Car Biz Weekly

Fuel economy is a huge concern among car buyers these days. With the sky-high gas prices of last summer, consumers learned the value of owning a fuel efficient vehicle. But with so many choices these days, it may seem a bit daunting to find the right fuel efficient vehicle.

Hybrids are what many driver think of these days when they think of fuel economy observes one used car dealer Chattanooga. A hybrid vehicle uses a gasoline engine for its main source of power, along with an electric motor to maximize fuel efficiency. The added benefit with hybrid is that these vehicles also emit far less harmful exhaust emissions than a gasoline-only vehicle, as the engine shuts off completely during stops and when the vehicle reaches cruising speed. Used car dealers Salinas suggest that another added benefit to buying a hybrid is the potential tax credit.

Perhaps the most notable manufacturer of hybrid vehicles is Toyota. The Toyota Prius is by far the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle, and it can average between 36 and 45 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Although the EPA ratings of 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway would be nice, Pittsburgh Auto Finance admit those ratings are not necessarily the most realistic. Either way the Prius still gets well over 30 miles per gallon in the city which is quite a feat. Other Toyota hybrids include the popular Camry sedan and the Highlander SUV.

Although Toyota has managed to earn a reputation for producing hybrid technology, Honda’s lineup also includes some of the most popular hybrids on the road says the Toyota Accessories Store. This includes hybrid versions of the already economical Civic and the spacious Accord. Honda’s new hybrid vehicle, the Insight, enjoys the unique reputation of being the most affordable hybrid vehicle in America.

Other automakers are also building up their hybrid credentials. Ford and Mercury both offer a hybrid sedan, and also offer the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid which New Jersey Mercury dealers point out are the most fuel efficient hybrid SUVs on the road. General Motors also offers a range of hybrids to choose from such as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. But Chevy also offers hybrids for those who still want full-size space, including the Chevrolet Silverado hybrid pickup and the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid SUV.

While hybrids continue to be the most recognized vehicles for fuel efficiency, Pittsburgh used Mercedes dealers  warn that hybrids do come at a cost. First, hybrids are generally more expensive than many gasoline powered counterparts. In addition, hybrid-powered SUVs do not generally provide the level of fuel savings to offset vehicle costs. Luckily, there are still ample choices to consider for ample fuel savings.

Subcompact cars are becoming popular again at Mazda Salinas thanks to their low sticker prices and high fuel economy. These cars are small, so if you don’t need extra space a subcompact may be the best choice to help you save serious money. Nissan dealers Boston suggest that a wagon or hatchback may also be a wise choice if you need the space and versatility of an SUV, but don’t particularly want the added fuel cost.

One of the most popular small hatchbacks is the recently redesigned Honda Fit. Unlike the average economy car, the Honda Fit offers sporty styling and handling that is unique to the segment. The Toyota Yaris is also a wise choice, and not for 2009 the Yaris is available as a four-door sedan as well as either a three-door or a five-door. Perhaps one of the most competitively priced small hatchbacks on the road according to customers at Syracuse Suzuki is the Suzuki SX4, which now comes standard with satellite navigation. Late model pre-owned cars should also be considered suggests Pittsburgh used Kias in order to get the ultimate savings on a fuel efficient model.

In addition to having a low price tag, all of the above mentioned hybrids also deliver outstanding fuel economy. These compacts are also evidence that this segment is becoming increasingly refined as buyers are increasingly demanding high-quality and high-value products.

Take a look at just a view gas mileage comparisons below of several fuel efficient hybrids and compacts. Continue reading ‘Tips for Buying a Fuel Efficient Vehicle’

As the cost of new technology goes down, new cars are increasingly highlighting technology as a major buying feature. This may be nothing new for the premium car segment, but this means that more of this new technology is becoming standard in mid-range and more affordable cars. Let’s take a look at some of the in-demand in-car tech innovations.

Around View Monitor

Rear view monitors have become mainstream and no longer have much panache among consumers. The latest camera systems are around view monitors, helping drivers see not just behind the car but around the car. This system was first introduced on the Infiniti EX, a crossover from Nissan’s luxury brand. The around view monitor helps drivers navigate tight spaces and avoid minor fender benders. St Louis Acura says the system also makes parallel parking extremely easy.

Ford MyKey

The Ford MyKey is basically a key specifically for teen drivers. The system allows drivers to control a number of functions inside the car, such as top speed, stereo volume, and it controls various warning chimes. Parents can program the Ford MyKey system to their specifications, which Pittsburgh Lincoln Financing says will help to add peace of mind when children are out on the road. MyKey will be standard on the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford Escape hybrid. By 2012, MyKey will become standard on all vehicles.

Automatic Braking Systems

Using sonar and radar, automatic braking technology is able to monitor the closing speed of your car and the car ahead. If it detects that an impact may be imminent, the system will apply the vehicle’s brakes automatically without any input from the driver according to one used car dealer Trenton. The system was first featured on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but can also be had on the 2010 E-Class. Other vehicles that have adopted similar technology include Lexus and Volvo. While it’s not a replacement for safe driving, the system can prevent minor impacts that occur from distractions.

Lane Departure Warning Systems

Lane departure warning systems alert a driver whenever a vehicle begins to veer outside of a lane. When the vehicle steps over a double yellow line, one used car Philadelphia dealer points out that the system helps the drivers avoid a serious accident with an on-coming car, or even a motorcycle. While the system was first developed by Infiniti, it has since found its way into numerous brands including Cadillac, Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Some customers at Acura Service New Haven have thought the system is a bit too sensitive and annoying when it beeps unnecessarily. However, these systems can be shut off manually.

Driver Alertness Monitor

Also developed by Mercedes-Benz is the driver alertness monitor. The system monitors if a driver is falling asleep at the wheel. If the system senses a dozing driver, Mercedes Benz Washington DC says it will attempt to wake the driver up. Typically found on Mercedes S- and E-Class models, the system can also be found on Volvo models as well, including the S80 sedan. While the system could potentially startle a drowsy driver admits Indianapolis Mercedes and potentially could cause an accident, the system should be useful for those driving on long trips or who regularly drive late at night. That being said, anyone getting drowsy at the wheel should immediately pull off the road and call it a night. Continue reading ‘The Latest Trends in Automotive Technology’

After its reign as the largest automaker in the world, General Motors has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Treasury and the federal government have claimed that theses new developments will make the new GM a leaner and healthier company. The bankruptcy is the third largest in American history and involved nearly $173 billion in dept.

In approximately 60 to 90 days, this new GM will be launched. The difference from the existing GM is that the new version will only include the strongest brands, dealers, and facilities. Oklahoma GMC points out that that while GM has previously been home to numerous nameplates, it will now only consist of only Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands. Fewer brands means fewer sales admits one dealer specializing in Philadelphia car loans, but these brands remain the automaker’s strongest and will certainly help make the automaker as a far leaner company.

Ultimately, the changes at GM are intended to provide the automaker with an improved balance sheet as recent years has seen debt grow dramatically. In order to help achieve its lofty goals, the U.S. Treasury is also committing $30 billion in bridge financing to further aid the process. Missouri Used Cars says the U.S. Treasury will not own GM debt alone, but will also share some of the dept with Canadian and Ontario governments as well.

While bankruptcy is under way, General Motors will continue to sell its cars and honor vehicle warranties. GM dealers realize that sacrifices will need to be made, but remain optimistic as the automaker will become stronger once it exits bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, operations until them will continue to operate as normal in most markets outside of North America. Continue reading ‘Time Runs Out: GM Files for Bankruptcy’