Tesla Model 3 electric car has no instruments, just a 15-inch screen

Electric car manufacturer Tesla has delivered the first 30 units of their new Model 3 sedans. And the big difference from regular cars is the model’s lack of the traditional gauges and instruments.

On the evening of July 28, Tesla held a grand handover event to the first thirty owners of the Model 3 electric car. However, owners may need some getting used to the single 15-inch display sitting in the middle of the dashboard, according to The Verge.

The single-screen on the dashboard is a radical design change for the interior of cars and is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to push for driving autonomy in cars.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk believes that in the future, drivers wouldn’t even care if there’s no instrument cluster.

“You won’t really need to look at an instrument panel all that often,” Musk said during the event.

He goes so far as to add that eventually, people will be able to “watch a movie, talk to friends, go to sleep” in Tesla cars.

The Model 3 is the first step in Tesla’s grand plan to make electric cars more accessible for the masses. By accomplishing this goal, it paves the way for greater adaption of electric vehicles, and the eventual retirement of their gas-guzzling predecessors. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Subaru announces BRZ tuned by STI

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced two new performance models: the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA and 2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Both are performance focused derivatives engineered by Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. specifically for driving enthusiasts. Each vehicle is limited to 500 units and vehicles will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2018.
 

BRZ tS

The 2018 BRZ tS (tuned by STI) delivers the highest level of “fun to drive” and “pure handling delight” through greater flexibility, better control and stability.

BRZ is renowned for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, and the new BRZ tS adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS® dampers and coil springs as well as flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response. The BRZ tS is also equipped with 18-in. lightweight STI wheels (the first time that a BRZ has been offered with 18-inch wheels) mounted with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. Brembo® brakes at all four corners round-out the package.

 

The exterior also adds a more aggressive look with an exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler. The spoiler is manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.

The BRZ tS is also adorned with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover. The rear hatch displays the official BRZ tS badge. The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, BRZ and SUBARU badging all have a black finish. Also, the fog lights have been removed and replaced with STI fog light covers.

The cabin features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching and accents throughout the interior, including steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads, shifter and emergency brake boots. front seats have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. The visor over the gauge cluster is unique to this model, as is the interior door trim. The center console has been updated to a cast black finish. The BRZ tS also comes standard with red front seat belts and a frameless interior rear view mirror.

WRX STI Type RA

 

 

The RA designation stands for “Record Attempt” and has been applied to various Subaru performance models. The original venture took place in 1989 when a competition version Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and set a top speed record of 138 mph. Furthering this spirit of endeavor, a special race model WRX STI Type RA NBR Special will attempt a Nürburgring speed record this summer.

In keeping with this tradition, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA delivers increased performance through weight reduction, suspension and engine upgrades. The new, numbered limited edition model comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and lightweight BBS® 19-in. forged alloy wheels shod with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine, the limited edition WRX STI Type RA increases horsepower to an estimated 310hp with the help of an STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio paired with a short throw shifter. The weight reduction, additional horsepower and revised gearing all contribute to faster acceleration.

Handling has been upgraded with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension all with Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC gives the car better stability control to keep it on its intended path. The Brembo® brake system, with monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, features an exclusive silver finish and is paired with cross-drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

The WRX STI Type RA is immediately identified by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover. An STI front underspoiler has also been added for better stability at high speeds. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now come in a black finish. The rear deck lid displays the WRX STI Type RA badge.

In addition to the eye-catching exterior, the WRX STI Type RA cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. The signature red stitching and accent trim is visible throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard equipment. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA produced for retail sale has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console.

Both the 2018 WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl.

source: motioncars.inquirer.net

Tips for Finding a Car Accident Lawyer with Your Best Interest in Mind

Affirming your rights as the casualty of a car collision is imperative to guarantee you get simply recompense for your wounds. Enlisting an accident lawyers to handle your case, nonetheless, can extraordinarily influence the conclusion of your case. You may have been prompted by a supportive cop or auto crash witness to contract a car collision lawyer, or you may have arrived at that choice all alone. Once the choice to counsel a lawyer has been made, discovering the right lawyer to handle your case can be a test. The following are a couple of tips of discovering a qualified car crash lawyer to speak to you.

