Strange Automotive Patents

by admin on March 23, 2013

Volkswagen Dealers ClevelandFive Weird Automobile Patents - Like many other inventions, it’s not clear who exactly can lay claim to the title of “inventor of the automobile.” Ford, Daimler, Duryea, and Cugnot have all been called the “Father of the Automobile” at one time or another. But US patent 549,160 tells us the inventor of the auto may be George Selden. In 1879, Selden, a patent attorney from Rochester, New York, applied for a patent on a “Road Engine.” But Selden thought the time wasn’t yet right for a horseless carriage, so he delayed issuance of the patent until 1895. At this time, a new automobile industry was developing in the United States. To learn more about other dealer services, visit Volkswagen Dealers Cleveland. While Selden wasn’t interested in building cars, he was interested in profiting from his patent. Most of the auto manufacturing companies paid for licenses from Selden, or from the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM), to whom he later sold the patent. Henry Ford notably refused to pay Selden’s licensing fee. Selden sued Ford and the resulting legal battle continued for nearly eight years. Ford lost the suit but eventually won on appeal. The appeals court declared that Selden’s patent was invalid, other than for cars that ran on the Brayton-type external-compression two-stroke engine described in the patent. Unfortunately for Selden, no cars on the market at the time used this engine.

In 1891, Daniel I. Lybe and William O. Nickles of Sidney, Iowa filed an application for a patent on a spring-powered vehicle. The vehicle was powered by a spring, similar to the way a spring powers a watch. After an initial wind, the vehicle would wind itself when it was travelling downhill, and use energy from the spring when driving on flat roads and uphill. Winding was done with arm and foot power, and it was claimed the vehicle could travel at speeds of 30 mph. The inventors said their vehicle would “afford a mild and pleasing form of exercise, in addition to its speed advantages.” Patent 466,893 was awarded on January 12, 1892. The Lybe vehicle was entered in the first motor race in the U.S., held in 1895, but it’s not known if it finished.

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Back in the early 1900s, when cars were a new invention, people were afraid that these horseless carriages were scaring horses. In 1904, Henry Hayes of Denver received patent number 777,369 for an attachment to an automobile that makes it look like a horse is pulling the car. The patent reads, in part: “The object of the invention is to provide a figure of an animal, preferably a horse of approximately life-size, with means for attaching it to the front of a motor-vehicle in such a manner that it may be propelled by the vehicle and present the appearance of a horse drawing the vehicle.” Hyundai MD is an invaluable resource for automotive information. The invention contained an oil lamp inside the horse head, which was intended to light the way. Pulling a rope closed the horse’s mouth and squeezed an air horn. Needless to say, the ersatz horse never caught on with the public.

US patent number 6,745,977 is for a rotor-powered flying car. Larry D. Long, of Avon, Illinois received the patent in 2004. While the flying cars in development today are really light aircraft that can travel on roads, Long’s flying car design incorporates two rotors, one vertical and one horizontal. The vehicle is described as being “in the general shape of a land vehicle, such as a car, but has a plurality of rotors so the vehicle is capable of flight in the manner of a VTOL or a helicopter. The vehicle has foot pedals and steering that can be operated in the manner similar to that of a car.” Long envisions that the flying car could be used by the military and police, as well as by the airline industry to shuttle passengers between airports.

Toyota Dealer MDPatent 6,757,593 was awarded on June 29, 2004 to Kenjii Mori, Naoto Kitagawa, Akihiro Inukai, and Simon Humphries, all of Toyota, Japan. The patent is for a way to help drivers communicate by allowing the car to express anger and other emotions based on the mood of the driver. Currently, communication between drivers is limited to the car horn and the use of lights. The inventors envision a system that includes wagging antennas, a body with adjustable height, headlights that vary in intensity, and hood slits and ornamentation that look like eyebrows, eyelids, and tears. Toyota Dealer MD is a great source for all your automotive needs. The patent holders say that “as traffic grows heavier and vehicle use increases, vehicles having expression functions, such as crying and laughing, like people and other animals do, could create a joyful, organic atmosphere rather than the simple comings and goings of inorganic vehicles.” Data on the state of the car, the road, and the driver would be collected and stored in the car’s computer. Points are given for specific factors that might create an angry response, such as the driver reacting to another driver cutting in recklessly. When a sufficient number of points are accumulated to indicate anger, the computer’s software would trigger a change in the car’s appearance.

Photos courtesy of US Patent Office.

