Automakers Propose Gimmicks to Help With Rising Gas Prices

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.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Vehicle Safety: Having Some Tire Sense

When you get up in the morning and are getting into your car to go to work, how often do you check your tires prior to driving off? Most people don’t bother to check their tires at all. How about when you are preparing to rent a car? For example, if you are renting a car in North Carolina, most rental car companies will strongly advise you, if not encourage you to check the car out for any defects before they will even allow you to drive the vehicle off of their premises. This is not only a liability issue for them, but it is a safety issue for you as well.tire-safety-70.jpg

Slipping Up

Most, if not all of us, have driven our vehicles outside when it was raining; but have you ever noticed other vehicles occasionally slipping and sliding around on the pavement? The first thing you need to remember whenever there is inclement weather is to ALWAYS maintain a safe stopping distance. This distance is usually two car lengths between the front bumper of your vehicle and the rear bumper of the person in front of you. The other thing to consider if your car is sliding more than it should when you stop short (and especially if you are slowly coming to a stop) is your tires. When was the last time you took your vehicle in to be serviced? Was anything mentioned about having your tires rotated and balanced? Did you do it?

Safety First!

If you think about it, your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. After all, if you didn’t have tires, you wouldn’t be able to operate your vehicle! Make sure that you check your tires every day. There are numerous people who get in their car and start driving only to realize a few miles down the road that they had a flat tire from the time they left their home! Checking your tires takes only a few seconds of your time and can save you from a possible injury or fatality as well as save you a ton of money in the long run. All you have to do is walk around the perimeter of your vehicle and simply look at your tires. Do they look low? Does the tread look worn? These are some key things to keep in mind before you get in your car.

Contact Triangle Rent A Car for more information on renting a car in the Southeast!

2008 Myrtle Beach Bike Week

The 68th Annual 2008 Myrtle Beach Bike Week will be taking place in Myrtle Beach, SC this year from May 9-18th. Myrtle Beach, SC has always been a popular destination for a lot of people to vacation and enjoy time together with family and friends. However, once a year, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts come together in this popular vacation spot to see and be seen by other motorcycle enthusiasts. Myrtle Beach Bike Week is the second largest motorcycle rally on the east coast out of four of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the United States. This monumental event stretches along 60 miles of beaches from North Myrtle Beach to Murrell’s Inlet in South Carolina. If you want to go and witness this event but don’t own a motorcycle, that’s ok. You can always rent a car in Myrtle Beach or somewhere nearby and go watch the festivities; and oh what festivities there will be!motorcyle-guy-70.jpg

Reportedly, there is over 20 acres of free, paved parking so that motorcyclists can park and mingle. There are also tons of vendors, who typically set up shop on approximately 5 acres of grass. If you are looking for anything to outfit your bike with, there’s a good chance that one of the vendors will be able to help you out. Since it’s inception back in 1940, the Myrtle Beach Bike Week has grown with each passing year. Last year alone, it was reported that over 300,000 people were in attendance, and that number is expected to be even bigger this year!

The Myrtle Beach Bike Fest is a great venue for bringing people of all backgrounds together for the love of motorcycles. It’s a great location too with the nice weather and beach nearby. If you’re planning on taking the trip down to Bike Week and making a vacation out of it, there are plenty of places to rent a car in Myrtle Beach, SC. Additionally, there are also plenty of hotels that offer discounts to families who are in the area specifically for bike week.

For more information on renting a car in Myrtle Beach, SC, visit Triangle Rent A Car today!

The 61st Annual NC Azalea Festival

azaleas-70.jpgWhether you walk, run, rent a car or grab a bike, make sure you find your way to the 61st Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival.  Since 1948, the Azalea Festival has become one of the premier attractions in North Carolina and has gained national recognition.  Each year, millions of people show interest in the festival by either tuning in on their televisions or by simply going in person.

 It is estimated that more than approximately 200,000 people attend the festival, which lasts two days.  The festival consists of a large street fair as well as a parade, which usually consists of more than 100,000 spectators.  The events that take place at the Azalea Festival are a testimony to the beauty of the azaleas as well as the rich heritage that can be found in the coastal part of North Carolina. 

 This year, the Azalea is being held from April 9th through the 13th.  The festival typically opens up with the welcoming of the Queen Azalea and celebrity guests.  Following this is a fun-filled, three hour parade that makes its way through downtown Wilmington.  There is also a street fair, circus, garden and house tours, horse shows, art shows and concerts.  Past concerts have included performances by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, Jessica Simpson and Natalie Cole.

Musicians who are scheduled to be at this the festival this year include such artists as Sugarland, Little Big Town, Colbie Caillat and Michelle Branch.  Some of the events at the festival are free while others may charge a small cost.  For more information about tickets, concerts or a schedule of events, you can visit the official website for the 61st Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival.  And for more information on renting a car in the Wilmington, NC area, visit Triangle Rent A Car.  Triangle Rent A Car is a proud sponsor of the Azalea Festival.

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