Jaguar has always been one of my favorite luxury brands. Well...it probably is my favorite. It I think it signifies wealth better than any other in its class at least. Maybe I'll get one when I own a website that needs about 15 dedicated hosting services just to cover my traffic.
The all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ has been named the 2010 Executive Sedan of the Year by Bloomberg News' automotive columnist for its unique and sleek design. The award is one of seven annual automotive awards bestowed this year by Bloomberg News.
"This is a great win for Jaguar and especially the engineers and designers in the U.K. who created the stunning XJ sedan," said Gary Temple, President of Jaguar Land Rover North America. "Bloomberg News is a global media outlet with a direct connection to the luxury car market. It is a testament to the success of the new Jaguar that they have selected the XJ as the best new Executive Sedan after driving every new luxury car on the market today."
Here's a bit of a gawker video...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2011 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Vehicles
Is resale value even a consideration for you when buying a new automobile? The average American probably shouldn't think so. They keep their cars on average 8 years. After 8 years does it really even matter? I suppose it does to some degree, but I'd say resale value is a pretty low priority in the thought process of buying a new vehicle unless you are the type that likes to get something new every 3-5 years. In that case, this list is for you.
You probably aren't the type to ask: "what is term life insurance?" because you probably wouldn't ever buy something that didn't have an end date right? For these vehicles you might have a short time frame in mind and knowing this is beneficial in this regard.
For the full list of vehicles and brands click here. Here's the top 10 vehicles for 2011 resale value (alphabetical):
-Audi A5
-BMW X5
-BMW X6
-Honda CR-V
-Jeep Wrangler
-Lexus GX
-Lexus RX
-Subaru Outback
-Toyota FJ Cruiser
-Toyota Tacoma
You probably aren't the type to ask: "what is term life insurance?" because you probably wouldn't ever buy something that didn't have an end date right? For these vehicles you might have a short time frame in mind and knowing this is beneficial in this regard.
For the full list of vehicles and brands click here. Here's the top 10 vehicles for 2011 resale value (alphabetical):
-Audi A5
-BMW X5
-BMW X6
-Honda CR-V
-Jeep Wrangler
-Lexus GX
-Lexus RX
-Subaru Outback
-Toyota FJ Cruiser
-Toyota Tacoma
Ford's New "Green" Plant First In World To Produce All Energy Saving Types
I think it is safe to say that many feel like Ford has been the shining example in the auto industry for the U.S. the last few years. While we watched the biggest manufacturers take handouts from the government, Ford just kept chugging away, and has literally revamped the entire company. With all the government "loans" that we have seen since the economic hardships recently, it is always nice to see a company that didn't get the help making strides.
Ford Motor Company's Michigan Assembly Plant, which once churned out large SUVs, has completed a $550 million transformation that will make it the world's first factory to build not only fuel-efficient gas-powered cars, but also three production versions of electrified vehicles including battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
We've modernized just about every square foot of this facility to establish a new standard for a high-tech, green, flexible and efficient auto factory," said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. "The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant stands as a symbol for the transformation of Ford."
On the outside, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system will be installed to help generate renewal energy for production of Ford's all-new Focus and Focus Electric cars. Ten new electric vehicle charging stations on the property will be used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. That's a little more high tech than my Murray Feiss lighting, but what are you gonna do?
It really is a great story in my opinion. Especially since I live in Michigan. Here's more on the plant if you are interested. Now only if something would rub off on the Detroit Lions...
Ford Motor Company's Michigan Assembly Plant, which once churned out large SUVs, has completed a $550 million transformation that will make it the world's first factory to build not only fuel-efficient gas-powered cars, but also three production versions of electrified vehicles including battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
We've modernized just about every square foot of this facility to establish a new standard for a high-tech, green, flexible and efficient auto factory," said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. "The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant stands as a symbol for the transformation of Ford."
On the outside, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system will be installed to help generate renewal energy for production of Ford's all-new Focus and Focus Electric cars. Ten new electric vehicle charging stations on the property will be used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. That's a little more high tech than my Murray Feiss lighting, but what are you gonna do?
It really is a great story in my opinion. Especially since I live in Michigan. Here's more on the plant if you are interested. Now only if something would rub off on the Detroit Lions...
