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 cars under $16,000: all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra
With a base price of $15,900, the all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra is a great choice for first-time buyers, college students, frugal boomers and retirees, and anybody else who wants an affordable, fuel efficient car that's fun to drive and looks good in the driveway. The redesigned Sentra offers such high-end details as LED-accented headlights and taillights, and an efficient new 1.8 liter four … [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...]
Good guys: corporations support community, education projects for 9/11 and year-round
In the spirit of the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, September 11, 2001 -- and the new spirit of 9/12 and the future -- let's acknowledge the corporate good guys who support volunteer and community projects. Here are a few -- Ford -- More than 12,000 members of the Ford Volunteer Corps with hammers, hoes and helping hands are tackling more than 200 community projects on six continents as part of … [Read more...]
Best cars under $15,000: 2012 Nissan Versa, starting price of $10,990
The 2012 Nissan Versa is the least expensive car in North America, with a starting price of just $10,990 MSRP and a budget-saving fuel economy of 33 mpg combined city/highway. Now that I have your attention -- The 2012 Nissan Versa is no upholstered roller skate, no stripped-down entry-level tin can that you'd be embarrassed to drive. Even for that astoundingly low price, you get air … [Read more...]
Best 2011 Cars under $20,000: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a best buy for offering the interior space and amenities of a mid-size car with the fuel economy of a compact or hybrid and impressive safety features, at a starting price of $16,995, plus it is fun to drive and is good-looking, too. Now that I have your attention: The Cruze has been getting nearly as many awards as its sibling, the headline-making 2011 … [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...]
Nissan Sponsors Lance Armstrong Professional Cycling Team
When Lance Armstrong is not riding a bicycle, he will be riding a Nissan vehicle. The car maker has announced it is sponsoring Team RadioShack, the new Lance Armstrong profssional cycling team. Nissan becomes the team's official vehicle of Armstrong's Team RadioShack. Lance Armstrong, as if you didn't know, is the record-breaking seven-time winner of the Tour de France and founder of the … [Read more...]
Nissan LEAF plug-in electric car is one of top inventions of 2009
Time magazine is justifiably famous for its annual "Person of the Year" awards. But that's not the only award it bestows each year. I was delighted to find an electric car, the plug-in Nissan LEAF on the list of Time's top inventions of 2009. It is the only vehicle on the 2009 list. What makes the Nissan LEAF so special? Top of the list is that it is is the world's first EV built for … [Read more...]
Most Researched Car Brands of 2009
The five car companies that interested car-buyers most in 2009 were Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan, in that order, according to the Kelley Blue Book. But, the top five specific models researched were all named Honda and Toyota. The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Honda Civic have been the top three researched models on the KBB website in one order or another since 2004. Rounding … [Read more...]