It started with a ton of attention and failed to meet expectations. Now, Google+ is under fire as being a “ghost town” by many in the know. Can they rebound? Can they buy their way to prominence? Is a better interface enough to get them over the Facebook speed bump (a speed bump that will soon have over 1 billion users)?

The key to their continued success will be getting people to make the switch. The thought that they could co-exist with Facebook as an alternative or a complementary service is gone. They either have to dominate or stick to search. To do that, they’ll need to get people to ask their people to make the switch.

If you’re one of those who has seen the light and realizes that Google+ is superior to Facebook but lacks the users to keep it interesting, here’s an interesting infographic from Tacoma Nissan that gives you ammunition to use on your friends and family.

Via: TopDealerSEO.com

Related articles

• Analysing What Google Did Right and Wrong With Google Plus (dreamgrow.com)
• Gary Marshall: Google+ is a ghost town (techradar.com)
• Google+: Success or Failure? (epiphanysearch.co.uk)
• SXSW: Could developers fill the ghost town of Google Plus? (econsultancy.com)
• Google+ Is A Virtual Ghost Town (socialnetworkingwatch.com)

New Designs, Technology On Offer At NY Auto Show - When it comes to innovation and starting trends you could say that New York City is the place. Perhaps that’s why the automotive world chose New York City as the place to showcase their most amazing and futuristic offerings. The 2012 New York International Automobile Show, open to the public from April 6th to April 15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, displays some of the newest and most fantastic concept cars ever seen. More information on all types of cars is available at Albuquerque Auto Dealerships. Here’s our summary of some of the hottest concept cars exhibited at the show in New York: The Cadillac Ciel Concept (pronounced “C-L,”) has a name that’s that means “sky” in French. This elegant grand-touring convertible seats four. This roomy and striking-looking car is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system that uses lithium-ion battery technology. The doors are French-style, with suicide rear doors. It has been reported that Cadillac said the Ciel Concept is not a direct predecessor to a flagship model.

The Volkswagen E-Bugster is a convertible concept that seats two and combines the classic styling of the Beetle with zero-emissions driving. The E-Bugster is powered by an electric motor that generates 114 horsepower and has a range of over 100 miles. The battery’s plug interface is located under the hood’s VW logo, where it can be charged with three different chargers: 120V, 240V, and a quick charger that will charge the battery to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The Kia GT Concept is a four-door sports sedan concept that seats four. The Kia GT Concept is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that develops 395 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front and rear-hinged back doors of the GT open slightly upward to facilitate getting in and out. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. The GT Concept’s has a long wheelbase that measures 112.6 inches, with an overall length of 184.6 inches.

The Acura NSX Concept features flowing lines that combine elegance and aggression, lightweight materials, and a powerful center-rear V-6 engine paired that generates an estimated 406 horsepower. A dual clutch transmission has its own built-in electric motor to create unbelievable acceleration and amazing efficiency. The NSX concept also makes use of many technologies that are new for Acura, including Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system. Chevy Dealer In CT has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. The Lincoln MKZ Concept has a profile that features a long, sleek, sweeping roofline. The design transcends the three-box shape of a traditional sedan, yet is still identifiable as a Lincoln. A retractable panoramic glass roof fills the cabin with natural light and provides an incredible view and an open, airy interior. The many ground-breaking interior features liquid crystal instrumentation, push-button transmission gear selection, and an open, tiered center console.

The Chevrolet Code 130R is a four-seat coupe that is aimed at younger buyers. It features an upright profile with heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. The Code 130R takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy. It’s powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 that’s tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology that increases fuel economy by shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tru 140S is an “affordable exotic” three-door sporty coupe that seats four. The model shown at the New York Auto Show is an all-new matte white color and was designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. The Tru 140S is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 engine with start-stop technology. Land Rover’s DC100 and DC100 Sport Concepts are trims of what will be the next-generation Land Rover Defender. Land Rover plans to create an all-new Defender that will be marketed globally and stay faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable, and capable. Both DC100 models feature the next generation of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which will optimize the car for any conditions without the driver having to make any selections. In addition, Land Rover’s new Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualization.

