About American Cars

This is the time where the automotive industry is continuously seeking ways to remain competitive. If before increasing car sales through innovations and marketing strategies is the only thing that many carmakers concentrate on, now they are into more serious business strategies to remain afloat. Take for example the case of Chrysler.

According to Leftlane News, Chrysler has recently announced plans to convert its retail locations into stand-alone service centers to consolidate its dealership. Chrysler look at the idea with optimism saying the move is intended to keep its service at the highest level.

I find it strange that Chrysler has to resort to this kind of tactic if only to consolidate its dealership. Could it just be some kind of a cost-cutting effort? I wonder how the dealerships will react. Will they buy the idea or not?

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General Motors (GM) has started working on its Volt concept in an attempt to hit production lines in 2010. In fact, AutoWeek.com reports that GM will be starting testing the Volt propulsion systems this month.

GM is said to experiment on the lithium-ion-powered battery packs using Chevrolet Malibus. The technology called E-Flex will be taken to the road to monitor its performance.

I have high hopes for this one. I have always believed in the capacity of GM to produce outstanding cars. The fact that its hands are now working to put the Chevrolet Volt concept into reality shows that GM is serious about this vehicle concept.

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When we say used car, images of old, rusty vehicle instantly come to mind. That was then. Now, the term used car is hardly used. It has been replaced by CPO or certified pre-owned vehicles that refers to cars that have been used before by a legitimate owner.

The question whether to buy a new car or a CPO is a judgment call on our part. For one, buying a CPO means you’ll get to have a latest model that is about two to three years old at half the price of a brand new one. It certainly saves one a lot of money.

Second, the investment you put into a new car becomes all the more worthy when you put it into a used car. CPOs usually have good warranties and roadside assistance, among other perks. At the end of the day, it’s your preference that still matters.

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I have nothing against motor bikes. I just happen to know of friends who had friend who died from motorbike-related accidents. There’s really no denying that motorbikes are more accident-prone than cars. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not dissuading you to get a motorcycle, it’s just that why buy one if there are other better options?

For instance, if you happen to love both motorbikes and cars, why not get a Cirbin-V13R? It is a three-wheel vehicle that has both the advantages of motorbikes and cars. Cirvin-V13R is 3.53 m long, powered by a Harley-Davidson Revolution 60° V-Twin engine and weighs only 475 kg that guarantees speed.

According to Cirbin website, the price of the vehicle starts at US$ 39,995 in the USA and Canada. For more information about the car, click here.

Autoweek.com reports that March sales for cars have gone low by 12.0 percent to 1.36 million vehicles. Chrysler led the drop with a 19.4 percent plunge in sales, selling only 166,386 vehicles in March.

Several economic factors such as the rising prices of fuel, credit messes and low consumer confidence are seen as the culprit. Other American automaker decliners include General Motors and Ford at 18.7 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively.

The figures have spoken. Based on the data, there were more losers than winners. Is it a clear sign that the automotive industry has really been going down? Or is it just that a lot of people are using their money to more smart investments than the good old car?