Looking at Car accident lawyers

Accident lawyers will be acquainted with nearby, state and national laws in regards to your sort of case, and they will have late court suit experience. Contrasting surveys from past customers or companions on lawyer rating destinations online can help you figure out which lawyers have the best notorieties, experience, and history of customer fulfillment. You can likewise take a stab at utilizing Car accident law, however you ought to still look for an individual conference with any lawyer you are considering for contract. As a legitimate matter, a fender bender happens each time a traveler auto is included in an occasion or arrangement of occasions that cause harm, for example, property harm, traumatic cerebrum injury or even demise. In 2005, 82% of engine vehicle mishaps included in a mischance with an alternate vehicle and an alternate 18% were accident injury law including stationary questions and other non-mechanized. It included a component of inconsiderateness, which relates to an infringement of accident injury law.

Planning for Legal Consultation

A legitimate conference is a situated square of time in which car accident lawyers and potential customers examine their wounds, the benefits of their case, and any potential lawful parkways of recuperation. Keep in mind that you may know a great deal about your case, yet until a lawyer is acquainted with the subtle elements of your mischance, he or she will even now have a ton to learn. Nearing readied to lawyer interviews is to a great degree helpful when looking for Accident injury lawyer.

Efficient lawyers

There is tons of paperwork you require before recording your case, and there are a few things you ought to guarantee that before the argument against the other side began. These paper work can be easily maintained by Accident injury lawyer. Before submitting your case is important that you have checked your protection arrangement to make a point to know the degree of their scope. This will tell whether insurance agencies cover a substitution auto, if important, or wont pay their restorative costs, furthermore the degree of the data you have to uncover to them about their occupations and therapeutic history.

source: zhoutaolawyer.com

California gives green light to self-driving car tests

SAN FRANCISCO, United States — The US state of California is easing its rules for autonomous car testing, by allowing testing of vehicles in which there is no human driver.

The new rules have yet to be submitted for public consultation, with a final version expected by the end of the year, according to its Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) .

“These rules expand our existing autonomous vehicle testing program to include testing vehicles where no driver is present,” said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto.

“This is the next step in eventually allowing driverless autonomous vehicles on California roadways.”

California took some heat earlier for seeking to stop testing of fully autonomous cars — those in which a human is not physically on board.

Rules proposed at the end of 2015 required that a person with a permit always be present in the vehicle, and be able to regain control of it. And that person would be held responsible for traffic offenses or accidents.

The Federal Road Safety Agency NHTSA, however, differed a few months later saying that a computer system — based on the artificial intelligence of autonomous cars — could be considered their “driver.”

California, and Silicon Valley in particular, is a key location for automakers and tech startups working on driverless cars. The change should help keep that the case.

The DMV says it has permitted 27 manufacturers to test self-driving cars.  CBB

source: technology.inquirer.net

S&P cuts Volkswagen's credit rating after scandal

PARIS, France - The international credit rating agency Standard and Poor's on Monday cut the long-term debt rating of German auto giant Volkswagen in the wake of the pollution-cheating scam involving its diesel vehicles.

S&P said in a statement it was downgrading VW's long-term debt rating by one notch to A- and could cut it "by up to two more notches" again in future in face of the "wide-ranging negative credit consequences following its admission that it installed software designed to manipulate diesel engine exhaust emissions in 11 million vehicles."

"The downgrade reflects our assessment that VW has demonstrated material deficiencies in its management and governance and general risk management framework," the analysts argued.

"We believe that VW's breach of US environmental law and potential other laws outside the US represents a significant reputational and financial risk to VW over the medium term," the statement continued.

Last month, VW became embroiled in the biggest scandal in its history, when US authorities accused it of fitting diesel cars with devices that can switch on pollution controls when they detect the car is undergoing testing.

They then switch off the controls when the car is on the road, allowing it to spew out harmful levels of emissions.

VW has already said it will set aside 6.5 billion euros ($7.4 billion) in provisions in the third quarter, but its new chief executive has said that sum would only cover the costs of repairs, and that much more was needed to meet potential fines and damages arising from any lawsuits.

"The costs of remediation, compensation, litigation, and potential fines could, however, be substantial and well in excess of this level," S&P said.

The analysts acknowledged that the full facts and consequences of the deception "may not be known for months, even years. We expect VW to experience a negative impact on its sales volumes, prices, and margins." — Agence France-Presse

source: gmanetwork.com

Audi says 2.1M cars affected by diesel emission scandal

BERLIN - Audi said 2.1 million cars worldwide were fitted with the software that allowed parent Volkswagen to cheat US emission tests.

Some 1.42 million Audi vehicles with so-called EU5 engines are affected in Western Europe, with 577,000 in Germany and almost 13,000 in the United States, a spokesman for Ingolstadt-based Audi said on Monday.

