Archive → June, 2010

Tiny City Commuter Car of the Future!

30 June, 19:32, by Sarah Tags: , , , ,
no comments

ULV Tokyo Tiny City Commuter Car of the Future!

If you thought the VW Beetle available at Peoria VW was a small car, you have not seen anything yet! The Ultra Lightweight Vehicle, also known as ULV, was debuted in Tokyo at the Automotive NEXT Industry Fair. The fair takes place annually in Tokyo, Japan and features cutting-edge automotive technology. The fair took place June 16th and had exhibits related to environmental engines, fuel economy, innovative automobiles, green engine production, lightweight materials, futuristic batteries, and technological computer systems for vehicles.

While prices have yet to be released for this teeny-tiny vehicle, one would guess that it is less than any Nissan Altima Prices. And you certainly won’t be able to find this vehicle stateside at Lancaster Ford. American consumers are doing their best to embrace the green auto revolution, but this single-passenger mini electric car is likely to make American laugh rather than actually drive one. With limited numbers of Smart ForTwo vehicles driving around our “bigger is better” country, the ULV will have a more positive reception in crowded high-population cities.

Powered by a 400 watt motor, yes not even on the kilowatt scale, the ULV can travel at speeds less than 25 mph. Again, further proof this egg-shaped vehicle is best suited for city driving. The vehicle is incredibly economical and inexpensive to operate. A full charge can be attained in about 4 hours, allowing the vehicle to travel for 50 miles before needing to be charged again. Also, a full charge only costs about $0.40. This means it is about ten times cheaper to operate than our praised Toyota Prius. Because there is no fuel consumption, let us try to put this low cost into perspective. You can travel 50 miles for only $0.40, and the average cost of gas is around $2.80. $2.80 is seven times the amount of $0.40, or seven times 50 miles. That equates to roughly 350 miles per gallon in cost! 350 miles is typically what Americans average per tank, not per gallon! The vehicle is intended to carry only the driver and small amounts of cargo, like daily groceries, and only weighs 160 pounds.  Talk about good things in small packages!

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

The Green Nissan Altima?

30 June, 16:03, by Mary Tags: , , ,
no comments

nissan altima 3 300x188 The Green Nissan Altima?

Toyota has been the leader in hybrids that can be found at dealerships like Boston Toyota, but there is a new kid on the block. Nissan goes green with the Altima leading the way. The Altima is only the newest addition to the long line of hybrids, but it does have the feel of one. Unlike others in its class this hybrid offers you comfort and support. It has enough room to seat adults comfortably with out any one squeezing in. It also offers you crisp handling and acceleration. This hybrid is a fun ride and drive. Make sure you check out Peoria VW dealer for other great deals along with the Cleveland Chevrolet!

Unlike others in its class this hybrid has the acceleration and power people want when driving, and it is one of the most fuel efficient car in its class. The Nissan Altima also comes with stream line looks that offer you a sleek ride. Other hybrids give you sharp angles with a slightly box like look, but the Altima only gives you sleek curves.

The interior is also something to brag about. The features it offers are at the top of its class. It also gives you the room to sit comfortably, and it gives you a trunk that is made for cargo space.

This car was also built for safety. It ranked very high in crash test ratings and it also out lasts others in its class. It is reliable and sturdy but it saves you it’s weight in money at the gas tanks. This car was built to reduce emissions and save gas, but keep in mind that like some hybrids the sticker price might just give you sticker shock. This Nissan starts out around 27,000 and only keeps going up with the more features you get.

Over all this is a great buy for saving money even though the sticker price is just a bit high, but keep in mind that the ride this car offers far out weigh any negatives it has. The Altima is a great family car. It was designed with small to mid- sized families in mine.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Pontiac has A Great Vibe!

28 June, 14:40, by Donna Tags: , , , ,
no comments

Pontiac Vibe GT 02 300x225 Pontiac has A Great Vibe!

The Pontiac Vibe is one of the premier “compact crossover” vehicles in the new segment. It offers a car-like ride and handling with the practicality of an SUV. Add fuel efficiency that is on par with most compact cars, as well as Pontiac’s bold and edgy styling from front to back. If you are looking for a place to service your Pontiac, any Jersey City Pontiac Service center can help.   If you are looking for a Dodge, while there are no hybrid sedans, any Salem Dodge Dealer is sure to help.

These are mostly drivers who want competent ride during the week, and enough utility and space for weekend getaways. Competitors to the Vibe include the Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Rondo, Suzuki SX4, Scion xB, and the Toyota Matrix—the list is growing as car makers begin to realize the value in this segment.

