Friday, June 30, 2006

Auto Collections USA Joins First China Auto Museum

Auto museum  @  A Is For Automobile – Cars, vehicles, and autos.Based in Imperial Palace Hotel And Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Auto Collections would be making history by being one of the non-Chinese participant to the very first automobile history in China. Auto Collections would be loaning the museum with exotic and classic cars. This group would be joined by the Blackhawk Colelction from Danville, California.

There would be six vehicles who would be taking off soon towards the 24-day journey to Shanghai, China where the museum is located. However, this would be just the first batch for Auto Collection is loaning 38 cars. There would be an additional 37 cars from Blackhawk Collection.

The Shanghai Automobile Museum would be opening in the middle of September this year as part of China’s international automobile city development which they named as Autotown. All the 75 vehicles from the US would be representing 23 various makes and models. There would be an 1886 Mercedes Benz and a 1972 Alfa Romeo. The vehicles’ worth ranges from $20,000 to $1 million each.

Don Williams is the co-owner of The Auto Collections and Blackhawk and he comments, “The Chinese are now buying newer cars, and the vehicles we are loaning the museum were selected because of their significance in the timeline of automobile development. The musem vehicles will give them an understanding of automobile history that will serve them well with future purchases.”

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Electric Cars Joins G8 Summit

Electric Vehicle    A Is For Automobile – Cars, vehicles, and autos.There is still hope for all electric cars.

This year’s G8 Summit would be taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia from the 15th of July up until the 17th. All the world leaders who come from leading democracies that are already industrialized would be using and traveling in electric vehicles from Global Electric Motorcars, LLC. The leaders would be coming from countries like the United States, Russia, Britain, France, Japan, Canada, Germany, and Italy.

30 e4 GEM electric vehicles would be used by these heads. Each e4 would bear the participating country’s flag and official logo so as to denote to whom each vehicle belongs.

Certainly, this is not the first time that GEM would be sporting off their vehicles for the G8 Summit. Tracing back to 2004, GEM has been providing participating countries transportation. They are proud of their vehicles for they are very environment friendly. E4 vehicles also have no emissions. They are clean, quiet and very efficient. As per regular use, electric vehicles also are very much affordable.

So it seems that hope is still there for electric vehicles to come to life once again.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Dodge Viper For Rent

Dodge Viper SRT-10   xxx   A Is For Automobile – Cars, vehicles, and autos here.A Dodge Viper SRT-10 has just been added. For rent. By whom? Pure Exotics Dream Automobile Rentals. This is a company that offers various vehicles for rent or for lease.

Those who are interested could simply contact the company and they could choose from a wide range of vehicles. Now, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 is going to be another cool choice.

"The Viper is a powerful addition to our expanding exotic car rental fleet." This is according to Jennifer Adeli, the owner and vice president of customer relations for the company. She even adds, "It has a 500 horsepower 8.3-liter V10 engine, which provides power and performance that rivals our Ferrari 360 and Lamborghini Gallardo."

Monday, June 26, 2006

This Summer Make Your Car Be Thief-Free

Car Thief   xxx   A Is For Automobile – Cars, vehicles, and autos here.Statistics from the Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT) show that during the summer months – July and August, car theft has become rampant. The 2006 FBI Uniform Crime Report also shows such data. This is because car owners become careless during these times and they also do put down their guard.

So what do you do?
* Close your car. Even your windows should be kept close.
* Keep all valuables out of sight.
* For convertibles, close the tops. And lock them.

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line, Out In The Fall

Saturn Sky Red Line   xxx   A Is For Automobile – Cars, vehicles, and autos here.The 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line would out in the market this fall. It has got a turbocharged engine that produces 260 units of horsepower. And yes, for under $28,000, you can own this one yourself. Its engine is a 2.0 liter Ecotec Turbo and it has got direct injection technology.

“Through its design and advanced technology, the Sky Red Line shows that Saturn is making vehicles like never before,” said Dave Smidebush, Saturn’s director of marketing. “But the Sky Red Line also demonstrates that the brand’s commitment to great value and innovation in our product lineup is as strong as ever.”

Features in store include: stabilitrak electronic stability control traction control, close-ratio five-speed manual transmission with self-adjusting clutch, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, limited slip differential, performance-tuned suspension with coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks, air conditioning, power locks, power windows and power mirrors, and OnStar system with one year of Safe & Sound service.

