Category Archives: Automotive

Automotive

Consumers Are Holding onto Their Cars 14% Longer than They Did at the End of 2008

Leave a comment

American Auto Assurance Now Gives Better Customer Service through Blogging.

Owings Mills, MD, April 28, 2011 — According to a recent survey performed by Polk, the recognized expert for automotive intelligence, new car owners are now holding onto their vehicles for a record 63.9 months – 14% longer than they did at the end of 2008.

With most factory warranties lasting only 36 months, many car, truck and SUV owners are unprotected for over 2 years. And it is during this period of time that their vehicles will break down more frequently and the repairs will be more costly. Today, the average visit to the auto mechanic costs $1,200. A new transmission could cost $3,500 while a new engine could cost as much as $5,000.

What options do auto owners have for protecting themselves during this extended period of ownership?

Proper planning and preventative maintenance are critical to avoid surprise bills on a tight budget. American Auto Assurance, a provider of fully insured, extended vehicle service plans, launched a new blog to help car, truck and SUV owners with information about how they can best protect themselves and their vehicles from these costly surprise repairs.

In their blog posts, American Auto Assurance will discuss a variety of topics including:

* helpful information about extended vehicle service plans
* tips used car owners can do at home to help extend the life of their vehicle
* the difference between manufacturers’ auto warranties or extended auto warranties and extended vehicle service plans so consumers can make educated decisions about the right plan for their needs
* customer experience stories
* … and more

“We are committed to providing used auto owners with the best customer service through fully insured, extended service plans. Now, we’ve improved our commitment to them with blog posts of helpful preventative maintenance tips they can perform on their own to extend the life of their autos,” said Brett Hopwood, Sales Manager for American Auto Assurance.

Interested used auto owners can access the American Auto Assurance blog by going to: http://americanautoassurance.com/category/blog

For more information about American Auto Assurance and their AM Best A Rated extended vehicle service plans, email info@americanautoassurance.com or call toll free (888) 807-3531.

American Auto Assurance ( http://www.americanautoassurance.com ) is dedicated to protecting its customers from costly auto repairs after their factory warranties expire. American Auto Assurance provides AM Best’s A Rated, fully-insured, extended vehicle service plans with excellent customer service for coverage on autos, trucks and SUVs.

If you would like more information about this story or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Brett Hopwood by phone at (877) 740-2111 ext 7011 or via email at bhopwood@americanautoassurance.com.

Press & Media Contact:
Brett Hopwood
American Auto Assurance
25 Crossroads Drive, Suite 404
Owings Mills, MD 21117
(877) 740-2111 ext 7011
bhopwood@americanautoassurance.com
http://www.americanautoassurance.com

Automotive

Austrack Campers Tows Their Motorbike Camper Trailers Into US Market

Leave a comment

April 24, 2011 – Austrack Campers is an Australia based manufacturer of camper trailers and camping accessories. The company was recently brought under new ownership and in addition to adding new camping related products including rooftop tents and other accessories they are also working on a move into the US market.

While towing a camper trailer is extremely popular in Australia the US market is different with a heavier emphasis on RVs and camper shells. Austrack will not offer its regular line of car towed camper trailers and off road camper trailers at first due to this lower demand and also the higher cost of freight and import duties.

Instead, the company will focus on an underserved niche market in the US where they also have a successful product to offer- motorbike camper trailers. These are smaller versions of the full size camper trailers which can be towed by a motorcycle or a small car not normally capable of towing a full size trailer.

There are millions of motorcycle owners in the US and many of them enjoy camping and the outdoors but are forced to choose between their motorcycles or camping as there has been a limited selection of trailers for their specific market.

Austrack Campers has already established a beachhead in San Diego, CA and is working diligently to sign up dealers and establish a network of locations where consumers can check out their products. They are also in the beginning stages of building out a website and marketing plan.

According to the owner of Austrack Campers, Calvin Hasse, the company does well in Australia but even as they work on growing the company there he is always keeping an eye out for additional opportunities.

“Of course if you are going to expand you have to consider the States, given their huge population and level of discretionary spending,” he said. “Plus, we have contacts over there already so we are going to give it a go and see what happens.”

Austrack expects to have their first dealers signed up in time for the summer travel season and to be really gaining traction by the middle of 2012.

About Austrack Campers

Austrack Campers is a small, family owned business that designs, manufactures and sells camper trailers and related camping accessories to dealers and direct to consumers in Australia. They are located in the Hervey Bay area of Queensland. They can be reached by phone at 0741240775 or on the web at www.austrackcampers.com.au.

