With the future of the economy and gas prices up in the air, automakers are pulling out all the stops to find a creative answer. Japanese car manufacturer Honda has truly set the bar high with the creation of the first zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle. The FCX Clarity, a four-passenger car, runs off of the electricity produced by combining hydrogen with oxygen emitting water vapor into the air. Although the invention of the new car is a breakthrough in automobile technology, there are still many obstacles to overcome.

According to a recent article, one of the largest obstacles the vehicle will face is the lack of hydrogen fueling stations available. Honda claims that the FCX Clarity offers three times better fuel efficiency than the traditional petrol-powered car but the problem critics are noting is that hydrogen is still produced from fossil fuels, which can get very costly and difficult to achieve. And despite the aim to make a more environmentally friendly car, tests have shown that hydrogen cars release an overall higher emission of carbon dioxide. Honda however, sees the positives of the car outweighing the negatives and vows to move forward with the future of the car.

A hydrogen-fueled vehicle certainly does not come cheap. Honda is planning to lease the car for a hefty $600 a month over three years time. The car will make its first appearance in California to none other than actress Jamie Lee Curtis in July and will then be released in Japan later in the year. There is a booming demand for more economical vehicles as the economy continues to plummet and John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, believes this hydrogen car could be the answer.

“This is an important day in the history of fuel-cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel-cell cars will be part of the mainstream.”

As everyone knows however, the future is never certain. So it will be very interesting to see how the success of the hydrogen car progresses. Honda only plans to produce 200 hydrogen cars over the next three years, so if everything works out, be prepared to act quickly.

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Tags: Auto News, General Auto by Ashley - 1 Comment »

Rising gas prices are not only affecting existing drivers, but also future drivers who are looking to buy new fuel-efficient vehicles. So to remedy the situation, automakers are creating gimmicks to help. Take for example Chrysler’s summer program “Let’s Refuel America,” that has recently launched. The program offers a cap on gas prices, keeping them at a steady $2.99 for three years, for consumers who purchase a new or lease a vehicle from the maker of Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

Chrysler’s Vice Chairman and President Jim Press declares his excitement over the success of the project.

“Boy, have we gotten a great response. This has really resonated with the needs and the worries and concerns that customers have.”

Statistics on the company’s website confirm this. The traffic on Chrysler’s website has risen by 25% since it began on May 7th. So as it appears, these gimmicks are extremely helpful for consumers especially since the current price of gas is well over $4 a gallon in most states. But the free gas gimmick doesn’t always fair so well with the automakers. In this case, some experts believe the gimmicks may come off looking like Chrysler’s incentive to push Americans to drive more during a time when rising fuel costs are bringing awareness to the use of energy and how it affects the environment. Still, automakers such as Chrysler must look for ways to improve their sales.

Many families are looking for ways to cut corners with the amount of driving they do. Some have resorted to staycations, a term that refers to staying around your local area for vacation, and also using rental agencies for their long trips, as opposed to taking the family vehicle. These suggestions certainly help the consumers, but what about the automakers? I think Chrysler is on the right track because with the economy in its current state, gimmicks certainly are worth a try.

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Tags: Auto News, General Auto, events by Ashley - 1 Comment »

The question of whether art imitates life has been around for ages but what about when life imitates art? Of course the definition of art may be up for discussion but in today’s society, it is not uncommon for people to imitate what they see on TV, or mimic games they’ve played on a game system. Even car manufacturers are taking their cue from art. One of Nissan’s most anticipated vehicle for 2009 is the new GT-R. The car itself has been around for 40 years or so, but the 2009 model will be the first appearance for the car in the U.S., well, at least in reality.

The GT-R already has a huge following among young American drivers because of its amazing performance in the popular video game Grand Turismo. To further make the transition between virtual and realities, designers of the car have included an interface that will allow drivers to electronically adjust settings and parameters on the dashboard. This includes a row of toggles across the middle of the dash, which will control the transmission shift, and rounding out the top of the dash are 17 different performance parameters that will provide the drivers with data to help in proving their stories whilst bragging. Let’s not forget about the memory card that allows the driver to upload all of the information they’ve obtained while driving and then download it onto their computer to look over all of the specs in spreadsheet form. Yes, you read that right.

Arguably with all of the gadgets the GT-R comes equipped with, it is set to be one of the better high-performance cars of 2009. But consumers must keep in mind that this car is not ideal for life functionality especially due to increasing gas prices. Although the car does offer impressive horsepower and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the GT-R’s main appeal rests in its impressive technology that rivals its video game counterpart.

So if you’re a video game junkie that loves cars, the 2009 real-life GT-R may be your dream come true, literally. I wonder if the GT-R will be available to rent?

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Tags: Auto News, General Auto by Ashley - 1 Comment »

The future of cars is approaching rapidly and will soon be upon us. Toyota, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers vows to break the barrier by 2010 with the introduction of their plug-in hybrid car in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. This new generation of gas-electric cars will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries which are created to give the car more lasting power. The new hybrid, which has the ability to be “plugged in” at home will run longer than the already existing hybrids and will also be much cleaner. And with the threat of global warming continuing to rise, that is an important feature.

