Car Blog

Auto insurance is a vital part for every car owner. It is a great place to save money since it comes with many variations and different levels of coverage, including liability, comprehensive, collision, and more. Of course, with all these choices, it can be overwhelming for consumers as they decide to buy car insurance.

There are lots of factors that affect the computation of insurance rates which are beyond any consumer’s control, two of which are age and driving experience. However, one of the most significant rating factors is indeed controllable, and that is the driver’s driving history. An already established fact, drivers who practice road safety will not only lessen the chances of getting themselves into an accident, but will also save money during their insurance process. This is because most auto insurance companies will likely grant discounts and rewards.

When applying for auto insurance, the accumulation of tickets and participation to various accidents would mean a higher risk of loss. This raises a red flag and will directly impact the computation of insurance premiums. Nevertheless, maintaining a clean driving history is not as hard to accomplish. Practicing traffic rules and regulations have been proven to be the most effective way to keep the blemishes off and lowering the rates hugely.

Nearly all traffic accidents recorded are caused by human error or impaired judgment. Over speeding, failure to yield, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving too closely from another vehicle and trying to race and beat the red light are the most common. Individuals who suffer from swelled car insurance rates do so because they have created a negative impression on their driving records. The good news is that, all of the items cited above can be avoided just by reducing the likelihood of getting involved in such mishaps. Being safe on the road will lead to fewer claims, which will eventually lead to lower premiums in the end.

Source: AutoQuoteNow.com

Chevrolet, General Motors and the National Federation of the Blind are cooperating to identify a safe level of sound to alert the blind and other pedestrians to the presence of near silent-running electric and hybrid vehicles.

“We are confident electric vehicles can produce a safe and acceptable level of sound to alert blind pedestrians to their presence,” said John Pare, NFB executive director of strategic initiatives. “We look forward to working with Chevrolet and GM to identify an appropriate sound that will alert pedestrians in the most effective and least disruptive way possible.”

Members of the National Federation of the Blind and engineers from GM began meeting earlier this year to understand the safety needs of pedestrians with respect to quiet vehicles, and to work on solutions for the benefit of pedestrians, cyclists, runners, children and other members of the public.

Several NFB members recently experienced a demonstration of the pedestrian warning alert on a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle driven at various speeds by chief engineer Andrew Farah. While visiting GM’s Milford Proving Ground, they also evaluated the alert from the front, sides and rear of the car.

“We have significant background in the area of pedestrian alerts dating to our work on our first electric car, the EV1,” Farah said, “The most important thing is to listen to the people who will interact with these vehicles in everyday life.”

Deborah Kent Stein, who chairs the NFB’s Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety, said, “A recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrated that the silent operation of hybrid vehicles is an issue for all pedestrians, not just the blind. In certain situations, electric or hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in collisions with pedestrians. The NFB looks forward to working with the safety agency in the crafting of appropriate standards establishing an acceptable level of minimum vehicle sound.”

“The National Federation of the Blind appreciates the opportunity to work with General Motors on this problem,” said Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind. “We urge all automobile manufacturers to work with the blind in designing vehicle sounds to alert us to the approach, speed and direction of vehicles so that both drivers and pedestrians can safely use America’s roadways.”

Source: General Motors

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced details of the vehicle-based remedy to address the root cause of the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals in certain Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota issued a consumer safety advisory on September 29 on this issue and has, as an interim measure, commenced the mailing of safety notices to certain Toyota and Lexus owners on October 30.

The models involved are: 2007 to 2010 MY (model year) Camry, 2005 to 2010 MY Avalon, 2004 to 2009 MY Prius, 2005 to 2010 MY Tacoma, 2007 to 2010 MY Tundra, 2007 to 2010 MY ES350, 2006 to 2010 MY IS250, and 2006 to 2010 MY IS 350.

The specific measures of the vehicle-based remedy are as follows:
1. The shape of the accelerator pedal will be reconfigured to address the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all-weather floor mat or other inappropriate floor mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat. For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor.
2. Vehicles with any genuine Toyota or Lexus accessory all-weather floor mat will be provided with newly-designed replacement driver- and front passenger-side all-weather floor mats.