Contact Info:

Calvin Hasse
1/52 Boat Harbour Dr,
Pialba, Hervey Bay
4655 QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
Phone: 0741240775
austrackcampers@bigpond.com

Automotive, Financial

BE PREPARED FOR BANK HOLIDAY DRIVING SUGGESTS TIGER.CO.UK

Leave a comment

Many motoring organisations are predicting that this Easter and May Bank Holiday break will be one of the busiest on the roads for several years. According to reports an estimated 10 million* people are planning on getting in the car for planning days out and long weekends to make the most of the additional day off.

Along with this of course comes the increased possibility of breakdowns and accidents, which will undoubtedly be exacerbated by UK roads having been left with many potholes over the cold winter period. Drivers who intend to be out and about in their cars during this busy period should be vigilant behind the wheel and plan for journeys by taking a few simple precautions.

A spokesperson for popular car insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk said, ”Drivers should ensure they have run some basic vehicle checks prior to driving like checking water and oil levels and running tyre pressure checks. As a precaution it could be wise to have you car insurance details and breakdown membership number to hand. Hopefully you won’t need them, but it is good to be prepared”.

A report published in 2010 by the Institute of Advanced Motorists claimed that 45 per cent of rural road deaths and serious injuries occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays mostly when the weather is good and road conditions are normal. It isn’t just car drivers who are at risk either. With the weather warming up and evenings starting to get lighter motorbike riders start getting bikes out of the garage after a winter break.

Some top tips for travelling over the bank holiday weekend, courtesy of Tiger.co.uk:
1)Plan your route and make sure to listen out for travel announcements leading up to your journey
2)Always allow extra time for the trip particularly if travelling at peak times
3)Kit yourself out with food and drinks, and make sure you have oil and water to top up if necessary
4)Make sure you have enough fuel! Don’t get caught up in a busy motorway with low fuel levels. Remember if you slow down you use less fuel, driving safely pays!

*AA Traffic and travel predictions for Easter 2011.

About Tiger.co.uk

Tiger.co.uk is a trading name of Call Connection Ltd. Tiger.co.uk is a UK based, independent price comparison site, offering insurance quotes from over 130 motor insurance brands. Call Connection Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (number 308374).

Media Contact Information
Name: Jo Buck
Website: http://www.tiger.co.uk.com
Email: tiger@tiger.co.uk
Phone: 01473 418513
Address: Saxon House
Cromwell Square
City: Ipswich
County/State: Suffolk
Postcode/ZIP: ip11ts
Country: United Kingdom

Automotive

Custom Auto Trim Now Stocks New 2011 Ford Fusion Racer Body Kits

Leave a comment

April 16, 2011 – Since the release of the 2011 Ford Fusion there have been a number of  body kits for this car appearing on the market. This new racer body kit is a bit special though, and is destined to become a huge success. Many of us would like to add a bit more muscle to the look of our Fusion and this body kit is certainly going to be able to do this.

The racer body kit has been produced by Custom Auto Trim Body Kits. This company is a familiar name to those with an interest in body kits and other accessories. They have been the premier provider of this type of product for the last fourteen years. This is a company that has built their reputation on innovation and exciting products; this racer body kit is carrying on this tradition.

Since the Ford Fusion arrived on the scene it has revolutionized the car industry; in particular the world of sedan cars. This vehicle has received praise because of its great fuel economy, great passenger and luggage capacity, and power. There is no doubting the attractions of this vehicle but some owners would like their vehicle to be a bit more unique. This is why there is so much interest in accessories and body kits.

Mike Briglia heads Custom Auto Trim. He is in no doubt about the company’s ability to provide exactly what customers are looking for. His confidence appears to be warranted because already many are claiming that the latest products by CustomAutoTrim.Com are the best ever. These new additions are going to offer a lot more choice in regards to ground effects and body kits. The racer body kit is probably the star of the show, because this not only looks impressively athletic but also makes the car more aerodynamic. A racer body kit is going to make a car stand out from the common herd; it adds excitement and dynamism to the look of the vehicle.

The products of Custom Auto Trim have always won a lot of praise. Anyone who visits CustomAutoTrim.Com will have no trouble finding testimonials as to the excellence of these products. As well as their great reputation for providing body kits and other accessories for cars they also can provide the same for trucks.