Reviewers use words like practical, competent and sensible to describe the Pontiac Vibe. But as cars get funkier dimensions and punchier engines, the Vibe’s relevancy has slipped. General Motors has been in a precarious position for the last few months, and though it had announced plans to continue selling some Pontiac’s, it has now announced that Pontiac will be phased out by the end of 2010. In fact, the Vibe is the only 2010 Pontiac that will be available.

The discontinuation of the brand could make an affordable MSRP even more attractive in the coming months. Plus, you can rest assured that your warranty will be honored at the remaining GM dealerships.

In terms of build quality, the Vibe is, let’s face it, a Pontiac. The brand is not known for having the most stellar service record. But to the Vibe’s credit, much of that record has not spilled over onto this model.

The Pontiac Vibe is a well-rounded lifestyle-oriented vehicle for those interested in economy and practicality with a shot of style and performance.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

The 2011 Honda Civic. It’s Great to be Green!

28 June, 14:18, by Donna Tags: , , , ,
no comments

honda civic hybrid 300x219 The 2011 Honda Civic. Its Great to be Green!

The 2011 Honda Civic is greener and better than ever.  You can find earlier models at any Kansas city used car dealers in the area and Cincinnati Car lots.

The EPA testifies that the Civic hybrid gets 49 mpg in city driving and 51 on the highway. But those numbers are rarely achieved. To get mileage in the high-40-mpg range requires gradual acceleration, timid cruising speeds, and cautious use of the throttle. Suffer a short lapse in concentration or accelerate immoderately, and fuel economy will suffer. Fact is, to do this right, you will drive more slowly than you ever have.

At least the interior feels far more spacious than the previous Civic’s, even though the new car can boast only a minor one-cubic-foot gain in space. Despite a 3.2-inch increase in wheelbase, rear-seat legroom is down by 1.4 inches (overall rear space remains at 39 cubic feet, and the floor is still flat). But from behind the wheel it feels like the interior has grown by more than a cubic foot because of increased shoulder room and an airy feel due to the expansive windshield.

Honda is charging a bit more for its new hybrid. Our tester wore a sticker price of $23,900, which included its sole option of a $1500 navigation system. Compared with last year’s Civic hybrid equipped with the optional CVT, it now costs about $1000 more. That seems like a small premium to pay for a car that’s faster, more refined, and more fuel efficient than the one it replace

Overall, the New Honda Civic Hybrid is Faster and more fuel efficient, hybrid system has learned a few new tricks, quieter and more refined than the previous generation.  It’s interior is strange to some, cool and quarky to others with not-so comfortable seats.  You won’t be first off of a starting line due to slower speed, but you will be first with Mother Nature!

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

smart to Smart ForTwo; Small Car, Big History

26 June, 16:23, by Sarah Tags: , , , ,
no comments

Smart ForTwo smart to Smart ForTwo; Small Car, Big History

If you visit a Kansas City used cars dealership, you might find used models of smart cars.  The brand has shifted and turned and been bought and traded and is now known as Smart ForTwo.  With tough economic times, there are specials and rebates abundantly everywhere: Chevy Specials, Ford Specials, Import Specials, cash allowance, rebates, and the list goes on.  Smart ForTwo may have only ranked 27 out of 30 with U.S. News for the category Affordable Small Cars, but sellers have no problems moving inventory.

After three years on the U.S. market, Smart is well recognized and sought after.  It is not mainstream and still remains a bit of a novelty.  I’m sure the kids and grandparents in your car still “ooh” “ahh” and point when they see the mini car driving around.  Despite critics who say the car is too small and pricey to survive in America where “bigger is better,” people still like the cute Daimler import.  It is small, fits in any parking space, efficient fuel economy, has more head and leg room than some domestic cars, is affordable, and with triple-layer steel in key points it does well in crash tests.

As eye-catching as Smart ForTwo may be, there is competition on the market.  Kia’s Soul brings a funky, hip design combined with a low-price and amazing warranty.  The Nissan Versa rivals Smart’s fuel economy, has a lower base price by about $2,000, and has more passenger and cargo room with a spacious interior.

Perhaps the small, Smart car idea is just a U.S. pipedream trend.  The smaller cars were introduced when our gas prices were at the highest.  The cars were presold before even being delivered on U.S. soil.  Critics fault the car with poor acceleration, jerky shifting at high speeds, and the small size making the car drift during high winds.  Nonetheless, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the highest “Good” rating for front and side impact crash ratings.  The model may not be selling as quickly as Daimler initially hoped, but the seed was planted in American’s heads that smaller might be better, and other automakers are following suit.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

The Luxury EX SUV!