The Toyota NS4 Concept is a plug-in mid-sized hybrid concept car that Toyota would like to market globally over the next three years. NS4′s unique next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system features reduced component size and weight, with increased acceleration and better overall fuel economy. Charging time has been reduced, while the electric driving range has been increased. The Toyota NS4 Concept’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) integrates a multi-touch screen that the look and works like a Smartphone. The system is able to “learn” the driver’s preferences and driving habits in order to foresee the driver’s responses in specific driving situations. Used Car Dealerships In Bellingham WA has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Toyota’s Calty design studio in California provided the Lexus LF-LC Concept’s sleek styling. The hybrid 2+2 sports coupe has a front grille that recalls the Lexus GS, while the swept-back headlights and trunk design are similar to the LFA supercar. Inside, there are scooped side panels and a high, curved console that incorporates a remote touch-screen, allowing the driver to operate the controls without having to shift position or alter line-of-sight. The LF-LC Concept has a glass roof to enhance driver visibility./p>

Photos (top to bottom) Cadillac Ciel Concept courtesy of Cadillac, Toyota NS4 Concept courtesy of Toyota, Acura NSX Concept courtesy of Acura.

Tags: concept cars, Albuquerque Auto Dealerships, New York International Auto Show, Javitz Center, Chevy Dealer In CT, Acura NSX Concept, Lexus LF-LC concept, Volkswagen E-Bugster, Used Car Dealerships In Bellingham WA, Lexus LF-LC Concept

Hybrid Owners Unlikely To Purchase Another Hybrid - With today’s high gasoline prices, more consumers are looking to fuel-efficient cars for relief. There are now an increasing number of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles to choose from. But when hybrid owners buy another car, they’re voting “no” when it comes to buying another hybrid. More information on all types of cars is available at Kia Irvine. While the selection of hybrid models in the U.S. has more than doubled since 2007, only 35 percent of hybrid vehicle owners chose to purchase a hybrid again when they returned to the market in 2011, according to a recent analysis by auto information company R.L. Polk & Co. When repurchases among super-loyal Toyota Prius owners are factored out, hybrid loyalty drops to less than 25 percent.

While hybrid owners may not be buying another hybrid, they do appear to remain loyal to their brand when they return to the new car market. For example, according to Polk,in 2011, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners purchased another Toyota when they returned to the market, while 41 percent of them purchased another hybrid from any brand. “Having a hybrid in the product lineup can certainly give a brand a competitive edge when it comes to attracting new customers,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “The repurchase rates of hybrid vehicles are an indication that consumers are continuing to seek alternative solutions to high fuel prices.”

When it comes to owners of Honda hybrids, more than 52 percent of them stuck with the Honda brand, while less than 20 percent of the group of Honda owners purchased another hybrid from any brand. Online cross-shopping data from Edmunds.com shows that potential auto buyers are doing research to compare hybrid vehicles with gasoline-powered cars in the same class. Albuquerque Ford Dealers has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. For example, the Honda Civic is the second most cross-shopped car by consumers who are considering buying a Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.

“The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren’t appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors,” according to Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist. “For EVs and PHEVs in particular, certain obstacles – including consumer unease with unfamiliar technology and the lack of an adequate recharging infrastructure — will need to be overcome before sales increase.”

According to Polk, consumers in traditional eco-friendly regions of the U.S., such as Southern California, Portland OR, and Seattle, where hybrid sales are strongest, aren’t any more loyal to hybrid vehicles than the rest of the country. Car Dealers In Clovis NM has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Polk said that hybrid vehicles represent just 2.4 percent of the overall new vehicle market in the U.S., down from a high of 2.9 percent in 2008. Polk’s research also shows that instability in gas prices between 2008 and 2011, which ranged from just under $2.00 per gallon to nearly $4.00 per gallon, had little impact on hybrid segment loyalty. Toyota continues to be the leader in hybrid sales.

Photos (top to bottom) Toyota Motor Corporation, Petar Miloševi?, Honda Motor Company.