Custom Auto Trim is an international provider of body kits and other vehicle accessories. Since 1997 the company has grown from strength to strength and not only sells directly to the individual but also to dealers and others in the industry. CustomAutoTrim.Com is the obvious chose for anyone who wants to make a vehicle look a bit special.

If you want more information about Custom Auto Trim and Graphics Inc. you can contact them at 4747 Morena Blvd., Suite 355, San Diego, CA 92117. 858-273-5700. http://www.customautotrim.com

Automotive, Financial

HOUSE OF COMMONS RELEASE COST OF MOTOR INSURANCE REPORT

Leave a comment

On April 18 2011 the House of Commons Transport Committee released a report on the cost of motor insurance ” a 128 page report documenting the increases in average quoted premiums for comprehensive car insurance over the last 12 months in the UK.

The report confirmed that the ‘shoparound’ average premium had increased by 39.3% during this period, despite a long term trend towards fewer casualties from road traffic accidents. It went on to explain that these rising costs create problems for UK drivers and thus cause policy problems for the government, who have to deal with uninsured drivers and increased incidence of fraud.

For honest car drivers the outcomes of the report should be favourable, as the Government has tasked the insurance industry with playing an active role in bringing premiums down through a crackdown on fraudulent claims and placing a cap or total ban on referral fees.

A spokesperson from the car insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk said, “The report is good news for motorists as it has thrown the spotlight on rising costs and challenged the industry to re-think some existing practices that may be inflating premiums. Tighter rules and regulations in these areas will be of benefit to all involved. Whilst this is good news, we would always recommend that drivers shop around to obtain the most affordable car insurance quotes. In the long term this government interest could help prices to stabilise”.

MPs have recommended that the Department for Transport look at international investigations into measures to reduce personal injury claims relating to motoring incidents. However, it is unlikely that this will be of immediate benefit to motorists who are having to cope with rising premiums as the paper is not due to be published until 2012.

About Tiger.co.uk

Tiger.co.uk is a trading name of Call Connection Ltd. Tiger.co.uk is a UK based, independent price comparison site, offering insurance quotes from over 130 motor insurance brands. Call Connection Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (number 308374).

Website: http://www.tiger.co.uk/insurance
Email: tiger@tiger.co.uk
Phone: 01473542479
Address: Saxon House
Cromwell Square
City: Ipswich
County/State: Suffolk
Postcode/ZIP: Ip1 1ts
Country: United Kingdom

Automotive, Financial

Get Affordable Insurance Policy for a Great Car Experience

Leave a comment

April 17, 2011 – To enjoy driving a car without many worries, Loaninsurancetips.com offers many insurance tips and information that individuals can use for their cars. This makes driving a wonderful and more exciting experience for many people. It saves a lot on cost in addition to getting the most suitable insurance cover for your situation.

For many people, driving is usually a daunting experience because of having a lot of worries while on the road because of not having the right insurance. http://www.loansinsurancetips.com/ comes in to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that individuals get affordable car insurance that suits their needs. The services offered by this company applies to both those that have been driving for a long time and new car owners that are planning to purchase their first car. With the different types of insurance policies that are available in the market, it is important for one to have the right guidelines and tips on how to settle for the most perfect one. All this and much more can be found easily in the company.

The company does not only offer insurance tips and covers but it also offers reliable loan insurance information to those who need a way to purchase their insurance. This usually comes as much help to individuals that do not have money at hand putting in mind the fact that they can pay back the loan little by little. The loans are available with affordable interests which make them easy to pay for. They are also offered according to the individual who needs a particular amount. This is a great way of those planning to purchase their first cars to get affordable insurance.

Loaninsurancetips.com also offers information about insurance agents that are very friendly and ready to assist in the best way possible. This is in relation to the insurance quotes and information needed in order for an individual to settle for the ideal car insurance. The agents are available every time and this makes it possible for clients to get the information and help they need at any given time of the day or night. In this company individuals can also be able to find a list of other insurance companies that are offering quality and affordable car insurance. This makes it perfect for people to compare between different companies and settle for the one they feel most comfortable with.

The services offered by this company are also of the highest standard with experts and professionals ready to take car owners every step of the way. With this in mind, settling for the most suitable loan insurance becomes easy since all the necessary information is provided free of charge.

About Loaninsurancetips.com
Loaninsurancetips.com is a free insurance knowledge and tips site that offers quality insurance tips that help individuals get the best of their car insurance covers. The company also offers services such as loan insurance, insurance agents and other valuable insurance information that help both long term car owners and new car owners as well. Please feel free to visit www.loansinsurancetips.com to benefit more from this amazing offer.

