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How to Find a Car’s Fuel Economy Information

August 16th, 2010 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Autos Express

Online data reveals much

These days, fuel economy is an important consideration when buying a new or used car given that higher gas prices are here to stay. In coming years, with fuel expected to sell at even higher rates, knowing the fuel economy of a vehicle is as important as the condition that it is in.

For new cars, gas mileage figures are easy to find, information found in ads, manufacturer literature and displayed on the sticker fixed to the driver’s side window. For older cars those details are not readily known, but with a little research you can find estimated fuel mileage dating back five, fifteen even twenty-five years or more.

History
Since cars were first mass produced, fuel mileage has been measured. The Ford Model T, introduced in 1908, was estimated to get 25 miles to the gallon (1). That number isn’t far off of what most cars get today.

Data

The Environmental Protection Agency records fuel economy numbers for vehicles sold in the United States with a gross vehicle weight rate of 8,500 pounds or less. That means most passenger vehicles with the exception of certain heavy duty trucks, full-size  vans and large sport-utility vehicles are tested.

The largest vehicles usually include diesel engines. Figure that gas mileage is 30 to 35 percent better than a comparably sized gas engine. (2)

Review

Data for applicable passenger vehicles can be found online at FuelEconomy.gov.  On the navigation bar choose “Find and Compare Cars” and then click on model year for the vehicle you are interested in reviewing.  Select the brand and then the model name to find the results. Several sub-models will be shown; choose the model matching your vehicle.

For older vehicles, fuel economy information is archived. You can still pull up information dating back to the late-1970s when the EPA began recording this data by entering site:fueleconomy.gov 1978 or a later year to find that information. Expect to sift through pages of old data to get a fairly good estimate of your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Worth Noting

In recent years, the EPA has revised past fuel economy figures downward to align with more realistic estimates of passenger vehicle mileage. Those numbers are even lower than the original figures posted.

References

(1) MacKenzie, Angus. “The 25 MPG Model T: Why haven’t we done better? Read more: http://blogs.motortrend.com/6237208/editorial/the-25-mpg-model-t-why-havent-we-done-better/index.html#ixzz0wVg3foNR.” Motor Trend. N.p., 04/04/2008. Web. 13 Aug 2010. <http://blogs.motortrend.com/6237208/editorial/the-25-mpg-model-t-why-havent-we-done-better/index.html>.

(2) “Diesel Vehicles.” FuelEconomy.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 13 Aug 2010. <http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/di_diesels.shtml>.


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Tire Manufacturers: Sifting Through Numerous Brands

August 6th, 2010 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Autos Express

Who owns what in the tire industry

If you own your vehicle long enough you will be replacing tires, perhaps two or even four at a time. Tire engineering has changed over the years with longer tread life, low roll resistance and even run flat technology available. What has also changed are the tires available as a number of familiar names and new manufacturers are vying to ply their wares to the consumer.

Eventually, your tires will need to be scrapped.

In recent years, consolidation has taken place in the rubber industry with global brands buying up American manufacturers and Asian tire makers flexing their muscles.

Let’s take a look at some of the industry’s names and their relationship to other brands:

Bridgestone — The Japanese tire giant has owned Firestone for many years and also produces Dayton and Fuzion tires. Bridgestone and Firestone are common original equipment tires used by many car manufacturers.

Continental — Based in Germany, Continental and General are the two tire brands sold by this tire manufacturer. Continental tires are often found on Porsche, Mercedes and Audi models. General tires are for light duty truck use.

Cooper — Based in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tires is a big supplier of aftermarket tires under the Cooper, Avon, Starfire and Mastercraft labels. Cooper tires are popular replacement tires on light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles. The other brands are private label and usually found through private dealers.

Goodyear — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is the largest of the American based tire manufacturers and third in global sales behind Michelin and Bridgestone. Popular OE tires for numerous manufacturers, Goodyear also produces commercial truck, recreational vehicle, off-road, aviation and racing tires and owns Kelley-Springfield tires and has rights to the Dunlop brand name in North America.

Hankook — Based in South Korea, Hankook has been selling tires in the United States for the past two decades, first as an aftermarket supplier but eventually landing original equipment tire status with a number of models produced by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

Kumho — Another Korean make, Kumho is making a name for itself in the aftermarket sector, building passenger car, light duty truck, minivan and commercial truck tires. Considered a value brand amongst tire analysts.

Michelin Group — Besides producing Michelin brand tires, the French company now owns Uniroyal and BF Goodrich. Michelin holds the patent for radial tires and is a leader in low resistance tire technology.

Pirelli — The Milan, Italy based Pirelli is a leader in superbike tires and sole supplier for FIA’s World Rally Championship Racing event. Their tires are also OE for MINI Cooper, Saab, Ford, Fiat and numerous other makes.

Toyo — Formed after World War II came to an end, Toyo Tires was the first Japanese tire company to establish a presence in the United States, opening an American branch in 1965. Though not as well known as Bridgestone, Toyo Tires consistently rates at or near the top in tire dealer surveys conducted by Tire Review magazine year after year.