AAA Holiday Gas Saving Tips
Let's stick with fuel savings today as the holiday driving should rack up some miles for a few of us at least. I definitely have to make a few 100 mile trips over the next couple weeks so saving a couple 6 packs in fuel money is definitely something I am interested in.
AAA tends to put out a lot of helpful reports so this one should be no different. Many of these look to be common sense, but probably not things we consciously think about while driving. Especially when other people on the road tend to dictate your driving style a lot of times. The winter drivers around here surely do for me. Making me wish Mesothelioma on some of them. So do the overextended plows that tend to only do one lane of the highways in the less traveled areas.
I will save you the explanations and just give you the bullet points of their tips. You can read the full benefits of taking their advice here. A little math for the engineering types with cents per gallon saved and all that good stuff is there for you.
Here are their main points:
-Be gentle on the gas and brake pedals
-Drive the speed limit
-Properly inflate tires
-Plan errands in advance
-Keep luggage off the roof
-Let AAA find lowest gas prices (obviously they had to give a plug right?)
-Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance
Of course these are all common sense, but they are definitely tried and true methods to save some dough over the course of many travels. We just choose to be lazy, or too much in a hurry to take this advice. Drive the speed limit? Yeah right. :)
AAA tends to put out a lot of helpful reports so this one should be no different. Many of these look to be common sense, but probably not things we consciously think about while driving. Especially when other people on the road tend to dictate your driving style a lot of times. The winter drivers around here surely do for me. Making me wish Mesothelioma on some of them. So do the overextended plows that tend to only do one lane of the highways in the less traveled areas.
I will save you the explanations and just give you the bullet points of their tips. You can read the full benefits of taking their advice here. A little math for the engineering types with cents per gallon saved and all that good stuff is there for you.
Here are their main points:
-Be gentle on the gas and brake pedals
-Drive the speed limit
-Properly inflate tires
-Plan errands in advance
-Keep luggage off the roof
-Let AAA find lowest gas prices (obviously they had to give a plug right?)
-Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance
Of course these are all common sense, but they are definitely tried and true methods to save some dough over the course of many travels. We just choose to be lazy, or too much in a hurry to take this advice. Drive the speed limit? Yeah right. :)
Holiday Security, Babysitters, and Nanny Cams
While Christmas is the time for family, and watching the kids tear open their new favorite toys, New Years Eve is for the parents to let loose and get out of the house for a night of fun without the kids. Both holidays have another thing in common. Security.
Why security? Many of us aren't even home for Christmas. We hit the roads and head to the parents for a few days, or we at least spend a couple days out at a relative's house for a party, or two. In my case I'm out so much that you would think I abandoned my home. Hving a security system in place during the holidays is pretty important to me. While Christmas is a joyous occasion for most of us, it is also one of the worst times of the year for many others. It's also a a perfect time for them to find homes empty and ripe for the picking. Especially since the gifts are all new and worth as much as they are gonna find.
Even if you are home things aren't always secure. During the holidays, and especially New Years Eve it probably isn't easy to find someone that wants to stay home is it? By that I mean a babysitter. It's not like you have a nanny on call during the holidays or anything. You may have to take what you can get, and hopefully a trusted recommendation from someone you trust is available for the night. Of course you can also have a little look at what that babysitter is up to while you are gone with on of the best nanny cams you can find.
These are probably more important for a regular sitter anyways as you will see them more often. If you go out a lot and leave your children with a sitter a nanny cam is probably a wise investment regardless. With today's security systems, and security technology available there isn't much reason to trust your instincts on a babysitter is there? Just spend a few bucks on a personal nanny cam and make sure your family is safe.
Why security? Many of us aren't even home for Christmas. We hit the roads and head to the parents for a few days, or we at least spend a couple days out at a relative's house for a party, or two. In my case I'm out so much that you would think I abandoned my home. Hving a security system in place during the holidays is pretty important to me. While Christmas is a joyous occasion for most of us, it is also one of the worst times of the year for many others. It's also a a perfect time for them to find homes empty and ripe for the picking. Especially since the gifts are all new and worth as much as they are gonna find.
Even if you are home things aren't always secure. During the holidays, and especially New Years Eve it probably isn't easy to find someone that wants to stay home is it? By that I mean a babysitter. It's not like you have a nanny on call during the holidays or anything. You may have to take what you can get, and hopefully a trusted recommendation from someone you trust is available for the night. Of course you can also have a little look at what that babysitter is up to while you are gone with on of the best nanny cams you can find.
