006 and is presently still developing vehicles. The Mazda Miata is available as a Roadster and as a Hardtop and the most recent models are available with 5-speed manual transmission, 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Aside from their production of sports cars and compact cars, the Mazda Motor Corporation has also been trying to develop their own hybrid car for the past couple of decades. Towards the end of the 2008 calendar year Mazda is scheduled to release its very first hybrid vehicle. It is named the Premacy Hydrogen RE and it is a compact minivan. The first few prototypes of the vehicles have shown developers that it can travel up to 120 miles on hybrid energy.

Mazda, as with the majority of other vehicle manufacturing companies, has thrown its hand into the racing world as much as possible over the past few decades. Mazda first debuted in the racing world in 1968 when they competed in the Marathon de la Route. They entered two of the same vehicles, the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S. The race lasted 84 consecutive hours and one of the vehicles finished in fourth place and the other lost an axle after the 81st hour of the competition. The Mazda Motor Corporation still races their sport vehicles today and have been racing continuously since their racing debut in 1968.

The Star Mazda Series is one of the most popular lines of racing cars manufactured by Mazda and is the most popular when it comes to sponsorships. This line of cars debuted for racing in 1991 and is a part of the Formula Mazda Racing team.

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Green Vehicles

A green vehicle is a motor vehicle that is considered to be more environmentally friendly than a normal motor vehicle and emits less pollution from the exhaust pipe. The green vehicles still provide drivers with a reliable form of transportation despite their low emissions rate and their smaller size. Green vehicles are usually smaller than regular motor vehicles because since they are smaller they require less energy to power, which in turn creates less emissions and less harm on the environment.

Don’t want to purchase a green vehicle? There are effective ways to turn your normal motor vehicle into an energy efficient vehicle. Those ways are to use biofuel instead of petroleum, using an engine that uses renewable energy and keeping the vehicle up to par in its maintenance schedule. Always have regular oil changes performed, get the car tuned up on a regular basis and always maintain proper tire pressure levels. All of this will help the engine and the car run more efficiently and expend less energy and less pollution from the exhaust. Never carry around any unwanted weight in the vehicle or in the trunk of the vehicle. The extra weight reduces the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Examples of green vehicles are hybrid cars, electric cars and cars that run on solar power. All of these vehicles help to keep pollution from entering the environment and make for a more energy efficient and fuel efficient vehicle. Electric cars run on a rechargeable battery that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet when not in use and a solar powered vehicle runs on solar power. The problem with a solar powered vehicle is that it needs to have enough solar power to run effectively. If the vehicle doesn’t catch enough sunlight then the vehicle will not run properly.

Using green vehicles not only helps the environment but also helps the health of people around vehicles and helps the owners of the vehicles when it comes to the money aspect of owning a car. Green vehicles are cheaper than normal motor vehicles to purchase and help save drivers thousands of dollars each year on gas. Green vehicles, no matter which type you drive, uses less fuel which in turn means less of a hit on the wallet. Pollution from motor vehicles leads to lung cancer, respiratory failure and cardiopulmonary disease. If more and more people begin to purchase and use green vehicles on a regular basis, the amount of pollution in the air will reduce, therefore making the air healthier to inhale.

The World Health Organization released a study in the late 1990s that claims that 13,000 deaths per year in children ages 0-4years old are caused by and can be directly attributed to outdoor pollution. This outdoor pollution can be reduced and maybe even returned to normal levels with the use of green vehicles. The United States is desperately trying to increase the popularity of green vehicles. Each year in Yorktown Heights, New York Greasestock takes place. It is the largest showcase of green vehicles in the country.

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Another People's Car

Like Henry Ford and Adolph Hitler, William Morris conceived the idea of a small car which would have luxury features but would be priced so that millions of working class people who traveled by public transit could afford to purchase a car and drive. The car should be small, durable and economical. As did Henry Ford, Morris brought affordable motoring to the general public.

