GM Has Big Plans For Chevrolet

Car manufacturers are taking a global approach in the creation of concept vehicles. At the much-concluded auto show in New York's, different jaw-dropping auto concepts were unveiled. General Motors Corp.'s Chevrolet brand, for one, has envisioned introducing just one minicar concept but the executives could not decide which of the three designs to forego. So the automaker introduced their three new concepts in the Big Apple.

"Everyone has a favorite," said Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design. "I was the one who said, 'Let's bring all three to New York.'" The concepts, which are designed in Inchon, South Korea and assembled in the United States and India, show how the largest automaker is taking a more global approach to vehicle manufacture.

"We went to the part of our global product development organization that knows how do to vehicles like these better than anyone else - Korea - and leveraged their skills and expertise to get these cars done," said Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. "This is a team game, and to get the team functioning at its most efficient level, you have to have all the players playing to their strengths."

The global approach employed by GM for its minicar architecture is more than just coming up with concepts and reliable auto parts like EBC brake pads and offering them around the world. Designers include various regions' technical specifications in their plans and then devise ways to build the same exterior while changing some pieces under a vehicle's skin to meet different regulations, said David Lyon, GM's executive director of design for Asia Pacific.

Lyon added, "It's easier, for example, to design three bumpers to meet three countries' regulations at the beginning of the process than to re-engineer a vehicle for the United States after it's built for Europe. You get better designs when you're involved from the beginning."

The three minicars include the Beat, the Trax and the Groove. Each minicar maintains the renowned Chevrolet design cues like those round taillights and the dual port grille.

The Trax, a flat-faced 1-liter three-cylinder gas engine-powered micro SUV, offers an electric limited slip differential connected to an electric motor to drive the rear wheels thus paving way to an urban all-wheel drive system. The Beat, a three-door hatchback powered by turbo-charged three-cylinder gasoline engine offers front-wheel drive high performance. The Groove, which is also called the "Funkastalgia," is a five-door model with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder diesel engine to blend with its tougher appearance.

GM builds minicars in other markets but has not determined if there is a strong enough business to bring the little racers to the United States, Lutz said. "We have a very strong focus on small cars in the current and future portfolio for the U.S. The real question is will we build these types of vehicles in the U.S.? Historically, these types of cars haven't done well here. But clearly, things are changing," Lutz noted.

The small car market will continue to grow and it would bode well for GM to make the minicar concepts a reality, said Jesse Toprak, an Edmunds.com analyst. "That's kind of the vehicle that would be a success," Toprak said. "It would really appeal to the younger market, which is where GM really needs that recognition and brand appeal."

Used Car Buying Tips - 9 Things To Look For On The Interior And Exterior

Everyone who is in the market to buy a used car has sat in a car at some point or another. This usually makes people comfortable with the interior of a car. Regardless of how comfortable you are, here are nine things you need to check before you buy any used car:

1. If the car you are buying has seats that are supposed to fold down (like the back seats), make sure that they actually fold down and fold back up into place.

2. Look at the mileage on the odometer. Hopefully it matches what is being advertised. What is most important is to ensure that you are comfortable with the odometer reading.

3. Shake and bounce the corners of the car. This is a good test of the shock absorbers. You can do this by walking around the car and pushing down on the corners.

4. It is so common that it is almost a cliche, but walk around the car and kick the tires a little. Seriously.

5. How does the car look? If it looks like the car has been repainted, find out why. If the paint is covering up an old accident, you should know in case there are related mechanical issues.

6. Smell the car. If you sniff under the seats, the floor mats, and around the carpet you will be able to detect if there is mildew or anything else that might be amiss.

7. Here's another simple one: make sure the horn works.

8. Check the gauges, the steering wheel, and your view from the driver's seat. If this car doesn't work for you, find out before you buy it..

9. Look at the VIN (vehicle identification number) plates and make sure they have not been altered. If they look like they have been changed, do not buy the car.

There you have nine tips for inspecting the interior of a used car. Be sure to use them when you go used car shopping!

Methods To Get The Most Out Of A Car Sale Auction

If you're thinking about heading over to an upcoming used car auction, this will be the most important article you'll ever read. Here's why.

When it comes to used car auctions, many folks out there aren't too keen on buying cars simply because they're afraid they might get ripped off. Sure, things like this do happen, but think of all the great car deals you'll miss out on, by avoiding going to a used car auction!

Here are 3 simple tips that will help you come out on top at used car auctions:

Tip #1: Have a car dealer accompany you to the auction

You might have noticed that most auctions sell used cars that have been inspected and are open to car dealers only. If you're keen on visiting such an auction, make sure you get a knowledgeable car dealer to accompany you.

Of course, you can also head over to an auction that displays cars that aren't inspected, since these types of auctions are often meant for the entire public.

However, more risk is involved because there isn't a set standard for the used cars being sold. So you do need to be a bit careful before buying one.

Tip #2: Check out the car before immediately going ahead and purchasing it

You'll find the cars are often sold as is, in most used car auctions out there. This means that neither guarantees nor warranties are offered to the buyer.