Get More For Your Gas

Car on the road   xxx   A Is For Automobile – Cars, vehicles, and autos here.Despite the high price of gases, many families are still going on that road trip that has been part of their tradition during summer. Now you still can get more for your gas by simply following these tips:

Remove unnecessary garbage from your trunk. This could include stuff that you may have already forgotten. Go through your trunk and sort out those that your car needs and those that simply are plain junk.

Go for the recommended tire pressure. Check your owner’s manual for the right pressure.

Use the right motor oil for your vehicle.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Dig In!

First Volvo. Now, it’s the Jeep’s turn.

Just put on your shades and get your flip flips. Head towards one of the greatest and largest treasure hunts in San Diego. Head out towards the Imperial Beach this 21st of July.

Jeep is having a treasure hunt and they’re calling it the “Jeep Come And Dig It” event. It will be part of the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition which is one of the largest sand castle competitions in the country.

Try out your luck. You would be needing that to find the various gadgets and gizmos buried in the sand. The list includes beach gear and summer accessories. To top it all off, you might even win a new Jeep vehicle for yourself. But not, it is not buried.

If you are interested, you can sign up. Just go to http://www.jeepcomeanddig.com/. You have up until the 14th of July to register. You must be 18 years old and above though.

Summer Is Deadly For Teen Drivers

According to a recent study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety, July and August are the deadlist months of the year for teenage drivers. When referring to teenage drivers, the study actually means those drivers who are aged sixteen and seventeen.

However, there is good news in spite of such a morbid result. The group also claims that if these young drivers have properly enforced driving restrictions, the rate could go down by twenty per cent which is such a great deal. Still with the results of the study, teenagers who have been in crashes and accidents are those that ignore driving and traffic rules.

Brad Roeber, the AAA Chicago Regional President, says, “Summer vacation for teens often means unstructured schedules, less guidance from mom and dad, and more exposure to crashes. Enforcing safe driving rules that include passenger and nighttime limits is essential in keeping your teen and others safe on the road.”

Results were taken from a collection of data which the group took themselves. They took information on teenagers who have been free from crashes and those who have already been involved in such bad luck. Now, they have come up with factors that could differentiate the two groups. The list includes:
1. Compliance with state graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws
2. Adherence to traffic laws and regulations
3. Parental involvement

Roeber continues, “Teens whose parents take an active role, obey traffic rules and regulations, and follow GDL requirements are much less likely to crash. Just think how many lives we could save with the combination of the right laws and parental involvement.”

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Volvo Is On A Pirate Spree

Seems like Volvo is suffering from too much pirates. Or maybe too much of being around with pirates. But it is all part of their sponsoring a pirate-themed hunt for a Volvo XC90 that has been buried. This XC90 is one-of-a-kind and is pirate themed. As I have posted in previous posts, the hunt is done online for all those who are interested in locating such a cool vehicle.

Helen Gore is the spokesperson for Volvo Cars. She states, “We thought it would be helpful to give those hunting for our buried pirate car some roll models from throughout history to look for guidance. Not that we’re condoning everything that the tougher characters on our list stood for, but at the very least, they can be looked to for inspiration, wardrobe tips and a passion for acquiring things without paying for them – a.k.a. pirates booty.”

Wanna know them? The list has been taken from this site:

• Blackbeard. "Terrorizing the Caribbean and Atlantic in the early 1700's, he led a crew of 300 but was a slave to fear inspiring fashion -- sporting a long, braided beard with ribbons, a burning rope underneath his hat and an iron fist."

• The Great Pirate Roberts. "Roberts was tall, dark and handsome. He adorned himself in a crimson waistcoat, breeches, a hat with a feather, a diamond cross on a golden chain around his neck and two pairs of pistols at the end of a silk sling around his shoulder. Scary? Maybe not like Blackbeard, but a successful buccaneer all the same."

• An Unnamed Band of Ex-Enron Executives. "What's the old saying -- the pen is mightier than the sword, especially when held by a creative accountant?"

• Anyone who has a friend or relative with cable repair experience and a toolbox. "Pirated cable -- ever heard of it?"

• Captain Kidd. "A pirate hunter turned pirate, Kidd's short but successful career plundering vessels was crowned by taking a 400-ton merchant treasure ship. Kidd was caught shortly thereafter and sent to England were he was executed. Ouch."

• Willie Stargell. "One of the all-time great Pittsburgh Pirates, he deposited leather treasure in the outfield bleachers exactly 475 times over his 20-year, Hall of Fame career."