In addition, as a separate measure independent of the vehicle-based remedy, Toyota will install a brake override system onto the involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES350, IS350 and IS250 models as an extra measure of confidence. This system cuts engine power in case of simultaneous application of both the accelerator and brake pedals.

Toyota is in the process of completing development of these actions and for the ES350, Camry, and Avalon will start notifying owners of the involved vehicles via first-class mail by the end of this year. The remedy process regarding the other five models will occur on a rolling schedule during 2010.

Dealers will be trained and equipped to make the necessary modifications to these models starting at the beginning of 2010. Initially, dealers will be instructed on how to reshape the accelerator pedal for the repair. As replacement parts with the same shape as the modified pedal become available, they will be made available to dealers for the repair, beginning around April 2010. Customers who have had the remedy completed will have the opportunity to receive a new pedal if they desire.

In the meantime, owners of the involved vehicles are asked to take out any removable driver’s floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat until they are notified of the vehicle-based remedy, as notified in the consumer safety advisory and the interim notice.

The brake override system will be made standard equipment throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines starting with January 2010 production of ES350 and Camry and is scheduled to be incorporated into new production of most models by the end of 2010.

The safety of our owners and the public is our utmost concern and Toyota has and will continue to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified.

Owners who have further questions are asked to visit www.toyota.com or www.lexus.com.

Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Nissan North America, Inc. announced the lease of a X-TRAIL Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) to Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Nissan, which began development of fuel cell vehicle technology in 1996, has previously used FCVs in demonstration fleets in Japan and in California through the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), but this is Nissan’s first commercial FCV lease in North America. The Sacramento Coca-Cola lease is for one year, with an option for two additional years.

“Sacramento already has the beginning of a hydrogen infrastructure in place, and Sacramento Coca-Cola has a track record of utilizing low emissions cars, so the two companies share a green philosophy as well as a common love of things ‘zero’,” said Eric Nozier, vice president, Corporate Planning, NNA

The zero emissions X-TRAIL FCV is being used by the bottler for sales calls and public events in the Sacramento area in promotion of its Coca-Cola Zero® soft drink. “This is a big step in furthering our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Bob Brown, executive vice president of Sacramento Coca-Cola. “We are really excited about the promise of fuel cell technology.”

Nissan’s comprehensive fuel cell research and development program is part of a range of eco-friendly technologies — including FCVs, electric vehicles, hybrid and improved internal combustion engines — being pursued under the Nissan Green Program 2010, a plan focused on developing new technologies, products and services leading to real-world reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions and expanded recycling of resources.

The Nissan X-TRAIL FCV is based on the X-TRAIL SUV, which is available in Mexico, Japan and Europe. It is fitted with a Nissan-developed compact fuel cell stack, a compact Lithium-ion battery and a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder. Performance is close to that of a similarly sized internal combustion engine-based vehicle. Versions of this generation X-TRAIL FCV are capable of speeds in excess of 95 miles per hour, with a cruising range of up to 300 miles.

Sacramento-based Nissan X-TRAIL FCVs have already logged nearly 300,000 miles in ongoing internal tests, with one vehicle very close to the 100,000-mile mark. “The future of sustainable mobility will depend on the simultaneous development of many technologies. Test programs like Sacramento Coca-Cola X-TRAIL FCV lease help us keep our momentum going in this arena, even as we’re getting ready to roll out the new Nissan LEAF electric vehicle in the next year,” said Nozier.

In addition to the current generation X-TRAIL FCV, Nissan earlier this year announced testing of a next-generation fuel cell stack that is 25 percent smaller than the current model and will be less expensive to build. Nissan North America recently opened a new Fuel Cell Laboratory at the Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Mich. The new lab will support other global Nissan research centers and will work with suppliers and universities on various related fuel cell projects.

“Any 5th grade math student can tell you that 0+0+0=0, yet in this case zero (carbs) plus zero (calories) plus zero (emissions) adds up to a great partnership and a great way to promote both the Nissan and Coca-Cola Zero® brands,” added Nozier.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to team up with Nissan to employ zero-emissions technology in a real life business setting,” said Don Quinn, Director of Operations for Sacramento Coca-Cola. “What better way to showcase zero-emissions technology than with North America’s most popular new zero-calorie soft drink?”