Tags: automobile technology, Volkswagen Dealers Cleveland, automobile patents, Toyota, Hyundai MD, George B. Selden, Henry Ford, antique cars, Toyota Dealer MD, horseless carriage

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MD Used CarsStudy: Drivers Who Use Cell Phones More Likely to Engage in Other Risky Behaviors - While studies have shown that drivers who talk on their mobile phones are distracted, a new study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has revealed that drivers who talk on mobile phones behind the wheel are more likely to take part in other dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, failing to wear seatbelts, driving drowsy, and sending texts or e-mails. Further dealer resources available at MD Used Cars. Additionally, while nearly nine out of ten of licensed drivers (89 percent) told interviewers they consider other drivers using mobile phones in their cars a threat to their personal safety, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of the respondents said that they themselves talked on a mobile phone while driving within the last month.

“Ninety percent of respondents believe that distracted driving is a somewhat or much bigger problem today than it was three years ago, yet they themselves continue to engage in the same activities,” said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “More work clearly is needed to educate motorists on the risks associated with using a cell phone while driving, especially given that most Americans believe this problem is becoming worse.”

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Drivers who regularly or frequently used their cell phones while driving over the last month also admitted to engaging in a number of other dangerous behaviors. The research shows:

  • 65 percent also reported speeding
  • 44 percent also reported driving while drowsy
  • 53 percent also reported sending a text or email
  • 29 percent also drove without a seatbelt

Compare those figures with the results reported by drivers who reported never using a cell phone while driving:

  • 31 percent reported speeding
  • 14 percent reported driving drowsy
  • 3 percent reported sending a text or email
  • 16 percent drove without a seatbelt

In spite of the nearly unanimous disapproval for texting and sending e-mail while behind the wheel (95 percent), more than one-quarter of licensed drivers (27 percent) reported that they sent a text or e-mail at least once in the past month, and more than one-third (35 percent) admitted to reading a text or e-mail while driving. Toyota Dealers Worcester is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Young drivers age 16-24 were even more likely to engage in this behavior, with more than half (61 percent) admitting to having read a text or e-mail while driving in the past month, while more than one-quarter (26 percent) reported checking or updating social media while driving.

“What concerns AAA is this pattern of risky behavior that even goes beyond cell phone use,” said Kathleen Bower, AAA vice president of public affairs. “These same cell phone-using drivers clearly understand the risk of distraction, yet are still likely to engage in a wide range of dangerous driving activities.” Using a cell phone while driving slows the driver’s reaction times and roughly quadruples the chances of a crash. Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes involving distracted drivers are responsible for 3,000 fatalities and nearly half a million injuries each year. This is most likely a conservative estimate, due to the difficult in accurately determining the role of distraction in crashes.

Ford Dealer North CarolinaAAA recommends that drivers turn off their phones before getting behind the wheel. If you have to use your phone, pull over to a place where it’s safe to talk, send texts, or use e-mail. Ford Dealer North Carolina is a great source for all your automotive needs. AAA also has initiated a legislative campaign that calls for a ban on text messaging while driving in all 50 states. So far, 39 states and the District of Columbia have adopted this traffic safety measure. AAA believes that the 11 remaining states will consider this legislation this year.

Photos: City of Danville, CA (top and center), US Department of Transportation (bottom).

Tags: AAA, MD Used Cars, texting and driving, distracted driving, Toyota Dealers Worcester, automobile safety, driving drowsy, NHTSA, Ford Dealer North Carolina, cell phones

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Know What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

by admin on March 10, 2013

Honda Dealership EastonKeeping Safe When Your Car Breaks Down - You’re driving along the road when your car suddenly loses power and rolls to a stop. Hopefully, you know what to do. There are many problems that can lead to your car breaking down, including a dead or low battery, a flat tire or blowout, an electrical fault, transmission failure, an overheating engine, low oil pressure and running out of gas. More information on all types of cars is available at Honda Dealership Easton. They say misery loves company, but knowing that AAA received 28 million roadside calls in 2012 probably won’t make you feel better about your situation as you wait for help. According to AAA, their technicians were able to resolve 58 percent of breakdowns at the roadside, while about 12 million vehicles required a tow to a local repair shop.

You never know where or when your car will break down. Waiting for help from emergency services in a strange place or at night can be frightening, especially if you’re alone. While roadside assistance usually arrives quickly, it can sometimes take longer than you might like for them to reach you. “Being stranded with your vehicle can be a very stressful experience,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “It is important to be prepared for a breakdown. There are several things to remember that can help keep you safe and get you back on the road more quickly.”

MD Nissan Dealers

The following suggestions are provided by the folks at AAA to help motorists who have experienced a breakdown. If the vehicle isn’t working properly but is still capable of driving a short distance, get it to a safe place, such as a parking lot. If the car isn’t drivable but is still coasting, steer it as far off the road as possible, but avoid stopping on a hill. Once you’ve stopped the vehicle, turn on the emergency flashers. If you can’t get the car completely off the roadway, think about leaving the vehicle and getting yourself and any passengers to a safer location. MD Nissan Dealers offers value and service for all your automotive needs. Don’t stay in a car if there’s a chance it might be hit by another vehicle. Because of the danger of a collision, it’s generally a bad idea to push the car off the road.