Tags: hybrid vehicles, Kia Irvine, green cars, Toyota Prius, Albuquerque Ford Dealers, Honda Insight, hybrid cars, R.L. Polk & Co., Car Dealers In Clovis NM, auto sales

Hand-Held Cell Ban In California Reduced Crashes - Regular readers of this blog will remember that we’ve written about the dangers of driving while talking on hand-held cell phones, texting, and distracted driving. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recently announced that since the state banned hand-held cell phone use while driving, deaths due to hand-held cell phone use by drivers has dropped. More information on all types of cars is available at Honda Louisville. The analysis was conducted by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at the University of California, Berkeley. When analysts compared California crash records two years before and two years after the ban went into effect, they found that traffic deaths declined 22 percent overall, while deaths due to hand-held cell phone use went down 47 percent.

“These results suggest that the law banning hand-held cell phone use while driving had a positive impact on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries,” said Dr. David Ragland, Director of SafeTREC. But while state officials are pleased with the results, some are concerned that distracted driving still remains a problem. “While we are thrilled to see that the hand-held ban in California has worked to reduce distracted driving crashes and overall cell phone use, there are still far too many drivers talking and texting while driving,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director for the California Office of Traffic Safety. “A good step for parents is to never call or text your kids if you think they might be driving.”

One of the reasons that the number of deaths and injuries from cell phone dropped was because of the reduction of the number of people using cell phones behind the wheel. A study funded by the federal government conducted in 2011 concluded that 40 percent of California drivers responded that since the hand-held cell phone ban was instituted, they used hand-held and hands-free mobile phones less frequently while driving. Shreveport Mercedes-Benz has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. The survey findings were similar to results of a telephone study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that found that in states with hand-held cell phone bans, 44 percent of drivers said they didn’t use mobile phones while driving, compared with 30 percent in states that didn’t prohibit drivers from using hand-held mobile phones. A majority of drivers in California said they considered mobile phones and driving to be a major safety problem, with 62 percent of those polled saying that they thought people texting and talking on cell phones is the biggest safety problem on California’s roads, and 84 percent responding that talking on mobile phones and texting while driving are the most serious distractions to drivers.

From a law enforcement perspective, the California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that the state had 460,487 in 2011, up 22 percent from 2010 and up 52 percent from 2009. Motorists who had to pay fines found that the cost of a first offense was $159, with subsequent offenses costing $279. “Highly visible and publicized enforcement, along with the cooperation of the motoring public to reduce distractions behind the wheel, has played a significant role in the reduction in collisions,” said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow. “In addition, there are many educational programs developed by the CHP, our allied agencies, as well as non-profit organizations such as Impact Teen Drivers that have made sustained efforts in reducing distracted driving.”

The country’s first statewide observational cell phone survey was conducted by the California Office of Traffic Safety. According to the survey, nine percent of drivers were either talking on their cell phones or texting while they were driving. This means that at any given time, there are hundreds of thousands of drivers engaging in these distracted behaviors. Honda Dealer Los Angeles has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Studies have shown that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in a collision that’s serious enough to cause injury. “It’s Not Worth It!” is the name of a public awareness campaign developed by the state of California. The campaign makes use of TV spots, radio commercials, billboards, the Internet, and social media. In addition, the state’s 652 permanent programmable signs display the message, “Handheld Cell Ticket – $159 – It’s Not Worth It” for many days during the year.

Photos (top to bottom) by Ed Poor, Fort Rucker, TalkingDC.

Tags: cell phones, Honda Louisville, mobile phones, texting, Shreveport Mercedes-Benz, California, texting and driving, distracted driving, Honda Dealer Los Angeles, cell phone bans

AAA: More Vehicles To Get Advanced Technology - It wasn’t too long ago when automobile technology features consisted of a map in the glove compartment, windshield wipers, a rearview mirror, and side view mirrors. Today, automakers have introduced a host of technology features designed to make driving easier and safer. More information on all types of cars is available at Ford IN. According to a new report from AAA, technology features that were once found only in luxury vehicles will be increasingly be made available to more drivers, especially as the cost of these technologies are reduced. These include safety technologies as well as features that will increase a car’s performance and allow it to be more environmentally friendly.

