The government has announced to carmakers that they must get a fleet average fuel-efficiency of 35 mpg by the year 2020, however Hyundai now claims that they will hit this goal by the year 2015, which is five years earlier.

How will the Korean company hit this goal?  Hyundai doesn’t just plan to move forward on developing new hybrid cars, but also to take an approach to its gas engines that are holistic, by discovering ways to take off a mpg here and there.

Some of the new technologies that Hyundai plans to use in its new cars include transmissions that increase efficiency, turbocharging, eight speed automatic transmissions, direct injection, integrated Stop and Go technology, and dual continuously variable valve timing.  Other carmakers plan to make changes that are similar, but Hyundai has a lineup that is relatively small, with no large trucks and SUVs, so it makes it easier to make a quicker mileage jump.

Hyundai’s increased fuel-economy will make consumers happy, since gas prices have been such a concern to all.  Currently, people have been pushing the limit and running out of gas often, which have put roadside assistance calls at an all time high.  Consumers can also get peace of mind from new car warranties.

It is helpful to use a car loan calculator to determine what the cost for a new or used car purchase will be monthly.

These can be found online with options for buying or leasing.  This is a helpful tool in determining what your budget actually is and how much car you can afford.  Just remember to factor in other car costs, such as maintenance and new car warranties.

Just remember that the numbers on a vehicle loan calculator are not actual quotes.  The calculator allows you to compare the costs of different cars and see what your payments per month will be.

On the calculator there is a line to enter the dollar amount you would like to finance. Then, by clicking your mouse you can compare what payments will be, with different arrangements for paying.  You can also find out what interest payments will be for the life of the vehicle loan.

It is a bonus to use a car loan calculator before going to a dealership to buy a vehicle.  You will already know what your budget is, which will allow you to make a smart purchase.  You will also know how much money you have left over to spend on maintenance costs and an auto warranty.

If you’re purchasing a used car you need to find out as much history as possible about it.  The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.

A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting.  This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources.  A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.

When getting a car history report look out for the following things.  This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.

If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly.  These cars have probably endured more abuse.

Some areas of our country are easier on vehicles than others.  For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.

Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car.  Read the description carefully to rule out vehicle fraud.

Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon.  Just performing this simple step may save you from having to call for auto road service.  Also, you can protect yourself with used car warranties to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.

What benefits come with purchasing a sedan?  Sedans will give you a balance of performance, handling, fuel-efficiency, safety and easy access.  Also, they handle well in the majority of driving situations.  Unless you are someone who needs to store a lot of cargo, they are a great option.

There are many different choices when looking at sedans.  You could purchase a large, small, family, or luxury sedan.  All of these categories are made up of many models that have different characteristics.  They have various balances of sporty, comfort, and practicality.

Fuel-efficiency varies greatly in different sedans.  Do your homework in this category to make a comparison of different models.

Sedans are equipped with various safety features.  All models that are new have dual front air bags for added safety.  Also standard is three-point seat belts and LATCH systems.  However, certain models also have side air bags and head protection bags.

Do your research to get the sedan that will fit you best.  Also, make sure to buy new car warranties for peace of mind.  Following these simple tips will give you the knowledge to make a good decision when it comes time to purchase a sedan.

Modern cars are being designed with more safety features than ever to keep passengers safe.  Almost all carmakers have factory installed emergency kits in their cars.  This is due to both government regulations, as well as competitive pressure.  These roadside kits often include jumper cables, reflective markers, and flashlights.  Typically, these kits allow motorists to deal with accident and mechanical breakdowns.

Today’s cars have to withstand unique conditions.  There are more and more natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes, etc.  Other major emergencies include snowstorms, accidents, and breakdowns that leave drivers stranded.

This is why drivers need to be prepared for all types of emergency situations.  Things that motorists can do to protect themselves are having first aid kits, emergency kits, emergency roadside assistance and used car warranties.  Drivers are very vulnerable in any emergency, and being able to call road service allows drivers some peace of mind.  Taking these precautions are simple and can save your life.

Imagine one day waking up to find that the only vehicles on the roads, in driveways, and in parking lots were electrics or hybrids.

CNW Marketing Research made some calculations to determine when America would become completely hybridized, and could stop depending on Middle Eastern powers for barrels of oil.