So to avoid getting conned by 'rogue' car auctioneers, you want to be at a used car auction as early as possible. This way, you can leisurely check out all of the features of the car as well as its overall condition.

Better yet, why not take along an expert on used car auctions. Doing this might not only save you time but also your hard-earned money.

And sometimes, things can happen pretty fast, (e.g. used car auction pros will be impatient to quickly close deals), and if you aren't very familiar with the whole process, it helps to have an expert on the subject at hand.

Tip #3: Know that all bids are final!

One of the most vital things to keep in mind when buying a car at a used car auction, is that all bids are final once bidding has closed. If yours happens to be the highest bid for a particular model, and if it's accepted by the seller, then you must pay in cash for the car you've bid on.

And depending on the seller, you can expect to pay a deposit of a minimum of five hundred dollars. In case you change your mind later on, you cannot get back your money, because the used car auction has a right to retain your deposit!

You see, this is how it works: the seller sells his car to the used car auction, which is then transferred to you. Even if you decide against paying the full amount, the auction is still obligated to pay the seller. Hence, if you fail to pay up, you can be sued for the entire cost of the car! This is why it's so important to know what you're getting into, before going ahead and buying the vehicle.

So the next time you decide to attend a used car auction, keep these tips in mind - chances are, you'll end up buying a car that will prove to be good value for money!

Why Own When You Can Rent Hassle Free and at Less Cost

Are you in the market for a sports car for the summer? Considering something a little more exotic that reaches the $100K water mark? Are you now pouring over every every ad and web site in town? Trying to work out where you're going to garage the car, who's going to detail it, getting insurance quotes and negotiating with your better half on just exactly when you're going to be driving it around by promising it will also be a commuter? Worse yet, can't decide on what color to get? You like racing yellow or silver, but your spouse says it has to be red or black to be a real sports car.

If this sounds familiar, there other options that you can explore rather than purchasing. With purchasing you can buy the vehicle out right, finance it or sign up for a lease. Depending on your financial ability, these are your standard options. However, there is yet one more option to consider. Renting only when you expect to use the vehicle. Today, there are more service providers offering alternative specialty rental vehicles.

Even the major rental car agencies have more options than previously considered the norm. However, to truly consider a sports car or something more exotic to drive for that next night out, long country drive or to take your lover out for that anniversary dinner, you'll need to locate a good reputable rental service that has a variety of cars to satisfy. Today, the exotic and luxury car rental business is hot and many companies are branching out across the US, not just in the hot spots and the two coasts.

So, what are the pros and cons of renting or planning to rent versus purchasing? First, there are three over all areas to consider when looking at either prospect. First, there's variety, second hassle factor and finally, the financial impact on your annual disposable income budget.

VARIETY
Variety is the spice of life. When it comes to vehicles, we all like a lot of spice. However, review these considerations when thinking about purchasing your next sport, luxury or exotic car, versus renting.

Purchasing: While having that red hot Viper, Corvette or Ferrari is one awesome feeling during the first few months, the honey moon is typically short lived. So, when you purchase your next sports car, consider variety is limited to just that ONE vehicle.
Renting: Purchasing should be relegated to the daily commuting grocery getter. For times when the daily driver just isn't enough, consider renting from an exotic rental car agency. They typically have a great cross section of different vehicles types, not just one category. Often times, they have everything from a 500 HP 2 seater, to a mid-line top down sophisticated and phenomenal sports car, or a luxury sports car with 4 doors. So, with a rental, you have a variety that adds multiple spice types offering increased opportunity and options.

HASSLE
We're increasingly living in a "hassle" free life. Most things are instant, quick and on our terms. With credit cards, the internet and digitally recordable TV, we're able to control every aspect of life. One of the dreaded tasks in life is visiting a car dealer. No matter the type of vehicle, our perspective and anticipation dealing with salesmen, their manager and the finance guy is just not something we all look forward to.

Purchasing: One big hassle no matter how much you attempt to work through the process or have that perfect dealer. Everything about it is a hassle even if the dealer offers the best experience known to man. There's more than just driving it off the lot. Once you own it, the hassles are just beginning and will increase as the car ages. First and foremost, you have to deal with purchasing insurance, registering and making sure the taxes are paid. Then there's the storage and maintenance of the vehicle. You'll now have to make room in your garage kicking you daily driver out to the curb or you have to contract with a separate storage facility that may or may not have their environment conditioned. Then there's the cleaning and keeping it detailed tasks. While many love that first day or two with the car sitting in their drive-way slowly getting shinier and shinier, it gets old fast. All-in-all, no matter how much we love stepping out into the garage gawking at our lovely new purchase or seeing it get all the looks in the drive-way, dealing with maintaining and up keep gets old.
Renting: Pretty hassle free. The biggest hassle or problem is deciding which car to drive. All of the above mentioned hassles are non-existant. Rental agencies take care of everything. All you have to do is either pick the car up or have it delivered and drive. Return it and let someone else deal with the details.

