Is Toyota Deliberately Delaying An Electric Car?

By David Nunez

For a reasonable number of years now, Toyotas Prius has been the chief hybrid vehicle in the auto industry and continues to stay unconquered in popularity and revenues in spite of the various competitive brands quite easily attainable. The trend in Europe, the US and a number of Asian countries like Japan and China has been increasingly shifting to absolutely electric brands and this industry has observed a colossal flood of financing from both the private sector and governments. But Toyota appears to be taking its own time while other car companies are plunging ahead with the inauguration of cars like the Chevrolets Volt and Nissans Leaf.

Toyota officially became the leading auto maker globally in early 2007, beating the US automobile giant General Motors, who had previously maintained the primary spot from the early nineteen thirties. A car that once portrayed the entrance of Japanese cars in the US has fared tremendously well in the current US Consumer Assistance Recycle and Save Act of 2009 or as more normally well-known, Cash for Clunkers. The assistance was granted to automobile buyers who were prepared to trade in pre-selected cars for new, more fuel effective, environmentally friendly automobiles. Toyota came out the leader with two of its models in the top three brands sold in this program, illustrating the car purchasers confidence in Toyota as a green auto maker.

The Prius has consistently been the embracement of Toyotas devotion to designing fuel-economical and environmentally friendly models. The name is suitably obtained from the Latin word denoting former and when it was brought in across the globe in 2001, the Prius promptly became a model of the latest generation of automobiles to come. Regular middle-income folks to Hollywood personalities obtained the car as an representation of their support to the cause of a safer world. However, it took near ten years after its development and first inauguration to earn profits from this landmark project.

In the present economic crisis, Toyota has had its decent share of misfortunes. In spite of ensuing deficit in the preceding couple of years, it has performed somewhat better compared to other auto companies. However, in tumultuous days like these, Toyota appears to have subscribed to a safe road to the new electric car technology and focus their attention primarily on the top performing models, trying to gain as much as manageable out of the tested and well-liked hybrid technology. Toyota has learned effectively from its countless years of achievements in the automobile business and though skeptics appear to worry that Toyota will lose the race when the technology ultimately becomes commercially sustainable, I genuinely doubt Toyota has much to be alarmed about.

The prime impediment in the commercial accomplishment of electric automobiles is the vast modification in infrastructure mandatory to support these cars. Electric cars can at present function seventy to seventy-five kilometers with no recharging, notably decreasing the travel distance. Additionally, there is no standard charging method in place, with several selections like plug in recharge and battery swap being worked upon. Experts project that it will take close to ten to fifteen years before an sufficient network is accessible for a large amount of these automobiles to be efficiently used for daily utilization.

The tale of the turtle and the rabbit would be a suitable analogy in this instance. In spite of Toyotas capacity to inaugurate an electric car in a fairly small period of time, it has decided to take the moderate course and make use of its top status with current technologies. After all slow and steady did win the contest, and the race has far from started. - 21396

About the Author:

Toyota has been appreciated for its focus on a cleaner planet.

What Made Hybrid Cars Such a Great Success?

By Danny Green

When car was first invented, nobody had ever thought about the environmental impact it would make; or about its fuel-effectiveness. But, it is impossible to live with this ignorant notion anymore. The world today is a much different place than it was in the 18th century, when the making of the very first car in the history underwent.

The process of evolution of cars is very fascinating, and advancement in technology has brought great changes in auto industry. When the first car was invented, it was a steam based vehicle. The major developments in auto industry were made when the steam engine was replaced with electric motors. The cars which use the combination of different engines are known as hybrid cars and the first hybrid cars is the German Porsche. Porsche had an internal combustion engine for spinning a generator. As a result of internal combustion, the power was provided to the electric motors placed in the hubs of the wheel. It was designed to travel up to 40 miles with battery alone.

The invention of Porsche hybrid car led to the developments of the hybrid cars of today that primarily depend on two types of engines for propulsion power including, gasoline/diesel and electrical engines.