Toyota has partnered with Japan’s leading gas-electric automaker, Matsushita Electric Industrial for the creation of their new and more innovative car. According to Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe:

“Without focusing on measures to address global warming and energy issues, there can be no future for our auto business.”

This is one of the reasons the new hybrids have a chance of being successful, because their goal is not only to be economical, but to also be environmentally conscious. With the price of gas continuing to rise, fuel-efficient vehicles such as the hybrid are very popular amongst drivers. Over the last decade, Toyota has sold 1.5 million hybrids around the world. But since a hybrid may not be for everyone Toyota is also attempting to improve the mileage of its other models.

Toyota, which is close to taking over General Motors Corp. as the world’s top automaker, may have to watch their backs. In 2010 General Motors is planning on a Chevrolet Volt plug-in, and Nissan Motor Co. is also planning electric vehicles to be distributed in the U.S. and Japan. It appears that consumers will soon have a smorgasbord of environmentally friendly vehicles to choose from.

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Tags: Auto News, General Auto by Ashley - 1 Comment »

It seems as though the outlandishly high gas prices have almost complete control over our society. According to an article published on Time.com, the surge of mass transit users has jumped immensely in cities all over the nation, from Los Angeles to Boston. The reason for this surge is mainly due to the price of gas, which recently reached $4 a gallon in most states. The high gas prices have encouraged travelers to start looking elsewhere to satisfy their travel means, and although the new increase in clientèle is very good for transit agencies, many are having difficulty maintaining a stable business.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that the number of miles driven on American roads fell from 3.014 Trillion to 3.003 Trillion, which is the first time there has been a decrease in the amount of driving since 1980. Public transit mediums however are booming. There has been a 3% increase of riders since the beginning of 2008, which goes to show that where available, people are finding public transportation an easier and less costly way to go about their lives.

Soon however, drivers may have to return to their cars because there will be no room left on the bus. Many transit systems don’t have the money to expand, and if the number of users continues to increase in the same trend as now, there will be a very big problem. Many transportation companies are also looking into raising their fees in order to cover the costs of more travel, which defeats the purpose of taking the bus for a cheaper alternative.

So there it is. Gas prices are controlling our lives. We can only hope that something will be done soon in order to gain back the right to choose how we get to work.

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Tags: Auto News, travel by Ashley - 1 Comment »

I’m pretty sure it’s no shock that our economy is heading in a downward spiral at an increasing fast rate. Jobs are becoming harder to find, travelers are being halted by the average $4 a gallon gas prices, and any type of luxury is few and far between. Now, back in the old days summer camp never used to be considered a luxury for kids, but due to the economical problems we are facing, they are rapidly becoming a joy that fewer kids will be able to enjoy according to CNN.com.

One wouldn’t automatically imagine that the high gas prices would affect a child’s summer camp experience, but in reality it has a drastic effect. First off, the majority of summer camps are located at some remote location in the middle of a forest, which means that the parents must make the hour long, sometimes longer trip to bring their child to the festivities. To remedy this in the past, camps provided door-to-door transport but have had to alter their strategy and they are now implementing drop off points to compromise the positives for both sides of the equation.

Secondly, the rising gas prices are also the cause to the limit on what can be done at summer camps. Bus field trips to remote locations for activities such as, white water rafting, and mountain climbing are no longer feasible. Camps are also now pushing more self-propelled sports such as kayaking, as opposed to speedboats and water skiing in order to save the money it would cost to fill the boat tank with gas. In terms of a healthy alternative this change actually has a positive affect on our children, but it still may take some time getting used to.

Despite the problems, camps are still pushing forward with their services. To help make costs easier, many programs are providing payment plans for parents, and are offering shorter sessions. I’m sure many families who reside in the same neighborhoods are also trying to carpool to cut down on gas costs as well. According to Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association, the future of summer camps is still up in the air.

“The dollar a parent cuts for their child is the last dollar they cut,” she said. And even in challenging times, “it’s good to let kids be kids.”

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Tags: General Auto, travel by Ashley - No Comments »

With gas prices nearly hitting $4 a gallon, or in some cities such as Atlanta, Georgia, having already surpassed that amount, the use of larger vehicles including SUV’s and Van’s are diminishing immensely. So what does this mean for people who depend on a larger vehicle to house their large families? It may mean the end of family vacations, as we know it.

My mother who lives in Syracuse, NY where gas prices are at a hefty $4.19 a gallon called me the other day to explain that her family of 4 won’t be taking any family vacations this summer to a tropical beach. Why you ask? Simply because my parents drive a 7 passenger van that takes $80 to fill the gas tank, and barely gets 25 miles to the gallon. Now, although getting a smaller car seems like the logical answer, it’s just not feasible. My mother who runs a small daycare business out of her home often has to transport up to 7 children at one time, and with a smaller, more economical car like the Toyota Hybrid Prius, there’s no possible way she can do that.

