General Motor’s (GM) Chevy Volt’s stunning price tag has stirred up numerous conversations this week. Everyone is wondering if the $41,000 starting retail price and low-volume sales tactics will doom the car before it even has a chance to prove its worthiness. Even with the $7,500 tax credit added in, the price is still higher than most other cars, including other eco-friendly cars like the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius.
Everyone is comparing the Volt to the Leaf since both are plug-in electric vehicles that are being introduced into limited areas of the U.S. market in December, 2010. They are also comparing the Volt and Leaf to the Toyota Prius because it is currently the most popular hybrid car on the market. Although GM claims to be unfazed by the comparison, one GM spokesman says the comparison isn’t really fair.
Vislab, a University of Parma systems lab researching artificial vision and intelligence, recently announced a proposed road trip test for two robotic alternative-fueled vans they have designed. The vans were originally scheduled to leave Parma, Italy on July 20, 2010 and arrive in Shanghai, China around the end of October, 2010. However, due to unexpected scheduling delays, the vans will now officially start the trip from Belgrade on July 29, 2010. Alberto Broggi, Vislab’s director, and Massimo Bertozzi, the project manager, are leading this expedition. About thirty other people are also involved in the project.
Vislab’s project is being funded by a $2.3 million grant from the European Commission’s European Research Council. Vislab’s technical sponsors, Continue Reading...
President Barrack Obama is currently encouraging Americans to take up the challenges of succeeding in the automotive green technology’s global market competition. One element of this competition is the market for advanced lithium-ion batteries and other components for electric vehicles. Other elements of the competition are manufacturing electric vehicles and charging stations for those vehicles.
President Obama wants the United States to become more competitive in the global green technology market for several reasons, but it’s partly to save America’s failing automotive industry. According to IHS Global Insight, approximately 20% of the 2030 global market for light vehicles will be made up of electric vehicles. Numerous analysts believe that whoever Continue Reading...
According to a press release submitted by CEO Don Runkle, EcoMotors International has now obtained the necessary financing to complete the engineering and testing of its OPOC (Opposed Piston, Opposed Cylinder) engine technology. In an announcement made July 12, 2010, Mr. Runkle stated that Bill Gates and Khosla Ventures are now exclusive investors in the company. They have invested $23.5 million in Series B funding for the development and global commercialization of EcoMotors’ OPOC engine technology.
Series B funding usually means that a business has been successfully launched and has proven its feasibility. Series B funding stages are used by companies that are past or nearly past the start-up stages of business, but need to find outside investors to finance Continue Reading...
Whether you are young or old, a man, a woman, or a teen, you are all prone to the thirst for speed that can only be quenched through the freedom of a motorcycle. Some of you may even find that a street bike or scooter is more cost-effective means to getting to work or school on time; and what a stress relieving ride that can be. Whatever the purpose, you are going to need a helmet and what better choice than a stylish open face helmet, especially if you can find one for a great price. The options are many for which type and style to get, with several brands offering different features for more comfort, safety, and to integrate technologies as well. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are many choices available for you through several retailers both online and on land locally.
Laws and Standards
Although there are several styles, types, and brands to choose from, you don’t want to start that far ahead. You want to generally start by looking for a helmet that has a high rating and comply with all laws and standards, which are basically the minimum guidelines motorbike helmets should follow in order to be deemed safe for wear. There are different laws per state and many adopt the Continue Reading...
Your transmission is the gear box that converts the rotating power in your engine’s output to usable speed and torque to move your axles, wheels and vehicle. The transmission is a critical component, because the engines in modern cars operate anywhere from 600RPM (revolutions per minute) to 7000RPM. Your car’s wheels, on the other hand, rotate from 0RPM to 1800 RPM, so the transmission steps down the speed of rotation and uses your engine’s high output to generate enough high torque to move the car at low speeds, and still be able to function for highway travel.
Your transmission is made up of many interconnected moving parts and those of us without a mechanic’s license may find the complexity quite confusing. Read on for some fundamentals that can help you learn to get your transmission parts replaced or repaired in no time.
Transmission Basic Anatomy
Transmissions are typically housed in a cast iron or light weight aluminum case, the latter being more common in smaller and passenger cars. There is a mainshaft that passes outside the case, with one side pointing towards engine, and the opposite towards the rear axle of your vehicle, for a rear wheel drive vehicle. In a front wheel drive layout, the shafts are mounted transaxially. The mainshaft is suspended by bearings, and the gears and clutches are supported by Continue Reading...