The cars which are solely based on gasoline, diesel or electric motors have few drawbacks. The major concern caused by the other cars is the environmental vulnerability. The maximum power per pound is provided by fossil fuels; however, since their reserves are few and the prices shoot up quickly, therefore, they are not used for energy production purpose. The hybrid cars are advantageous over the other cars because they are environmental friendly and do not produce pollutants as by-products. Another drawback of using hybrid cars is that it takes a lot of time to recharge; however, its environmental friendliness overcome this shortcoming.

Hybrid car has appeared as a successful car because it offers the combinations of benefits provided by gasoline and electric engines. Moreover, hybrid cars are also more cost effective and their performance is also outstanding. A typical hybrid car has the following major components:

? A fuel tank installed for placing the gasoline engine ? Small and efficient gasoline engine ? Transmission engine for turning the wheels ? Electric motor and generator ? Set of batteries which perform as a fuel tank of electric engine

Hybrid cars are available in parallel and series versions. The parallel version of hybrid car can use the gasoline engine or electric motors for transmission. The series version of hybrid cars only uses the electric motors which produce transmission to the wheels. The purpose of gasoline engine is to charge the batteries of the electric motors.

Hybrid cars feature efficient engines; small sized, regenerative breaking that makes the electric engine to act as generator; fuel-efficiency; advanced aerodynamics that lowers the drag co-efficient and light weight materials that reduces the weight of the car. The fuel efficiency of the car is brought by periodic engine shut-off. Today, hybrid cars are also entitled as green cars as they are environmental friendly. The advanced technology installed in these cars is incomparable. Therefore, hybrid cars are highly-designed and really competent. - 21396

About the Author:

Danny Green is a car specialist. Discover more about Lexus Hybrid Cars, Visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive at http://www.lexus.co.uk.

Cheap Vehicle Insurance Rate -- Things That Make It Easier To Attract

By Chimezirim Gabriel Odimba

You can save massively if you understand how to shop for the best quotes (This write-up will teach you how). But while that is very important, there are many other factors you have to take into consideration if you intend to get the best rates. We'll discuss a number of them...

1. Never leave your car unlocked and running while you dash in to get something. The only easier thing for a thief would be if you handed over your keys as a gift. Car thieves are known to go for easy targets. It certainly doesn't get easier for a thief than an unlocked car with a running engine.

Cheap Auto Insurance

2. A good alternative for you is to use your parents' car insurance policy. The fact that you're of driving age means that your parents are of a lower risk age bracket.

To take advantage of this though, you'll have to live with your parents and also have the vehicle registered in their name. If you do not like the idea of handing the car's ownership to them and other stuff that may come with it, then you'll have to forget this option.

3. Drive carefully if you're truly serious about getting lower auto insurance rates. Please, make sure you make it a personal principle not to drive if you so much as sip any alcoholic beverage.

Traffic offences that are related to having more than the allowed level of alcohol in your system invariably make you attract unbearable rates. While alcohol-related traffic offences have very immediate and grave repercussions, speeding tickets will as well affect your rates negatively if they become frequent. You'll be helping yourself by obeying all traffic laws at all times.

4. You are certainly spending too much if you have collision and comprehensive coverage for an old car that's not a classic. This is because you're paid compensation based on what is known as the Kelly Blue Book value of your vehicle at the time you make a claim. So even if you have paid your premiums diligently for years but the Kelly Blue Book value says your vehicle is worth nothing, you'll get nothing from the insurer and they'll be fully on the good side of the law.

So, stop frittering away your money. Once your vehicle becomes old, discontinue collision and comprehensive coverage on it. You'll be saving much that way.

5. Opting for higher deductibles is a standard step to get cheaper rates. The best approach is to choose the highest deductible that you can provide with relative ease.

Just remember that this is the amount you would have to pay for by yourself if you make a claim. - 21396

About the Author:

Get more tips at Discount Auto Insurance and Cheap California Auto Insurance. Chimezirim Odimba writes on insurance.

The Luxury Convertibles

By Danny Green

Automobiles are a part of our lives and have become a necessity. There is a large variety of automobiles available in the market, and one of the categories is luxury convertibles. Convertibles have become a successful alternative to other models and have gained popularity in recent times.

