Lexus Sales Expected to Surge in 2012
January 27, 2012 – 4:05 am | No Comment

Toyota’s luxury brand should return to pre-earthquake levels

Luxury Sales
Lexus sales fell in 2011 so much so that BMW and Mercedes-Benz finished 1-2 in the U.S. luxury market. Lexus has been the leading luxury make …

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You Can Compare Multiple Car Insurance
January 17, 2012 – 6:25 am | No Comment

By Charles Green

Bad auto accidents require good insurance coverage.

If you have two or more cars in the family, then you can save money on your car insurance by having your entire personal fleet covered by one auto insurance company. Insurers typically offer a discount on two or more cars, with rates lowered by at least 10 percent on your second and subsequent vehicles. At policy renewal, discounts continue and can include an annual loyalty renewal of 5 percent or greater. Those savings add up and are most certainly welcome by today’s cash-strapped consumers.

When shopping for multiple or multi car insurance, there are some things for you to consider. Let’s take a look at several points so that you can effectively compare rates between auto insurance providers:

1. Like comparisons — When shopping for car insurance, you’ll need to ensure that each offer exactly matches the other offer in services covered. This means that the exact same level of coverage, deductions and exclusions are offered on each policy. Any differences here and you won’t be able to make a precise comparison between policies.

2. Throw a wide net — You’ve seen all of the ads on TV for car insurance. Major companies spend millions on advertising to tout what they have to offer. Not all insurers advertise heavily, with some choosing to reach you through direct mail, e-mail and radio. Check with your company’s Human Resources department to find out if there is a company that offers an upfront discount to its employees.

3. Consider financial strength — A low auto insurance rate can be most welcome, but it won’t do you any good if the company servicing your policy is experiencing financial difficulty. Search for “Best’s Financial Strength Rating” to find A.M. Best Company, Inc.’s ratings for insurance companies. Its top rating is A++, A+ or “Superior,” and ratings of “Excellent” and “Good” are still sufficient for your needs. These three fall under Best’s “Secure” designation. Any rating less than “Good” means that the company is “Vulnerable” and could be a problem for you. Play it safe by eliminating those insurers that do not carry a “Secure” rating.

4. Make contact — Once you narrow your list down to two or three insurers, then compare multiple car insurance rates to find the insurer that is right for you. Before you make a final decision, contact the insurance company to learn more about its service. That phone call will reveal to you how fast its customer service department responds and whether you are quickly connected with a live representative or not. The lowest rates won’t do you any good if your call is not handled professionally and with courtesy.

The bottom line is that you will find differences in rates quoted by insurers even for the exact same driver. Insurance companies base these rates on a number of external and internal factors including the company’s claim payments and its expenses. Be thorough with your research and you should come away with multi car insurance savings that will put a smile on your face.

Photo: Wikimedia

Buick Encore Spells Death of GMC Granite
January 12, 2012 – 12:00 pm | No Comment
Buick Encore Spells Death of GMC Granite

GMC concept fades into oblivion.
At the 2012 Detroit auto show, a compact multi-purpose vehicle was rolled out, a 5-passenger crossover that went by the name of GMC Granite. That model wowed the press corps and …

Let’s Help Sergio Marchionne Find A New Partner!
January 12, 2012 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Let’s Help Sergio Marchionne Find A New Partner!

Few solid choices exist for a new Fiat-Chrysler partner.
Big companies are beautiful in the world of cars. Automakers that dominate the industry have the most flexibility and are generally profitable. That wasn’t always true, but …

What Was Lincoln Thinking?!
January 11, 2012 – 12:00 pm | No Comment
What Was Lincoln Thinking?!

Ford’s luxury brand unveils its new design direction
No doubt that the Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln brand has been a ship adrift. Its products aren’t unique to the brand nor does Lincoln possess even one model …

Unteased: 2013 Buick Encore
January 11, 2012 – 6:27 am | One Comment
Unteased: 2013 Buick Encore

Small crossover to take on BMW X1 & Audi Q3

Teaser pictures of the small Buick Encore have given us a glimpse of the latest model coming forth from Buick, GM’s premium brand. Those earlier pictures …

Honda Is Down, But Not Out
January 6, 2012 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Honda Is Down, But Not Out

Sales fall, but Honda will rebound.