Affected model lines include the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, TT, Q3 and Q5, the spokesman said.

VW said last week around 11 million cars of its group brands worldwide are affected by the diesel emissions scandal. — Reuters

Defective Car Parts and California’s “Lemon Law”

Automobiles that include defective parts can be dangerous and can cause serious accidents, injuring passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Such accidents can result in expensive personal injury suits, but it can cost a lot of money to replace a defective car part. Fortunately, California has a lemon law that allows car owners to receive compensation for defective parts.

The Lemon Law

When a defective car part substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a new car purchased or leased in California, the owner or lessee is often able to receive compensation under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, more commonly known as the lemon law.

This statute gives automobile manufacturers 18 months or 18,000 miles to attempt repairs on any newly released vehicles. If a vehicle still has at least one of two covered defects within the warranty period, then it can be legally considered a “lemon,” and the owner can receive compensation. California’s lemon law covers:

• A serious defect that the manufacturer was unable to repair in at least four attempts; or
• Defects that have caused the vehicle to be out of service for at least 30 cumulative days since it was purchased.
•  

Compensation

If the car qualifies as a lemon, then the owner of the vehicle has two choices. First, he or she can request that the manufacturer either replace or repair it. If the owner chooses this option, then the manufacturer must also reimburse the owner for sales tax, registration, and incidental damages, such as finance charges or any costs associated with repair, towing, or renting a replacement car.

Alternatively, the owner can request a refund for the original price paid for the car. To be eligible for these options, the person seeking compensation must have purchased or leased the car from someone engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, leasing, or distributing new vehicles at retail in California. In the case of a lease, the term agreed upon must exceed four months to satisfy the requirements of the lemon law. Finally, the car must be intended for personal, business, or family use.

Owner’s Responsibilities

In order to receive compensation for the defective vehicle, the owner is required to have followed the warranty terms for maintenance and proper use of the car. It is also the responsibility of the owner to bring a suit based on a violation of the lemon law within the four-year statute of limitations. Furthermore, items installed by anyone other than the manufacturer cannot be included in the amount refunded. It is also helpful to maintain good records of any repairs made to the vehicle. Each repair order should show the defect and the dates that the car was in the shop.

Purchasing a vehicle with a defective part can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful, especially if the defect causes an accident and harms you or others. If you have purchased a vehicle with a defective part and feel that manufacturer may be at fault, please contact the passionate San Jose personal injury attorneys at Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. for a free consultation.

source: cmalaw.net

Driverless Vehicles and Personal Injury

Recently, Google’s prototype driverless cars have been navigating the roads around Mountain View, California. They have been involved in two recent accidents, though the accidents were non-serious in nature, and were caused by other drivers. In one incident, the Google car was rear-ended at five miles per hour, while stopped at a red light. Both cars suffered minor scrapes to their bumpers. The other accident also involved a Google car being rear-ended at a red light, but at less than one mile per hour, and neither vehicle was damaged. No injuries were reported in either crash.

A Google car and another self-driving car, from Delphi, were reported to have nearly had an accident during a lane change in Palo Alto, when one car cut off the other. Fortunately, the second car was able to change back into its original lane, avoiding the collision.

California’s Driverless Car Law

Only five states, including California, allow driverless cars on public roads. In 2012, the California state legislature passed a law permitting driverless vehicles to operate, for testing purposes, on the roads. There are, however, strict limitations to their operation:

• A licensed driver must be in the car at all times;
• The driver must be ready and able to take over control should the automatic controls fail;
• The driver must have been licensed for at least three years, must not have caused any accidents resulting in personal injury or death, must not have been convicted of driving under the influence in the past 10 years, and must take special driving classes; and
• The car manufacturer must maintain $5 million in liability insurance.
•  

California’s law also requires driverless cars to have a mechanism that captures sensor data from the autonomous technology for at least 30 seconds prior to a crash, while the car is operating in automatic mode. This technology will help to determine how crashes occur.

Personal Injury Concerns

Driverless cars may be safer than regular cars. Google and other manufacturers claim that they are because they eliminate the element of human error, which is the cause of a majority of accidents. But others, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are not so sure. No car is perfect, and some accidents not caused by humans are bound to happen.

But what happens when a driverless car inevitably does cause an accident? One major issue is determining who is liable for the harm, the owner or the manufacturer. It is likely that accidents caused by self-driving cars will become a product liability issue. This would mean that liability would shift away from the owner or individual, and to the manufacturer, designer, or vendor.