Buying the right insurance for your caravan can be time-consuming and somewhat confusing; however, it is well worth your time and effort in choosing the best insurance for your needs. You will first determine whether your caravan is static (stays in one place) or touring (a vacation home on wheels) in order to choose the proper camper insurance. You will then decide how much coverage you want and then find an insurance broker who can save you time and money.
Static Caravan Insurance
You may have a static vacation caravan located near a resort area or on private property. If you have decided that you don’t need insurance on your caravan because you only use it at certain times of the year and the other times it stands empty please reconsider.
There are several things that can happen to your static caravan when you’re not there. Your caravan could develop a leaky roof that can cause damage to the inside structure and any furniture or other belongings. High winds may cause a tree to fall and cave in the structure. A fire could be started from a lightening strike.
If any of these catastrophes happen while you’re away it may be weeks or months before you are even aware of the damage. The elements will cause further damage because the interior may be exposed. A Continue Reading...
Although flatbed or rollback tow trucks are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, they are favored by tow truck companies and consumers as the safest option for hauling most disabled vehicles. With the aid of a winch, a disabled auto may be gently pulled up and onto to the tilted flatbed platform. Cars may also be driven onto its platform for transport. Once the platform is tilted back into the upright position and the car secured, it is ready for short or long distance transport. The method of loading the vehicle as well as the way it travels on a flatbed tow truck greatly reduces the risk of dammage to the towed auto. Car and motorcycle aficionados also like to use rollback tow trucks as a safe way to minimize wear and tear on their vehicles to safely get their prized vehicles to a show or a race.
A solid rollback truck is a work of art that requires specialized skills and equipment to assemble. The average person has neither the skills nor equipment to mount a carrier onto the cab chassis. Specialized tow truck companies often custom build tow trucks for their clients. They use flatbed towing truck cab chassis and truck body manufacturers such as Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Isuzu, Peterbilt, and Kenworth among others while the carriers may come from such companies as Century, Chevron or Vulcan. Carrier frames are usually made of steel or aluminum although on occasion Continue Reading...
Utility trucks have had a hand in growth and advancement arguably ever since the invention of the wheel. Utility trucks are simply a mode in which to transport tools and supplies, making the job of construction, repair and other services much easier for professionals. Modern day utility trucks for sale are made by several different automobile manufacturers as well as specialized outfitters. In America, GMC, Ford and several other foreign made vehicles are used in a wide variety of proposes.
Typically, the auto manufacturer supplies the necessary frame, power train and cab portion of the truck to fleet outfitters in order to satisfy a customer’s needs. Many different industries rely heavily on specially configured used utility trucks in order to do the jobs needed for their particular projects. Telephone companies utilize a “bucket” type utility truck in order to lift repair men up to the required height needed to fix components on top of a utility pole. Electric companies commonly use these types of utility trucks as well as side compartment varieties.
Dump beds are another type of utility truck commonly available. The need to excavate certain materials and then transport the materials to other areas efficiently has greatly revolutionized the world and increased availability of raw substances.
Within the timber harvesting industry, logging trucks are in great demand as they stand as one of the industry’s main elements and largest assets. Why? Well, there is no transportation for the timber once forests are forested without the large capacity tree haulers operated by a Class A Commercial Licensed driver. These trucks are seen within every city in every state traveling the highways stock full of newly cut trees. Just as they are in great demand, there are several dealers as well as individuals that offer many varieties of logging trucks for sale.
What Kinds of Logging Trucks are Available?
Just as there are several different types and sizes of trees, there are also various types of used log trucks for sale, each to suit the different functions for the specific wood. There are various flatbed trucks for transporting the logs when they are initially cut, while there are smaller pick-up truck style trucks with extended beds that are used for smaller cut trees and larger logs that have been chopped. There are divorced trailer logging trucks that are used for those massive trees that need their own trip, in which the tree will attach the two wheel bases, ultimately becoming the truck bed.
What Specific Finds Are Available?
You can look for log trucks for sale that are new, or you could save a great deal of money and shop in the popular Continue Reading...
Insurance companies base their premiums on their perceived risk, and many students are stuck paying high premiums due to the fact that their age group statistically is involved in more accidents and exhibits irresponsible behavior. The auto insurers have long maintained that inexperience is perhaps the highest risk factor in any category and as a result it warrants higher rates. However, the good news is that young people do in fact have options and it is not that hard to find the cheapest student car insurance available.
