WHAT IS FUTURECARS?

future-car1FutureCars is going to be an ongoing article about some of the stuff that I have found either on the net, in print, or on TV and bring it to you people.  Someone might ask what is the future of cars going to be, and the best answer I would be able to give at this point is expect the unexpected.  A physicist at Columbia University, Michio Kaku said “Right now there is a convergence of revolutionary technologies”, meaning that anything can and will happen.

Right now the biggest part of future cars is the billion dollar race for manufacturing, and design of future vehicles.  How are the going to run, where are they going to take their design cues from, who’s going to be building them, and so forth.  Have you ever considered what it would be like to drive a car that leaned into a corner, or had no steering wheel in the cockpit, what about an ultra-light vehicle weighing less than 1,000lbs.

 The one thing I do ask, while reading these articles challenge what you think about cars themselves.  For the past 80 years cars have been built on the same basic design format, a box and 4 wheels.  So I look forward to hearing  your response to the FUTURECARS.

Roger Hocker, Senior Consumer Advice Editor



 Car Sales Increase for two Automakers?

hyundai-genesis-1When you think of automobile sales you think of a plummeting market. Chrysler LLC led this bad news with first quarter sales falling 55%, GM was next at 49%, and Ford dropped 40%, all compared to 2008 first quarter totals.

Japanese automakers didn’t fair much better in the American market. Toyota’s sales fell 32%, Nissan 30%, and surprise, surprise even Honda’s sales fell 28%.

There are two automakers though that actually increased their sales totals and they did it by giving the people what they wanted. The companies are Hyundai and Subaru 14% and 8% respectively. They were able to do this in large part because of their incentives and warranties. Hyundai for example made it difficult in these hard times to pass up an offer like taking back your vehicle purchase with no credit penalties if you lose your job. How about 10 year/ 100,000 mile warranty. Making quality vehicles that don’t break down, get excellent MPG’s, and have good incentives should be the norm and not the exception.

Roger Hocker, Senior Consumer Advice Editor



 Who Has a Deal for You?

05_Flatbed_2 OCTOBERSome of the cars that Detroit has been spitting out lately have had much improved quality, but it is still spotty.  Some of the newer models like the Chevy Malibu, and Ford Fusion have been getting high marks from reviewers.  And who can mess with classics like the Chevy Camaro, and Jeep Wrangler.  But domestic models like the Chevy Cobalt and Chrysler Sebring gotta go.  Keep in mind folks Toyota and Honda produce some duds too.  If you want  to gauge the appeal and reliability of certain models go to www.consumerreports.org 

It’s a buyers market people and there is going to be some massive sales ahead of us, just keep in mind a cheap car now is a cheap car in the future.  Also keep in mind cheap is not always economical, you could pay in the long run in repairs if it’s quality is not up to par.  Identify a few models you truly want, price them, then bargain hard with the dealer. Read more…



 Car Advice for readers questions.

salesman-main_fullI’ve had a few of you write in and ask some questions, and I thought that I would take the opportunity and answer them for everybody.  It is not often that one person has a question that is only unique to their situation, so here are  some of the questions and my answers.

Q:  What do I do if I’m just car shopping and the salesperson is being relentless about keeping me there?

A: Generally a short, firm “I’m only shopping to get some ideas, and I am not ready to buy yet”, should work.  Remember  always be the one in charge.  Tip: Take someone with you who knows what you are doing there for moral support.

Q:  What is the first thing I should consider when buying a new or used vehicle?

A:  Financing - Know exactly how much you can spend, how much cash you have for a down payment, how much you can afford monthly.  Always get pre-qualified, it does you no good to find a car and not be able to afford it.  Financing First.

Q:  What parts of a lease are actually negotiable?

A:  Vehicle Price- This is the only element the dealer controls in the lease, all other factors are controlled by the leasing company.

Q:  Where can I find trade-in value for my car? 

A:  Local dealer auctions- Trade-in value is related to auction prices which can vary from week to week.  Local retail is based on asking prices of the local market in news papers and “trader” magazines which are usually a little lower than local used car dealer prices.

Q:  Which is better leasing or buying?

A:  Leasing and Buying- This answer depends on your driving personality, vehicle choice, financial objectives.  For more information read the article “Should I Lease or Buy a New Vehicle” www.thecaradvizor.com?p=152

Roger Hocker, Senior Consumer Advice Editor



 Electric Vehicles, Global Green Cars Inc.

g-2When you think Electric Vehicles (EV’s), and American Auto Makers do you think of Global Green Cars Inc.?  If not you should, and probably will.  In 2010 GGCI will have 3 models on the market that will be sold in most states (believe it or not the DMV in your state controls who can sell cars in your state).  So here is some more of the question and answer session I had with President of GGCI, Brooks Agnew.

What type of warranty comes with the vehicle I purchase from your company?  “There is a 15 year warranty on the drive line, the rest of the truck has a 10 year warranty.”

Are we going to need charge stations?  “They are not necessary, our vehicles charge with simple 120 volt outlets.  Any homes garage, place of employment with an oil heater circuit, or a simple GFI outlet.  There is no need for recharging stations.”

What are your company goals?  “They are simple and have not changed for the last 15 years, we want to stop burning fossil fuels for transportation.  To create energy independence for our nation, and clean up the environment.  We have been beyond burning petroleum for transportation 80 years ago, but car makers will not change.  We plan to use the best available technology to make cars, and to always make a way for the best technology to come forth. 

Be sure and visit Global Green Cars Inc.  at www.globalgreencars.com

Roger Hocker, Senior Consumer Advice Editor