Nissan Green 2010 activities  www.nissan-global.com/EN/ENVIRONMENT/GREENPROGRAM_2010

On Display for the First Time in North America at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show – New 4.6-Liter Engine and 301-hp V8 with Six Speed Transmission – New Standard Power Fold-Flat Third Row and 10 Airbags

Lexus announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new, second generation 2010 GX 460 luxury utility vehicle which will arrive at dealerships beginning in late December. For the first time, the GX will be offered in two grades, base, which will carry an MSRP of $51,970, and Premium which will be priced at $56,765. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. The all-new GX 460 will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

The second generation GX 460 that is more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious will be powered with an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine. The engine will produce 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of peak torque. It is teamed with an efficient six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift that helps provide the best-in-class V8 fuel economy. Combined city/highway fuel economy is improved by 13 percent to an EPA-estimated 17 mpg. The GX 460 has an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

In addition to the powerful engine, the GX 460 brings more versatile interior. The second row seat slides 4.1 inches fore/aft to maximize passenger and cargo carrying ability. The foldable and reclining second row seats feature a 60/40 walk-in function to access the standard power fold-flat third row seats. A new center console design offers the driver more storage and functionality.

Luxury is enhanced in the GX 460 with a quieter cabin, as well as new additional standard features and options. Heated and ventilated front seats, class leading 10 airbags, rear back-up camera (without Navigation), Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and full-time four-wheel drive are all standard on the GX 460. Safety features available include the Pre-Collision System, wide-view front and side cameras, Lane Departure Alert and Intelligent High Beam. Among the new luxury options are semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel and heated outer second-row seats.

The exterior of the GX 460 demonstrates new convenience and styling features such as the rear glass hatch for easier access to the cargo area, integrated rear door handle and rear spoiler with integrated wiper. The GX color palette is also revised and includes two all-new colors: Knight’s Armor and Claret Mica.

Lexus Enform(TM) with Safety Connect(TM) is an all-new telematics system available by subscription. Lexus Safety Connect is standard on all GX 460, while Lexus Enform is only available with navigation-equipped vehicles. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform with Safety Connect are included. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – every day of the year.

Lexus Insider(TM), a complimentary, opt-in service available without a subscription, is also standard on Lexus Enform equipped GX 460 vehicles. The service offers in-vehicle audio casts with useful vehicle tips and event information, as well as insights into exclusive owners’ benefits. As part of the Lexus Enform navigation platform, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather(TM) are available via individual XM® subscriptions. All XM services include a complimentary 90-day trial subscription.

Source: Lexus

NADAguides.com Educates Consumers on Its Easy-to-Use ‘Cost to Own’ Tool

Powerful Online Tool Analyzes Eight Key Factors to Estimate Five-Year Ownership Costs

When consumers look to purchase a new vehicle, the price is usually the first thing they research before making the decision to buy. Although the Suggested Retail Price provides the consumer with the total cost for the purchase of the vehicle, one important factor is often overlooked – total cost to own. Depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs must also be added in to the cost of ownership. Most often, car shoppers only consider retail price and what their monthly payment will be. While these are, of course, very important car buying decision factors, additional costs are often overlooked.

To help car shoppers, NADAguides.com has built a tool to make this cost to own research easy and provide car shoppers with a quick view of the cost of ownership for a specific car over the course of five years. The NADAguides.com Cost to Own Tool factors in the eight most important costs associated with car ownership – depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, insurance, fuel, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs – to give new car shoppers an accurate forecast of how much they can expect to pay and what they can really afford.

“There are many things affecting the actual cost of owning a vehicle that can be overwhelming for consumers to see the true price tag of the car they are considering,” said Mike Caudill, NADAguides.com automotive expert and spokesperson. “The NADAguides.com Cost to Own Tool removes all of the guesswork. Shoppers simply select the vehicle and trim level, enter their number of years of driving experience, the number of miles they expect to drive each year and their ZIP code and what results is a detailed report of costs along with visual aids to get a clear picture. These results can even be compared against other vehicles.”

After consumers input this basic information, the NADAguides Cost to Own Tool shows the overall five-year cost of ownership in addition to a complete breakdown of the cost associated with each factor for each of the five years.

To access this tool, visit www.NADAguides.com and click ‘Cost to Own’ on the home page or select ’5-Year Ownership Costs’ from the left-side menu of any new car vehicle details page.