The requirement for a data capture mechanism may also help to determine how crashes occur and how to assign liability. It may be able to help insurers and courts figure out whether a car malfunctioned, an injured person was contributorily negligent, or something else caused the crash.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, whether from a driver’s negligence or a vehicle malfunction, an attorney can help you recover compensation for your harm. Please contact the experienced San Jose personal injury attorneys at Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. for a free consultation.

source: cmalaw.net

Ford recalls 1.39M vehicles in North America

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co said on Thursday it is recalling 1.39 million SUVs and sedans in North America, most for the possible loss of power steering.

About 1.186 million of the vehicles Ford said it is recalling are in the United States. That figure is only 2,200 shy of the total number of vehicles that Ford recalled in the United States during all of last year.

Automakers are giving heightened scrutiny to safety issues in the wake of General Motors Co's ongoing safety crisis that began with an ignition-switch issue in older-model cars.

So far this year, GM has recalled 15.8 million vehicles worldwide.

Analyst Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book said Ford's spate of recalls on Thursday may be "driven by the heightened sense of concern all automakers are feeling right now, though we'll likely never know for sure."

Brauer added that there have been so many recalls since February when GM issued its first ignition-switch recall that the actions have become "sort of background white noise for consumers."

Ford said it will recall 195,527 Explorer SUVs in North America from the 2011 to 2013 model years and 915,216 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs from model years 2008 to 2011 on power steering issues.

In addition, it will recall nearly 200,000 Taurus sedans in North America from the 2010 to 2014 model years on a corrosion issue.

Finally, Ford is also recalling 82,576 sedans with floor mats that may interfere with the operation of accelerator pedals. The floor mats were put in 2006 to 2011 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ sedans.

The loss of power steering can increase the risk of a crash when vehicles are traveling at lower rates of speed.

US regulators have received consumer reports of six injuries and five crashes related to the Escape and Mariner models, Ford said.

As of mid-April, Ford said it was aware of 15 accidents including two minor injuries believed to be related to the loss of power steering in Explorer SUVs. The accidents all involved vehicles moving at lower speeds, Ford said.

In cold-weather US states and Canadian provinces where road salt is used, corrosion can affect license plate lamps which in turn may cause a short circuit that could start a fire, Ford said. A Ford spokeswoman said the company is aware of 18 consumer reports of fires believed to be associated with this condition.

Ford did not say how much the recall campaigns are expected to cost. For the Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape recalls, dealers are to be notified on Thursday and letters to all affected US owners will be sent by July 25, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

There may be additional vehicles included in the recall campaigns outside of North America, Ford said.  — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Google's latest self-driving car is a one-push wonder

 

 Look, Ma! No steering wheel!

 

This could be the future of motoring, with Google having built a prototype of a self-driving car needing only the passenger to push a button to "Go."

 

Tech site The Verge noted the prototype is a new incarnation that veered away from earlier versions, which were basically just retrofits of existing vehicles from Toyota and Lexus.
 

Google posted a YouTube video of its volunteers taking a ride on its prototype, which has no steering wheel or pedal:

 

 

 

"Just imagine: You can take a trip downtown at lunchtime without a 20-minute buffer to find parking. Seniors can keep their freedom even if they can’t keep their car keys. And drunk and distracted driving? History," Chris Urmson, director of Google's Self-Driving Car Project, said in a blog post.

 

Urmson said they are now building some prototypes "designed to operate safely and autonomously without requiring human intervention."

 

"They won’t have a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal... because they don’t need them. Our software and sensors do all the work. The vehicles will be very basic—we want to learn from them and adapt them as quickly as possible—but they will take you where you want to go at the push of a button. And that's an important step toward improving road safety and transforming mobility for millions of people," he said.

 

Starting from scratch

 

Urmson said that in designing the car from scratch, they put a premium on safety - installing sensors that remove blind spots and detect objects out to a distance of more than two football fields in all directions.

 

But the cars won't be speed demons, at least for now - their speeds are limited to 25 mph.

 

Neither will they be luxury cars - they'll just have two seats with seatbelts and a space for passengers' belongings.

 

However, the vehicles will have to start and stop, and a screen that shows the route.

 

"We’ve designed for learning, not luxury, so we’re light on creature comforts," he said.

 

100 prototypes

 

Urmson said they are planning to build 100 prototype vehicles, and safety drivers will start testing early versions of these vehicles that have manual controls, in the summer.