23 June, 18:38, by Mary Tags: , , ,
no comments

infiniti ex concept thumb 300x189 The Luxury EX SUV!

If you need help affording this dream car just go to Missouri used car loans. The ultimate SUV just hit the market! This SUV takes all in its class. The fuel efficiency is above average and the cost is below average.  This EX made a big statement and impression with the safety ratings as well. U.S. News ranked it with a 10 out of 10 for safety, but you can’t find it at any Ford dealer like High Point Ford dealer.

The sicker price might give you a little bit of sticker shock but even the most up graded model is still a lower cost then the rest of the luxury SUV’s in its class.

The exterior is something to brag about along with the luxury interior. The main stream looks lets this vehicle blend in and stand out at the same time. Sleek curves with no harsh angles only add to the appeal of this car. The interior is even better, and all the features offered are at the top of there class. It might get a bit expensive with the upgraded models, but even the basic model offers luxury all its own.

Over all this is an amazing buy. It is made and meant for small to mid-sized families, but it also perfect for some one looking for a smooth ride to and from work with great handling. The powerful engine in the EX SUV makes this fun to drive, and the handling is a perfect match for the power this engine gives off. Another plus with this SUV is it is extremely well balanced. Even riding in the rear seats you are comfortable and supported.

While this luxury SUV starts off for a price off  41,000 and the upgrades only add onto the price, but this Infiniti is more then worth it. Everything from the safety features to the fuel efficiency gives this car a spark, and that spark attracts customers of every type. The Infiniti EX has something to offer every type of car lover  no matter how picky he or she is.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , ,

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid is Making us all see Green!

22 June, 14:14, by Donna Tags: , , ,
no comments

Altima Hybrid 300x193 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid is Making us all see Green!

The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks 15 out of 22 Affordable Midsized Cars.  It offers the sharp handling and spacious interior of the Nissan Altima, and the added fuel efficiency of a hybrid power-train. It’s available in only eight states, however, and the price makes you hand over a lot of “green” before going “green”.  You can pick up an earlier model Altima at any dealership that Used Nissans are sold.  You can also get them serviced there or possible at a GMC Service department as well.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid does combines two very appealing things. One is the crisp handling of the Nissan Altima, widely considered one of the most fun-to-drive family sedans. The other is the fuel efficiency and lighter carbon footprint of a hybrid drivetrain.

Buyers might want to note that Nissan buys parts of the drivetrain for the Altima Hybrid from the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Reviewers tend to call the Altima more fun to drive, but Toyota’s traditionally higher resale value might help offset the added cost of the hybrid system. The brand new Ford Fusion Hybrid has also won more positive press than the Altima Hybrid has — and it is available in 50 states.  The Altima Hybrid is only sold in eight states — California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. Buyers can buy one in another state and drive it home — but not all of us live within a reasonable distance of California or New England.

But if you are a Nissan fan and would love to help mother earth, it would be worth the trip to one of those eight states to pick one up.  Or, try negotiating shipping costs into the price.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Prototype Prius Plug-in Being Tested

18 June, 01:47, by Sully Tags: , , , ,
no comments

mn topos16 PH1 s 0501830773 300x200 Prototype Prius Plug in Being Tested

Yesterday, the SF Gate reported that a prototype Toyota Prius plug-in model was being tested.  The Toyota Prius is a top competitor to the Ford Fusion which can be found at a Grappone Ford Dealer and other hybrid or electric vehicle models.  Ford also intends to compete with Toyota by installing greener technologies such as their EcoBoost engine in historically fuel inefficient models such as the F-150 which can be found at any F-150 Inventory.

Toyota presented three prototypes of the plug-in hybrid at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group in San Jose last Tuesday.  150 prototype plug-in hybrids will be loaned to various organizations around the nation over the next 18 months in order to test performance of the new technology.

Mary Nickerson, national manager for advanced technology vehicles at Toyota said, “The education and feedback we’ll receive will be invaluable to Toyota as we bring this vehicle to market.”  Toyota loaned three models to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group who represents 300 of the top companies from the Silicon Valley.

The plug-in Prius will by a hybrid like the regular Prius.  It will be able to drive 13 miles on electricity alone.  The plug-in Prius will feature a more powerful lithium-ion battery that can be recharged on external charging stations. Coulomb Technologies will be the company installing the charging stations throughout the country.