These are probably more important for a regular sitter anyways as you will see them more often. If you go out a lot and leave your children with a sitter a nanny cam is probably a wise investment regardless. With today's security systems, and security technology available there isn't much reason to trust your instincts on a babysitter is there? Just spend a few bucks on a personal nanny cam and make sure your family is safe.
Can You Use e85 Instead of Standard Gasoline In Your Car?
I can't verify any of this. The way it is written kind of turned me off (read it anyways as I I am not going to describe their entire theory), but when reading a bit more into it I can see that it can be quite useful. Right now the U.S. government claims that at least 10% of gasoline you buy now is ethanol. Meaning that a percentage higher than this is most likely safe, and that e85 can balance that percentage out for less money than gasoline.
e85 is an abbreviation for flex fuel meaning a mixture of up to 85% denatured fuel ethanol and gasoline or other hydrocarbon (HC) by volume. read more here if you need to get your bearings on what e85 actually is.
Their claim is that you can save "up to 20%" on your fuel costs if you are able to use enough e85 in your tank.
Here's how the saving works: The filling stations in your area that sell e85 will typically sell it for 55 to 60 cents less than their lowest octane gasoline. If low octane gasoline is selling in your neighborhood for $2.90 per gallon and you save 60 cents, then you save a bit more than 20% on every gallon you buy of e85.
Now...I don't know about you, but I have never even seen e85 available in my area. At least not visible enough that I would notice it was available. Fortunately they list a locator at the bottom of the article so I suppose if you see it and want to take a shot it is there for you. I would recommend you do a little research on your vehicle before just running out and taking their advice obviously.
e85 is an abbreviation for flex fuel meaning a mixture of up to 85% denatured fuel ethanol and gasoline or other hydrocarbon (HC) by volume. read more here if you need to get your bearings on what e85 actually is.
Their claim is that you can save "up to 20%" on your fuel costs if you are able to use enough e85 in your tank.
Here's how the saving works: The filling stations in your area that sell e85 will typically sell it for 55 to 60 cents less than their lowest octane gasoline. If low octane gasoline is selling in your neighborhood for $2.90 per gallon and you save 60 cents, then you save a bit more than 20% on every gallon you buy of e85.
Now...I don't know about you, but I have never even seen e85 available in my area. At least not visible enough that I would notice it was available. Fortunately they list a locator at the bottom of the article so I suppose if you see it and want to take a shot it is there for you. I would recommend you do a little research on your vehicle before just running out and taking their advice obviously.
How Many Crash Tests Does It Take To Satisfy Ford?
The 2012 Ford Focus crash tests have tipped the scales at over 12,000 times by Ford safety engineers in real world and virtual world tests to make sure it meets standards. With so many tests done for the 2012 Focus, testing procedures for future vehicle tests have received extensive testing procedures that will help in passing safety regulations in the future.
"Developing the Focus to meet the global safety standards has resulted in improved crash performance to help protect occupants in crashes," said Matt Niesluchowski, Focus safety manager. "Ford's safety team had a head start in working together around the world, which helped tremendously in ensuring the new Focus meets or exceeds a complex web of global safety regulations."
"We are using more computer simulations than ever to optimize the designs of all the components that make up a vehicle to help enhance safety," Niesluchowski said. "The complexity of crash tests, with hundreds of parts and systems interacting, still requires physical testing to validate those simulation results." more
"Developing the Focus to meet the global safety standards has resulted in improved crash performance to help protect occupants in crashes," said Matt Niesluchowski, Focus safety manager. "Ford's safety team had a head start in working together around the world, which helped tremendously in ensuring the new Focus meets or exceeds a complex web of global safety regulations."
"We are using more computer simulations than ever to optimize the designs of all the components that make up a vehicle to help enhance safety," Niesluchowski said. "The complexity of crash tests, with hundreds of parts and systems interacting, still requires physical testing to validate those simulation results." more
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Auto Insurance Select Helps You Lower Your Auto Insurance Rates
Choosing the right auto insurance provider for you seems like a long tedious task. Being able to find the correct coverage is the main concern for most, but finding the provider that serves you best is just as important. Not all auto insurance providers offer the same kind of service that you desire. Having the ability to search for auto insurance quotes and help with finding auto insurance providers is one of the better services provided online now.