It is important to realize that the most effective way to save the largest amount of money possible is to compare multiple quotes. Although this may seem like a long and arduous task, especially to young people who have plenty of other things they would rather be doing, the simple fact of the matter is that online comparison websites make it a breeze. By filling out a short online form, similar quotes from multiple companies can immediately be accessed and a consumer can pick out the cheapest car insurance for students. All quotes must be based upon the same coverage levels or it will be as effective as comparing apples to oranges.
After the most competitive base rate for student car insurance is found, the next step is to take advantage of all of the potential discounts that most insurers offer. Students with good grades can often be rewarded Continue Reading...
Most motorcycle enthusiasts find that there is nothing more enjoyable than spending a day out on the road riding, but the rising costs of recreational vehicles has left many people unable to afford the freedom of motorcycling. Tough economic times have resulted in an abundance of repossessed motorcycles, however, so there has never been a better time to obtain a great deal on a gently used bike. Wise consumers can experience the freedom of the road sooner than they ever thought, but there are several things to look out for and an individual must know how to find repossessed motorcycles for sale.
The only drawback to purchasing bank repossessed motorcycles is that there is often no adequate history of maintenance records. A prospective buyer can never truly guarantee that the bike has been taken care of appropriately and there may be some minor or major mechanical issues. Before purchasing a used bike, it is never a bad idea to have a mechanic check out the workings to ensure that it is in good condition. Most purchases cannot be returned and due diligence is an important part of the buying process.
One of the most popular sources for individuals to find repossessed motorcycles is local finance company auctions, but consumers should be extremely cautious and it may even be best to avoid these sales. The units that are included at local finance companies often Continue Reading...
Any individual that has experienced the bankruptcy process can attest to the fact that the difficulty does not stop when the case has been discharged. In fact, many consumers quickly realize that their credit will be negatively impacted for seven to ten years and it is quite necessary for them to learn how to effectively deal with their situation. Tasks that might have been relatively easy in the past are suddenly somewhat more difficult and require additional work. Contrary to popular belief, it is actually possible to obtain a car loan after bankruptcy if a consumer understands what to expect and what will make the process easier.
Many individuals feel that after a bankruptcy that the best way to purchase a vehicle is to use a buy here pay here establishment, but a consumer needs to realize that there are some serious drawbacks to this approach. Car lots that have onsite financing often charge exorbitant interest rates and normally have vehicles with high mileage. In fact, some of the cars that these used car lots attempt to sell are worth a very small fraction of the asking price and are not likely to last very long. The good news is that dealing with a buy here pay here place is not the only way to get a car loan after bankruptcy.
Almost every driver, at some point in their driving career, will require the help of a wrecker service. As you will quickly discover when that time comes, you will be very happy to see the tow truck when it arrives at the site of your vehicular misfortune. Hopefully, the extent of your need for a wrecker will only include a flat tire or a dead battery, both of which are minor nuisances when compared to an automobile accident. If you are ever in need of a towing wrecker service, will you know who to call? There are some things of which you may need to be aware before the need actually arises for a wrecker service.
Once you decide to become educated about wrecker services, where do you begin? You might start by asking around, doing internet searches, or actually contacting various wrecker services and asking pertinent questions. If you can’t find friends who have had enough experience to know whom to call, ask at your local auto parts store. It is likely that they can recommend someone whom you could feel comfortable calling in the middle of the night, if necessary. If car trouble catches you unaware, you will be glad to get almost anyone to come, and pay any rate. However, you will certainly feel more confident if you have some knowledge of the statewide wrecker service beforehand.
The rates which wrecker operators can charge to pull your vehicle may vary Continue Reading...
An ever increasing number of consumers have been plagued with poor credit scores and are realizing that it can prove to be incredibly difficult to accomplish tasks that may have been easy before, such as purchasing a vehicle. While some people with bad credit have earned it through irresponsible behavior, a recent study conducted by one of the major credit bureaus revealed that the most common causes of negative ratings are actually uncontrollable. An couple examples include unmanageable medical bills and job loss. Individuals need to understand that buying a car with bad credit is completely possible and the good news is that contrary to popular belief many lenders will not treat their prospective borrowers as inferior.
Most consumers that are buying a car with bad credit rating believe that it is necessary to visit a dealer that offers on the lot financing with no credit checks. While this may be required for individuals in the worst situations, most borrowers simply don’t need to pay the exorbitant interest rates and purchase prices that these buy here pay here establishments require. In addition, there are often fairly large down payments and the vehicles normally have high mileage and are not worth a fraction of their price. Prospective car buyers Continue Reading...