These cars come with the most recent and latest equipments. They have a beautiful outlook and a promising driving experience of life ever. These cars are a part of nearly all the car manufacturing brands. A wide range of these cars has won a lot of awards.

BMW is a unique name in the world of luxury convertibles. The most recent model is BMW Z4 and it has been drawing the attention of its consumers since its arrival in the world market. The retractable roof and the terrain options greatly distinguish it from the other models. Moreover, it is quite spacious than the rest of the models.

On the other hand, the Porsche Boxster is another award winning popular model of the luxury convertible cars. Moreover, the 2009 model is an amalgamation of elegance and style. It is a steadfast model as it consists of not only good sporty performance but also has other features necessary for the safety of the holders. On the other hand, the space for carrying luggage is far more than the earlier models.

Another name that has to be mentioned in convertibles is Lexus. The new 2009 Lexus GS is ranked as one of the top luxury cars of the world, and gives tough competition to other top brands such as BMW. The latest GS 460 has latest 8 speed automatic transmission which allows it to deliver superior performance and fuel efficiency. The combination of mechanical and electronic engineering gives the car excellent handling and safety. The car has quality safety features such as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM), Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) and Pre-Collision System (PCS). Lexus has also launched a hybrid version of the GS for those who prefer environment friendly cars.

Any list of luxury convertibles would be incomplete without the Mercedes Benz SLK. The new 2009 model has a sleek exterior design and sporty dynamics. It is also quite easy to handle on the road. It comes with a 3000 horse power engine and a redesigned exterior which has caught attention by everyone.

The most expensive luxury convertible is the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster. It has a stellar road performance and amazing engine which distinguishes it from the rest of the models. On the other hand, the latest Saab 9-3 has won several awards due to its great outlook. Although the latest model has a resembling appearance as that of Saab 9-3, the engine quality and the terrain power is greatly improved.

There is a huge list of luxury convertibles but the most prominent models have been mentioned here. All the models are superb, and do not compromise on their performance. - 21396

About the Author:

Danny Green is a car specialist. For more information about Luxury Convertible cars and book a free test drive now. For more information visit the Lexus website at http://www.lexus.co.uk.

Student Vehicle Insurance: Fantastic Information On Finding The Best Price

By Brenda Carly

Discovering insurance for your automotive can be a frustrating thing at the best of times. Searching for affordable student car insurance is no exception to this. There are some things that people should know when the time comes that they require this form of insurance.

The main reason for student car insurance being so high is because they are so young an inexperienced when it comes to driving. Lots of insurance companies agree with statistics that show that this greatly boosts the risk of them being concerned in car accidents.

There are a few companies that can be found that provide student auto insurance that is satisfactory. Looking around and getting an idea of the options is the smartest thing that a student can do.

Discounts for students that are able to demonstrate that they maintain a good academic record are obtainable from some companies. It shows the company that you are more mature and responsible when it comes to things of importance.

It's very important to keep in mind when it comes to student automobile insurance is the kind of car that you will be driving. A normal everyday sort of auto will cost a lot less to insure than a sports car or other high-priced vehicle. Sports cars lead insurance companies to consider you as a risk taker, therefore making those premiums skyrocket.

An extra thought that might help you locate reasonably priced student automotive insurance is to ask your parents to insure you under the coverage that they have. Leaving a vehicle in your parents name and getting insurance in this way is maybe the cheapest method to take when it comes to student automotive insurance and the prices that people pay for it.

When it comes to searching for insurance, understand what legal requirements are crucial where you live. This is something that changes depending on the state so make sure that you have accurate info. You only in reality require what the law says to be legal. There are companies around that seek to scam individuals into getting more than they need. Don't let this be you!

The world wide web can be one of the ultimate ways to get a student car insurance quote. Take some time and get a few of them first, then make a decision after you have compared them. - 21396

About the Author:

At Bennington Motorcar you can read about topics such as what is the cost of motorcar insurance? and really cheap auto insurance for a week.