General Motors just unveiled the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, which is an electric plug-in hybrid.  This four-door hatchback appears very different from the concept car in the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.  GM claims that the production Volt had to be more aerodynamic to provide the efficiency that GM was aiming for.

Just like GM announced previously, the Volt will be able to travel 40 miles on an electric charge.  After that, a gas/E85 capable engine will come on in order to recharge the battery.  All the power that goes to the drive system is electric, so the fuel engine acts like a generator.

General Motors recently revealed some specifications.  The electric motor will be able to attain the equivalent of 150 hp and be able to reach a speed of 100 mph.  Also, there is going to be 220 lithium-ion battery cells that will power the unit.

Unfortunately, GM said that the Volt’s future hinges on help by the government for emerging technology.  Hopefully, if all goes as planned the Chevrolet Volt will make it to showrooms.  However, as with any car purchase, make sure you have new car warranties to protect yourself.

Volvo has always had a reputation for having terrific safety features.  So, when Volvo comes out with new and improved safety technologies people are intrigued.    Instead of coming out with a new radical approach, Volvo has made improvements to their current technology.

Volvo’s latest safety package is featured on the Volvo XC60.  The safety features will assist distracted drivers.

One of the new safety technologies is an automatic low-speed system of braking.  If the driver gets to close to another vehicle at less than 20 mph, a laser will detect reflections from bumpers and license plates and stop automatically.

Volvo also added to their current LDW system.  The purpose of this system is to audibly alert drivers if they go over a line without activating their turn signal.  Volvo has also added a program for micro corrections, which indicate a driver may be falling asleep.

Volvo’s advanced safety technology will allow drivers to have added safety on the road.  Safety technologies, as well as new car warranties, provide motorists with peace of mind.

Most people depend on major car companies, like Avis for rentals on business trips and vacations. Yet, most people don’t realize that firms such as these are great sources of well-priced used vehicles.  Avis’ business is rental cars, however, they also sell their older models.  Car shoppers get a big savings by purchasing a vehicle from Avis instead of car dealers.  This gives people the opportunity to put their money towards used car warranties that will protect their car.

Avis sells their vehicles that are more than one year old so they can make room for more recent models.  This is how Avis ensures that they have a well-maintained and current fleet.  When certain car models prove to be popular, Avis often sells them early, after the car has passed a certain mileage.

Another good thing about purchasing a car from Avis is that they treat their vehicles with metallic paint.  On the other hand, car dealers usually don’t do this.  One concern that car shoppers have is that rental cars have been through a lot of wear and tear.  Yet, Avis points out that vehicles for sale are around six months old and less than 13,000 miles.  Also important is that many times the car’s auto warranty is still valid.  However, the auto warranty will only last for approximately one year, so it is important to shop around for used car warranties.

With fuel prices at an all time high, motorists are trading in their giant gas-guzzlers for smaller, more efficient cars.  And although this makes sense, if you switch out cars too soon you could end up paying more costs overall than you’ll save on fuel.  Consumer Reports claims that it is beneficial to downsize if you time it correctly.

A Consumer Reports study shows that if you haven’t paid off your car loan yet, it may not be to your benefit to downsize after only three years.  A car loan is made up of a large percentage of interest initially, so, if you trade in your vehicle too early you will end up with less equity, which will give you less for a down payment on a new vehicle.

Another thing that has a big affect on your car equity is depreciation.  For the first five year of owning a car, depreciation is approximately 48% of overall vehicle costs for the owner.  And on average, fuel costs are only equal to around 21%.  Depreciation is the greatest in the first three years, and after that it starts to level off.

So if you trade in a car three years old, you will start over with a whole other depreciation ride.  However, it makes sense to trade in your vehicle if you have owned it for more than four years.  But, whenever you keep a vehicle for a long amount of time you should purchase used car warranties for peace of mind.

It’s apparent that hybrids are the wave of the future. With fuel prices at more than $4 a gallon and oil costs at around $100 a barrel, we need to find ways to save on gas costs. Also, the concern with air quality and global warming makes it a good time to take the plunge. But many people get confused about what hybrid to purchase. Consider these factors.

First of all, what size vehicle is best for you? If you require a lot of cargo space and want an SUV there are many current options. Just realize that even the SUVs with the best fuel-economy aren’t as fuel-efficient as sedans powered by gas.

Also, think about style. Some consumers hate the look of the Toyota Prius, while others rave about it. However, if a conventional car is more your style you might like the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, or Ford Escape.

It is time for our country to stop relying on fossil fuels, and hybrids are a good start. The type of hybrid you choose is up to you, so do your research and determine which one will suit you the best. Also, research new car warranties so that you are protected from unnecessary repair expenses. Hybrids offer advanced technology, but they still break down like any other car.