American Honda Motor Company reported that its sales were down for 2011, registering a 7.1 percent drop over 2010. Blame a March earthquake and heavy flooding in Thailand this past …

What 2011′s Sales Say About Ford
January 5, 2012 – 12:05 am | One Comment
What 2011′s Sales Say About Ford

Ford is America’s best selling brand once again.
U.S. sales data for Ford are in and the news is quite good: the Ford brand topped 2 million units sold for 2011, the first time that has …

Looking Ahead: 2012 Washington Auto Show
January 4, 2012 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Looking Ahead: 2012 Washington Auto Show

Key auto show opens later this month.
Nearly every major city hosts an auto show and Washington, D.C. is no exception. The nation’s capital is home to the Washington Auto Show, an annual event that usually …

Looking Ahead: 2012 NAIAS Highlights
January 3, 2012 – 4:05 am | No Comment
Looking Ahead: 2012 NAIAS Highlights

Detroit auto show gets started next week.
The North American International Auto Show is the premier auto show of its kind in the United States. This Detroit event, which always takes place in January, receives some …

7 Models That Were Discontinued in 2011
January 3, 2012 – 12:05 am | No Comment
7 Models That Were Discontinued in 2011

Which models do you recall were stopped last year?
Quite a few models were discontinued in 2011 as automakers made changes to product line ups or, in the case of Saab, were shut down entirely. Some …

Fiat 500 Sales Shortfall No Surprise Here
January 2, 2012 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Fiat 500 Sales Shortfall No Surprise Here

A “sales flop” or poor execution?

Fiat’s tiny 500 model took the market by storm one year ago with high expectations of sales success. Indeed, Fiat/Chrysler put its first year numbers at 50,000 units, but when …

UAW Efforts Represent A Fool’s Errand
December 30, 2011 – 4:05 am | No Comment
UAW Efforts Represent A Fool’s Errand

Southern automotive plants target of unionization push.
The UAW is about to launch a unionization effort, one that this once powerful automotive union hopes will bring thousands of new rank and file members into its fold. …

How to Snag a Year End Car Deal
December 28, 2011 – 12:05 am | No Comment
How to Snag a Year End Car Deal

You can save money on a new car.
The calendar year is officially drawing to a close and that means one thing: year end car deals can be had. Why such an emphasis on pushing more …

4 Lessons Learned From Saab’s Demise
December 26, 2011 – 12:04 am | No Comment
4 Lessons Learned From Saab’s Demise

Saab Automobile has shut down its operation, bringing to an end a line of cars made by this small, Swedish automaker. Saab’s demise wasn’t unexpected despite the surprise expressed by some and the consternation offered …

Merry Christmas From Us To You!
December 23, 2011 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Merry Christmas From Us To You!

Seasonal greetings to our readers.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 too!

Firstly, we want to thank our many contributors who added their voices to our magazine this year including …

Report: Chevy Impala to Share Platform With Cadillac XTS
December 19, 2011 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Report: Chevy Impala to Share Platform With Cadillac XTS

New Chevrolet will take it up a notch.
The accelerated pace of new car introductions mean that we’ve been talking about 2013 model plans for some time. Not far behind are what automakers have planned for …

The Effects of Ethanol on Fuel Mileage
December 15, 2011 – 9:29 am | No Comment
The Effects of Ethanol on Fuel Mileage

The hidden cost of ethanol.
Most gasoline powered cars run on straight gasoline although these vehicles can also safely run on an ethanol blend consisting of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. Known as E10 …

Twice Teased: 2013 Dodge Dart
December 13, 2011 – 1:59 pm | 3 Comments
Twice Teased: 2013 Dodge Dart

The Chrysler Group is such a tease.

Last week, the automaker showed the world a pair of photographs of its upcoming compact car, smartly named the Dodge Dart after one of its most popular small cars …

Teased: Lexus NAIAS Concept
December 12, 2011 – 4:35 pm | One Comment
Teased: Lexus NAIAS Concept

Lexus teases its January Detroit debut concept.

The North American International Auto Show kicks off in one month and Lexus promises to unveil a concept vehicle that is expected to herald a new design direction for …

The Average Salary of Automotive Service Technicians
December 8, 2011 – 12:08 am | No Comment
The Average Salary of Automotive Service Technicians

By Charles K. Green
What automotive technicians and car mechanics earn.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics are trained to diagnose, adjust and repair vehicles, performing work ranging from accomplishing oil changes to handling complex engine and transmission …

Lexus Seeks to Make Christmas Bright Via Social Media
December 7, 2011 – 12:02 am | No Comment
Lexus Seeks to Make Christmas Bright Via Social Media

Annual Christmas appeal gets some help from social media followers of Lexus.