When it’s safe to get out of the vehicle, both driver and passengers should exit from the door on the side facing away from traffic. While waiting for help, don’t stand in front of or behind your car. In addition to using your emergency flashers, you can also let other drivers know your car is disabled by raising the hood, tying a brightly-colored cloth to the antenna or door handle, or using warning triangles or flares. This will communicate your situation to other drivers and should encourage them to slow down and drive cautiously as they approach your vehicle.

Scion Finance Specials MarylandOnce the driver and passengers are out of danger, get help from a road service provider. If you’re unsure of your location, observe the surroundings, landmarks, buildings or road signs to relay your location. When the emergency assistance vehicle arrives, the technician will attempt to make repairs to the car. If repairs can’t be made at the site, they’ll need to tow the vehicle to a repair facility. If you’re away from home and don’t know a reliable repair facility in the area, a respectable automobile repair service like AAA can recommend nearby approved repair shops. Scion Finance Specials Maryland has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. AAA even supplies a list of approved repair shops on their website, via an app for iPhones, iPads or Android phones, or on a mobile website for other web-enabled mobile phones. In addition, they offer a guide, entitled “What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down: The AAA Guide to Personal Safety,” which can be downloaded for free.

Photos (top to bottom): Andre Bulber, Michael B, Rich Nacmias.

Tags: AAA, Honda Dealership Easton, breakdowns, roadside assistance, MD Nissan Dealers, automobile safety, auto repair, tow truck, Scion Finance Specials Maryland, AAA Mobile app

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Auto News Digest

by admin on March 4, 2013

Houston Used HondaStrange But True Car News - Most people don’t dream of driving a car shaped like a banana around the world. But then, most people aren’t Steve Braithwaite. Braithwaite, a native of Great Britain who lives in Michigan, conceived of the idea after spotting a banana on sale in a local gas station. “[I] started studying it from every angle,” he said in a statement on his
website. “As I viewed it from all sides I started to see that it would be a perfect shape for a car. I pictured where the wheels would go and where the occupants would sit. Where the engine and bumpers would fit. After a few minutes of intense scrutiny I suddenly realized that the lady behind me was staring at me intently. She must have been thinking ‘It’s a BANANA! Buy it and eat it and let the rest of us pay for our gas and move on with our lives!’” More information on all types of cars is available at Houston Used Honda. Braithwaite built his banana car and plans to start his drive in Pennsylvania, go across the Atlantic Ocean by cargo ship to England, drive across Europe, through Asia to Shanghai, China, then across the Pacific Ocean to Long Beach, California. An eBay auction designed to raise money by allowing people to bid on becoming a passenger on the trip ended without the reserve being met.

In East Geelong, Australia, Lindsay Barth is happy to have recovered his car, which had been stolen. After the car, a Subaru Liberty, was stolen, Lindsay’s wife Misty, posted a message on Facebook expressing her dismay. She mentioned that the car hadn’t been insured due to financial difficulties. The car thief apparently had a change of heart. The Barths got their car back – washed, polished, and buffed. In addition, a big dent at the front of the car was pushed out and the interior of the car had been vacuumed, shampooed, and detailed. Unfortunately, tools and camping gear worth approximately $3000 had been stolen from the car, but the Barths were happy, nonetheless.

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If you think you had a bad day, take heart. Hila Ben Baruch of Tel Aviv, Israel parked her car in a legal parking space and then left her car. While she was away, city workers painted the street around her car, labeled it a handicapped parking spot, and then towed her car away. Ben Baruch described the incident on her Facebook page: “…I couldn’t believe my eyes – my car was not in the space I parked it in and in its place was a parking space for the disabled.” Baton Rouge Chevrolet Dealership has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. She phoned the city to explain the incident but the person on the phone thought she was lying. Fortunately, the incident was captured by a security camera across the street. The video wound up on YouTube and was eventually viewed by Tel Aviv officials, who apologized and withdrew the fine and vehicle recovery cost that totaled $366.

In Augusta, Georgia, Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call where a local resident explained that his car had been broken into while it was parked overnight near his home. The police report states that the thief rummaged through the 2012 Honda Pilot and stole a camera. The victim discovered that in addition to the missing camera, there was a can of tuna and a pair of underwear on the back seat – neither item belonged to him. According to police, the vehicle had been locked at the time of the incident.