• Derek Brooks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). "He's a modern day Buccaneer and the undisputed leader of one of the NFL's most feared defenses. This salty, all-pro linebacker patrols the field like a mad pirate on the high seas; sacking quarterbacks, stealing footballs and protecting the goal line."

• Captain Hook (the band). "These rockers really knew how to shake a wooden leg!"

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Whatever Happened To ‘Rev It Up’?

It is back!

But what is ‘Rev It Up’? You may simply ask that question.

Well, Rev It Up is just the world’s largest performance driving school. It also is a national racing competition. This program is so popular that it draws thousands of interested participants all around the country to join this. And yes, this event features some of Chevrolet’s performance vehicles.

Of course, you do have to shell out $50 but they do get much. They get seat time, instructions, horsepower, some hot laps, and a chance to win a Chevy Cobalt SS. Top that.

Rev It Up is also known as the RIU and this is presented by Chevrolet. This is where you get fast cars and meet up with challenging courses. There are expert trainers who would be giving you the tips on having an experience that would be drool-worthy.

Chevrolet’s General Manager, Ed Peper, could not help but state, “Chevrolet's line of products make high-performance cars accessible to everyone and Rev It Up gets race fans off the couch and onto the race course. It's a perfect fit. From the Cobalt SS to Corvette, participants will find out why Chevrolet is America's best selling brand.”

So you’re thinking about joining this event? Don’t worry. There might be some stops right near your home. There would be six stops included in the 2006 RIU. Check it out yourself.
- Southern California: July 22-23 - El Toro Marine Base
- Dallas: July 29-30 - Lone Star Park
- Miami: August 5-6 - Hialeah Park Racetrack
- Chicago: August 12-13 - Balmoral Park Racetrack
- New York: August 19-20 - Belmont Park Racetrack
- Washington, DC: August 26-27 - FedEx Field

Monday, June 19, 2006

Where Not To Look For The Buried Volvo

If you have been looking for the buried Volvo XC90 which Volvo is giving away as part of their support for the new Disney movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”, Volvo has given out a list of places where you should not look.

Read on and discover such places which might never even had crossed your mind. By the way, these have been the excerpts from the main press release from Volvo:

•Underneath the uprights at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. “We love American football, but learned at the last minute somebody else may already be buried there.”

•Neverland, Middle Earth, Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and Elizabethtown, KY. “All great ideas, but wrong movie tie-in,” Gore said.

•Inside a huge Cracker Jack box. “We even had the design team try construct a massive, Volvo XC90-worthy box, but we ran out of time because everyone kept eating all the Cracker Jacks, especially those little caramel-coated peanuts at the bottom.”

•The Pirates of the Caribbean Ride at Disneyland. “It is just a few miles up the 405 from Volvo’s North American headquarters, but this one fell under the category of ‘way too obvious’.”

•Irv Gordon’s garage. “He’s a guy in Long Island who’s driven 2.5 million miles in his 1966 Volvo P1800, a world record. This actually was strongly considered but we figured the guy would be too tempted to drive our XC90 around, especially with the AC in the hot summer months.”

•Any sports bar in the United States showing World Cup games on their big screen TVs. “We were seeking a place where not a lot of people will be, but we felt this was too extreme.”

Friday, June 16, 2006

J.D. And Associates Power Survey Results

So who’s who for this survey?

Here are the results. Just read on.

Subcompact Car
Kia Rio/Cinco and Suzuki Aerio (tie)
The Kia Rio has been in production since 2000. It replaced the Kia Pride in the line of Kia vehicles. The Suzuki Aerio has been in production since 2001 and it replaced the Suzuki Baleno or Suzuki Esteem. It has been built in two body styles which are the hatchback with five doors and the sedan with four.

Compact Car
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has been around since 1966. It replaced the Toyota Publica and is now known across the globe as a reliable vehicle.

Midsize Car
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has been in production since 1980. It has been one of the best selling cars in the United States.

Large Car
Pontiac Grand Prix
The Pontiac Grand Prix has been produced since 1962 and there are reports that the company is planning on halting its production come 2008 and would be replaced by the Pontiac G8.

Compact Sporty Car
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 is a very popular sports car and has been produced since 1989. It has been built as a convertible.

Midsize Sporty Car
Toyota Solara
The Toyota Solara has been crafted since 1999. It has been built as a convertible and as a coupe, both holding two doors.