Contact
Author: Nyonk Seo
Address: Bogor, Indonesia
Postal Code: 16330
Phone: 6281902536511

Automotive

The Official Rent Direct UK Tips On Saving Fuel In A Rental Car

Leave a comment

If you’ve chosen to rent a car for a weekend away or for any other reason, then it’s always going to be a good idea to budget where you can, and one of the best ways of doing this is to try and spend as little on petrol as you can.  Most rental firms will expect you to return the car with the tank at least half full, and that’s why we here at Rent Direct – experts in Car Rental Rugby – are here to provide you with tips to help you keep the fuel consumption down.

Keep things streamlined.  One way to ensure you spend more on fuel than you need to is to overload the car.  Whether you’re taking the maximum number of people with you on every journey or stuffing every available space with suitcases, work out what the essentials are and make do with that.  The lighter the car, the more economical the fuel, so do your very best to ditch all those extras (and yes, we’re looking at the mother-in-law, too) and streamline both your cargo and your fuel.

Drive in a more efficient manner.  It’s a tricky habit to get the hang of, but there are a variety of different driving techniques that will save you fuel.  Learn to accelerate gradually, stick to the correct gear and slow naturally rather than through hard braking.  If you can get used to doing all of the above, you’ll be surprised as to how much money it’ll save you in the long run.  If you want proof, look at the Top Gear special where Jeremy Clarkson drove from London to Edinburgh and back on one tank of petrol, simply by following the above rules!

Shop around.  Just like anything else, it pays to take your time in finding the best value fuel in the local area and fortunately there are always going to be a wide variety of different potential fuel stops in any normal location, especially if it’s a town or bigger.  Simply log onto the web before you begin your journey, and you’ll be able to locate the best stations in the adjacent areas to you that will be able to offer you the cheapest fuel.

Ask.  As a leading supplier of Car Hire Rugby, we here at Rent Direct are always happy to offer our advice on the best way to deal with rental cars.

For more tips and hints on renting cars, visit Rent Direct – leaders in car hire rugby – now by clicking the link here, and find out just how easy it is to hire a car for your holiday. Visit: http://www.RentDirectuk.com

Rent Direct Ltd

Aspect House, Fengate

Cambs

Peterborough

PE1 5XG

UK

01733345345

Automotive

Secondary Market In Cars Heating Up Online

Leave a comment

[London, UK] – April 11, 2011 – As the economy in the United States and elsewhere continues the so called ‘jobless recovery’, people still have the same needs for reliable transportation that they have always had. In fact, for many, the ability to drive a working vehicle they can rely on is even more important than ever before because they have to be able to get to job interviews and have the freedom to travel to where they can shop and save money on the things they need. Without a reliable vehicle, this could be all but impossible to do, trapping people in situations that would be difficult to rise above. The recent offerings in the auto industry have not been affordable for many people and this had led them to consider what they can save by looking to used cars for sale as a way to find what they want for a lot less cash. That, combined with the fact that a vehicle on the secondary market maintains its value for a far longer period of time, means that this is an ideal way for may to seek out the type of car that can work best for their needs.

While drivers have long known about auto auction sites and papers that have classified ads with an auto section that includes used vehicles, many do not prefer this type of more ‘blinded’ shopping experience. Those who want more info up front seek out specialty sites that can provide them with more information on the kind of vehicle they want. Just Good Cars is one such site that actually serves an international market, providing opportunities for sellers to list cars for sale without hassle and high expense. This means that buyers can find a huge selection of all types of cars, even performing very detailed searches to locate precisely the type of car they are looking for. This puts the power into the hands of buyers and sellers so that they can both get the most from the online platform that the company offers via its web site. With advances like this helping to move things forward, all drivers are able to benefit as they are better able to get what they wanted at a price they can afford.

Both buyers and sellers can find out a great deal more about what Just Good Cars offers by visiting their official web site at http://www.justgoodcars.com/ where they can gain a lot of insight.