KIA Dealer CTOver in England, Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson drove the smallest car in the world on an episode of the TV program. The vehicle, called the P45, was designed and built by undergraduates of Coventry University’s School of Art and Design’s car styling course. Thirteen students were invited to create a number of automobile designs over the course of a week. The chosen design was used to construct a lightweight vehicle that could be driven on the road under current guidelines for quadricycles. KIA Dealer CT provides excellent service for new car shoppers. “To say this project was a challenge would be an understatement,” said Thomas Lumley, creator of the winning design. “We had a very tight timescale to work to and had to complete it alongside coursework. It was a great chance to show off what we could do, and it’s a real honour that they chose one of my designs to work with.”

Photos (top to bottom): Liz O’Neill, security camera photo, BBC.

Tags: banana car, Houston Used Honda, Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, Baton Rouge Chevrolet Dealership, automobile news, auto theft, parking ticket, KIA Dealer CT, Steve Braithwaite

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Madman Muntz: Used Car Dealer, Inventor

by admin on February 25, 2013

Ford Dealership Des MoinesEarl Muntz: Huckster Genius - If you never heard of Earl “Madman” Muntz, you’re not alone. But he was a major figure in automobile marketing for many years. Muntz, who was born in 1914, was an American businessman (some people used the word “huckster”) and self-taught engineer. He sold and advertised cars and consumer electronic equipment from the 1930s until his death in 1987. To learn more about other dealer services, visit Ford Dealership Des Moines. He was a pioneer in using television commercials for promotion and he’s credited with producing the kind of aggressive television commercials that were later used by California automobile dealer Cal Worthington and the now-defunct consumer electronics chain Crazy Eddie. Muntz’s commercials, featuring his whacky “Madman Muntz” character, attracted a lot of attention. Southern California drivers in the 1940s would have been hard-pressed to avoid Muntz’s billboards.

Muntz showed promise in the field of electronics when he was just a boy. He built a radio at age 8 and a car radio for his parents when he was 14. A year later, he dropped out of high school to work at his parents’ hardware store in Elgin, Illinois. At age 20, Muntz opened a used car lot with a $500 line of credit. He moved to California in 1940 after discovering he could sell cars there for higher prices. He bought 13 cars that had steering wheels on the right side which were originally slated to be sold in Asia, but were never delivered due to the outbreak of World War II. One was a custom-built Lincoln made for Chiang Kai-shek. When local papers ran the story, Muntz sold all the cars within two weeks. He opened another car lot in Los Angeles and closed the lot in Elgin.

Texas Chevrolet

Muntz became a famous name due to his unusual ways of generating publicity with his “Madman” character. His used crazy stunts, whacky billboards, and outrageous radio and TV commercials to get the word out. One of his popular used car commercials featured a “special of the day,” a car that Muntz said he’d smash to pieces with a sledgehammer on the air if it wasn’t sold that very day. Texas Chevrolet offers value and service for all your automotive needs. Madman Muntz famously boasted: “I buy them retail and sell ‘em wholesale…it’s more fun that way!” Muntz’s commercials made him such a big celebrity that comedians like Steve Allen, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope vied with each other to see who could tell the funniest Madman Muntz jokes. In 1940, Muntz’s car lots ranked seventh among Southern California’s tourist attractions.

In 1951, Muntz bought the manufacturing license for the two-seat Kurtis Kraft Sport, a car created by race car designer Frank Kurtis that had previously sold only 36 units. Muntz enlarged the body size, made the car a four-seater, swapped the model’s Ford V-8 engine for a larger Cadillac V-8, and rechristened the model the “Muntz Jet.” Glendale, California was the site of the initial production run of 28 units. Production was eventually moved to Evanston, Illinois. Muntz extended the car’s body by 3 inches and replaced the engine with a cheaper Lincoln sidevalve V8. The Jet could reach a top speed of 125 miles per hour and could accelerate from zero to 50 mph in six seconds. By 1954, Muntz had only sold 400 units. High manufacturing costs led him to close the company with a loss of about $1,000. Today, only about 130 Muntz Jets still exist. They’re rare collector’s items, with fully restored models selling for over $75,000.

Chicago Toyota DealersNext, Muntz designed and sold televisions, manufacturing the first black-and-white television to sell for less than $100. Muntz kept the prices of his TVs low by simplifying the circuits used in the manufacturing process, a practice that he called Muntzing. He received credit for coining the expression “TV,” although it has been pointed out that the term had been used earlier in the call letters of television stations (such as WCBS-TV). The story goes that when Muntz hired a skywriter to write “Muntz Televisions” in the sky, he noticed the word “Muntz” had started to fade away before the pilot had finished writing the entire phrase – so Muntz shortened it to TV. Chicago Toyota Dealers is a one stop source for all your new car needs. Muntz could be seen promoting his TVs at the end of the Ed Sullivan Show, wearing a Napoleon hat and red long johns, saying: “I wanna give ‘em away, but Mrs. Muntz won’t let me. She’s crazy!” Muntz was also a trailblazer in the devolopment of car stereos. He created the Muntz Stereo-Pak, a 4-track cartridge that was the precursor to the 8-track cartridge. Muntz was married seven times; Phyllis Diller was one of his many girlfriends. He died in 1987.

