The North American International Auto Show -- better known as the Detroit Auto Show -- is underway now, with more new model introductions, including concept vehicles, than the public has seen in years. The auto industry is bouncing back, but even so, not everything is a hit. There are some misses. Here's what the industry trade newspaper Automotive News gives a thumbs up, and a thumbs down, … [Read more...]
2012 cars with best resale value: top rated brands are Toyota, Lexus
How much a vehicle costs when you buy it or lease it is just one part of the equasion. You also need to factor in how that vehicle rates for operating costs, maintenance costs and resale value. Since depreciation -- or loss of value -- is typically a car buyer's biggest cost expense during ownership, you should consider the resale price after the typical ownership period of two years to five … [Read more...]
More than 50 new vehicle intros at 2011 LA Auto Show
The upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show is the biggest in years, with more than 50 North American and world debuts of new cars, SUVs and trucks. The intros show that the auto industry continues to be a surprise bright spot in the overall economy. Green cars, including electric cars, diesel cars and extended range hybrids are the big news, along with improved performance and design and … [Read more...]
Audi, Land Rover unveil concept cars at Frankfurt Auto Show 2011
Every auto show features a concept car or several. Concept cars are important, because they give us a sneak peak at the car company's design and technology direction, and the reaction of the media and the public can determine whether the concept gets put into overdrive, or parked in the garage and forgotten. Here's what Audi and Land Rover are unveiling at the all-important Frankfurt Auto … [Read more...]
Green B&Bs use solar energy and offer electric car charging stations
California B&Bs have gone green with a variety of innovative and eco-friendly practices, including using solar power and geothermal energy systems to reduce electric costs, and providing electric car charging stations for guests arriving in plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Mini E. In Santa Cruz, The Adobe on Green Street lives up to its … [Read more...]
2011 Honda Models Get Top Ratings for Green, Fuel Efficient Cars
For the eleventh year in a row, Honda is the most green, most fuel efficient car company in the world. That's the word from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), which rates five Honda models as among the "greenest vehicles of 2011" . The greenest, most fuel efficient of them all is the Honda Civic GX natural gas-powered model, which earns the title of America's … [Read more...]
End of the Road in 2010 for Hummer, Mercury, Pontiac, Saturn
Despite all the promising year-end headlines about the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and other new models, 2010 will be remembered as the year Detroit killed off four car brands and sold off several others. It was the end of the road for Hummer, Pontiac and Saturn, killed off by General Motors as it trimmed its losses to recover from bankruptcy. GM also sold off Saab, and Ford sold off Volvo and … [Read more...]
2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Car Named European Car of the Year
The 2011 Nissan LEAF has been named the 2011 European Car of the Year, the first electric car to win the prestigious award. The Nissan LEAF award comes just two weeks after its top competitor for world headlines, the Chevrolet Volt, won the important Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show, along with other awards. The Nissan LEAF is the world's first mass-marketed, … [Read more...]
Electric Cars You Can Buy Now: Wheego LiFe
Wheego has been under the radar while all the attention and headlines about electric cars has focused on Tesla, Fisker and the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt, even though the Volt isn't an EV at all, but a plug-in extended range hybrid. Wheego makes two-passenger sub-compact EVs that are about the same size and style as the Smartfortwo. Wheego is a US-based company, with headquarters in … [Read more...]
Hybrids and Electric Cars Headline Los Angeles Auto Show
Green hybrid and electric cars are the big news at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the press on Wednesday, November 17th and to the public two days later. You've been hearing a lot about the extended-range plug-in hybrid-electric Chevrolet Volt, and all-electric Nissan Leaf. They are the headliners, for sure. But several other introductions will be making news, too. Honda is … [Read more...]