“Technologies like anti-lock braking and stability control were once seen as pioneering innovations and are now required or standard features,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Looking to the future, we hope the cost for these technologies continues to come down, allowing more drivers to enjoy the safety, economy, and performance they provide.” AAA warns that the proliferation of technology features can have drawbacks. “These new technologies can be distracting to a driver. It’s important to comply with the guidelines provided for their use and most importantly keep driving your car the number one focus while operating the vehicle,” Nielsen said.

What follows is a rundown of the new technology systems that AAA believes will be in wider use. Brake Assist is currently a standard feature in many new cars, trucks, and SUVs. Brake assist is able to sense panic stops and will automatically apply the brakes, even when the driver hasn’t applied enough pressure to stop the car. While brake assist isn’t a very new technology (it’s been around since the mid-1990s), it’s now gaining wider implementation. New York Used Cars has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. Parking Proximity Warning Systems and Backup Cameras warn drivers about objects that may be in the way and help them see where the vehicle’s going. Parking warning systems use sensors to detect people, animals, and objects, that may not be visible to the driver because they’re in the vehicle’s blind spot. Backup cameras show the driver what’s behind the car when it’s backing up. Both of these technology features are becoming more common on mid-price vehicles.

Lane Departure Warning Systems were originally offered on the most expensive Infinity models but are now becoming available on other cars. Lane departure systems are able to sense the lane markings on the road and can alert the driver when the vehicle crosses lanes without signaling. The warning can take the form of a sound or a vibration the driver can feel on the steering wheel. Active Cruise Control uses radar or laser technology to sense the distance of the car ahead and can maintain a safe following distance. If traffic slows down, the system can reduce the car’s speed. Some systems are capable of applying brakes and even stop the car completely if traffic comes to a stop.

Stop-Start is a hybrid vehicle technology that cuts the gasoline engine when the car idles (such as when stopping for a light) in order to save gas and reduce emissions. Kia is planning to bring a stop-start system to non-hybrid vehicles such as the Soul and Rio. Driver Alert Warning Systems are able to sense when the driver is tired or isn’t paying attention to the road. The system can sense when the driver is drifting from his lane and uses cameras to monitor the driver’s movements. When activated, the system can alert the driver to take a break. Baltimore Used Car Dealers has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Blind Spot Warning Systems use radar or a camera to warn the driver if another vehicle is driving in his blind spot. If the driver attempts to change lanes, the system will use flashing lights or send an audible.

Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen.

Tags: AAA, Ford IN, auto technology, brake assist, New York Used Cars, backup cameras, auto safety, blind spot warning, Baltimore Used Car Dealers, Kia Soul

Lexus On Top Again In JD Powers Survey - According to a new study, drivers who have their vehicles serviced at their local dealership are happier than when they take them to a non-dealer repair shop. The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study found that customers who service their cars at the dealer’s service center have a satisfaction rating of 787 points out of a possible 1,000 points, as opposed to 749 points for non-dealer service facilities. More information on all types of cars is available at South Lake Tahoe Toyota. In addition, 79 percent of service visits by owners of vehicles between one and three-years-old are done at dealer service centers, up from 74 percent in 2011 and 73 percent in 2010. Overall dealer service satisfaction improved 19 points in 2012 from the previous year. Among the 33 brands, 28 saw improvement in service satisfaction, with eight brands seeing improvement of 20 points or more.

“Steady improvements in vehicle quality, longer intervals between recommended service visits and a higher mix of maintenance service events have had a positive effect on overall dealer service satisfaction,” said Chris Sutton, senior director at J.D. Power and Associates. “Moreover, manufacturers and their dealers have instituted broad-based customer service improvement initiatives to increase satisfaction with both the purchase experience and after-sales service, with the understanding that a substandard service occasion can and will impact their ability to make a future vehicle sale or gain repeat service business.”

The J.D. Power and Associates study examines vehicle owners’ satisfaction of maintenance or repair work performed at a service department. They based rankings on the quality of the work that was done over the course of the initial three years of the life of a new vehicle, which usually corresponds to the most of the vehicle’s warranty coverage. Five criteria are used to determine overall customer satisfaction: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility, and vehicle pick-up. Used Cars Moline has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. For the fourth consecutive year, Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction among luxury automakers, with a total CSI score of 861 points. The other top-five brands are Cadillac (852), Jaguar (849), Acura (838), and Porsche (836). Audi showed the greatest improvement of the luxury brands, up 34 points from the previous year.

