Volkswagen has announced a plan to manufacture 20 new models within the next three years.  This plan is part of an international effort to enlarge deliveries yearly by eight million vehicles by 2011.

Volkswagen is going to put out vehicles in all of the different categories, but they will emphasize an increase in market share in the SUV, pickup and van divisions.  The portfolio expansion will go with a yearly production increase of 10%.

Volkswagen’s plan focus is not only on the amount of vehicles produced, but also on improving the vehicles’ environmental criteria to reduce the dependency on gas and oil.  To achieve this, Volkswagen is going to optimize its TDI and TSI engine, using a shift gearbox.  Also, it is researching hybrids, fuel cells and plug-in electric vehicles.

Motorists are demanding more environmentally friendly vehicles because of high taxes and increasing oil prices.  Also, drivers are searching for peace of mind, which they get by purchasing a dependable car and an auto warranty.  Volkswagen is taking action after listening to consumers’ needs.

Nowadays, most people require a vehicle to get around, however, not everyone can afford to purchase a new car. A great option for people in this instance is to buy a used car, but it can be difficult for people to arrange for funds. Used car auto loans can help people with this problem.

The great thing about these loans is that they are available to everyone, regardless of your credit score. However, if you need a loan for a larger amount you will have to get a secured loan where you offer collateral. If you only require a small amount of funding, it is sufficient to get an unsecured auto loan.

To find loans for used cars it is beneficial to look online, where you can compare rates from thousands of lenders. Also, by purchasing a loan online, the approval is accelerated and only a few days are required to drag the necessary funds into your own bank account.

Used car auto loans offer many benefits. People with poor credit aren’t discriminated against, it is an easy and fast procedure, and you are able to choose any model or make. In addition, after researching an auto loan online, you can compare auto warranty rates.

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.

Recent tests show that pickup trucks aren’t as safe as people originally thought.  For instance, the Nissan Navara received just one out of five stars for adult safety.  In fact, the Navara has a life-threatening risk of injury.  In addition, the Navara only received three out of five stars for child protection, and two for pedestrian.

The Isuzu Rodeo has also been faced with lots of criticism because it only received two out of five stars for adult protection.  The Rodeo has also received an unacceptable rating for life threatening injuries.  This vehicle got one star for pedestrian protection and two for protection of children.

However, Isuzu says that they did internal testing of the Rodeo and it got three stars.  Also, it had a great record with real accidents.

Also low scoring in the safety category is the Mitsubishi L200.  Although this pickup got four stars for adult protection, it only received three stars for child protection and one for pedestrian protection.

Pickup truck manufacturers have recently been adding attractive options for families, yet according to safety ratings pickups aren’t the best choice for families.  However, pickup truck owners should make sure they have a good auto warranty, since you never know when you will have to pay for repairs.

Buying a pre-owned car is a good way to get a good car for less money.  However, when most people go car shopping they inspect the outside thoroughly, but forget to inspect the interior.  Here are some things to look for.

Notice the smell of the interior.  If you detect mold, must or mildew, there is a chance that the vehicle has water leaks.  Make sure to look under the floor mats for wet spots.  Also, it is easy to detect the smell of smoke, which probably means that the previous car owner was a smoker.  Just be aware that it can be virtually impossible to eliminate car odors, so if there is a bad smell, look at other cars to purchase.

Sit in every seat, including the back, even if you don’t plan to ever ride in the back.  Also, make sure seat adjustments are working as intended.  And know that if a car is advertised as having low mileage, the upholstery should still look good.

The pedals will give you an indication of true mileage.  If the pedals are worn it means the car has high mileage.

Do your homework when buying a used car.  Research costs, such as maintenance, an auto warranty, and auto insurance to ensure that you are making a good car choice.  And make sure to have the vehicle inspected before you purchase it.

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.

Small SUVs are good for transporting people during the weekdays and bouncing around the country on the weekends.  The 2009 Subaru Forester performs this task well with its new DC3 chassis, AWD system, and double wishbone rear suspension.

Although the first generation of the Forester was a station wagon, the third generation is fully SUV.  This is a five-door hatchback that has been restyled to look like a truck.  This car comes in five various trims; 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X L.L. Bean, 2.5XT, and also the 2.5XT Limited.

The interior of the Forester is impressive.  It has comfortable seats, clean lines, and a trendy appeal.  Also, this vehicle has superb visibility, which makes it a secure, safe drive.  In addition, the Forester has tucked inner-fender wells, which enhances the cargo space.

The 2009 Forester serves as a well-rounded vehicle good for weekend play and everyday use.  The base price begins at $19,995 and you can get the XT Limited for $28,195.  The wide price range allows a model for every different kind of consumer, complete with an auto warranty.

If you’re considering buying a new vehicle you need to think about safety features.  Things such as crash test results, electronic stability control, and rollover resistance are all things that are important in keeping you safe in your vehicle.

In order to give vehicles a safety rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs side impact and frontal crashes on cars.  Considering these results is important when it comes time to buy a new car.

Vehicles that are taller, such as SUVs and pickup trucks have a greater tendency to rollover since they have a high center of gravity.  You can find out a car’s inclination to rollover by looking at NHTSA five star ratings.

Electronic stability control is a safety feature that is extremely beneficial and highly recommended.  This feature allows you to maintain control of your car when you’re cornering.  You can avoid skidding and sliding with electronic stability control because brakes are automatically applied to the wheels that could use it.

Motorists are more concerned about safety than ever before.  Also, drivers are trying to protect their wallets by purchasing an auto warranty and buying fuel-efficient vehicles.

BMW already uses a start-stop engine for their non-hybrid European 1 and 3 Series, but Mazda is in the process of developing a version that is more efficient. Mazda’s system that has been independently developed is called Smart Idle Stop System. According to the company, this system will improve fuel-efficiency by around 10%.

The unique thing about Mazda’s system is how it restarts the powertrain. Engine restart is initiated by employing the direct-injection system to spurt gas and ignite it under the specific conditions needed to make a downward force on the pistons that is perfect, seamlessly restarting the engine. According to Mazda, drivers won’t feel any delay because it will only take 0.35 seconds to resume driving.

Mazda’s system appears to be a lot simpler than most other start-stop systems, which are commonly attached to hybrid systems. Also, it will cost and weigh less than GMs mild hybrid system. If Mazda combines this system with their new turbo, which is fuel-efficient, it could boost fuel-efficiency by about 40% in a few years, without any expensive hybrid technology.

Just remember, with any new car technology you should protect yourself by purchasing an auto warranty. After all, you want peace of mind that you won’t have to pay unnecessary repair costs.

Today’s drivers are realizing that cars are being made to withstand more. There are many vehicles on the road that prove to be reliable and durable. So, what cars are going to keep you on the road?

Honda cars are known for being reliable and safe and are always a sure thing. Also, they experience minimal problems and repairs. For example, the Honda Odyssey is ranked #1 in durability. Also ranking high on the list are the Honda Pilot, Civic, and Accord. Some small SUVs are known for being extremely durable. For example, the Volvo XC90 and Subaru Forester are two examples. But if you’re looking for luxury in addition to durability, the Audi A4 and Acura RDX will deliver.

The vehicles listed made the list due to performance, safety ratings, and lack of complaints. Anyone who is shopping for a new car would feel peace of mind in these cars. However, it is always a good idea to purchase an auto warranty to protect you.