He assigned the designing of this task to Alex Issigonis. Issigonis was born in Turkey however his parents were Greek and German. He was noted to be eccentric but also had a reputation for genius in design. Alex and his team set to work. The result was the Morris Minor.

William did not like the result at all and even referred to it as a "poached egg." Oddly enough however, he did not squash production. But he did mandate a change of engine. So after much debate over the engine, prior to Morris being involved, the Minor was equipped with a 918 cc side valve that was William's favorite.

The Morris Minor made its public debut at Earl's Court Motor Show in September of 1948. A rear wheel drive, it was noted for its outstanding corner handling and comfortable ride.

The car, as predicted, was an instant hit. By December 1960, one million cars had been sold. This set a record as no British car company had ever before sold a million cars.

A gala celebration was planned which included the production of a 2 door Model 1000 saloon. This was painted lilac with white seats and was decorated with 1,000,000 badges. Morris manufactured 349 of these models however they were not popular at the time. Today they are sought after by car collectors.

The Morris Minor was advertised to appeal to families and people looking for an economical means of transportation. The introductory brochure read, "The New Morris Minor, The World's Supreme Small Car." In 1954-56, the ads stated, "Morris Minor, It's One of the Family Now."

The ad for The Morris Minor 1000 Traveler Station Wagon featured a young man swinging his girlfriend off her feet, and about to kiss her. The copy read, "Together you'll choose The Morris Minor 1000 Traveler Station Wagon."

Some cars worm their way into people's hearts. Others with similar characteristics go unappreciated. The Morris Minor was and still is loved. In the United Kingdom, they called it a 'Moggie.' The Australians and New Zealanders nicknamed it 'Morrie.'

In 1973, a couple drove a Morris 1000 van on a 12,000-mile trip from England to Australia. They traveled and camped for fourteen weeks through seventeen countries.

Then in 2004, Kerry Whitefield drove an un-restored 1951 Morris Minor on a journey around Australia.And a Scottish couple was married in theirs. It truly became a member of many families.

Although the company ceased production in 1971, Morris clubs still abound throughout the world and the car has a large number of loyal followers. In all, 1.6 million cars were produced. Yet, at the time the last one was manufactured, sales had dropped due to competition from other small cars, most particularly the Ford Cortina.

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A Car of Distinction

The Tatra 603 may be the only car that was built for distinct elite, had sales politically regulated, and starred in films.

The 603 was built by Tatra, an automobile manufacturer in the country that was formerly Czechoslovakia. Following the communist takeover, the government issued an order to Tatra to design and manufacture a car that would be suitable for official use. The car must seat six people with an engine capacity not in excess of 3.6.

The result was a large four-door sedan with a 2472 cc cast aluminum, V8 engine that was mounted in the rear behind rear swinging half axles. The engine was air cooled by oil coolers. It had a top speed of 158 kh. The transmission was located under the steering wheel and the gearbox was mounted in the rear.

The 603 had front and rear bench seats each of which would comfortably seat three people. A large luggage compartment was under the hood of the car.The all round independent suspension and soft coil springs provided a comfortable ride.

The 603 featured large windows on the front, sides, and rear. In the original model, there are three front headlamps mounted under a plastic cover. This is the 603-1. The body was modified twice thereafter.

A fourth headlamp was added to the 603-2 and the lamps were flanked by an oval grill. The 603-3 dispensed with the grill and mounted the headlamps flush with the front.

Only one car was produced in 1955 and it was introduced to the public at the 1955 International Six Day Motorevent in Zlin. Nine additional cars were built in 1956.

When serial production began in 1957, only two cars per day could be completed as the car was crafted almost entirely by hand.

Prime Minister Vaclav Kopecky received one of the first T603's manufactured, probably due to his unwavering support throughout its conception and creation. Without this, the 603 may never have been born.