 

"If all goes well, we’d like to run a small pilot program here in California in the next couple of years. We’re going to learn a lot from this experience, and if the technology develops as we hope, we’ll work with partners to bring this technology into the world safely," he said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com

 

 

Hyundai recalls 140,000 SUVs over airbag issue

WASHINGTON - South Korean automaker Hyundai is recalling 140,000 vehicles in the United States and Puerto Rico because of an air bag problem, according to documents filed with US auto safety regulators.

There were no known accidents or injuries as a result of this problem, the company said in its recall notice to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The issue relates to the bolts that attach the driver's airbag to the steering column in Hyundai's Tuscon compact sport utility vehicles.

"During assembly, it is possible that the two bolts attaching the driver's airbag module to the steering wheel assembly were not properly tightened," the automaker wrote in its letter to the NHTSA.

"If both bolts become loose and detach, the driver's airbag module could become detached from the steering wheel."

Hyundai said the defect "could result in injury in the event of a crash."

The automaker said it was recalling 137,500 vehicles in the United States and 3,500 in Puerto Rico, from model years 2011 to 2014.

The issue came to Hyundai's attention in December 2013, after reports of dealership service departments tightening the bolts under warranty. The automaker will ask owners to bring their vehicles to have the bolts checked.

On Friday, the NHTSA imposed a record $35 million fine on US auto giant General Motors for its failure to promptly recall cars with ignition faults linked to at least 13 deaths. — Agence France-Presse

source: gmanetwork.com

British car sales at highest for a decade – trade data

LONDON – New car sales in Britain rallied in March to the highest total for a decade, industry data showed on Friday.

Sales jumped 17.7 percent last month to 464,824 vehicles compared with data for March 2013, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said in a statement.

That was the highest monthly figure since March 2004.

"New car registrations surged 17.7 percent in March... a surprisingly strong level of growth and a reflection of intensifying consumer confidence and the availability of great new products," said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.



"Given the past six years of subdued economic performance across the UK, there is still a substantial margin of pent-up demand that is contributing to a strong new and used car market.

"There has never been a better time to buy a new car thanks to attractive finance deals and advanced technologies that often make new cars cheaper to run."

The SMMT added that it expected the market to perform positively for the rest of 2014, albeit at a more modest rate.

The top selling car in March was the Ford Fiesta, followed by the Ford Focus, then the Vauxhall Corsa, and with the Volkswagen Golf in fourth place.

Sales were boosted by the twice-a-year number plate change that occurs in March and September. These two months normally account for about one third of the annual market. – Agence France-Presse

source: gmanetwork.com

How To Find The Best Rates On Car Insurance In Washington

In Washington State, as in most localities, you have to have car insurance. This means that you’ll need to shop around to find the best rate for your particular situation. That is unless you happen to own twenty-six vehicles. In Washington, this unusual situation would mean that you’d be able to self-insure. Since the majority of us don’t fall into this category, we need to go the old fashioned route and seek out quotes from different insurance companies.

Everyone wants to find the best rates possible, so knowing how to obtain them is important. There are a few methods that may help you to get a lower rate including:

Put all the vehicles driven in the house on one policy. It doesn’t matter if you are living with three roommates, your spouse or you have several children who live at home that drive. Insuring multiple vehicles on one policy can give everyone a break in insurance premiums.

Carpooling. The way that this helps to get you a better rate is that you’ll ensure the mileage on your car stays low. Many companies offer a discount to drivers who routinely drive only a few miles a month.

Pay with a check once a year. Many people have no idea that if they have their car insurance premiums deducted from their checking or savings account each month, they are paying a fee on top of the premium. Save that money and instead spend a few cents on a stamp every twelve months.

The best possible way to find the lowest rate on your car insurance is to ask an agent about any discounts. Although they do make money by selling you the most expensive policy possible, they aren’t going to want to lose your business. Many insurance companies offer incentives that are tied into local organizations and credit card companies. Unless you ask, you’ll never know if you are already eligible for a discount on your insurance.

source: wikipresidency.com

How To Find The Best Rates On Automobile Insurance In Colorado

Shopping for auto insurance requires more effort than people really think. Many just simply grab the lowest rate they get in order to save money. When savvy shopping for auto insurance shopping it’s important to not only consider the rate but also the carrier and the coverage.

When looking to purchase auto insurance you should know what you want your insurance to cover. Some coverage can include:

Collision

In case of an accident any your automobile is damaged your policy may pay for the damage done by the crash regardless of who was responsible for it. If another party is responsible for the accident your insurance will collect dues from that other party.