Among mass market brands, MINI ranked highest for the second year in a row, with a score of 809. The other brands that made it to the top five were Buick (805), GMC (803), Chevrolet (801), and Hyundai (791). The mass market brands that saw the greatest improvement from 2011 were Nissan (up 43) and Toyota (up 31). J.D. Power sees slow auto sales during the collapsed economy causing a decline in service volumes through 2013 before coming back. According to the company, the challenge to automakers is to continue to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction once customer traffic increases. The study offers suggestions that dealerships can use to continue to provide the same high level of customer satisfaction, no matter the volume of service.

J.D. Power says that dealers should offer online scheduling and encourage service customers to schedule their service appointments online. They found that customers who schedule appointments on the dealer’s website are happier with the service experience than customers who call the dealer on the phone to schedule an appointment or who stop by the dealership without an appointment. In additionally, customers who made their service appointment on the dealer’s website spent $17 more per year than customers who make an appointment by phone, and $36 more per year on service than customers with no appointment. Shreveport Land Rover has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Dealerships should review customers’ inspection reports with them. When the service advisor reviewed the multi-point inspection report with the customers, they were more likely to report they “definitely will” return to the dealer for both paid and warranty service work than customers who didn’t receive a report review, and more likely to say they “definitely will” buy or lease the same vehicle brand again. When dealers offer a complimentary maintenance program, customers are more likely to return after the complimentary period expires than customers of dealers that don’t offer complimentary programs.

Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of BMW, MJ/TR, Ildar Sagdejev.

Tags: JD Powers, South Lake Tahoe Toyota, auto news, auto dealers, Used Cars Moline, auto dealerships, auto service, Lexus, Shreveport Land Rover, MINI

Kelley Blue Book Names Least Expensive, Most Fuel-Efficient Cars - In a moribund economy, it’s no surprise that Americans are looking to cut costs. Restaurants are feeling the pinch as people save money by dining out less frequently. Other ways consumers are cutting costs include eliminating the expensive cup of coffee at the expensive coffee shop, cutting premium cable TV channels (or even getting rid of cable altogether), and cutting out grocery store coupons in the Sunday paper. When record-high gas prices are added to an already-bleak economy, many consumers find that trading in a gas-guzzling SUV for a fuel-efficient car is a matter of survival. More information on all types of cars is available at New York Used Cars. With this in mind, the auto industry has been busy increasing fuel economy on new vehicles. According to Edmunds.com, automakers have increased fuel economy by 16 percent.

Auto manufacturers realize that that if they don’t pay attention to fuel economy, they do so at their own peril. “The American consumer shopping for a new car is seeing the most fuel-efficient lineup of vehicles ever while manufacturers are keeping the product just as exciting,” said Jesse Toprak, Vice President of Market Intelligence at TrueCar.com. “Ford’s average fuel economy increased by almost 5 MPG, which is quite staggering and much of the credit goes to the Fusion and Focus, along with its new lineup of six-cylinder large trucks.”

Automotive valuation company Kelley Blue Book analyzed the data for new cars and uncovered the models that are the most fuel-efficient and have a five-year cost to operate of $30,000 or less. The five cars with the lowest cost of operation are the Nissan Versa Sedan ($25,818 ownership cost and $11,770 MSRP), Hyundai Accent GLS ($27,743 ownership cost and $13,320 MSRP), Kia Soul Hatchback ($28,131 ownership cost and $14,650 MSRP), Toyota Yaris Hatchback ($28,167 ownership cost and $14,875 MSRP), and Mazda2 Sport Hatchback ($28,457 ownership cost and $15,325 MSRP). Honda Los Angeles has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. The Honda Insight had the highest fuel economy, rated at 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. Other cars that made the list are the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Rio, Mazda3, Scion xD, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.

“When it comes to purchasing an automobile, consumers need to think long term to determine all of the costs associated with owning a vehicle,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. “It is simple enough to estimate monthly payments or even the cost of fuel on a short-term basis; however, the cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs are far more difficult to obtain on a case-by-case basis. Kelley Blue Book provides this helpful information for free on kbb.com with its Total Cost of Ownership data for new cars.”