Yokohama — Japan-based Yokohama tires have earned the reputation as being a performance tire, developing tires for performance cars and competition. Yokohama also build SUV, minivan and winter tires.

Chinese Manufacturers

Millions of Chinese tires are sold in the United States each year too including GITI.  If you come across an unfamiliar tire brand, check closely on its country of origin.

References

Consumer Reports: Tire Brands

Safercar.gov: Passenger Vehicles, Tire Labeling


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“Real Car” Chevy Volt Pricing Announced

July 28th, 2010 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Autos Express

Chevrolet sings the body electric.

General Motors is not taking any chances with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt when its version of the electric car goes on sale later this year. The automaker is trumpeting the Volt as a “real car” even as they announced its really expensive sticker price: $41,000 before a $7,500 federal tax break kicks in. GM also will lease the Volt for $350 per month with $2500 down, with that tax credit offsetting the lease price.

Pricey Technology

2011 Chevrolet Volt Pricing Announced

So why is the Chevrolet Volt so expensive? That’s easy: it relies on lithium-ion technology and also features a backup 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine to extend its range. Critics pounced on the price, noting that it is $8,250 more than the upcoming pure electric Nissan Leaf, but that vehicle has a range of only 100 miles before it must be recharged.

GM’s “real car” marketing is designed to tell consumers that the Volt is a difference maker, a vehicle that won’t be limited by range. Indeed, after 350 miles of driving, the Volt can keep moving with a stop at any gas station along the way.

Ewanick Opines

“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.”

With its announcement, GM also has started to take orders for the vehicle. But there are some catches: the Volt will be introduced in select markets initially, meaning if you live outside of the California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. areas, you’ll have to wait until later in 2011 when the Volt goes national.

Volt Essentials

The Chevrolet Volt will run on pure electric power for the first 40 miles before the depleted battery pack gives way to the gas engine. When the battery pack runs low, the engine will extend the Volt’s range by about 300 miles on a full tank of gas. Regenerative braking and access to a home or on the road charging station will enable Volt owners to “rejuice” their vehicles.

For the first 4,400 buyers in eligible markets, the Department of Energy will offer free 240-V recharging stations for the home. Those stations will cut recharging time in half.

Chevy Cruze

Will customers go for the Volt? If not, they can choose the similar sized Chevrolet Cruze, a gas powered car that when properly equipped will get about 40 mpg on the highway and retail for half the price of the Volt.

Source: GM Corp.

Adv. — Shopping for a new car? Visit SayLending.com for deals on new car loans.


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Bestselling Mercedes Model Has Been Redesigned

July 27th, 2010 by Matthew C. Keegan | 2 Comments | Filed in Autos Express

Mercedes-Benz is not about to rest on its laurels. Its bread and butter E-Class series is all new for 2010, the ninth generation of a car line spanning more than six decades of service and over ten million models sold.

New Models

A sedan and coupe were the first designs introduced for 2010 with a cabriolet and wagon to follow this spring and summer respectively. Though placed between the smaller C-Class and the large S-Class, the
five-passenger E-Class sedan is considered a large car due to its generous interior.

New from stem to stern, the E-Class delivers a number of styling, safety, and luxury refinements while priced some nine percent less than the model it replaces. Already considered by some critics as the best car in its class, the changes made to the E-Class only enhances its resume.

Well Equipped

As before, three E-Class trim levels are available. The standard E350 features a 3.5L V6 paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, powered by its rear wheels and starting at just under $50,000. The rear driven E550 is powered by a 5.5L V8, is paired with a seven-speed transmission, and retails for about $8000 more. Both trim levels offer optional four wheel drive. At the pinnacle of the series is the E63 AMG, a hand built sedan featuring an explosive 510 horsepower V8 selling for about $100,000.

From the exterior, a sportier and more rounded fascia, angular body, redesigned trunk and wraparound taillights are among the changes of note.

Inside, the cabin is awash in high-tech electronic features including improved Bluetooth integration, iPod control, digital dual zone climate control, 14-way power seats with lumbar support and a rear seat entertainment system. Leather and burl wood trim are evident throughout.

Safety Features

Safety, long a hallmark of Volvo, is a strong suit for the Mercedes E-Class and includes a number of features not available by its Swedish competitor or anyone else for that matter.

Attention Assist is a comprehensive driver alert system designed to sense when you are drowsy by sending alerts through an acoustical signal and dashboard display to tell you to take a break. Brake Assist Plus is engineered to stop your car if you fail to do so, with lane departure warning, Blind Spot Assist, night view feature, adaptive shocks and an electronically controlled damping system also at work.

Segment Leader

Mercedes’ legendary battle with BMW for customers now includes new models from Lexus and more recently Audi which explains the changes the automaker made to stay competitive. This summer BlueTEC clean diesel technology will be made available, delivering plenty of power while returning nearly 40 miles to the gallon highway driving, offering yet another reason why this particular Mercedes is in a class all by itself.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

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