According to an article on CNN.com, residents of Atlanta, Georgia are willing to ignore the higher gas prices and pay up to $100 a tank simply because they need the extra vehicle room. Sales for larger automotives such as the SUV and the pick-up truck were down by 33% this year according to Peter Brown, the executive director of the publication Automotive News. And although this trend seems to be pointing to the extinction of the SUV, residents refuse to let that happen. For families that have 3 or 4 children, a larger vehicle is essential to their safety and their functionality. Mark Antley, a 47-year-old resident of Sharpsburg, Georgia says:

Gas prices eventually will level off and families will adjust their budgets accordingly. SUV’s will either become luxuries for those who can afford the gas or necessities for those who need what SUVs have to offer.

And he’s right. But unfortunately, that means no more family vacations to Disneyworld until gas prices level out, which is too bad. I guess Mickey Mouse will have to wait.

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Tags: General Auto, travel by Ashley - 4 Comments »

According to a recent article published in MarketWatch, the huge exodus of SUV buyers as well as people trying to get rid of the gas guzzling machines is rapidly growing, and even the once resilient Toyota isn’t immune to the effects.

In May, General Motors Corporation sales dropped dramatically by over 19.2% compared to a year ago. And now, Chrysler (one of the nations leaders in SUV production and sales) is seeing a large part of their client base giving up and moving in droves towards a smaller, more economical car. But can you really blame people? With gas prices soaring well about $4 a gallon in many cities across the United States, the once proud owners of SUVs are beginning to get desperate to get rid of their vehicles. The problem is, however, that no one wants anything to do with SUVs.

The recent pullback on truck and SUV sales is causing Toyota President, Katsuaki Watanabe, to rethink the U.S. sales forecast for 2008. Deutsche Bank analyst, Rod Lache claims that the annual rate of sales has dropped to an all time low as the car and truck industry is heading into its worst sales year since the early 1990s. Watanabe is hopeful that Toyota’s small car lineup, which includes the popular Toyota Yaris and Toyota Prius hybrid, will be enough to offset the loss of sales on the SUV side. Only time will tell though.

With other economic problems looming such as the upcoming presidential election, the rising cost of food, expensive healthcare and problems in the housing market, SUV woes simply seem to be the proverbial “icing on the cake”.

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Tags: Auto News by Janelle - No Comments »

The Financial Times recently reported that Cerberus Capital Management (a private equity firm whose major investment is Chrysler LLC) sold more than half of its stake in Chrysler and GMAC to approximately 90 investors for around $1 billion. According to the article,

By selling equity to others soon after winning control of the two companies, Cerberus reduced its risks and earned fees from investors, who paid as much as $1bn for stakes in one or both of the companies. However, even with the sales, the fate of both companies remains crucially important for Cerberus, which has $27bn under management.

It is no surprise nor shock to find out that Chrysler LLC (one of the largest manufacturers of Sports Utility Vehicles) has had to put the brakes on recently due to the gas crisis. Let’s face it; no one wants to buy an SUV, and it’s showing in the statistics which tell us the same thing. Sales of SUVs are down more than any other year. Additionally, it seems that there are less people who are even looking to purchase SUVs because it is simply not cost-efficient. Investment firms like Cerberus may be in more trouble if they companies like Chrysler continue to cut back on production and lose customers.

What do you think about the situation? Do you think that companies such as Chrysler will eventually be forced to stop marketing SUVs?

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Tags: Auto News by Janelle - No Comments »

According to an article published in TIMESONLINE, politicians are being urged to use up to 10% of transport budgets to invest in walking and cycling initiatives to fight obesity. As many of us already know, obesity rates in the United States are out of control; and with gas prices on the rise, this presents the perfect opportunity for many people to get out there and get some exercise while at the same time saving some extra cash in gas.

In England, spending on cycling in the 2006-2007 year amounted to 0.3 percent of the overall transport budget, while in Wales the number was 0.4 percent. Groups such as the Association of Directors of Public Health also want to see 20mph speed limits created and put into residential areas. Various groups are also demanding better driver training as well as enforced traffic laws. In the United States, various cities, such as Cary, NC have already begun to make the roadways more friendly to pedestrian traffic with the addition of added cycling routes and more sidewalks in residential areas.

When you drive through many neighborhoods now, you can also see clearly posted speed limits and/or speed bumps. Some cities have even tried to draw attention to the fact that drivers need to learn to share the roadways by marking bike routes so that they are clearly visible to drivers as they travel down the road. I think it is pretty clear that the trend for the future will include more people choosing to cycle, walk or run to where they have to go versus automatically grabbing their car keys. Because of this, it is important that drivers be even more vigilant while they are driving.

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Tags: Auto News, General Auto by Janelle - No Comments »