Because Kelley Blue Book used the least expensive trim levels for each model, buyers may find the number of available options or features to be limited. Most car buyers will want to add options or go to a higher trim level. “We featured only the most affordable trims available for each vehicle on our list, so some creature comforts and amenities may not be available at these bargain basement prices,” said Gutierrez. “Consumers can always opt to spend a little more to jump up a trim or two to get all of the features they want, but those determined to spend as little as possible on a new vehicle need look no further than this list.” MA Nissan Dealers has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Another point to keep in mind is that the cars with the least cost to own may not be the most attractive, reliable, or the best car for their particular needs or driving style. For that reason, it’s a good idea to use the data along with reviews from trusted sources, such as kbb.com or Edmunds.com.

Photos (top to bottom) by IFCAR, Coolceasar, Celeste Lindell.

Tags: Kelley Blue Book, New York Used Cars, Edmunds.com, gas prices, Honda Los Angeles, fuel efficiency, Nissan Versa, Honda Insight, MA Nissan Dealers, new cars

High Demand For Fuel Efficient Cars Drives Up Gas Prices - It’s no secret that gasoline prices are high and getting higher. Three states, Alaska, California, and Hawaii, have already joined the over $4-a-gallon-for-gas club and it looks as if membership will soon be opening up to Connecticut, New York, and Oregon. According to Time magazine, $4 per gallon will be the average price of gasoline by spring, 2012. More information on all types of cars is available at Used Cars Indianapolis. This spells bad news for consumers, who are already trying to hold onto their money in a moribund economy. The worse news is that the demand for fuel-efficient cars created by high gas prices leads to even higher gasoline prices, which in turn creates even more demand for fuel-efficient cars. This could create a spiral that could drive the prices of both through the roof.

The first part of the equation is the relationship between high gas prices and high car prices. As gas prices rise, the demand for fuel efficient cars goes up. According to the law of supply and demand, the higher the demand, the higher the prices. In a press release, Kelley Blue Book said that consumers looking for hybrid vehicles or fuel-efficient cars “…should not expect dealers to offer significant discounts. In both 2008 and 2011, Kelley Blue Book saw monthly market share for compact cars increase by more than 3 percentage points when fuel prices peaked, and as more consumers flock to compacts, prices will remain firm.”

In California, Connecticut, New York, and Hawaii, gasoline prices are higher than the rest of the country. The reason for the higher prices in these states is due to state taxes, which are added to the price of gasoline in order to fund infrastructure projects. (California prices are also higher because of special anti-smog gasoline formulations, while Hawaii also sees high prices due to the cost of getting gasoline to the island from the mainland.) This is in addition to the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax. According to The Fiscal Times, the state taxes in these four states are over 45 cents a gallon. New Jersey and Wyoming currently have state taxes of about 14 percent. Nissan Of Fort Worth is an invaluable resource for automotive information. State legislators set local gasoline tax rates and these additional fees are added to the price of gas at the pump. The legislators can, and often do, change the rates in order to meet the fiscal demands of their state. If more revenue is needed to pay for road construction projects, the tax will be raised. If less is needed, the tax could go down.

As mentioned previously, when gasoline prices are high, people look to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles. More fuel-efficient vehicles on the road means that people buy less gasoline, which in turn means that states are suddenly faced with less revenue from gas taxes. As a result, state legislators make up the shortfall by raising fuel tax rates. In addition, according to The Fiscal Times, “…some car manufacturers like General Motors have actually urged states to increase gasoline taxes to encourage fuel-efficient car purchases.” In effect, the situation is such that high gas prices create a demand for fuel efficient vehicles, which in turn drives up automobile prices and increases fuel prices even further.