Photos (top to bottom): archive photo, Simon Davison, archive photo.

Tags: Earl Madman Muntz, Ford Dealership Des Moines, Muntzing, Muntz Jet, Texas Chevrolet, automobile commercials, Kurtis Kraft Sport, Cal Worthington, Chicago Toyota Dealers, eight track player

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This Parrot Can Drive, No License Required

by admin on January 24, 2013

Indianapolis ToyotaThis Driver Gives Everyone The Bird - In a previous blog post, we told you about dogs in New Zealand who were trained to drive cars. It now looks as if parrots are the next animal driving cars, although in this case, we’re not talking about a full-size vehicle. An African Grey parrot named Pepper has learned to drive his own robotic Bird Buggy, a tiny electric vehicle that’s controlled by a joystick the parrot can use to steer using his beak. Find out about other dealer services at Indianapolis Toyota. The Bird Buggy uses sensors located in the front bumper that stop the vehicle and back it up if it encounters an object in its path. Pepper’s wings are clipped to prevent him from flapping around the house and destroying things, so the Bird Buggy is a great help when he wants to get around. The parrot car was developed by computer engineering student Andrew Gray.

On his website, Gray, a 29-year-old University of Florida graduate student, explained that he created the Bird Buggy as a way to keep Pepper from shrieking when he was left alone. “To combat [it] an automated sound triggered squirt gun was created to deter the bird from shrieking,” said Gray on his website. “At first, the squirt gun proved effective. The bird’s screaming would cease after the squirt gun would fire. However, the effectiveness of the water gun did not last. Pepper started utilizing the water as a bird bath and continued to shriek. Next, a remote controlled noisemaker was placed near the bird’s cage. Whenever the bird shrieked, a user could press a button to activate the noisemaker startling the bird. This too did not last as the bird became adjusted to the rattling of the noisemaker.”

Volkswagen Cleveland Dealership

Gray came up with another solution to Pepper’s separation anxiety – why not let him roam around the house? While this might sound good in theory, there was the problem of the possibility of Pepper leaving bird droppings all over the house. In addition, there was a chance that he might get stepped on. Gray decided to design a mobile platform capable of being controlled by the parrot to move through the house. Volkswagen Cleveland Dealership offers value and service for all your automotive needs. The components include a wireless controller, micro controllers, a bump sensor, motors, and circuit boards that work together to keep the avian driver mobile. The front-wheel drive includes two heavy-duty miniature all-terrain wheels, while the rear wheels can move in all directions, facilitating turning. There’s even a try to hold a newspaper, which is used to catch the bird droppings.

The Bird Buggy also has an autonomous mode, which allows it to return to its base station when the parrot is removed from the driver’s perch. The unit docks to the base station, where it recharges. The self-docking is achieved by means of an onboard webcam which allows the vehicle to “see” the base station and navigate to it. The vision system searches for two colored spheres, one green and the other red. The red sphere is slightly higher than the green one. Once the spheres are identified, the unit orients itself so that the spheres are lined-up vertically. Gray explains that the system was adapted from the use of range lights, navigational aids that were created to guide ships safely through channels.

Hyundai Fort MillPepper uses his Bird Buggy to get around in a way that’s similar to technological aids that assist people who are disabled, such as modified wheelchairs used by paraplegics or robotic exoskeletons that assist people who are paralyzed to stand and walk. Pepper looks like he enjoy driving his little vehicle, it has even been reported that he gets disturbed when the vehicle switches into autonomous driving mode and drives itself to the docking station. Hyundai Fort Mill is a one stop source for all your new car needs. It may be surprising that a parrot is smart enough to drive a motorized vehicle, but Irene Pepperberg’s research with an African Grey parrot called Alex has demonstrated that African Grey parrots can accomplish cognitive tasks at a level comparable with dolphins, chimpanzees, and human toddlers. Pepper can be seen driving his Bird Buggy on YouTube.

Photos by Andrew Gray.