Toyota intends to continue to compete in the electric vehicle market with new technologies.  Toyota recently partnered with American electric car researcher and manufacturer Tesla.  Details on a new model co-designed by the companies are not available, however many expect Toyota to release a new vehicle that utilizes Tesla’s advanced battery research.

The plug-in Prius is expected to compete with the all-new Chevy Volt which can drive up to 40 miles on electricity alone, and the Nissan Leaf which is an all-electric vehicle with a 100 mile range.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Ford Focuses on Going and Saving Green!

16 June, 15:15, by Donna Tags: , , , , ,
no comments

ford focus1 300x225 Ford Focuses on Going and Saving Green!

Ford has announced that an assembly line in Michigan that currently produces the Ford Focus will also produce an electric version of the car starting next year, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions in 2012. (Plug-in hybrids, like hybrids, have both electric motors and gas-power engines, but they also have larger batteries that can be recharged via a normal electrical outlet.) While other automakers, including Ford, have in the past converted conventional cars models to hybrids, Ford plans to do this on a wider scale, making it an option for more than 10 different models; and it plans to include plug-in hybrid and electric options as well. You can get yourself a Ford Focus at any Concord Ford dealer.  Any Jersey city Car Credit company can also help with the financing.

Ford also recently announced that it will start designing and assembling key components of hybrid and electric vehicles. It will start making batteries for its next generation of hybrids, due out in 2012, instead of buying them from outside suppliers. But Ford hasn’t brought all of its battery design in-house, and it’s also working with partners to produce its first electric vehicles, such as an electric version of the Ford Transit Connect that will go on sale later this year.

The key advantage of Ford making electric versions of its conventional vehicles and designing its own batteries is cost savings. The fact that the body, wheels, suspension, and so on are the same will allow Ford to make higher volume orders than it could if it was just ordering enough to supply a hybrid or electric model.

Most of the cars that Ford will sell in the coming decade, by far, will still be powered by gas or diesel. Gioia estimates that hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles will account for between 10 and 25 percent of total worldwide sales by 2020, and only about one in 100 vehicles will be all-electric, in part because of their higher costs. “But estimates could change very rapidly based on policy and fuel prices,” she says.

Such estimates are reasonable based on the history of hybrid vehicle adoption says Mike Omotoso, senior manager of power-train forecasting at JD Power and Associates. Last year–a decade after they were first introduced in the United States–291,000 hybrids were sold, which is just 2.8 percent of all new vehicle sales. Omotoso estimates that it could take more than seven years for electric vehicle sales to break 100,000.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

Toyota to Invest in Tesla at Highly Anticipated IPO.

15 June, 21:37, by Sully Tags: , , , ,
no comments

tesla motors logo 300x259 Toyota to Invest in Tesla at Highly Anticipated IPO.

In a highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of its stock, Tesla, a North American Silicon Valley based experimental auto manufacturer expects to raise $185 million.  Toyota is also expected to purchase $50 million of the stock offering.  GM hopes to compete with Toyota in the hybrid market with their Chevy Malibu Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, and Chevy Silverado Hybrid, which can be found at New Jersey Chevrolet dealers and other local dealers.

Tesla is currently the only auto manufacturer selling highway capable 100% electric vehicles in serial production.  Other automakers are currently producing prototype 100% electric models, but the is anticipated delays before serial production of these models.  Tesla currently produces approximately 15 cars per week.

Approximately 11.1 million shares will be offered in the IPO from between $14 to $16 per share.  Tesla has produced over 1,000 Roadsters, a luxury battery powered sports car, and it will release its $50,000 Model S sedan in 2010 with full volume production.   The Roadster retails for $109,000.  The sales of shares will begin the week of June 28.

The IPO should help Tesla with its operating costs as Tesla has struggled since its inception with profitability.  Tesla has also received funding from the government to offset their high research, operating, and production costs.  It is also anticipated that Tesla may partner with Toyota in the near future to produce a new Toyota model that utilizes some of Tesla’s advanced battery technology.

Tesla has received funding from the United States Department of Energy for $465 million, but it has operated with a continual profit loss of around $300 million.  Tesla reported $20.8 million in revenue and a net loss of $29.5 million for the first quarter of 2010.  Tesla does not anticipate turning a profit until the 2012 release of the Model S sedan.

With the IPO funding, Tesla may be able to increase their profitability and production for the Roadster before the expected 2012 boost in sales from the S sedan.

Related items

Technorati Tags: , , , ,