COSTS
Lastly, regardless of your financial situation, we all are driven by price and the bottom line. There are those that throw money at anything and for that crowd we all applaud and wish you all the best. However, for the majority of us, we have to consider the financial burden and choices we make that directly affect our daily lives.

Purchase costs: there are numerous costs with regards to purchasing a vehicle. We typically evaluate the annual costs of ownership against our disposable income level to determine if we can afford the purchase. For this example, we'll use an average mid-line sports car that runs approximately $50,000. Most of the costs break-down into 6 main areas. (1) Monthly/annual payment costs with financing, (2) Insurance, (3) Storage, (4) Maintenance (5) detailing and (6) Depreciation. These factors put together all are considered Cost Of Ownership. Each item itself varies in actual expense costs, but in by adding up these 6 items, it will run you approximately $1,200 to $1,400 per month for a $50,000 dollar car. The percentage of costs go up proportionately as the MSRP of the car increases. That's $14,400 to $16,800 per year for $50,000 dollar car. Double that amount if you spring for a high-line car that's above the $100,000 mark. Now consider how many days of driving your able to enjoy. Consider weather, time and all of the factors that affect when you'll be able to drive this car. While we'd all love to say we'll drive it all the time, the truth is, we'll probably baby the vehicle and realistically, statistics show that for people that own and drive an extra car, it runs approximately 15 to 20 days a year. That equates to between $800 to over $1,200 per day AND you have to clean it, take it to the garage, change the oil and all of the other days dedicated to NOT driving.
Rental Costs: Initially when you look at the daily costs for renting an exotic, luxury or high-line car, it may look a little high. However, after evaluating what your true daily costs are as an owner, there is a bit of a different perspective. Daily rates for sports cars can run from $300 to $800 per day and with the variety, it will vary to make it much more cost effective.

Some annual cost examples with about 20 good driving weekends.

Owning your Own $50,000 sports car: $14,400 to $16,800 annually

Renting someone else's car:

Lotus Elise: $6,980 annually

Corvette: $7,980 annually

Viper: $9,980 annually

Variety: $7,980 (5 Lotus, 10 Corvette and 5 Viper days)

Own a Gallardo: $36,000 annually

Rent a Gallardo: $24,000 annually

While owning a car provides some level of satisfaction, you have to determine if that level of satisfaction is worth the lack of variety, working through the hassles and ultimately is the costs worth it.

For you next big weekend, anniversary or for just a drive around town, visit your local exotic or luxury rental agency and enjoy the freedom of driving an awesome car knowing someone else is dealing with the hassles, costs and you get to enjoy the freedom to enjoy the drive.

Automotive Reviews and Skeptical Journalism

When we hear the words 'automotive reviews' we think of comparative tests, investigations, technical details, advantages and disadvantages of a particular car model. People are most interested in automotive reviews when they are about to purchase a vehicle. This is an important decision for the potential buyer since the car may remain in his/her possession for many years. Actually, statistics say that the purchase of a car is the second largest expense for many people. In developing countries, the situation is even worse than that, as choosing a certain car is sometimes a life commitment for those people. Under these circumstances, automotive reviews are a must. No automobile is to be purchased without having consulted its review.

Automotive reviews are useful for all kinds of customers, from those are simply interested in buying a cheap car with good gas mileage to those who are mostly interested in design and comfort. To all these people the purchase of a car may appear as a very challenging experience, since the auto market is vast and the lack of experience can prove to be a serious drawback. Needless to say all those interested in purchasing a car should follow the latest automotive news in order to keep up with what is new in this vast and complicated area. However, automotive reviews cannot be found on television every day, nor do they appear in newspapers. Moreover, specialized media, such as auto magazines, which are issued weekly or monthly, may not give the automotive reviews you need when you need them. Therefore, a good source of accurate and reliable automotive reviews is the Internet. Automotive blogs are full of information with and about cars and many related topics. In addition, you get more than statistics or official figures, because people like you have posted their comments or facts from personal experience on those car blogs. Sometimes this beats all automotive reviews.

As we have stated before, there are many sources of automotive news and reviews. The problem is that some of them may not be as reliable as we think and this can be damaging to the consumer. There are times when the interests of certain companies stand in the way of giving consumers honest advice. A good share of criticism is not a must have for automotive reviews. However, skeptical journalism is proof that the consumer' s best interest is at the top of the priority list. Auto magazines present a lot of automotive reviews because that's their line of work, but they will rarely point out possible flaws of automobiles.

Everyone will agree that in the auto magazines or TV shows, the automotive reviews sound a little too good to be true. You can check out the latest automotive news in magazines and on TV shows, but as far as the reviews are concerned, you should only trust what you see with your own eyes. This may turn out to be a little difficult at times, but fortunately we live in the technology era, and seeing it for yourself is now possible on the internet. If a car reviewer speaks of some less appealing features of a certain automobile, there's the chance of actually seeing them by means of multimedia. Criticism equals bad publicity, so when it comes to magazines or television shows, there's a good chance that the consumer will be deprived of his right to be honestly and correctly informed. Therefore, the internet remains the most reliable source of both automotive news and automotive reviews.