Tags: African Grey parrot, Indianapolis Toyota, Bird Buggy, animal intelligence, Volkswagen Cleveland Dealership, robotic exoskeletons, Irene Pepperberg, autonomous cars, Hyundai Fort Mill, robotic car

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Why Johnny Doesn’t Drive

by admin on January 17, 2013

Ford Dealer BrownsvilleGreen Cars a Hit With Gen Y - Call them Gen Y or millennials, but American youth don’t have the same relationship with cars as their parents or grandparents. While many pundits and industry insiders feel that young people in the United States simply aren’t interested in cars, the results of a new study suggest that isn’t the entire picture. To learn more about other dealer services, visit Ford Dealer Brownsville. Where cars were once viewed as status symbols that reflected affluence and good taste, Gen Y still considers cars to be status symbols – but with a difference. Instead of a measure of wealth, they want a green car that broadcasts how much they’re concerned for the environment. At the same time, they want their cars to include the latest technology features, particularly in the area of connectivity.

These are the results of a recent study conducted by management consultants McKinsey & Company, which found a car is now less of a status symbol than it was 20 or 30 years ago, but is instead a symbol of independence and an advanced life-style. While green cars such as hybrids and plug-ins save money on fuel, they also make a statement that shows the owner’s attitude toward the environment. The study found that 47 percent of the young (defined as those between 18 and 39 years old) are more willing to pay more for an electric car, and are more interested in using low-CO2 vehicles. Young people are also more likely to view new concepts like car sharing more favorably than older drivers.

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The McKinsey study agrees with the findings of other studies of young people of driving age, usually identified as “millennials” or “Generation Y.” A survey conducted by Deloitte in 2012 showed that 60 percent of the young respondents across the globe said they’d rather drive a hybrid car than most other kinds of vehicles. Chevrolet GMC Dealer Winnipeg has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. A survey by GfK, the largest market research institute in Germany, revealed that while many young drivers aren’t especially interested in fuel efficiency, they like the current crop of small cars because they provide a fun driving experience and contain the newest technology features.

While young people say they favor green cars, their opinions haven’t necessarily translated into sales. As one would expect, young people are extremely price conscious. In addition, like many other consumers, they have range anxiety when it comes to electric vehicles. Many analysts believe that once prices come down and the auto industry addresses the range issue, the popularity of plug-in electric cars among the youth market segment will increase. Others aren’t so sure. An article that appeared in the New York Times claims young people are simply no longer interested in cars. Where cars once were the hub of youth culture, the social activity of young people today revolves around social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging.

Kia Dealer San AntonioStatistics from the Federal Highway Administration show that in 2008, only 46.3 percent of potential drivers under 20 had a driver’s license, whereas in 1998, the figure was 64.4 percent. Drivers who were 21 to 30 drove 12 percent less miles in 2009 than in 1995. According to research organization Gartner, 46 percent of drivers 18 to 24 responded that if faced with a choice between having Internet access and owning a car, they’d choose Internet access. Kia Dealer San Antonio has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. MTV Scratch surveyed a sample of 3,000 millennials, whom they defined as people born between the years 1981 and 2000. The respondents were shown 31 brands and asked which ones they preferred. No car brands finished in the top 10, rating below brands like Nike and Google. One reason automobiles are becoming less popular with young people might be because they’re simply not affordable. One thing we know: the auto industry will be watching this trend carefully over the coming years.

Photos (top to bottom): Gohsuke Takama, Anathea Utley, Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz.

Tags: green cars, Ford Dealer Brownsville, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, Chevrolet GMC Dealer Winnipeg, automobile technology, in-car connectivity, millennials, Kia Dealer San Antonio, young drivers

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Tigard Infiniti DealersNMA Publishes Worst Speed Trap List - You’re driving your car and there aren’t many other cars around. Like many other drivers on the road, you’re driving a little over the speed limit. But you’re traveling and you don’t know an important fact that all the locals know: you’re driving through a speed trap and there’s a police car hiding behind those trees just after the turn you’re making. The next thing you know, a state trooper is handing you a traffic ticket. This scenario can happen to anyone. Find out about other dealer services at Tigard Infiniti Dealers. To prevent drivers from running into trouble, the National Motorists Association (NMA), a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the rights of motorists, has undertaken a study that has identified the worst speed traps in the United States and Canada.

“Speed traps typically combine arbitrarily low speed limits with heavy traffic enforcement designed to generate ticket revenue,” said the group in a statement. “While the intent may be to modify driver behavior long-term, that is rarely the result. Speed traps keep springing up in the same locations, the issuance of tickets flows unabated, and there is no material effect on traffic safety. That is why the NMA advocates for increased speed limits in chronic speed trap areas supported by traffic studies and proven engineering principles.”