In 1958 some minor improvements were made. Tatra enlarged the rear wheel openings, changed the door catches and installed chrome fins on the air intake. They also enlarged the ventilation openings and improved the air intake.

In 1959, a white T603 won a Golden Ribbon in Wesbagen, Germany awarded on the basis of its style, appearance and overall elegance.

Sales within Czechoslovakia were restricted to senior members of political organizations and certain industries. The 603 was also exported to other countries in Eastern Europe including Germany and Russia, again for official use only. Then, in 1960, when Fidel Castro joined the Communist Bloc, he was given a white T603 equipped with air conditioning.

The 603 was virtually unknown on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Communist political philosophies prohibited any sales to capitalist countries. A few were brought into Western countries to serve Czech embassies and were left behind when the officials departed. Some were abandoned after exhibition in motor shows.

The 603 was the sinister sedan in the film, "A Series of Fortunate Events." It also appeared in 16 other movies.

Between the years of 1955 and 1975, a total of 20,422 cars were produced, almost entirely built by hand. Today, the 603 is a classic and is highly sought after by car collectors.

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Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle inspection is the process of having one’s vehicle inspected by a certified agency as mandated by local or state governments. A vehicle inspection involves the testing and inspection of different areas of the vehicle to make sure the vehicle is safe for the environment and safe to drive on the roadways. The employees of the inspection station will also check the car for properly working safety features such as the horn, the headlights, the break lights and the brakes themselves. If any of these are not working or are working improperly, the inspection will be marked as a failure and the driver will have to have the car inspected again shortly thereafter.

Before a vehicle can pass an inspection it must pass all of the required tests and safety regulations that are law within each individual state or uniformed law across the country. Those tests also include emissions tests. Emissions are what the vehicle emits from its exhaust pipe. If the emissions are too dangerous for the environment the car will not pass inspection and will need to have the problem looked at by a mechanic and then the car must be inspected again.

Vehicle inspections can occur once per year, once every two years and for brand new cars coming off the lot they are inspected four years after purchase. Not all states within the United States employ the use of vehicle inspection and a majority of the states that use to carry them have now discontinued their use. The United States government has left it up to the individual states to determine if they perform vehicle inspections, how often they perform them and what tests and safety requirements are involved in the inspections.

Here is the list of states that requires a periodic vehicle inspection:

• Delaware (every year)• District of Columbia (every two years)• Hawaii (every year)• Louisiana (every year)• Maine (every year)• Massachusetts (safety and emissions annually)• Minnesota (annual)• Mississippi(safety inspection every year)• Missouri (every two years)• New Hampshire (every year)• New Jersey (safety and emissions testing every two years, brand new cars are exempt for the first four years provided the car remains with the same owner.)• New York (safety and emissions test every year)• North Carolina (every year)• Pennsylvania(every year for most vehicles)• Rhode Island (safety and emission inspection every two years)• Texas (every year)• Utah (every two years for the first eight years, then every year)• Vermont (every year)• Virginia (every year)• West Virginia (every year - safety)

Vehicle inspections, in most states, do not cost the driver anything out of pocket or through their car insurance company. The only thing that vehicle inspections cost drivers are their time. Some drivers might have to wait up to an hour or more in line for their car to be inspected. Most vehicle inspections are usually required to occur at the end of the month, which is when they expire, and most drivers wait until the latest possible date to have their car inspected which creates long lines and long wait periods.

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Oil Change

An oil change is part of vehicle maintenance that keeps the car running effectively and smoothly and keeps the engine healthy. If a car’s oil is not changed on a regular basis then the engine can develop sludge, which will slow down its power and lead to other mechanical problems within the operation of the vehicle. Oil changes, along with proper tire pressure, not keeping too much extra weight in the trunk and a regular inspection keep a motor vehicle running smoothly and can help the owner save money on unnecessary repairs down the road.