Liability

This coverage pays for bodily injury or property damaged that has occurred in you’re automobile while driving it.

Other optional coverage

This may include emergency services like towing services, car repairs while out on the road.

If you want or don’t want your insurance policy to include things like these it can be used to determine what insurance policy you will go with. Knowing exactly what kind of coverage you want and don’t want can help you find the best rates that fits your circumstances.

Steps in Finding the Best Rates:

Learn the terminology

Before you purchase any policy learn the basic auto insurance language that way you can avoid confusion and being scammed.

Get quotes from different insurance companies

Having more than one option is always good. That way you can compare services and determine which one that best fits your needs.

Seek help from the professionals

Visit companies like A.M Best, Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poor for more information on the insurance companies you are looking into. These corporations will give you information on the financial strength of auto insurance companies.

It doesn’t have to be so complicated, but finding the right insurance policy does take effort. You won’t be disappointed. You can definitely find a reasonable insurance policy in Colorado for you.

source: wikipresidency.com

US eyes bankruptcy link in GM ignition defect probe – report

WASHINGTON - Federal authorities are investigating whether General Motors hid an ignition switch defect when it filed for bankruptcy in 2009, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

The Justice Department's investigation of the automaker includes a probe of whether GM committed bankruptcy fraud by not disclosing the ignition problem, a person briefed on the inquiry told the Times on Friday, the paper said.

Authorities are also investigating whether GM understated the defect to federal safety regulators, the Times said.

The ignition switch problems led to the recall of 1.6 million vehicles last month.


GM has handed over documents to federal investigators in New York, the person, who was not identified, told the Times.

The automaker cannot comment specifically on the Justice Department investigation, spokesman Greg Martin said in an email on Saturday. "We are cooperating fully with authorities on several fronts and we will continue to do so," he said.

The investigation is being run by FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked on the fraud case against Toyota that ended in a $1.2 billion settlement last week, the paper said.

On Wednesday, GM was hit with a lawsuit demanding that the company be held liable for allegedly concealing ignition problems before its 2009 bankruptcy.

GM is a different legal entity than the one that filed the 2009 bankruptcy that shook the U.S. economy. The so-called new GM is not responsible under the terms of its bankruptcy exit for legal claims relating to incidents that took place before July 2009. Those claims must be brought against what remains of the "old" or pre-bankruptcy GM.

But the proposed class action, filed in federal court in California, said plaintiffs should be allowed to sue over the pre-bankruptcy actions "because of the active concealment by Old GM and GM."

The lawsuit also said GM was responsible for reporting to the federal government any safety-related problems for cars made before its bankruptcy.

It is one of several lawsuits filed against the company since the recall was announced. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Car Donation San Francisco is the Place to be on Auction Day

Automobile Donation

Car Donation San Francisco and many people around the world are so frustrated about their old vehicles and their constant demand for regular maintenance. It only adds up to monthly expenses and at the end of it all you won’t be able to save any cash. Whether you are looking for car donation San Francisco, you need to know that there are other centers around that can give people options of giving out their cars or other vehicles like boats, trucks, vans, airplanes, trailers and motorcycles.

Once the cars have been donated, the centers can then use them for other charitable purposes. Normally they would sell the vehicle for a higher process to be used in helping the less privileged in our society.


Car Donation Centers in California

Their main mission is to provide children with a firm and stable home and unite kids who need parental love. They are fully committed to a personal and professional service to families through humanitarian work and education for children who still have to wait.

For car donation San Francisco, this nonprofit organization is made up of 60 talented adults who enjoy singing, sharing and learning through their musical performances. They mainly sing traditional music and folk and in some cases choral classics from the US and other countries around the world. They are often heard singing in hotel lobbies, office buildings and shopping centers.



Aldea Children and Family Services

Their main aim is to restore lost hope for children and adults who are striving each day with abuse, neglect, emotional problems and developmental disabilities. They offer various treatment options which range from outpatient therapy to residential treatment.



This is a church centered mission community composed of Christians. They aim at giving the younger generation a chance to listen to the Gospel and the word of God. They build friendly relationships with the young as they share life experiences in terms of the word of God.



Western Slope Boys and Girls Club

It aims at inspiring youths to become responsible and productive citizens. They ensure that young people can meet their goals in life as well as have opportunities to explore new opportunities. Their task force is mainly focused on increasing that sense of usefulness, belongingness, influence and competence among its members.