Compact SUV
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson has been in the market since 1999 and has been built as a wagon with five doors.

Large Premium SUV
Lexus LX 470
The Lexus LX 470 has been produced since 1996 and its production would be stopping this year. In its place, the new Lexus JX would take the spot.

Midsize SUV
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has been crafted since 2001. It replaced the Toyota Camry station wagon in the Toyota vehicle line up.

Large SUV
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia has been around since 2001. It has been based on the company’s Tundra pickup truck.

Midsize Pickup
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has been produced since 1983. It took the spot that was formerly owned by the Ford Courier.

Minivan
Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan which has been produced since 1990. It has been noted as one of the best selling minivans in the US.

Large Pickup
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has been around since 1999. This vehicle replaced the Chevrolet C/K and the GMC C/K.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Changes To The Audi A4 And S4 Line For 2007

* aggressive DTM exterior bumpers
* front/rear carbon fiber trim as option
* redesigned Symphony radio with ability to play MP3-encoded CDs in the integrated 6-disc changer
* larger screen with larger font
* no more cassette player.
* two main packages (Premium/Convenience) instead of three (Sunroof/Premium/Technology).
* Wheels: New design base 16” wheel; 17” wheels: 5 double spoke wheel continues as an option; 3.2 has a new standard 3.2-specific 17” 5-spoke wheel from quattro GmbH.
* Trip computer available with Convenience Package
* Driver seat and mirror memory is no longer offered in the 2.0T.
* 2.0T models receive 4-spoke leather multi-function steering wheels. 2.0T S line Package keeps 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, with shift paddles on automatic models.
* Heated front seats as a stand-alone option. Heated rear seats are discontinued on 2.0T models.
* All-season versions of the 18” wheels in the S line and Titanium Packages are now being offered
* A4 2.0T and 3.2 Sedan/Avant/Cabriolet models have full-size spare tires, but now with steel rims, not alloy. S4 Sedan/Avant/Cabriolet continue to offer full-size spare tires with matching alloy wheels.
* Sunroof standard to reduce complexity
* New standard 17” 3.2-specific 5-spoke wheel from quattro GmbH
* 3-spoke steering wheel with partially-perforated leather standard
* Shift paddles on steering wheels standard on all automatic models
* Driver seat and exterior mirror memory optional on 3.2
* 3.2 Cold Weather Package: heated rear seats
* Rear Parktronic optional
* Sport suspension optional
* New 18” S4 wheel is the only wheel on all 2007 S4 models. It is identical in design to the upcoming 20” S8 wheel.
* Sunroof standard.
* DTM Exterior Package (identical to S4 24quattro) with carbon fiber front and rear spoilers is an available option, sedan-only, USA-only.
* Interior Alcantara® color combinations have been increased. This year, both the ebony/ebony and silver/silver combinations will be offered.
* S4 Sedan/Avant/Cabriolet brake calipers will be painted glossy black.

Changes To The Audi A3 For 2007

2.0T Technology Package
· Light and rain sensor
· Audi Phone Preparation with Bluetooth
· Auto-dimming interior mirror
· Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System

3.2 Technology Package
· Audi Phone Preparation with Bluetooth
· Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System

Audio Package
· Sirius Satellite Radio
· Bose Premium Sound System with AudioPilotTM
· Symphony II Radio with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer

Changes To The Audi A4 Model Line For 2007

* S line Package (replaces the Sport Package)
* more aggressive front and rear fascias
* S line badging on the exterior.
* new Technology Package
* Sound Package has been renamed the Audio Package
* Sirius Satellite Radio is added to the package

Friday, June 09, 2006

Is Your Car A Lemon?

Are you thinking if your car might be a lemon? Are you confused just when you do consider a car to be a lemon? Well, the answer is, it depends. Read on and familiarize yourself with the Lemon Laws in your state.

Alabama
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days within shorter of 24 months or 24,000 miles, provided 1 repair attempt or 1 day out of service is within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice to manufacturer + opportunity for final repair attempt within 14 calendar days.

Alaska
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice by certified mail to manufacturer + dealer (or repair agent) that problem has not been corrected in reasonable number of attempts + refund or replacement demanded within 60 days. Manufacturer has 30 calendar days for final repair attempt. State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

Arizona
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days within shorter of 2 years or 24,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer.

Arkansas
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs, or 1 unsuccessful repair of a problem likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within longer of 24 months or 24,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Certified or registered mail notice to manufacturer. Manufacturer has 10 days to notify consumer of repair facility. Facility has 10 days to repair.