Contact Info:

Colin Mathieson, Commercial Director
+44 (0) 7500174503
colin.mathieson@justgoodcars.com
www.justgoodcars.com
Office 404, 4th Floor Albany House
324-326 Regent Street
London, W1B 3HH

Automotive

Today’s Secondary Car Market Seeing More Drivers Looking For Deals Online

Leave a comment

[London, UK] – April 11, 2011 – Consumers are by now well aware that the economy has shifted from where it was just a few short years ago. The days of heavy spending for many things, even necessities such as vehicles, has long past and today there are many people trying to find ways to reign in their expenses so that they can experience the kind of freedom they can get when they are able to find used cars for sale that can save them a great deal of money compared to what they would pay for a new vehicle. In addition to saving on the cost of the vehicle itself, many drivers are finding that the freedom from financing costs mean that they are able to get the car they want for a whole lot less money. By choosing used models, they can lower the price by a very large percentage and get the kind of value they want most when it comes to finding the best possible price for the exact vehicle they want to drive. One way that they are making sure they get the very best prices is to look at specialty sites online that go beyond the standard options most people know about.

Just Good Cars is one such site that does more than a typical classified ads site is able to. Vehicles found on this site are going to contain quite a bit more info in their ad and this helps drivers decide if they want to pursue that particular vehicle. In addition, there are a great deal more used cars offered this way which means that a wider array of choices are able to be considered, something most consumers definitely have a strong appreciation for. Since the cars found this way can also have a warranty, drivers report that they feel much more safe than they would shopping through a traditional classifieds site. With so many more choices and so much more information to be able to benefit from, consumers definitely find that this offers them a lot more than a classifieds type site could hope to, especially for those who have specific requirements that they want in their new vehicle. Tightly focused searches enable them to get exactly what they want for much less money.

Those who want to see the vehicles Just Good Cars can offer should check out http://www.justgoodcars.com/ where they can learn more.

Contact Info:

Colin Mathieson, Commercial Director
7500 174503
colin.mathieson@justgoodcars.com
www.justgoodcars.com
Office 404, 4th Floor Albany House
324-326 Regent Street
London, W1B 3HH

Automotive, Financial

CAR INSURANCE COSTS – OVER HERE AND THERE

Leave a comment

Motorists across the UK have been (or will soon be) hit with massive increases in the costs of their car insurance. Research unveiled last week by Tiger.co.uk, one of the UK’s most highly regarded car insurance comparison sites, estimated that prices in March 2011 were a staggering 36.3% higher than prices a year ago. It went on to estimate that increases across the whole of 2011 will continue to hit Britain’s increasingly hard-pressed drivers, with annual inflation for the year expected to run at about 20%.

Whilst we all look hard at the increasing cost of our own car insurance policies, a recent survey by US car insurance company insure.com provides some interesting insights into comparative costs for American drivers. These reveal that, at least when it comes to car insurance, we may be better off than our US cousins.

Their survey estimated that the average American motorist is now paying $1,561 (£970) for their car insurance policy. With the AA estimating that the average cost of a comprehensive policy in the UK was £843 in 2010, this means that drivers in the USA are paying on average 15% more for their policies.

Interestingly the report also highlights massive regional variations in the cost of insurance cover – from an eye watering $2,541 (£1,579) in Michigan to a comparatively bargain-basement $995 (£618) in Vermont. This comes as no surprise to British motorists who are well accustomed to the postcode lottery that dictates many insurance policy prices – a lottery that could leave a motorist in Bolton paying three times more than a similar motorist in Bournemouth.

But the reasons for the variance in US pricing are perhaps more surprising, being driven mainly by factors like weather extremes and individual state insurance laws. Michigan, for example, tops the price table because it is the only US state that guarantees unlimited personal injury payments by law, increasing costs for car insurance companies.

A spokesperson for Tiger.co.uk commented: “It’s interesting to see that US drivers appear to be paying even more for their car insurance policies than British drivers. And to discover that local state weather conditions and laws have such a massive impact on the regional pricing of those policies. But this type of comparison is of only limited interest to hard-pressed UK drivers who have been hit with massive increases in the cost of both fuel and insurance in the last 12 months. With this in mind it’s increasingly important for drivers to shop around when their policies are up for renewal in order to make sure they get cheap car insurance”.

And whilst insurance costs may be 15% higher in the US compared to prices over here, let’s not shed too many tears for our American friends – Stateside motorists are currently buying their petrol for less than 50p a litre, resulting in an annual saving of about £1,200 for a 10,000 mile-a-year driver.

Tiger.co.uk is a trading name of Call Connection Ltd. Tiger.co.uk is a UK based, independent price comparison site, offering insurance quotes from over 130 motor insurance brands. Call Connection Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (number 308374).

For More Info Visit : www.tiger.co.uk/insurance

tiger.co.uk
Saxon House
Ipswich,Suffolk
ip11ts,United Kingdom
Phone : 01473542479,
Email: tiger@tiger.co.uk