Tri City Homeless Coalition

They strive daily to tackle homelessness in the S.Alameda country. What they do is to provide a serene and peaceful environment for all their clients. Besides providing shelter, the also strive to reduce homelessness and restore the homeless people back into a good community with interdependence.



Voices of Musica Sacra

This group mainly aims at sharing their services and talents. It’s a chorus group and it mostly performs sacred choral music which is intended for the benefit of their local and international communities. The group presents a yearly spring and Christmas concert alongside other communities and church organizations for their worship services.



United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate-Car Donation San Francisco

Started in 1951, it has built its reputation along the way and it’s greatly established along the San Francisco Bay, it has offered its services to thousands of families and people in different communities. The organization also supports the inclusion and advancement of individuals who have cerebral palsy or any other disability to also engage themselves in economic, social and political aspects of the community. It aims to make bay area the best place to live and work in. If you are for car donation San Francisco, it’s a good choice.

source: cardonationportal.com

Car Donation Chicago Programs

If you live in the Chicago area, and you want to dispose your old and dusty car, there are actually car donation Chicago charities that you can choose from, so that you can get rid of your car, and probably get something valuable out of it too!

Actually, if you have an old car that you want to dispose, donating it is better, than selling it. When selling it, you will have to go through all of the hassle of posting your advertisement, speaking with prospective buyers, prepping your car to make it as presentable as it can be, and dealing with all of the contracts that you need when selling a car. But with a car donation Chicago charity, all you have to do is choose a charity where you want to donate your car to, make arrangements for the pick-up, and that is it!

With donating your car, you can even receive special benefits like receiving a token of appreciation from the charity you have chosen. You will also invite good karma for helping out the people in need. Not to mention, you will also get the chance of reducing your taxes, because some charities are able to issue duly recognizable receipts that you can present to the IRS, so that you can itemize your donation for a tax deduction.

In Chicago, you will not have a problem finding the right charity where you can donate your car to. Actually, all it takes is a few minutes of searching for these charities online, and instantly, you will be given a list to choose from.

Ideally, you would like to contact them by phone first, to know the charity’s procedure for donating a car. Often times, charities do have an online web form that you can fill out. There, you will have to include some of your personal details as well as the details of your car. The information will be used by the charity to give you an idea of how much you are going to get from your donated car. Otherwise, they will also let you know if they are currently accepting car donations.

Actually, submitting web forms to multiple charities is a must. This is because from there, you will be able to gauge which amongst your list is the best you can deal with. The charity who offers the best value for your car is better, but you will have to make sure first, if they are able to issue you are receipt that you can present to the IRS (if you are aiming for tax deduction).

You might also want to deal with a charity that immediately responds after your submission. This just means that they are really in need of a car to fund their project. This also means that they value the time of people who wishes to donate their car to them.

These are the different things you will have to consider, if you want to deal with a car donation Chicago charity for whatever purpose.

source: cardonationportal.com

Do You Want To Get A Car For Free? Find Cars For Donation

Many people have a found a great way to get rid of their cars, by giving it away to charities and non-profit groups that offers cars for donation for tax deduction. Yes, that is right! Several charities can do these for people who have unused cars and old ones, but remember that not all charities can do this.

Anyway, charities accept cars for donation so that they can sell to raise funds or to use it as their own mode of transportation. But for some, they used these cars, so that they can give it to worthy people who are in need and people who cannot afford to buy one.

So if you are looking for cars like these, then you have to know the exact charities that offers donated cars at a very low price, if not for free.



Here are some tips to consider, if you want to find cars for donation and avail at the most affordable price that you can offer.

Steps To Receive A Donated Car For Free

Step 1 – Look for the different charities within your area who are accepting donated cars. Because if a charity does accept donated cars, then chances are, they also give our these cars for free.

Step 2 – Contact these charities and find out what are their requirements, in order for you to be eligible for receiving a donated car. Cars for Donation is most often than not, charities put more priority to single mothers, and people who are less privileged. They will also look at your source of income, and if they have proven that you are receiving less than what you need, and that having a car will improve your life and boost your chances of earning more, then you have a better chance of getting a donated car.

Step 3 – Show all of the documents that you have to prove your life status. For instance, if you are receiving government help, then provide proof for this. These documents are required most of the time anyway, so you have to make sure that you have them handy, before you start looking for a charity.