What is more universal, however is the ability to lower your auto insurance rates by learning some of the tricks of the trade. Auto Insurance Select details many ways for your to lower your auto insurance rate. Several related articles on their website on the right hand column illustrate effective ways to lower your auto insurance rates.
12 Tips to lower your auto insurance rates, and factors that affect your auto rates are the recommended first stops if you want to get your auto insurance discounts. Also, don't forget to look at the Auto Insurance FAQs as well for even more depth in an easy to follow format. Why you should compare auto insurance quotes is another informative article that ties directly with finding affordable and cheap auto insurance. Make sure you answer the question "Is cheap auto insurance worth it?" in their materials before just taking the plunge too. In addition to the articles they provide dozens of informative and related videos on car insurance.
After all of your research is done, Auto Insurance Select represents most of the top auto insurance providers in the industry. You can get and compare quotes from providers like Allstate, State Farm, Progressive, Met Life, Nationwide, or AAA.
What is more universal, however is the ability to lower your auto insurance rates by learning some of the tricks of the trade. Auto Insurance Select details many ways for your to lower your auto insurance rate. Several related articles on their website on the right hand column illustrate effective ways to lower your auto insurance rates.
12 Tips to lower your auto insurance rates, and factors that affect your auto rates are the recommended first stops if you want to get your auto insurance discounts. Also, don't forget to look at the Auto Insurance FAQs as well for even more depth in an easy to follow format. Why you should compare auto insurance quotes is another informative article that ties directly with finding affordable and cheap auto insurance. Make sure you answer the question "Is cheap auto insurance worth it?" in their materials before just taking the plunge too. In addition to the articles they provide dozens of informative and related videos on car insurance.
After all of your research is done, Auto Insurance Select represents most of the top auto insurance providers in the industry. You can get and compare quotes from providers like Allstate, State Farm, Progressive, Met Life, Nationwide, or AAA.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2011 BMW 1 Series Coupe First Looks
Apparently there is a lot of hype aroudn this car. At least from peopel that follow this sort of thing that think they had some amazing discoveries earlier this year when a disguised 1 Series was spotted testing at the Nürburgring, Germany and scoop photos started circulating on the internet. People thought they were super sleuths.
Now Amsterdam Senior European Editor for Auto Channel, Henny Hemmes has a chance to take a personal look at the 1 Series.
It is the first time that BMW M GmbH comes up with an M-variant in the compact 2-door segment. The 1 Series M Coupe is based on the 135i-model and brings racing oriented performance in a car that has been developed for daily driving and everything else besides treatment for acne. It was BMW’s goal to reach younger customers, interested in driving an M car that is affordable. Many people will soon call this model an M1, but that is not the intention of its creators. That name will be reserved for the only mid-engine BMW, the one that was built between 1979 and 1981. And, who knows, for a future real M-version of the 1-Series Coupe. more
Now Amsterdam Senior European Editor for Auto Channel, Henny Hemmes has a chance to take a personal look at the 1 Series.
It is the first time that BMW M GmbH comes up with an M-variant in the compact 2-door segment. The 1 Series M Coupe is based on the 135i-model and brings racing oriented performance in a car that has been developed for daily driving and everything else besides treatment for acne. It was BMW’s goal to reach younger customers, interested in driving an M car that is affordable. Many people will soon call this model an M1, but that is not the intention of its creators. That name will be reserved for the only mid-engine BMW, the one that was built between 1979 and 1981. And, who knows, for a future real M-version of the 1-Series Coupe. more
Saturday, December 11, 2010
2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Does Qualify for Federal Tax Credit
This will be Porsche's first production hybrid, a sport-utility vehicle, and has been certified as being eligible for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit as a Qualified Hybrid Motor Vehicle. Customers who purchase a new 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid before December 31, 2010 or who have already purchased one earlier this year may be eligible for a one-time tax credit up to $1,800. Not a huge deal when you are dropping $67,700 before the credit, but every little bit helps keep the rich richer and plenty of extra cash to buy beads for jewelry making after you spent all your money on your car. Still have to look good inside of it.
Below is a video presentation of the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid in action.
Below is a video presentation of the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid in action.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
2011 Chevy Cruze Named "Urban" Car of the Year
The Emerging Diversity Education Fund (EDEF) and Decisive Media has named the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze the Urban Car of the Year. The Urban Vehicle of the Year awards are presented in three categories: (1) urban car of the year, (2) urban truck of the year, and (3) urban green vehicle of the year. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Volkswagen Jetta TDI won 2 and 3 respectively.