California
Qualification: 4 times subject to repair or 30 calendar days out of service (can be non-consecutive) within shorter of 18 months or 18,000 miles, or ìreasonableî number of attempts during entire express warranty period.† Notification/Trigger: Direct written notice to manufacturer + delivery of car to repair facility for repair attempt within 30 days. UPDATE:† As of 1/1/01, only 2 times subject to repair allowed for safety defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.† Coverage also expanded to include small businesses registering up to 5 vehicles, weighing up to 10,000 pounds each.

Colorado
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Prior certified mail notice for each defect occurrence + opportunity to repair for manufacturer.

Connecticut
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 24,000 miles, or 2 unsuccessful repairs of a problem likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within warranty period or 1 year.† Notification/Trigger: Report to manufacturer, agent or dealer. Written notice to manufacturer only if required in owner's manual or warranty.† State-run arbitration mechanism available.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Delaware
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

D.C.
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service or 1 unsuccessful repair of safety-related defect, within shorter of 2 years or 18,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Report of each defect occurrence to manufacturer, agent or dealer. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Note: Enforcement is suspended until October 1, 2000. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Florida
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 15 calendar days within 24 months from delivery.† Notification/Trigger: Written notice by certified or express mail to manufacturer who has 10 calendar days for final repair attempt after delivery to designated dealer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.†

Georgia
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repair attempts or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 24,000 miles or 24 months, with 1 repair or 15 days out of service within shorter or 1 year or 12,000 miles; or one unsuccessful repair of serious safety defect in braking or steering system within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles.. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice return receipt requested. Manufacturer has 7 days to notify consumer of repair facility. Facility has 14 calendar days to repair. State-run arbitration mechanism available.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles. Note: Proceeding under this stateís lemon law may cause consumer to lose other important rights regarding the manufacturer and dealer.

Hawaii
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repair attempts, or 1 unsuccessful repair attempt of defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, or 30 business days out of service within shorter of two years or 24,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Idaho
Qualification: 4 repair attempts or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 24,000 miles, or 1 repair of a complete failure of the braking or steering system likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer or dealer and opportunity to repair.† State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Illinois
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Indiana
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within the shorter of 18 months or 18,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer only if manufacturer included this requirement in the warranty. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Iowa
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs, or 1 unsuccessful repair of a nonconformity likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 24,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice by certified registered mail + final opportunity to repair within 10 calendar days of receipt of notice to manufacturer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Kansas
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service or 10 total repairs within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Actual notice to manufacturer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

Kentucky
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

Louisiana
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Report to manufacturer or dealer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Maine
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs (when at least 2 times same agent attempted repair) or 15 business days out of service within shorter of warranty or 2 years or 18,000 miles. Applies to vehicles within the first 18,000 miles or 2 years regardless of whether the claimant is the original owner.† Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer or dealer only if required in warranty or owner's manual. Manufacturer has 7 business days after receipt for final repair attempt. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Maryland
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs, 30 calendar days out of service or 1 unsuccessful repair of braking or steering system within shorter of 15 months or 15,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice, return receipt requested + opportunity to repair within 30 calendar days of receipt of notice to manufacturer or factory branch. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Massachussetts
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 15 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or 15,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Notice to manufacturer or dealer who has 7 business days to attempt final repair. State-run arbitration mechanism available.

Michigan
Qualification: Total of 4 unsuccessful repairs within 2 years from the date of the first unsuccessful repair or 30 calendar days within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice, return receipt requested, to manufacturer who has 5 business days to repair after delivery. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Minnesota
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days or 1 unsuccessful repair of total braking or steering loss likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within shorter of 2 years or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer, agent or dealer.† State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Mississippi
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 15 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer who has 10 business days to repair after delivery to designated dealer.

Missouri
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer who has 10 calendar days to repair after delivery to designated dealer.

Montana
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service after notice within shorter of 2 years or 18,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer. State-run arbitration mechanism available.

