The fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent, which gets up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, was named the most dependable sub-compact car by J. D. Power and Associates in its 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2005 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 52,000 owners of new vehicles bought between November 2004 and April 2005.

GM has documented more than 400 hours of footage highlighting these risks and posted it on an interactive Web site (www.UsedCarAmbush.com). The video below includes general views of used car dealerships, a narrated package on these types of purchases and soundbites.

We at PreOwnedCar.com believe in value of good dealers - they can add immense value. Good dealers and sales people can save ones time, help narrow down best match for ones requirements (money or driving habit wise) and reduce the uncertainties in the overall process. They are ethical, upfront (do not post ads as regular users), respectful of your wishes and sometimes hard to find.

But when you have time to spare, some knowledgeable help and good common sense - money wise, there might be a better value in buying direct from a owner.

Which ever way you decide to go. We hope the clips on that site will give you some perspective on dealer vs. authorized dealer.

As always, please exercise caution when dealing on your own and do your homework.

Electric Vehicle (EV)

Nissan Denci Cube

Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development program on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.

The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Prototype

The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimizing system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimize and conserve energy utilization as well as improve fuel-efficiency.

The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.

ECO Pedal

Eco Pedal

ECO Pedal – a world first technology – designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelarator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behavior. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.

Nissan plans to commercialize the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%, depending on driving conditions.

Bridgestone

Brussels–More than 90% of motorists drive on under-inflated tires which can put their safety at risk. Checking tires condition and pressure, loading carefully the vehicle and using dedicated tires for caravans are some of the key holiday tips given by Bridgestone.

Under inflated tyres put safety at risk

We’ve heard it before, but few of us do it correctly: “Check your tyre pressure regularly, and especially before long journeys.” It is a fact that driving on incorrect pressure can be both dangerous and costly. The most common fault is under inflation because tyres loose air pressure naturally over time, like a balloon. If your tyre pressure is too low, you lose handling control and your tyres become less durable due to stress and heat build up. Low tyre pressure also costs you money: the wear life of a tyre is halved if pressure falls from 2.2 bars to 1.0 bar. Worse still, it adds an extra load on the environment. Low pressure increases your tyre’s rolling resistance on the road, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher emissions. It really does make sense to check your tyre pressure regularly.

Don’t forget your caravan tyres

If you’re towing a caravan this summer, pay special attention to the tyres. Caravan tyres are similar to car tyres, but are designed with higher load capacity and greater resistance to lateral forces to improve stability in the wind. These differences are key – don’t ever be tempted to fit car tyres on a caravan!Another difference with caravan tyres is that they are used less often; maybe only once a year. Tyre condition should therefore be checked very carefully before the vacation. Firstly, check that there is nothing that could cause vibration, such as stones lodged in the tread. Then check the pressure while the tyres are cool. And check for tread wear. Most owners don’t go to their dealer for a new set until the tread surface has dry cracks. This is already much too late. Even without any visible signs of wear, caravan tyres should be changed after 10 years on average. See your tyre dealer for more information.

Load it carefully

It’s fun loading a caravan for vacation – but don’t get carried away! Try not to take more baggage than you need, don’t overload the rear, and spread the load evenly across the caravan to reduce the risk of zig-zag and instability. Remember: driving an overloaded caravan is not only an offence, it can be very dangerous too. And always carry a spare; you never know when you might need it.

Bridgestone studies show much work to be done

Unfortunately, too many drivers still fail to check their tyres regularly. In conjunction with the FIA Foundation, Bridgestone has conducted more than 67,000 tyre inspections across Europe since 2005 as part of the global “Think Before You Drive” road safety campaign. The findings are alarming: more than 90% of motorists drive on under-inflated tyres and 40% have at least one tyre significantly below the recommended pressure. If you are driving your family on vacation this year, please make sure you check your tyre condition and pressure before leaving. For your safety, your wallet, and the environment. A lithium ion battery with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device with a maximum power output of 22 kW. The battery is charged by recovered braking energy (recuperation) or by the fuel cell. This increased functionality and efficiency does not impair the interior space of the vehicle. The battery system is installed in the trunk beneath the dual cargo floor available on the production Tiguan. The 700 bar hydrogen tank was integrated in the area beneath the floor in the rear bench seat and cargo area. It can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen (H2).

Basic operation of fuel cells

The key component of each individual fuel cell – a number of them are combined into a stack – is a proton-conducting membrane. It is located between each anode and cathode pair. Hydrogen flows on the anode side, and air flows into the cell on the cathode side. When many of these cells are combined in a stack, enough energy can be generated to drive a vehicle. In each cell, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water on the cathode side. The fuel cell thereby converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy in an oxidation, or “cold” combustion process. The generated “exhaust” is clean water vapor. The fuel cell is supplied fuel from the hydrogen tank and oxygen from the air by an external air inlet and outputs the electrical energy it generates – the power – via a converter and a downstream electrical system rectifier – to one or more electric motors. The Tiguan HyMotion is nearly silent when driven, and it is emissions-free.

Bridgestone Europe NV/SA

Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 17 subsidiary sales companies andother channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside
Europe, including to Japan.

Land Rover enters 2008 with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR2 models. The Range Rover for 2008 features door sill plates in a ribbed-metal design and a storage slot for the rear seat entertainment system’s remote control added to the rear seat center armrest. The high-performance SUV Range Rover Sport incorporates the Land Rover’s Terrain Response™ system with a Supercharged V8 engine and Dynamic Response technology, for improved agility. The recently unveiled LR2 features a 3.2-liter inline-six engine which provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds). The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover’s CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. The LR3 new features for 2008 include enhanced ‘Noble Finish’ accents, elevated standard trim and updated option-package content.

Following its recent announcement to shift its focus from trucks to cars, General Motors (GM) has received positive news regarding its 2008 Chevy Malibu. The car was recently ranked number one in the midsize car segment according to the J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study. The rankings were based on feedback from more than 81,500 consumers who bought or leased new 2008 vehicles during a 90-day period.

The MiTo is the first car to be built since the 8C Competizione and will be Alfa Romeo’s most compact sports car with dimensions of just 4.06 meters long, 1.44 meters high and 1.72 meters wide. The car will have special features available as standard such as the Alfa D.N.A. system, suspension with coilover springs, Q2 Electronic, DST as well as 7 airbags.
The name MiTo has great evocative resonance for Alfa Romeo for it was chosen to mark the deep-seated link between the past and future of the brand: between Milan, the city of design that brought to the car’s style into being, and Turin, which will be responsible for its industrial production, a decision that highlights the brand’s strong desire to consolidate its Milanese roots. The Alfa Romeo MiTo is due to be launched gradually from July in all major markets.