The Urban Wheel Awards is an interesting panel as it uses not just automotive hot shots, but uses celebrities, government reps, and a multicultural community to help select the awards. They claim that they reward "reality" in selecting the awards which I take to mean that they look at the more realistic side of buying a car rather than the dream reality many have when selecting their vehicles for the classes they meet. Like the Lipofuze crowd rather than the champagne crowd.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is being honored for its “handsome styling, an attractive interior, competent powertrains, an enjoyable driving experience, exceptional practicality, and ready affordability.”
The Chevy Cruze has the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car with the fuel economy of a compact. The Cruze Eco model features a new Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine that delivers an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway, leads the segment in fuel economy. It also is a segment leader in safety features, including 10 standard air bags.
The 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards is a world-class awards show, held during the North American International Auto Show. The awards promotes inclusion in the nation’s largest auto show and brings together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives and the multicultural community to celebrate inclusion in the automotive industry. The Urban Wheel Awards promotes awareness of their inclusion and honors the companies and individuals who have made progress toward embracing this reality.
The Urban Wheel Awards is an interesting panel as it uses not just automotive hot shots, but uses celebrities, government reps, and a multicultural community to help select the awards. They claim that they reward "reality" in selecting the awards which I take to mean that they look at the more realistic side of buying a car rather than the dream reality many have when selecting their vehicles for the classes they meet. Like the Lipofuze crowd rather than the champagne crowd.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is being honored for its “handsome styling, an attractive interior, competent powertrains, an enjoyable driving experience, exceptional practicality, and ready affordability.”
The Chevy Cruze has the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car with the fuel economy of a compact. The Cruze Eco model features a new Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine that delivers an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway, leads the segment in fuel economy. It also is a segment leader in safety features, including 10 standard air bags.
The 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards is a world-class awards show, held during the North American International Auto Show. The awards promotes inclusion in the nation’s largest auto show and brings together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives and the multicultural community to celebrate inclusion in the automotive industry. The Urban Wheel Awards promotes awareness of their inclusion and honors the companies and individuals who have made progress toward embracing this reality.
Michigan Auto Accidents and Michigan Auto Accident Attorneys
If you get into an accident on the roads in Michigan you may not even know the benefits of having a Michigan auto accident attorney. You may just think that you can do it all yourself and hope for the best. That it can't be all that complicated when you head into court. Not only is that foolish, it may cost you a lot more money in the end than if you contacted a real auto accident lawyer.
Having a Michigan personal injury attorney is always a good start for when you really need to take some action after an auto accident in Michigan. Problem is that there aren't many attorneys that completely specialize in Michigan auto law, but more on any personal injury situation. Finding a firm that specializes in Michigan Auto Law where you can find a highly skilled accident attorney in Michigan makes just that much more of a difference. They are much more seasoned when it comes to cases involving traffic accidents in Michigan.
The difference in the settlements you can be awarded with, and without a Michigan auto accident attorney should always be the main concern. A specialized car accident and Michigan personal injury lawyer is not just recommended, but crucial to getting the best reward possible, and maybe even an award at all. The cost of an attorney in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident case in Michigan is an afterthought when you are rewarded so much more than trying to do it yourself. That is if you even get a reward at all when trying to win on your own. What do you really know about Michigan auto law anyways?
Having a Michigan personal injury attorney is always a good start for when you really need to take some action after an auto accident in Michigan. Problem is that there aren't many attorneys that completely specialize in Michigan auto law, but more on any personal injury situation. Finding a firm that specializes in Michigan Auto Law where you can find a highly skilled accident attorney in Michigan makes just that much more of a difference. They are much more seasoned when it comes to cases involving traffic accidents in Michigan.
The difference in the settlements you can be awarded with, and without a Michigan auto accident attorney should always be the main concern. A specialized car accident and Michigan personal injury lawyer is not just recommended, but crucial to getting the best reward possible, and maybe even an award at all. The cost of an attorney in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident case in Michigan is an afterthought when you are rewarded so much more than trying to do it yourself. That is if you even get a reward at all when trying to win on your own. What do you really know about Michigan auto law anyways?
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