As part of its “new day” celebration last February, Chrysler introduced a very unique promotion for its minivans: Purchase a minivan, and receive a free DVD player for the rear seat. Since the promotion, it’s difficult to argue that Chrysler has experienced something that resembles the optimism that a new day brings, yet that hasn’t stopped the carmaker from bringing back the same DVD offer this month.

When consumers buy a Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Jeep Commander they will get a free DVD entertainment package for the rear seat. In minivans, screens are included for the second row, as well as the third row. This deal applies nationwide and are in addition to other great deals, such as financing incentives, great new car warranties, and cash-back incentives.

Chrysler is hoping to spark consumer interest by putting forth red-hot deals. Unfortunately, many motorists are opting to hang onto their current cars and purchase used car warranties to protect their wallets.

We’ve all been there.  You’re driving along when all of a sudden you hear sirens blaring behind you.  You realize that you are going to get a speeding ticket and you really don’t have the extra funds to pay for it.  With all of the expenses you’re already paying for your vehicle, such as used car warranties, maintenance, and loans, the last thing you need is the added cost of a speeding ticket.  Well, never fear because the Trapster just may save you.

Pete Tenereillo of California invented trapster.  Essentially, this is a social network where motorists can use their cell phones to alert other drivers about speed traps that they have encountered.

All you have to do is sign up for a free membership at the website and then download the Trapster software on your cell phone.  Most of the latest cell phones, PDAs and Blackberries can accommodate this software.

After signing up, you’re ready to get out and start driving.  If you come across a state trooper looking for speeders you hit “pound 1” on your cell phone.  This alerts other motorists when they approach the same spot.

This system is ideal because it’s “hands free”, which means it’s safe for drivers.  Also, sophisticated cell phones can allow a map to be displayed where the speed trap is.

New legislation was announced today by Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. This legislation is intended to stimulate the sales of new cars by allowing buyers of new cars to deduct auto loan interest and any excise or sales fees from the buyers’ income tax. This plan would cover the sales of all new trucks and cars from now until Dec. 31, 2009.

The senator claims that a family would be able to save $1,553 on a vehicle that is $25,000 under this plan. This deduction would just be for families that make less than $250,000 and individuals that make up to $125,000.

While most new-vehicle buyers would probably welcome the idea, it might not be a big enough incentive given the poor economy. Of course, when you look at all of the other fantastic incentives that have been offered lately, it may just be the best market for buyers in recent history.

Of course, many people will choose to stay home and hold onto their current cars and buy used car warranties instead. Unfortunately, consumers are reluctant to make any big purchases at this point.

GM is offering red tag sales on some 2008 and 2009 Cadillac, Saab, and Hummer models. Since these vehicles are pricey in nature, the percentages off might not seem as impressive as what you might see for a Chevrolet, however with the Red Tag prices, cash back, and impressive new car warranties, you will find some deals that are interesting.

For instance, the 2008 Escalade SUV in 2WD has an MSRP of $56,890, but you can get $10,183 off of that price. Also, the 2009 STS V-6 1SC was originally $55,325, but you can now get $5,719 off of that.

Hummer and Saab also have numerous deals. You can get a 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Sport sedan for $30,145 instead of $35,960 after the cash back and Red Tag Sale. Hummer deals are what would be expected- cash back and large rebates on models that are slow selling. However, one interesting outlier is the new 2009 H3T model, which you can get for $28,188 instead of $31,495.

You can visit GM’s website and type in your zip code to make sure these deals apply in the area where you live.

Imagine one day waking up to find that the only cars 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 time, 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.

Honda is known for its safety, and is trying to keep its reputation by developing an airbag that is new and improved.  The airbag will provide drivers with additional safety in the event of an accident.

The key components to Honda’s i-SRS airbag are a gas release control valve that allows the airbag to be deployed faster and makes an overall longer inflation period, and a spiraling seam within the design.  Honda claims that this protection is more effective for the driver in the case of severe impacts and increases safety in various types of accidents.

The new i-SRS airbag will first appear in the Life minicar, which is going to be released in November in Japan.  So far, it hasn’t been announced when the technology will make it to vehicles in the U.S.

Consumers are more concerned than ever with safety, which is one reason that Honda vehicles are so popular.  People are trying to protect themselves by purchasing safe vehicles with new car warranties that will provide them peace of mind.

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 to 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 deciding anything.  This will allow you to get the best deals.

Between the poor economy, and the increasing awareness about environmental dangers, gas-guzzlers and giant SUVs aren’t quite as chic.  Now, people are looking to small, economic cars instead. Luckily, there are more budget-priced car models to choose from than ever.  Some are terrific, while some are not.  Here are a few great choices.

The Honda Fit is a hatchback launched back in 2006.  It has superb handling, surprising power, and the quality associated with the Honda brand.  It comes in two trim levels, including the Fit Sport.  This car has a 1.5-liter engine with 100-hp, and is fuel-efficient.  However, the best part about the car is its price, starting at $13,950 including an auto warranty.

The Chevrolet Cobalt has a model for every budget: the LS, LT and Sport.  Also, shoppers can pick between the sedan and coupe.  The Cobalt engine is a 2.2-liter with 148-hp.  Also, the 2008 Cobalt has OnStar, XM satellite radio, and head curtain side impact air bags.  The price on this car ranges from $13,675-$18,875.

At $11,300-$13,675, the Toyota Yaris is available in a three-door hatchback or sedan.  This car is very hot in Europe and gaining popularity around the world.  It has a 1.5-liter 106-hp engine and offers excellent fuel-efficiency.

One thing is for sure; gas-guzzlers are a thing of the past.  Small, efficient cars are what people want today.  These cars offer great reliability, however, as with any car purchases it is important to have new car warranties to protect you.

Ford Motor Co. is getting on-board the popular small car and crossover markets with a Focus coupe that has been redesigned and the seven seat Flex.

Ford’s marketing manager claimed that fuel-efficiency is the main factor driving the market right now.  However, motorists won’t compromise functionality, and the Flex accomplishes fuel-efficiency and function.

The 2009 Ford Flex is all the rage.  It has the length of an SUV, while remaining low to the ground.  This vehicle gets 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.

The all-new Ford Focus has a sportier exterior.  The vehicle has wheels that are larger, with a spoiler and new designs in the front and rear.  Also, it gets 35 mpg on the highway and has impressive new car warranties.

Ford is getting on board the small car and crossover craze with the introduction of the all-new Focus and the Flex.  Consumers are protecting their wallets by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles and an auto warranty.

A couple of months ago Toyota made an announcement saying that it will manufacture a four-cylinder version of the Highlander crossover.  Today, Toyota published several specs about the newer model.  This Highlander has a 187-hp, 2.7-liter four cylinder that has 186 lbs of torque.  It also has a six-speed automatic transmission that is all new.  This engine and transmission is the same as the new Venza, and for good reason; the K-platform by Toyota underpins the Venza, Camry and Highlander, so using the new engine in these various models is a cost-effective thing to do.  In addition, it gets good gas mileage.

The fuel-economy numbers for the new Highlander are 20/27 mpg city/highway, which for a mid-size crossover is greater.  This new Highlander has a 2-mpg better rating than the V-6 version in the combined cycle.  This vehicle also blows away its competitors, such as the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, because those cars have power plants that are more powerful.  For now, the four-cylinder model will only have front-wheel drive.

Other information about the newest Highlander will be disclosed in the near future, such as its price tag, new car warranties and release date.