Chevrolet Dealers Illinois

The methodology of the study involved examining five years of data obtained from NMA’s website, The National Speed Trap Exchange, which collects information about tens of thousands of North American speed trap locations. Because the listings are created by drivers, and users vote on whether specific speed trap locations are true speed traps, the listings indicate the consensus of thousands of motorists all over the U.S. and Canada. Chevrolet Dealers Illinois has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. The rankings were created by determining the number of affirmative votes for speed traps in a specific area and indexing the total as it relates to the size of the locale’s population. The only speed traps factored into the rankings were ones with high levels of consensus. The results were:

Worst Speed Trap Cities (population greater than 50,000)

  1. Flower Mound, TX
  2. Livonia, MI
  3. Windsor, ON
  4. Hamilton, ON
  5. Mississauga, ON


Worst Speed Trap Cities (population less than 50,000):

  1. Estelline, Texas
  2. Winthrop, Washington
  3. Waldo, Florida
  4. Bellevue, Iowa
  5. Summersville, West Virginia


Worst Speed Trap States and Provinces:

  1. Ontario
  2. Nova Scotia
  3. District of Columbia
  4. South Carolina
  5. Michigan
  6. Iowa
  7. Tennessee
  8. West Virginia
  9. Washington
  10. Delaware

Denver Chevrolet DealershipAccording to the NMA, there’s a cluster of speed traps in several cities that surround the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport that deserve special mention. The cities include Romulus, Livonia, Allen Park, Redford, Taylor, Northville, and Dearborn Heights. They identified 187 specific locations in those seven cities, with a consensus of 88.3 percent to confirm that each deserved the speed trap label. Denver Chevrolet Dealership is a great source for all your automotive needs. The group warns travelers driving in the Detroit area to be particularly careful of speed traps in the area and to use caution when driving at the speed trap locations identified by fellow motorists at the National Motorists Association’s National Speed Trap Exchange website. The complete list of state and province ratings can be found here.

Photos courtesy of WA State Patrol, SD Dept of Public Safety, MO State Highway Patrol.

Tags: speed traps, Tigard Infiniti Dealers, NMA, National Motorist Association, Chevrolet Dealers Illinois, speed limit, speeding ticket, state police, Denver Chevrolet Dealership, highway driving

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New Year’s Resolutions For Safe Driving

by admin on January 11, 2013

Land Rover ShreveportNew Year’s Resolutions For Drivers - With the coming of the New Year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions. Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, get more organized, or find a new job. These are all commendable goals, but we think you should make a New Year’s resolution for your car. That’s right, your car. More information on all types of cars is available at Land Rover Shreveport. Your car’s important. You probably rely on it to get you where you need to go every day. But what have you done for your car lately? How about making some New Year’s resolutions for your car? Whether you choose to make one or all of the following resolutions (we recommend making all of them), you’ll have taken a step to keep your vehicle operating optimally and safely. We’ve covered some of these resolutions at length in past posts, but it’s always a good idea to keep them in mind.

Resolution 1: I will check my tires’ air pressure. Correctly inflated tires will help you get better gas mileage and increase their life. Under-inflated tires can cause poor handling and can result in a blowout. Tread life can be reduced by as much as 25 percent due to the increased internal heat of the tire, and fuel economy can take a hit of about 5 percent. On the other hand, overinflated tires have less surface contact with the road; this means they can become damaged more easily if you run over a pothole or an object in the road. You can’t inflate your tires properly if you don’t know the proper pressure for your tires in the first place. Many people mistakenly believe the proper tire inflation level is the number written on the tire, but this number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold. The correct pressure is listed in your car’s owner’s manual, as well as the inside of the car door. Always check the pressure when the car is cold, since driving the car will result in an increase in tire pressure. Make sure the car has been parked for a few hours.

BMW Reading

Resolution 2: I will keep the windows of my vehicle clean and unobstructed. put simply, you can’t drive safely if the view out of your car’s window is obscured. It’s important to keep the windshield clean. A dirty windshield is especially hazardous in the early morning and in the evening. In the morning and early evening, rising or setting sun can produce glare on the windshield, which will make it more difficult to see other vehicles or pedestrians. In the evening, a dirty windshield will increase the glare resulting from the headlights of other vehicles. BMW Reading has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. If you notice that your windshield needs cleaning while you’re driving, use your wipers and washer pump to clear the window. If your wipers leave streaks, it’s a sign they need to be replaced. Just about every gas station provides water and squeegees for cleaning your windshield. If the inside of the windows need cleaning, there are many commercially-available products for cleaning car windows without leaving streaks. However, household glass-cleaner will work, followed up by a wipe with a microfiber cloth to reduce streaking. Finally, don’t obscure your rear window with lettering or a pile of stuffed toys. This is dangerous and possibly illegal.

Resolution 3: I will not tailgate. Tailgating is so incredibly dangerous and foolhardy that it’s a wonder that drivers do it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for approximately 23 percent of all motor vehicle crashes, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths and 950,000 injuries each year. The National Safety Council reports there are more than 2.5 million rear-end accidents annually. If you’re driving and following closely behind the car in front of you, and that car stops suddenly, your car is going to attempt to occupy the same space as the other car at the same time. Since the laws of physics tell us this is impossible, the result will be a collision. If the car behind you is following too closely, it will crash into your car. Remembering the laws of physics may keep you alive and prevent you from killing another driver or passenger. The more space you allow between your car and the vehicle in front of you, the more time you have to react to a sudden stop. Leave at least two seconds between your car and the car in front of you and double that time to four seconds at night, in bad weather, in heavy traffic, and when driving through construction areas.

