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...]
Best 2013 cars manufactured in USA
The new Cadillac ATS performance sedan has been named "Best of the Year" 2013 car by MotorWeek, the longest running automotive series on television. This award includes only vehicles made in America, on assembly lines operated both by Detroit based manufacturers and foreign companies including Toyota/Lexus, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan/Infiniti, which have been building cars and trucks … [Read more...]
Suzuki files for bankruptcy in USA
If you own or are planning to buy a Suzuki vehicle in the United States, this is not good news -- American Suzuki has filed for bankruptcy and will drive out of the car market in North America. Suzuki motorcycles will continue to be sold, but not cars. According to the New York Times, Suzuki car dealerships will be turned into parts and repair facilities. What happens to the 2013 Suzuki … [Read more...]
Thanks to corporate good guys and employees for charity contributions, volunteer work
Large corporations, and their employees, do a lot all year to support local and national charities. Let's give them some credit during this holiday season -- MGM Resorts -- Employees of MGM Resorts International raised $4.6 million in 2011 to support more than 1,000 community-based nonprofit organizations that meet the needs of the communities in Nevada, Michigan and Mississippi, where there … [Read more...]
Ford Tops the List for Car Buyer Loyalty, Kia Close Behind
More car buyers are loyal to Ford products than cars or trucks from any other manufacturer. That's good news for the venerable Detroit company, which has been in fifth gear lately with profits, awards and new product news. Ford took top honors in the 15th annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, presented recently in Detroit. And Ford won in nearly every category -- overall loyalty to … [Read more...]
Subaru Named Best Brand for Resale Value
An important part of any car buying decision should be how much that vehicle is worth when you trade it in. So what's the best overall brand for resale value? Subaru. That's what the car experts at KBB.com say. Subaru won the 2011 KBB best residual value award at the Los Angeles Auto Show, beating out such 'usual suspects' as Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Mercerdes and Honda. BMW received the … [Read more...]
Happy 125th Birthday to the Automobile, Born Aug. 26, 1885
The automobile was born on August 26, 1885. That is the day Gottlieb Daimler filed a patent for his 'riding car', the world's first vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The world would never be the same, and 125 years later, engineers and designers are still tinkering with the size, power and performance of the cars we drive and ride. Daimler put a motor on a two-wheel vehicle, so … [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...]
Mad Men’s Jon Hamm is New Voice of Mercedes-Benz Commercials
The new voice of Mercedes-Benz is Jon Hamm, the Golden Globe winning star of the hit series Mad Men. Hamm made his debut -- or at least his voice -- on the Academy Award Oscars show, in a commercial featuring the new Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid luxury sedan. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz 2010 S400 Hybrid luxury sedan is the world's first production vehicle powered by sophisticated new lithium-ion … [Read more...]
First Electric Smart Car Delivered to Customers in Germany
Getting smart: The first plug-in electric Smartfortwo minicar has been delivered to customers in Berlin, close to the Stuttgart home of its parent company, Mercedes-Benz. The first two owners -- an artist and a dental technology company executive -- currently own the regular gas-powered Smartfortwo. The compact two-seater is the first emission-free vehicle in the world with state-of-the-art … [Read more...]