Consumers looking for some financial relief may think that buying a used car would be a good solution, however, just like new fuel-efficient cars, high gasoline prices have created a high demand for used cars, and the subsequent higher prices. According to Kelley Blue Book, “used-car shoppers can expect to see even more significant price increases in the months ahead if gas prices continue on their current upward trajectory. Given the limited supply, used cars tend to be more volatile when fuel prices increase aggressively, especially values of fuel-efficient compacts and hybrids.” Honda Edmonton provides excellent service for new car shoppers. Given the lack of choices, it’s most consumers will most likely choose to keep their existing vehicles until prices are more affordable. With the prices of both fuel and new vehicles high, even owners of gas guzzlers like large SUVs will find that their best option is to hold onto their current vehicle.

Photos (top to bottom) by Kirill Lipatov, The Consumerist, Ian Munroe.

Tags: gas prices, Used Cars Indianapolis, car prices, new cars, Nissan Of Fort Worth, used cars, gasoline taxes, gasoline prices, Honda Edmonton, car dealers

1994 Honda Accord Preferred by Car Thieves - The 1994 Honda Accord is the most stolen vehicle in the United States for the third year in a row, according to a report just released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a non-profit trade group. The reasons cited for the high numbers of thefts for this particular model include weak security systems and a high demand for parts. More information on all types of cars is available at Houston Mazda Dealers. Although many people might expect to see a rise in vehicle thefts due to the prolonged economic decline in the country, vehicle thefts are actually on the decline. According to the FBI, vehicle thefts have declined 7.2 percent since 2009. If the FBI’s preliminary numbers hold, when they release their final statistics later this year, there will have been the fewest vehicle thefts since 1967.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau Hot Wheels Report, which comes out annually, lists the most stolen vehicles in the United States based on vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement. NICB says that Hot Wheels provides a more accurate view of the vehicle theft situation because it’s the only report that examines all theft data without regard to a vehicle’s insured status. NICB statistics include older model cars and trucks which are popular with thieves but may not be insured against theft and therefore not included in insurance company statistics. The 2010 most stolen cars in the U.S. were: 1. 1994 Honda Accord, 2. 1995 Honda Civic, 3. 1991 Toyota Camry, 4. 1999 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size), 5. 1997 Ford F150 Series/Pickup, 6. 2004 Dodge Ram, 7. 2000 Dodge Caravan, 8. 1994 Acura Integra, 9. 2002 Ford Explorer, 10. 1999 Ford Taurus.

According to NICB, one of the main reasons that vehicle thefts continue to decline is due to improved technology. Of the approximately 52,000 Honda Accords stolen in 2010, only about 13 percent were models manufactured since the year 2000. Honda began equipping its cars with immobilizer systems in 1997. The system shuts the car down if the driver attempts to start the car without the key. Richmond Lexus Dealers is an invaluable resource for automotive information. NICB recommends that motorists follow their “layered approach” to auto theft protection, which makes vehicles less attractive to thieves. Their four layers of protection include using common sense and not leaving the car door open, using a warning device such as a car alarm, having an immobilizing device that shuts the car down if someone attempts to start it without the key, and having a tracking device like LoJack to help recover the car in the event that it’s stolen.

Newer, more expensive vehicles are usually stolen to be resold, either inside the United States with counterfeit vehicle identification numbers, or they’re shipped out of the country. Older models are generally stolen for their parts, which are worth more than the car, for joyriding, or for quick transportation. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2009, the largest share of vehicle thefts (37.8 percent) occurred in the South, followed by the West (34.2 percent), the Midwest (18.0 percent of thefts) and the Northeast (10 percent). According to an NICB study released in June 2011, Fresno, California had the highest vehicle theft rate per capita in the nation in 2010. The NICB noted that while the top five ‘hot spots’ for 2010 showed an increase in thefts compared with 2009, the rest of the top ten actually had fewer thefts. The top ten metropolitan areas with the highest theft rates in 2010 were: 1. Fresno, CA, 2. Modesto, CA, 3. Bakersfield, CA, 4. Spokane, WA, 5. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA, 6. Sacramento -Arden-Arcade-Roseville, CA, 7. Stockton, CA, 8. Visalia-Porterfield, CA, 9. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, 10. Yakima, WA.