Used Cars for Sale FremontResolution 4: I won’t text and drive. It’s astonishing that anybody thinks they’re capable of reading and sending text messages on a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. Numerous studies have shown that drivers who are texting are as impaired as drunk drivers. According to the Ad Council, one million people chat and text while driving every day, while a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into a collision than a driver who isn’t texting. Used Cars for Sale Fremont provides excellent service for new car shoppers. While drunk drivers’ impaired capability to make good decisions may lead them to get behind the wheel while they are impaired, there are no excuses for deciding to text and drive other than foolhardiness. When you’re driving, there isn’t anything you need to tell your friend that’s so important you need to risk your life or the lives of others over. If there is, pull your vehicle over to somewhere safe and then send your text message.

Photos (top to bottom) by 22dragon22burn, John Turner, Stig Nygaard.

Tags: automobile safety, Land Rover Shreveport, texting and driving, DUI, BMW Reading, tailgating, New Year’s resolutions, windshield, Used Cars for Sale Fremont, tire pressure

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Prius c Tops List of ‘Greenest’ Vehicles

by admin on January 4, 2013

Honda Edmonton Alberta‘Greenest’ Cars List Highlights Environmentally-Friendly Vehicles - There are many green vehicles on the market, but which one is the greenest? The answer, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is the Prius C, Toyota’s compact addition to the family of Prii. The Prius C, which debuted on the American market in 2012, has been ranked number one on the list of the country’s “greenest” vehicles. Find out about other dealer services at Honda Edmonton Alberta. The ACEEE, a nonprofit organization that calls itself a “catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors,” also rated other Prius vehicles with high scores, including the original Prius at number three, the plug-in Prius hybrid at number four, and the Prius V at number 11. The ACEEE stated that new models dominate the list, which is now in its 15th year.

“The vehicles at the top of this year’s rankings are proof that automakers are really ramping up their offerings,” said ACEEE lead vehicle analyst Shruti Vaidyanathan. “There are more hybrid and electric options on the market this year than ever before and the race for a spot on the Greenest list is increasingly competitive. Automakers have revamped their offerings to meet the growing demand for efficient vehicles and new fuel economy standards.”

TN boat dealers

While some conventionally-powered vehicles continued to make the list this year, many have been bumped off the list by hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and all-electric vehicles. The only non-hybrid, non-plug-in vehicles that stayed on the list this year were the Scion IQ and Smart Fortwo. The Honda Civic Natural Gas vehicle, which placed as the number one greenest vehicle for eight years, didn’t make the top twelve this year. Despite this, Honda still scored with the Fit electric vehicle at number two and the Civic Hybrid at number five. TN boat dealers is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Three Ford models earned spots on the list: the Focus EV and the Fusion and C-Max hybrids. Two European vehicles also made the cut: the VW Jetta hybrid at number seven and the Smart Fortwo at number eight.

In addition to the “Greenest” list, the ACEE also publishes a “Meanest” list, consisting of cars they have deemed to be the least environmentally friendly. This year, European sports cars were displaced from the “Meanest” list by a number of heavier light-duty vehicles. Ford took a hit on the “Meanest” list for 2013, with the Ford F-350 FFV pickup truck at the top of the list, followed by the Ford F-250 (FFV), and Ford E-350 wagon. All three models received a score of 17.

Miami GMC DealershipsThe ACEEE has customarily measured a number of elements in order produce their “Greenest” and “Meanest” lists, including fuel consumption, unhealthy tailpipe emissions, and gas emissions that add to climate change. The procedure has been updated in 2013 to assess a vehicle’s environmental impact more precisely, including changes to gasoline, diesel, and natural gas upstream emissions; updates to emissions from the manufacturing process; and updates to the estimated fuel mix that generate the electricity that powers electric cars. Miami GMC Dealerships provides excellent service for new car shoppers. Besides the “Greenest” list, the ACEEE also acknowledged twelve “Greener Choice” models that were the top in each vehicle class. American models made up half of the winners, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Spark, and Buick Encore. Other “Greener Choice” winners included the Honda Fit, the Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Tacoma.

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation, Michael Caven, Honda Motor Company.

Tags: ACEEE, Honda Edmonton Alberta, Greenest Vehicles, green cars, TN boat dealers, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, Prius c, Miami GMC Dealerships, automobile technology

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