Based on the amount of people who live in America today (300 million), the number of cars driving on U.S. roads (11 million), the number of new cars that are sold in a year (15 million), and the number of those purchased cars that are hybrids, CNW calculated that in 2034 there is going to be:

• 357 million Americans
• 381 million cars, all hybrid or electric
• 15.7 million cars written off
• 18.1 new cars sold that are all hybrid or electric

It may seem like a long timetable, but it’s not unreasonable when you consider that every car being built and sold would have to be a hybrid, and every car on the road would have to be replaced with a hybrid vehicle.  Also, many people are holding onto their old vehicles and buying used car warranties because of the poor economy, so that is slowing things down.

If you ask a woman if she would like to buy a Dodge Viper, chances are she will say “no”.  This car is a V-10 two seater that starts at approximately $80,000.  Although this may not be a woman’s cup of tea, studies show that many men would like to have this car.  Like many other aspects of life, men and women seem to have very different tastes, and cars are no exception.

Men and women buy the Viper, but 91% of customers are men.  The Porsche 911 and BMW M5 are also cars being bought primarily by males.  These models cost above $60,000.  Studies show that men often equate their car with their image.  In other words, they choose cars that will portray a certain status.

What cars do women like?  The #1 choice is the Toyota RAV4.  Women like to purchase small, affordable cars that are easy to buy.  For example, the Saturn SC, SL, and ION are popular choices for women.  These cars start at around $10,000 including new car warranties, and have a reputation of being “no hassle” when it comes to buying.

It is obvious that women and men think very differently in lots of areas, cars included.  Men like to buy the fast, impressive cars, whereas women purchase the inexpensive, small cars.  The only common ground that these cars have is that they are backed by an auto warranty.

Billions of dollars are spent by automakers to build awareness about their cars and promote them.  However, marketing is not the only thing that shapes a consumer’s perception of cars.

Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted an Auto Pulse survey, which found that Toyota and Honda automobiles came in first and second place over all the other car brands.  In addition, those vehicles have performed well consistently, and usually rank in the top of their classes.  Toyota and Honda have also been found to be the most reliable over the years.

In this survey, consumers had to rank vehicle brands in seven different areas.  These included quality, safety, value, environmental friendliness, performance, technological innovation and design.  The survey also showed the factors that consumers consider to be the most important when purchasing a car.

According to this survey, motorists that value reliability and want to avoid calling their road service program should look to Toyota and Honda.  They have shown consistent reliability and consumer satisfaction.  However, it never hurts to have used car warranties to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.

It can be quite a challenge to find a handicap-accessible vehicle to suit your needs.  Also, it can be nearly impossible to sort through newspapers and services online.  This is why Rick Shutes started HandicapAutoTrader.com.  He wanted to help people who are disabled find suitable vehicles.

HandicapAutoTrader.com is great for buyers and sellers.  People who want to buy can search available vehicles at no cost, and contact the website’s staff conveniently through email or phone.  Sellers are able to list their cars, with an addition of three images for free.

This website allows consumers to search cars according to the features that they desire.  In addition, you can search by categories, such as model, make, year, etc.  Also convenient is the feature, “Easy Compare Vehicles”.  This lets people compare vehicles side-by-side to get the features and price that they want.

As with any vehicle purchase, it is necessary to do your homework.  Make sure to research vehicles, used car warranties, and auto loans before making any decisions.  This will allow you to get the best deals.

Thanks to the poor economy, people are skipping the big purchases and becoming disciplined shoppers.  Instead of splurging on cars equipped with all of the gizmos, people are holding onto their current rides and purchasing used car warranties.  However, with some savvy buying tips, you can get a new car with great features.  Here’s how.

First of all, in order to splurge in the cabin, downgrade under the hood.  You can purchase a car with a smaller engine and still enjoy the interior upgrades.  For example, a Honda Accord that is top-of-the-line comes with heated seats, leather upholstery, dual climate control, and plenty of other comforts, all for $29,000.  However, instead of getting the V-6, you can get a four-cylinder for $3,000 less that will also allow you to save on gas.

Also, you can save by ordering options a la carte.  Many times, popular options, such as a sunroof or heated seats get bundled together into megapackages that has a lot of features you may not need or want to pay for.  So, shop around for cars with smaller packages, or just order the features you really want.

Finally, skip the options that are the most expensive.  Features such as entertainment and navigation systems can cost you an extra $2,000.  By purchasing a portable DVD player and navigation system you can spend less than $500 combined.

When purchasing a new car it is important to put your money towards necessary things, such as new car warranties, safety features, and maintenance costs.  Pick your upgrades wisely to avoid going over your budget.