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8/23/2008

Wow! Honda is is going to kill them with this Hybrid

We don’t know what to call it; we don’t know what it looks like. But we do know that Honda has said “Prius-Schmius” and will field a cheap, high-mileage hybrid that will seat four or five and cost less that Toyota’s beloved eco-dumpling. Honda will also field a zippier hybrid based on its CR-Z (pictured) and, in 2010, a Hybrid Fit....Los Angeles Times

8/16/2008

Chinese cars are coming to America?

When will the Chinese cars finally hit America. Will the USA embrace Chinese cars or will they turn away. The Japanese introduced cars to America, and they are now better than American cars. Okay, so your names is Klem and you live in a travel trailer and you luv your ford. Come on dude, give it up, its over. America has failed to make a better car. Where is Preston Tucker when we need him. This why Honda and Toyota have become the leaders in growth. Watch out for Kia and Hyundia. Praise the lord, their will never be Chinese cars in the USA, or will they. Chery motors have been a dominant growth factor in the Chinese auto market’s impending expansion and soon they will be here. Just take a look at the map. But when Chinese cars come to United state, will you embrace them or will you deny them… theRoamer

8/6/2008

Mitsubishi to Build Electric Cars for America

A 330-volt lithium ion battery system, located under the floor deck, powers a permanent magnet electric motor. The 47-kW electric motor offers improved performance and quicker acceleration over the 64-hp gasoline version, even though the two powertrains make about the same amount of power. This is most certainly due to the electric system's lighter weight. However, with only about 100 miles per charge, the gasoline engine still offers better range and utility.

The zero-emissions vehicles will be integrated into the utility companies' fleets to gauge the viability of utilizing all-electric vehicles in its operations and further understand the impact of charging electric vehicles on the electric grid. Similar testing has taken place with seven of Japan's major utility companies, resulting in Mitsubishi's decision to sell the i MiEV to the Japanese public in 2009.

Perhaps if PG&E's and SCE's testing yields good results, we'll see the i MiEV on Mitsubishi showroom floors sooner than we think...CNET News

8/4/2008

Should You Trust the Car Salesperson? Yep!

Many people still opt to go to a dealership when buying their used car, versus purchasing from a private owner. Dealerships can offer you services that a private person cannot. For one, you can always get the service record of a vehicle that went through their service department and you can get a carfax stating the overall history of the car. Many dealerships offer certified cars that are warranted and backed by the manufacturer. The dealerships finance department can offer you a variety of banks and credit union to finance from, many buyers will be surprised to find out their own bank does not always offer the best interest rate. The salesperson can be your best friend when buying a car. Be honest and let the salesperson know what you are trying to accomplish. If the salesperson spent time with you make sure you ask for him/her when go back to the dealership or when you call. Many people find themselves having a bad experience when purchasing a car, it can be the lies and dodging from the car buyer that can create an uncomfortable experience…the Roamer

7/27/2008

Dog Friendly Cars ? The Honda Elements

Love or hate the look, no matter: The Element is as good a DogCar as could possibly be imagined. From its versatile interior to its anti-noseprint windows, everything about the Honda Element has dog-lovers howling with happiness. The easy-to-clean Element is a near-perfect DogCar with just the right canine chemistry. Available in three trim lines: the rugged LX, refined EX and the sporty SC — all of which features an inline four cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower. Easy on the fuel-sipping, too!...DogCars.com

7/22/2008

Motorists seeking relief from high gas prices snatch up scooters

It's not your imagination: You are seeing more scooters on Whatcom County roads. Some motorists grappling with high fuel prices are parking their cars in favor of the gas-sipping two-wheelers. It's happening so much that manufacturers are having a hard time meeting demand here and elsewhere, local scooter retailers said. They're tough to get a hold of," said Shane O'Connell, owner of Affordable Mopeds and Cycles in Bellingham. There's not a scooter shop in the country right now that isn't seeing an increase in sales," said Justin Daniels, sales manager for Chispa in Fairhaven. Local scooter retailers said their sales have jumped by 40 to 80 percent over last year...Bellingham Herald

7/14/2008

Insight on the way back!

Honda's Insight was the first gas/electric hybrid to hit the U.S. market in 1999, but the tiny hatchback ceased production in 2006 due to practicality issues. The Sleuth hears that there is a good possibility that Honda will revive the Insight nameplate for its all-new Toyota-Prius-rivaling model. In addition, Honda is expected to equip the new hybrid with the same 1.3-liter Integrated Motor Assist system found in the current-generation Honda Civic Hybrid. Although the new Insight will be loosely based on the Fit small car, it will measure in at three inches longer and one inch wider than the Fit. One Honda insider said the Insight s fuel economy would be insane, with some Japanese sources predicting 71 mpg. Actual mileage will likely be lower when it hits our shores, but the Prius rival will likely achieve 50-55 mpg. And if those lofty fuel-economy numbers...San Jose Mercury News, USA

7/10/2008

Toyota to Start Making Prius Hybrid in USA

Toyota shocked many industry watchers last week when it announced a 21 percent June sales slump, part of a half-year decline of 6.8 percent. Imploding demand for SUVs and trucks knocked Tundra sales down 47 percent from June 2007. And a shortage of Priuses meant that despite the car's increasing popularity, sales fell by 2.6 percent for the month.

Yesterday's changes are meant to bring Toyota's production more in line with the current buying climate.

"We need to adjust to changing demand in this market, so this is a big move in that direction," said Toyota spokesman Mike Goss. He said the Mississippi plant could hypothetically produce up to 150,000 Priuses per year -- more than enough to meet current demand -- if it has the necessary parts. Production has been slowed partly by a lack of batteries, but Toyota says it is addressing the problem. ...New York Times

7/5/2008

Great Time Buy a New Truck to Tow Your RV

With the growing wealth of available large trucks on the auto market, the time is right to purchase a new truck. Price of fuel has increased, but if you are in a position to purchase a truck and not use it as your daily commuter, then it is the perfect time to buy a large truck. Most car lots have found themselves swelling with large trucks. Ford, GM and Dodge have struggled to off their new truck inventory. Gas prices have also placed pressure on the used truck market. Remember it is always better to have more tow capacity then less. If you are looking for a truck to pull a large fifth wheel or trailer then consider what an opportunity this is under the current market condition…theRoamer

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6/28/2008

How to sell your Motor Home?

Let us remember a time when gas was cheap and vacations were regular part of American life. The sky has fallen for many people. They no longer find it affordable to take the same trips they have taken in the past. If the current market conditions have placed you in position to no longer enjoy your motor home, then it is time to sell. The first thing you need to do is clean your rig. The second thing you need to do is list it for sale, just like you would do to sell your house or a car...theRoamer http://roamingwheels.com/RVSProducts.aspx