Step 4 – Check to see if there are any other additional requirements that the charity will be asking of you. Sometimes, charities ask for additional requirements after submitting the initial requirements, so you have to be ready for this.

Step 5 – Be prepared to receive the car. Sometimes, you will be asked to pick up the car, but most of the time, you will be asked to wait, as there are more than one people applying for this type of privilege. If you are placed on the waiting list, make sure to provide all of your contact details to the charity, so that they can contact you when the car is ready for release. Just make sure to give them the right contact details, so will not miss the chance of owning a donated car.

source: cardonationportal.com

Ford, researchers to work on autonomous cars

WASHINGTON  - Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it was teaming up with researchers at two US universities to work on obstacles, technical and otherwise, to automated driving.

"To deliver on our vision for the future of mobility, we need to work with many new partners across the public and private sectors, and we need to start today," said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president at Ford.

The Detroit automaker said it would work with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University on Ford's "Blueprint for Mobility," its vision for transportation in 2025 and beyond.

Ford said in a statement the project will build on its automated Ford Fusion hybrid research vehicle unveiled last month and examine "potential solutions for the longer-term societal, legislative and technological issues posed by a future of fully automated driving."

"Working with university partners like MIT and Stanford enables us to address some of the longer-term challenges surrounding automated driving while exploring more near-term solutions for delivering an even safer and more efficient driving experience," Mascarenas said.

The Ford research car unveiled last month uses the same technology already in some of today's vehicles, but adds sensors to generate a real-time 3D map of the vehicle's surrounding environment.

Ford's research with MIT uses advanced algorithms to help the vehicle learn to predict where moving vehicles and pedestrians could be in the future, according to the Ford statement.

Working with Stanford, Ford is exploring how the sensors could see around obstacle such as a truck to make evasive maneuvers if needed.

"Our goal is to provide the vehicle with common sense," said Greg Stevens, global manager for driver assistance and active safety at Ford.

"Drivers are good at using the cues around them to predict what will happen next, and they know that what you can't see is often as important as what you can see. Our goal in working with MIT and Stanford is to bring a similar type of intuition to the vehicle."

Google has been testing self-driving cars in several states, and a number of automakers and suppliers have been developing semi-autonomous driving systems, including for parking. — Agence France-Presse

source: gmanetwork.com

Best Buying Practices In 2014

While we are happy to be your go-to resource for information on cheap car insurance and affordable online insurance – we’re no one trick pony! We care about your entire car buying/care ownership experience! Part of the experience is picking the right car, at the right cost to you and your family. Here are three sage tips that we hope will make things go as smoothly as you’re driving in the future:


Nothing is more daunting than seeing something you really like, really want, and yet, are unable to afford. Scratch that; what’s more daunting, is going into debt or not being able to meet statutory financial obligations because of purchase you shouldn’t have made, and could not afford. This happens all too often in America, and since we’re at the start of the New Year, why not make a change in the right direction? A popular saying by some older folks is that young people have “Champagne tastes, on soda pop pockets.” This unfortunately, is not exclusive to the junior spenders of our society. The car you want and the car you can afford are often two completely different things. A safe rule of thumb when gauging what you can actually afford is that you should comfortably a lot no more than 20% of your monthly household income for (ALL) cars in your household, when looking to purchase. This figure is all inclusive, encompassing monthly car loan payment, cheap online car insurance and gasoline costs too.

Sales people are wonderfully attentive (or at least they should be!), and bless their hearts,  are poised specifically to get the most out of any sale on behalf of their company. Keep this in mind when you’re considering sitting down and signing onto dealership financing. Car dealers want to do more than just sell you a car. They want to sell you the vision you have of yourself in a car you may very well not be able to afford. Getting you to sign a car loan is like the holy grail for them, and for the unprepared consumer, is may not be as difficult to attain. Keep your wits about you so that while their “great rate” is dangling in front of you, you won’t miss the portion of your contract that indicates that your car loan rate is contingent upon the loan approval…

Rushing the test drive is one of the worst mistakes you can make when buying a new car. You see, it’s a psychological thing. 9 out of 10 times, if you’re buying a new car, it is because you don’t have one or the current one is crap. So naturally, when you sit in one that someone is trying to sell, it’s going to feel like Aladdin’s magic carpet ride! Shake off the star-struckness, and get down to observing the important things. Will all your typical cargo/passengers fit comfortably? Experiment with the controls and make sure everything works the way it is intended to. And lastly, think about this car in your life five years from now – will it still suit all your needs?

source: insurancequotesfast.com