Car thieves preferred domestic brands over foreign makes for the first time since 2002. Ford took three spots (including the Explorer SUV and F-150 pickup), Dodge had two spots with the Ram and the Caravan, and Chevrolet made it on the list with the Silverado. The other four slots were held by Honda, Toyota and Acura. But the top three positions are held by Honda and Toyota models, a consistent trend that has existed since 2000. Los Angeles Hyundai Dealers provides excellent service for new car shoppers. SUVs and trucks have been stolen the most in proportion to the vehicle’s worth. According to the Highway Data Loss Institute, the value of the loss of a luxury SUV is over six times greater than the average for all passenger vehicles. Work trucks are particularly appealing targets for auto thieves due to the extra trim lines and the value of the tools they often carry.

Photos (top to bottom) by IFCAR, Braden Kowitz, John Lewis.

Tags: auto theft, Houston Mazda Dealers, car theft, motor vehicle theft, Richmond Lexus Dealers, car alarms, NICB, Hot Wheels Report, Los Angeles Hyundai Dealers, Honda

When it Comes to Cars, Brits Know What’s in a Name - In the TV show “Knight Rider,” David Hasselhoff starred as Michael Knight, a crime fighter who talked to his artificially intelligent car, called K.I.T.T. (voiced by actor William Daniels). While K.I.T.T. remains a fictional car, that hasn’t stopped the people in Great Britain from talking to their cars. According to Confused.com, one of the UK’s largest and most popular price comparison sites for car insurance, the results of a new research study show that 33 percent of car owners in the UK have daily conversations with their vehicles. More information on all types of cars is available at Indianapolis Used Cars. British car owners aren’t just talking to their cars about their day-to-day matters and their frustrations on the road – they’re also talking to cars about their relationships and personal problems.

Peter Collett, psychologist and author of “Driving Passion – The Psychology of The Car,” suggests that naming your car can reduce the risk of incidents on the road. “A majority of car owners feel the need to give their car a distinctive name, usually an affectionate title that expresses how they feel about their car and how they regard it as being different from everyone else’s. The drive to individualize one’s car in this way is very widespread and it also lays the foundation for how people treat their cars. By giving their car a special name, drivers are treating their car as something that deserves to be cared for – a friend, a pet, a companion, sometimes even a lover.”

No matter, here’s how the survey results shake out. The average UK motorist considers their car to be female, and endowed with a personality that is sensible (25 percent), cute (8 percent) or playful (7 percent). The study’s findings also revealed that 16 percent of British men see their cars as women, choosing words such as sexy (6 percent) and mischievous (5 percent) to describe their vehicle’s personality. Portland Ford Dealers is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Additional findings from the survey uncovered a variety of unusual pet names for cars, including Albie the Great, Baldrick, Claris, Elektra, Lemmy, Michelangelo, Snoop, Talulah, Florence (the machine) Horatio, Fadgehammer and Yannis.

The top 10 most popular male car names were Charlie, Jack, Harry, Noah, Oliver, Thomas, William, Joshua, Daniel, and Billy. The most popular female names were Ruby, Lily, Pippa, Jessica, Grace, Olivia, Kate, Emily, Harper, and Betty. Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com said: “Nearly one fifth of motorists who name their cars believe it encourages them to be more careful on the roads. We have nicknames for our friends, partners and even pets so why not our cars? Drivers with an emotional attachment to their vehicles are more likely to take better care of it on and off the road. We’re calling for all motorists to use the car name generator, and start caring for your car.”

In an effort designed to encourage the British motoring public to take better care of their cars, Confused.com has created an online car name generator, which automatically generates a car name for visitors to the site. The site asks a few simple questions about the vehicle, such as color, personality, the car’s age, and then the site comes up with a suitable name for the car. After the name has been bestowed, users can print out a certificate, which can be stored with the vehicle’s other important documents, and even passed along to the next owner at the time of sale. Nissan Knoxville provides excellent service for new car shoppers. If you’re unable to think of the perfect name for your car, you may want to follow the lead of musician and TV presenter Jools Holland who calls his Jaguar…Jools Holland.

Photos (top to bottom) by Tim Morris, Gregg O’Connell, John Trainor.

Tags: psychology, Indianapolis Used Cars, cars, car names, Portland Ford Dealers, car name generator, car care, auto care, Nissan Knoxville, auto pet names