Nebraska
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 40 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer.† State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

Nevada
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer.† State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

New Hampshire
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs by same dealer or 30 business days out of service within warranty. Notification/Trigger: Report to manufacturer, distributor, agent or dealer (on forms provided by manufacturer) + final opportunity to repair before arbitration. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

New Jersey
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 20 calendar days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 18,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice, return receipt requested to manufacturer who has 10 days to repair. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

New Mexico
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer, agent or dealer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

New York
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 18,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Notice to manufacturer, agent or dealer. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

North Carolina
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs within shorter of 24 months, 24,000 miles or warranty or 20 business days out of service during any 12 month period of warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer + opportunity to repair within 15 calendar days of receipt only if required in warranty or owner's manual. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

North Dakota
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Direct written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer. (Manufacturerís informal arbitration process serves as a prerequisite to consumer refund or replacement.)† State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Ohio
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs of same nonconformity, 30 calendar days out of service, 8 total repairs of any nonconformity, or 1 unsuccessful repair of problem likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within shorter of 1 year or 18,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Report to manufacturer, its agent or dealer.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Oklahoma
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 45 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer.† State has certified guidelines for arbitration.

Oregon
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Direct written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer.† State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Pennsylvannia
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days within shorter of 1 year, 12,000 miles, or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Delivery to authorized service + repair facility. If delivery impossible, written notice to manufacturer or its repair facility obligates them to pay for delivery.† (Manufacturerís informal arbitrations process serves as prerequisite to consumer refund or replacement.)

Rhode Island
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or 15,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Report to dealer or manufacturer who has 7 days for final repair opportunity. (Manufacturerís informal arbitration process serves as prerequisite to consumer refund or replacement.) Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

S. Carolina
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice by certified mail + opportunity to repair (not more than 10 business days) to manufacturer only if manufacturer informed consumer of such at time of sale. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

S. Dakota
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs, 1 of which occurred during the shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles, or 30 calendar days out of service during shorter of 24 months or 24,000 miles.† Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice to manufacturer and final opportunity to repair + 7 calendar days to notify consumer of repair facility.† (Manufacturerís informal arbitration process serves as prerequisite to consumer refund or replacement.)†

Tennessee
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Certified mail notice to manufacturer + final opportunity to repair within 10 calendar days. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Texas
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs when 2 occurred within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles, + other 2 occur within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles immediately following second repair attempt; or 2 unsuccessful repairs of a serious safety defect when 1 occurred within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles + other occurred within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles immediately following first repair; or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 24,000 miles + at least 2 attempts were made within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Utah
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Report to manufacturer, agent or dealer. (Manufacturerís informal arbitrations process serves as prerequisite to consumer refund or replacement.)† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Vermont
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs when at least first repair was within warranty, or 30 calendar days out of service within warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer (on provided forms) after third repair attempt, or 30 days. Arbitration must be held within 45 days after notice, during which time manufacturer has 1 final repair. State-run arbitration mechanism available. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Virginia
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs, or 1 repair attempt of serious safety defect, or 30 calendar days out of service within 18 months. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer. If 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 days already exhausted before notice, manufacturer has 1 more repair attempt not to exceed 15 days. State has certified guidelines for arbitration. Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Washington
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs, 30 calendar days out of service (15 during warranty period), or 2 repairs of serious safety defects, first reported within shorter of warranty or 24 months or 24,000 miles. One repair attempt + 15 of the 30 days must fall within manufacturer's express warranty of at least 1 year of 12,000 miles. Notification/Trigger: Written notice to manufacturer. State-run arbitration mechanism available.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.† Note: Consumer should receive replacement or refund within 40 calendar days of request.

West Virginia
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service or 1 unsuccessful repair of problem likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.

Wisconsin
Qualification: 4 unsuccessful repairs or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 1 year or warranty. Notification/Trigger: Report to manufacturer or dealer.† Law specifically applies to leased vehicles.† Note: Consumer should receive replacement or refund within 30 calendar days after offer to return title.

Wyoming
Qualification: 3 unsuccessful repairs or 30 business days out of service within 1 year. Notification/Trigger: Direct written notice + opportunity to repair to manufacturer. (Manufacturerís informal arbitrations process serves as prerequisite to consumer refund or replacement.)

Thursday, June 08, 2006

A Pirate Treasure Hunt For A Volvo XC90

As part of its support to Disney’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’ movie, Volvo is setting out a pirate treasure hunt for those who wants to find buried treasure. And the treasure in stock? Oh yes, it is indeed a Volvo XC90.

The whole hunt starts on June 12th and ends on July 11th. All those who are interested can go to a Volvo retailer anywhere in the US and ask for a free treasure map. The hunt is done online at www.volvocars.us/thehunt. However, there are challenges, puzzles, and clues that treasure hunters would have to solve. Just keep in mind that somewhere on the earth, there is a buried Volvo XC90 waiting for you.