Lexus is not a name you see front and center in social media circles, particularly with Facebook and Twitter. However, the luxury automotive brand …

GM Plans 4 World Debuts at Detroit Auto Show
December 5, 2011 – 6:56 am | No Comment
GM Plans 4 World Debuts at Detroit Auto Show

North American International Auto Show reveals lined up.
General Motors will be taking full advantage of an automotive show held right in its back yard by revealing not one, not two, but four new models. One …

Here are Some Quick Ways for Hyundai to Expand Production
December 2, 2011 – 12:05 am | No Comment
Here are Some Quick Ways for Hyundai to Expand Production

Hyundai has a big problem, one that other car manufacturers would love to have, but at least with a solution available: the automaker has nearly run out of manufacturing capacity. And not just in the …

Ford Launches Promo for 2013 Escape CUV
November 30, 2011 – 6:49 am | No Comment
Ford Launches Promo for 2013 Escape CUV

Escape Routes road competition seeks cast members.
The 2013 Ford Escape is all-new, a compact crossover sport utility vehicle set for a spring 2012 debut. This vehicle promises to continue the successes enjoyed by previous Escape …

Breakdown Coverage Needs to Reflect Our Times
November 30, 2011 – 5:26 am | No Comment
Breakdown Coverage Needs to Reflect Our Times

By Charles K. Green
You’re heading down the interstate in your 2004 Pontiac Grand Am when suddenly you hear a creak and a groan followed by a load clunk. With just seconds to spare, you’re able …

Chevy Cruze Makes You Forget the Volt
November 28, 2011 – 1:07 pm | No Comment
Chevy Cruze Makes You Forget the Volt

Volt problems and Cruze success — how the latter can help the former.

I have no idea how the recent Volt battery-related fire incidences will impact GM, particularly its Chevrolet brand. Seven out of 10 GM …

5 New Car Shopping Tips
November 25, 2011 – 5:08 am | No Comment
5 New Car Shopping Tips

How to save money on year end car shopping.
If you’re in the market for a new car, there are some important shopping points for you to consider as you set out to make your purchase. …

Compact Buick Verano is Big on Value
November 23, 2011 – 6:19 am | No Comment
Compact Buick Verano is Big on Value

By Harrison Card
Premium model is Buick’ smallest sedan.
Buick, like every other classic American brand, used to pride itself on the luxury of hugeness. Times have changed and Buick sees the need to offer more small …

New Faces for Pair of 2013 Lincoln Models
November 21, 2011 – 12:22 am | No Comment
New Faces for Pair of 2013 Lincoln Models

Los Angeles debut of 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover.
Lincoln MKS

Updated Models
Lincoln has unveiled a pair of 2013 models at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, giving us a look at the design direction …

Next Generation Hyundai Azera Unveiled
November 18, 2011 – 3:17 am | No Comment
Next Generation Hyundai Azera Unveiled

All new Hyundai Azera takes center stage.

Among Hyundai models, the Azera is easy to overlook. It is a large sedan, slotted between the wildly popular midsize Sonata and the premium Genesis line. Among Hyundai models, …

Colorful 2013 Chevy Spark Minicar Introduced
November 17, 2011 – 3:05 am | No Comment
Colorful 2013 Chevy Spark Minicar Introduced

Mid-2012 release for 2013 Chevrolet microcar.

Following on the heels of a late summer release of its subcompact Chevy Sonic hatchback and sedan, the bow-tie brand has introduced its smallest model ever, the Chevrolet Spark minicar. …

Full-Bodied Cadillac XTS Makes Global Debut
November 16, 2011 – 11:00 am | One Comment
Full-Bodied Cadillac XTS Makes Global Debut

Thin Cadillac line gets repopulated with the XTS sedan.

Los Angeles — General Motors is using the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show as the backdrop for introducing its much-anticipated XTS model, a full-sized, luxury sedan that …

Ford Fixes MyFord Touch
November 8, 2011 – 7:07 am | One Comment
Ford Fixes MyFord Touch

Voice, touchscreen technology receives an important update.

MyFord Touch has been a boom for Ford, enabling it to appeal to technologically-savvy drivers who prize state-of-the-art connectivity to their cell phones as well as access to detailed …

Buyer’s Choice Initiative From Ally Financial Launched
November 4, 2011 – 6:02 am | No Comment
Buyer’s Choice Initiative From Ally Financial Launched

Car buyers no longer need to fear being under water with their car loans.

Ally Financial, formerly GMAC and the sole financing arm for General Motors, has launched a new car loan program that is sure …

5 Hot Auto Trends for 2012
November 4, 2011 – 12:05 am | No Comment
5 Hot Auto Trends for 2012

Every model year seems to offer a handful of auto trends that define the current line of vehicles sold. No car manufacturer is about to allow the competition to get a leg up, at least …

New Ford Escape Features Hands-Free Liftgate Activation
November 3, 2011 – 10:37 am | One Comment
New Ford Escape Features Hands-Free Liftgate Activation

L.A. Auto Show will showcase the next generation Ford Escape.

The 2013 Ford Escape is an all-new version of the popular crossover sport utility vehicle, one that will be providing customers a unique way to open …

Product Review: Drop Stop
October 24, 2011 – 9:19 am | No Comment
Product Review: Drop Stop

Some gifts are just plain simple.
High tech devices are in much demand by today’s car-driving consumers. We expect Bluetooth connectivity, 10-speaker Bose audio systems, blind spot detection and power everything in our cars. Good stuff, …