The LA Times reported an interesting story today where despite all the bailout money the US Taxpayers have given them, automakers don’t understand what we really want.
GM, Chrysler don’t get it – Los Angeles Times
After receiving billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded bailouts over the last few months, General Motors and Chrysler returned to Washington on Tuesday to shake their chrome-plated tin cups again.In addition to begging for billions more in bailout funds, the automakers presented the Treasury Department with plans for how they will repay — eventually — their taxpayer-funded bailouts and get back on their feet.
Americans need cars that go farther on a gallon of gasoline, pollute less and save money at the pump.
Even if we give them more money — and we will — automakers need to embrace the will of the people. If automakers meet California’s clean law to reduce polluting hydrocarbons, we will see more efficient automobiles that will withstand future gas price increases.
But this takes time. It takes many years to develop a test a new car. It’s something that is not done over night. America is to impatient to wait until 2015 for these cars. The question you have to ask, will American automakers still be around by then?
California motorists need to be aware of the new laws that are effective January 1, 2009, otherwise they may be headed for some serious traffic violations and fines.
SB 1557 requires that you mount your portable GPS on the lower 7″ square of the right side of the windshield or on the lower 5″ square of the left side of the windshield. Motorists may still mount the GPS on the dashboard as long as it doens’t block the view of the road or interfere with safety systems such as airbags.
SB 28 prohibts use of cell phone text messaging or emailing while driving.
Violation of either law can run hundreds of dollars especially for repeat offenses.
Former NASCAR employee Mauricia Grant and NASCAR settled out of court in a $225 million lawsuit for sexual harassment, racial discrimination and wrongful termination.
The settlement was reached during a mediation in New York on Dec. 3. Details will remain confidential per the agreement.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and lists twenty-three incidents of sexual harassment and thirty-four incidents of racial and gender discrimination.
Gumiyo has teamed with CARFAX to be the first to deliver vehicle reports to your cell phone. It’s as simple as texting GUMYO (48696) with a message including CARFAX and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
This gives the potential car buyer quick historical information if the car had major damage that was repaired. A quick text message would alleviate any potential questions when purchasing the car.
In celebration of GM’s 100th Anniversary as car company, GM is offering an Employee Discount to the public on most 2008 models and a select 2009 models.
The discount is available until September 2, 2009.
The GM Employee Discount can save the consumer several thousands of dollars as GM is trying to clear the 2008 models in a sluggish economy.
The last time GM offered an employee discount was in 2005 and was a success for the company and consumers alike.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an increase of 8 cents in the business related mileage rate deduction. The rate increase goes into effect July 1, 2008, and will increase from 50.8 to 58.8 cents per mile.
The IRS mileage rate increase is a welcome sign after a spike of more than 20% in gas prices this year.
When you use your automobile for business, the mileage incurred is legitimate business expense, the new rates will help offset the cost of higher gas prices. However, business owners may want to expensing their driving expenses instead of the IRS mileage reimbursement since they can usually write off more on their income tax.
The FCX Clarity hydrogen car is now available for lease from participating Honda dealers for Southern California residents who live in Santa Monica, Torrence or Irvine.
The FCX Clarity lease runs at$600 per month which includes maintenance and insurance costs. Honda is currently limiting the lease to residents who have access to fueling service areas.
The 270 mile range car runs off a hydrogen fuel cell and is refillable at designated filling stations provided by Honda. Honda has also partnered with Plug Power Inc. to develop a Home Energy Station which is small enough to fit in the home owners garage.
A123Systems announce six initial certified partnerships that are authorized to install and convert the hybrid Toyota Prius to an plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The conversion is expected to increase the gas mileage of the Prius to over 100 MPG for the first 30 – 40 mile commute.
The L5 module, designed for the the 2004 – 2008 Toyota Prius, provides approximately 5 kWh of power and takes only 4.5 hours to recharge. The A123Systems L5 module runs $9995 which includes installation and a 3 year warranty.
A former NASCAR employee filed a $225 million dollar sexual harassment, racial discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit against NASCAR today. Mauricia Grant, a thirity-two year old African American Woman, worked for NASCAR from January 2005 to October 2007.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and lists twenty-three incidents of sexual harassment and thirty-four incidents of racial and gender discrimination.
Ft. Worth, Texas – Dan Wheldon crashed today at the Texas Motor Speedway during a practice run. He injured his right ankle after rolling his car on the infield grass.
Wheldon, who teams with Chip Ganassi Racing, is expected to enter Saturday evening in the Indy Car Bombardier LearJet 550 race.