To top it all off, this buried car treasure is surely something that you would not want to miss. Not only because it is a cool Volvo vehicle, but because it is certainly one of a kind. It is pirate-theme. There are many parts that have the movie’s elements in it. There are even graphics straight right out of the film. Black leather seats have also been put in as well as 20 inch wheels that have been custom painted. Well, there are a lot more things to this car that you may not want to miss.

Once you find the Volvo XC90, its yours. Start your search.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Diesel Cars

What are diesel cars? Well, most people call them those that are very loud and produce a lot of smoke. However, there are new diesel cars already created. It has got a much cleaner fuel system. And this new diesel car is going to be called Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel or much easier called as ULSD.

Remember, this new one is much more quieter. It has even more power and is very fuel efficient.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

New Cars For 2006

Every year, there will always be new cars. I do not think that there will be a time when there will be no new cars. I believe that as I am writing this down, auto manufacturers are continuously thinking about new creations that they could send rolling down to the auto market.

For this year, 2006, here is a list of new cars that has come our way.

Sedans
2006 Honda Civic Sedan
2006 Volvo S40
2006 Chrysler 300
2006 Subaru Impreza
2006 Ford Five Hundred


Coupes
2006 Honda Accord Coupe
2006 BMW 3 Series
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2006 Honda Civic Coupe
2006 Ford Mustang


Sports Cars
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2006 Ford Focus
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
2006 Nissan 350Z Coupe
2006 Scion tC


SUVs
2006 Ford Explorer 4x2
2006 Chrysler Pacifica
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2006 Ford Escape
2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca


Convertibles
2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible
2006 Ford Mustang
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
2007 Saturn Sky
2006 Volvo C70


Wagons
2006 Ford Freestar Wagon
2006 BMW 5 Series
2006 Dodge Magnum
2006 Mazda Mazda3
2006 Subaru Legacy


Vans
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan
2006 Chrysler Town & Country SWB
2006 Honda Odyssey
2006 Dodge Caravan Cargo Van
2006 Toyota Sienna


Trucks
2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2006 Dodge Dakota Club Cab 4x2
2006 Honda Ridgeline
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x2
2006 Toyota Tacoma 4x2


Luxury
2006 Cadillac CTS-V
2006 BMW 5 Series
2006 Cadillac STS-V
2006 Mercedes Benz E-Class
2006 Volvo V70


Hybrid
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid Extended Cab
2006 Honda Accord Hybrid
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Extended Cab
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Economy Cars

An economy car is an automobile that is designed for low-cost operation. They are designed for drivers who use their car primarily for personal transportation. Typical economy cars are small, light weight, and inexpensive to buy.

This is a list of some of the newest economy cars in the market at present:

2006 Ford Escape XLS 4WD ($21,820)
2006 Pontiac Solstice ($19,915)
2006 Mazda Mazda3 ($13,710)
2006 Scion tC ($16,300)
2006 Toyota Corolla ($14,105)
2006 Ford Mustang ($19,115)
2006 MINI Cooper ($17,450)
2006 Nissan Altima ($17,750)
2006 Honda Civic Sedan ($14,760)
2006 Honda Civic Coupe ($14,560)
2006 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan ($17,900)
2006 Toyota Matrix ($15,260)
2006 Dodge Truck Dakota Club Cab 4x2 SLT ($22,170)

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Learning About Rental Cars

Traveling need not be worrisome for you. In fact, with rental cars available, you still can go about anywhere in your location far away from home.

To find rental cars, you can actually try looking for them through search engines or local directories. A quick tip though. There are many rental car centers found near airports. So that means, when your plane lands in the airport, you can easily locate a rental car office. Some companies who would book your plane and hotel for you could even include in booking a car of your choice for you as part of the whole deal.

Also keep in mind that you would be paying not only for just the rental rate. For rental car companies, they ask for airport surcharge. Of course, not all rental cars ask about that. You should also be able to present a full valid driving license as well as identification. For most companies they ask if you are at least 21 years old before they do provide you with a rental car.

These rental car companies charge you by the day and when it says a day it means 24 hours. If you are late in returning the vehicle, it would equate to additional charges.

During the holiday season, you should not be surprised if you find it difficult to find a rental car. This is because this is one season where many people are renting cars. So to be sure, always make reservations ahead of time. This means not only during the holiday season but every day of the year.