The oil in a motor vehicle should be changed every three months or every 3,000 miles, whichever comes first and should be done by a licensed mechanic at a garage. Drivers can change the oil themselves but must dispense of the old, used oil legally. Never pour the oil down the storm drain; it will hurt and even destroy most parts of the environment. At a garage or at the dealership, the mechanics dispose of the oil in a safe, legal way. The driver of the car will be charged a disposal fee but it comes with the territory of owning a motor vehicle.

Oil changes can take less than one hour to perform, especially if the garage or dealership is not busy at the time of the appointment. For most new models of vehicles, owners take their car to the dealership for maintenance instead of the town mechanic. The dealership has better access to more parts and the mechanics at the dealership are more familiar with their own vehicles than the local mechanic would be.

The motor oil of a motor vehicle does plenty of things to keep the vehicle running smoothly and keeps the engine clean. The motor oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, its cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine. Motor oil is made of petroleum and it consists of hydrocarbons, organic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon.

For different vehicles there are different grades of motor oil. For vehicles with mileage over 70,000 most mechanics recommend a high mileage motor oil. Most vehicles, especially ones just off of the dealership lot, will require a normal, low grade motor oil. There are single grade, multi grade, synthetic and turbine motor oils available on the market today. They can be purchased at a mechanic garage, at the local automotive store and at retail stores that have auto departments in them.

Changing the motor oil in a car’s engine is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly and keeping the engine clean. If the oil isn’t checked and/or changed ever three months or every 3,000 miles the car will begin to experience problems when running and corrosion will begin to build in the engine. Corrosion will slow the car down and cause damage if it is left there for a prolonged period of time. Oil changes can be scheduled by appointment with a mechanic, at the dealership where the car was purchased or can be done at home by the owner themselves.

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Where Are My Flying Cars?

There was for a time about half a century ago when science fiction writers and artists had envisioned the 21st century as a fantastical future. Certainly a far cry from our current woes in politics and the economy, people 50 years ago thought of the year 2000 the as this wondrous place where all this great technology existed and our world seemed to be a utopian wonderland with moving sidewalks and … flying cars.

At the turn of this century our society should have been well ensconced with automobiles that fly like the one pictured on the left. Popular science fiction of the 50s and 60s described a typical car that someone would own or rent that had no visible means of flight but could simply lift off the ground. On the other end of the spectrum there was the notion of some fantastical looking vehicle was more like a spaceship on wheels.

Whatever version of the flying vehicle most are familiar with, it become clear that by the early 90s, the reality of what was once predicted was no closer than a device that could teleport you form one place to the next. Comments like, “Where are the flying cars, moon colonies, floating cities moving, sidewalks jetpacks?” became the mantra of comedians and anyone from the post WWII generation that grew up reading science fiction.

A Flying Car – Is it Practical?

Even if we had flying cars in 2008 would they be practical?

• Considering the instability of gas prices one would have to assume that fuel for a personal airborne vehicle would have to be at least double the price of regular unleaded gas.

• Regulation of the airways, speed limits and flying routes would seem to be a logistical nightmare. Imagine needing to have the level of sophistication that air traffic controllers use except for the millions of cars that currently exist.

• Car dealers, auto transport companies and rental car companies would have to develop new systems and structures for sales, shipping costs and rental rates. Think about the new routine for picking up a rental car at the airport.

• Would every legal aged driver have to get pilot licenses?

Is all Hope Lost for the Personal Air Vehicle?

Yes and no. Believe it or not there are companies out there trying to make this one time fantasy a reality. One such company, Terrafugia, has a working design called The Transition. This vehicle, with retractable wings is designed to carry two people on one tank of premium unleaded gas and will be geared for 100 – 500 mile jumps. As far as other details like how to drive it, how high off the ground it will actually “fly” and cargo room, the company has solutions for that as well. So technically with a 1/5 scale model and computer simulations, their flying car is – possible. Whether or not they’ll actually make their debut in our time? That question will be answered around the time you order your first