Auto manufacturers are hedging their bets by launching car sharing companies around the world. It’s a good way to protect against new car sales that are up one month and down another, protectionist trade barriers, and the fickle habits of millennials. In survey after survey, they've indicated they would rather share than own. All car sharing programs work the same way. Sign up, use a dedicated … [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...]
2011 Car of the Year Finalists Include Electric Cars, Hybrids and Sportscars
Which 2010 or 2011 model gets your vote of the most desirable vehicle of the year? The best green car? There are three important awards being announced at the press preview days of the important 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show next week. First, is the title of Automobile of the Year, awarded by Automobile Magazine. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 16th via Facebook and on the … [Read more...]
Munich Oktoberfest Celebrates 200th Anniversary in 2010
Germany is justifiably famous for its great beer and wine festivals, which start in late summer or early fall and focus on regional wines, beers, and culinary specialties. The most famous is the Munich Oktoberfest, the world's oldest and largest beer festival , which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2010. Festival dates this year are September 18 to October 4. The Munich Oktoberfest turns … [Read more...]
World’s Most Beautiful Cars are At 2010 Pebble Beach Concours
The 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the 60th anniversary of what has become the most famous and most prestigious vintage and antique car show in the United States, perhaps even the world. The Pebble Beach Concours is this weekend, August 13-15, attracting thousands of classic car fans to Monterey and Carmel, California, to see historic models from brands including Bugatti, Pierce-Arrow, … [Read more...]
2011 Audi R8 Spyder V10 is Top Car for Summer
What's your dream car for a summer road trip? Mine would be a fast, sexy roadster, preferably a convertible, preferably a two-seater, probably in red, with enough trunk space for a weekend bag for each of us. The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 tops the list, according to the August issue of the Robb Report. This is a high-revving 5.2 liter V-10, with enough torque and power to launch you zero to … [Read more...]
April Car Sales Climb 20%, Indicating the Economy is Stronger
Car sales are a great indicator of the state of the economy. when car sales are down, so is the economy. In April 2010, car sales were up 20% over April 2009. That's a good sign that the economy is turning around. Of course, some brands did better than others. Nissan had the largest increase -- up 35.1%, and that's even before the eagerly-awaitted Nissan LEAF plug-in electric car … [Read more...]
Audi Super Bowl Ads Focus on Green
Who says Germans don't have a sense of humor? Audi ads on the XLIV Super Bowl are a funny serious look at saving fuel and saving our natural resources. Green police go after the bag guys -- the ones who use styrofoam cups and paper plates, and the ones who do not drive fuel efficient Audi cars, such as the 2010 Audi A3 TDI clean diesel, which has won both the 2010 Green Car of the Year award, … [Read more...]
Audi Wins Top Auto Show Awards
The Audi brand is in the fast-lane, for sure. Audi models have been sweeping awards at recent auto shows. Let's start with the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, now underway. The all-new 2011 Audi A8 luxury performance sedan took top honors in the prestigious EyesOn Design awards, which recognizes -- you guessed it -- design. The A8 is a stunner, and one of its more interesting design … [Read more...]
BMW to intro plug-in electric coupe at Detroit Auto Show
BMW is unveiling a fully-electric compact coupe at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2010. The concept BMW 1-Series prototype is called the Concept ActiveE. The BMW 1-Series electric concept will have lithium ion batteries, and the packs are placed in the spot a conventional drive train would be in a conventional gas or diesel BMW. Here's a teaser video: … [Read more...]