It is important to consider reliability and safety when purchasing a car for a teenage driver because teens don’t have a lot of experience.  Look for cars that score high in crash-test results and safety features.  Also, make sure you have a good auto warranty for the car you purchase because teens tend to be hard on vehicles.

In crash tests, big heavy vehicles typically perform the best, although they are harder to handle and have poor fuel-efficiency.  Large pickup trucks and SUVs aren’t recommended for teens, though, because they roll over easier than other cars in an accident.

A mid-size sedan with good crash test and safety ratings is the best bet for teenagers.  Some of the sedans with these features include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Acura RSX, Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza.

The best thing that you can do when purchasing a vehicle for your teen is to find the newest possible model that is very reliable.  Take a look at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to find out the crash test results for cars that you’re interested in.  And, to protect your wallet purchase used car warranties.

The Mini SUV that has been the object of many rumors is finally here.  Being called the Mini Crossover Concept, this vehicle, which is a 4×4, is the largest Mini to date, which measures more than 156 inches in length.  That is just a little longer than the Mini Cooper Clubman, but is still shorter than the Honda Civic sedan by 20 inches.

Probably the biggest news is that the Crossover concept will be equipped with four-wheel drive, which is a first for Mini, and will be a huge selling point for Snow Belt drivers.  The concept will likely have a standard bench in the rear instead of single seats, and a 3-D touch display.  It is expected to be in the auto show circuit in 2009.

Powertrains have not yet been announced, but because it’s only slightly bigger than the typical Clubman, it will probably have the same peppy engines seen in the Cooper lineup.  The concept is not going to use the Cooper name, though; it will just be called the Mini Crossover Concept.  Prices on this vehicle have not yet been announced, but if it follows suit with the other Minis, it will be reasonably priced and come with large new car warranties.

There is a new website that Tribal has launched that allows car shoppers to experience a true life like shopping experience from the comfort of their own homes. Now, at Volkswagen.co.uk people can virtually walk around a new vehicle and sit in it. Tribal created this website because shopping for cars can be confusing.

Research shows that car shoppers do the majority of their car research on the Internet, which cuts showroom visits in half. In response to this, VW decided to give car shoppers a virtual experience that they could experience without leaving the house.

In the site you will find a sophisticated car configurator in which there are 3D models of the VW range. Visitors can change different options in order to alter the vehicle’s appearance. Basically, people can create the car that they choose to have.

In the near future people can go to the site and book test-drives through different retailers. They will also have the ability to see what models are available at different retailers.

VW has listened to customers needs and designed a website that allows people to shop from their own homes. It is also convenient that people can shop for new car warranties and insurance by searching various websites. By doing comparisons, people can rest assured that they got the best deal on a car, an auto warranty and insurance.

If you’re looking for an entry-level car, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is the way to go.  This car is inexpensive, small, and offers minimal accommodations and features.  And, with a starting MSRP of approximately $11,000 including new car warranties, the Aveo is an option for young drivers and bargain shoppers who want a passable new vehicle at an affordable price.

For this month only the Aveo is even cheaper, if you can believe it.  Chevrolet is advertising a national incentive of $2,000 on the vehicle, which is a 17.5% discount from the original price of the car.  That brings down the sticker price for either the sedan or the Aveo5, which is a hatchback, to under $10,000.  With such a large discount, it doesn’t seem so daunting to add satellite radio.

Everybody is looking for a bargain these days because of the poor economy and high gas prices.  Many people opt to hold onto their current car longer and buy used car warranties, but with a price of under $10,000, the Chevrolet Aveo has opened up more options.

Ah, we all love the smell of a new car.  It’s a wonderful intoxicant for many, luring them back to that same car dealership as soon as it fades.

However, if you can survive without the strong fragrance during your commute in the morning you’re in luck.  Choosing a good used car can be fun, reliable, and save you tons of money.  Take a look at the reasons you should buy used.

Cars are now being made so that they are more reliable than ever.  You can consult Consumer Reports’ list of the best used car to find a great choice.

When you buy a used car you are avoiding the depreciation hit.  In the first two to three years of a car’s life its value declines drastically.  Buy a car that’s two years old and you will save money while still having that new car smell.

Also, you can get more car for your money.  For instance, if you have been wanting that BMW for the price of a Honda, this is your chance.

Now there are dealer “certification” programs.  In this case the dealer inspects, repairs, and certifies used vehicles and they come with an auto warranty.  This brings peace of mind to a car shopper.

Just remember, if you’re thinking of buying a used car that’s not certified make sure to do a CARFAX check on its VIN and purchase used car warranties to go along with it.