AmericanAutoShipping.com

Perhaps one of the greatest characteristics of American Auto Shipping is their ability to evolve with the times while maintaining their unsurpassed level of customer satisfaction. They can be seen as a staple within the auto transport industry. Recently, American Auto Shipping has found yet another way to increase their company's exposure by utilizing the internet. How, you might ask? The answer is found within the concept of social bookmarking. According to Wikipedia.com, Social bookmarking is a method for Internet users to share, organize, search, and manage bookmarks of web resources. Unlike file sharing, the resources themselves aren't shared, merely bookmarks that reference them. This allows American Auto Shipping to create a spiderable page which will, again, allow them to get their online services more exposure.

The two sites which American Auto Shipping has recently joined, which work exceptionally well in tandem with each other, can be found at http://www.Delicious.com and http://www.mister-wong.com. Currently http://www.delicious.com can be said to be the most popular / effective site for social bookmarking. These sites enable those who join to utilize them as a marketing tool; one which is much more effective than other traditional methods of promoting sales. By placing your links well, they have the capability to reach many websites virtually effortlessly. This will inevitably increase the traffic to your site, which would increase business and allow your company to continue to evolve and succeed.

American Auto Shipping has proved yet again that they are dedicated both to their business as well as to the clients they serve. Come check out the progress being made by visiting American Auto Shipping's newly formed site located here: http://www.mister-wong.com/user/AmericanAutoShipping/.

You'll see exactly what all the hype is about!

Perhaps one of the most evolved aspects besides fuel efficiency when discussing newer manufactured vehicles can be found in the safety features which are presented. In the beginning there were reinforced structures to help in case of collisions, roll overs, or any other number of events that could occur, endangering the passengers. Eventually, the concept of the airbag was incorporated initially into automobile's steering wheels, where it resided exclusively; that is until it began to migrate across our entire dashboards. Doing such a phenomenal job, auto manufacturers saw no reason not to continue the migration clean around the vehicle, adding airbags to the side of vehicles. These giant curtains have evolved into a wall of side-impact safety.

Being as how the airbag has made it's way all the way around the automobile, auto manufacturers have been examining ways to further use this unrivaled safety feature. Back in 2006, right before the Detroit Auto Show, Ford Motors had revealed their plans to try and integrate the idea of airbags into the structure of the seat belt. What better place to have some inflatable safety than right up close and personal? Coming in 2010, Ford has announced that they will begin to incorporate their inflatable seat belt concept into their next-generation Ford Explorer design.

This idea can be seen as the automotive industry's first idea of this caliber. These inflatable seat belts will be featured in the back seats only, as the driver and passenger in the front are protected by a plethora of airbags and other similar safety features. While the initial concept is being placed within the Ford Explorer, it's very possible in the future these features will be implemented into other vehicles, residential and commercial alike. Examples include auto transportation trucks, mini-vans, and other similar vehicles.

This safety feature is made specifically for frontal or side impact. In a situation where either of these occur, the seat belt will inflate across the passenger's chest in 40 milliseconds. This aides personal safety due to the fact that when inflated, the belt will “cover five times more surface area of the body than a normal seat belt, which helps better distribute the forces of a crash.” There some definite differences in the way these inflatable belts operate in comparison to frontal airbags. While traditional airbags utilize a heat generated chemical reaction to inflate, the newly designed inflatable belts use a system involving cold compressed gas to inflate. Also, where as traditional airbags inflate exceptionally fast and under immense pressure (almost instantaneously) in order to cover the distance between the passenger and an object (i.e. Steering wheels or dashboards), the newly designed belts actually inflate slower and to a lower pressure.

While Ford coined the idea, they may not be the first to put it into production. The Lexus LFA also goes into production next year, and depending on who hits the dealer showrooms first, could be the first company to produce the feature. However, Ford Motors has the plan to implement this safety feature into their entire line in coming years. Also, being as how Ford sells to more people than Lexus, they pride themselves as being able to reach a wider base of automobile owners.

For many individuals directly associated with the auto industry, the past months have been nothing but a roller coaster full of twists, turns, highs, and lows. The majority of the automotive giants have reported that sales in October were looking up when compared with an overall slow September. When looking at the overall industry sales figures, the industry was expected to break just about even when compared to one year ago. Since September, the industry has seen about a 12 % increase.

Individually speaking, the major companies have each had varying experiences regarding increases or decreases in sales. General Motors, Ford Motor, and Nissan were all pleased to report that their average sales had increased in comparison to a year ago. Other companies such as Toyota and Honda Motors reported that their sales were essentially unchanged with regards to last years figures, while Chrysler has reported a 30 % decrease in sales from October 2008. Senior Analyst for auto industry tracker Edmunds.com, Jessica Caldwell, has stated that this is, for the most part, good news for the battered industry, adding that, “Anything that shows any kind of improvement in this economy is a positive.”

During the mid-summer season – late July and the first few weeks of August – auto sales across the industry shot-up thanks to the government's Cash-for-Clunkers program. The federally funded program aimed to help stimulate a suffering industry as well as begin to replace gas guzzling vehicles on the road with smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. One way they accomplished this was by offering a $4,500 rebate towards a newer more fuel efficient vehicle, when an older gas guzzler is traded in. This inevitably encouraged consumers to get out there and buy newer vehicles while the price was right. The only down side was simply that the program left a good amount of auto dealers with a limited stock of vehicles in September.

In response to the decreased inventories, companies such as Ford have begun to increase their production throughout the month of October. Despite the increase in sales, Ford's inventories rose by 22% throughout October. This increase of production also assisted in boosting other parts of the industry such as production departments, as well as other branches such as auto transport. One Ford spokesman went on record as stating that “Inventory is not an excuse for sales being up or down for any particular products.”

General Motors reported that although it fell slightly short of Edmunds.com's estimation of a 6% sales increase, they have achieved the first “year-over-year” gain in sales in 21 months, reaching 5%. Even with a 40 % decrease in sales regarding brands that are either on the chopping block or looking to be sold – Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, and Saturn- top U.S. automaker GM has increased sales by 13% from September.

Perhaps the most impressive performance by any Motor Group can be found within the Hyundai Motor Group. Owning Hyundai and Kia brands, this company has consistently reported growth that far exceeded the average of other companies. Edmunds.com had forecast a 38% increase in sales. Actual increase over the past year has been recorded as being a whopping 47 % increase from a year ago, taking the cake for sales success.

Perhaps one of the most innovative automotive manufacturers producing cars today can be seen in the Italian auto company Lamborghini. Recently, Lamborghini released a super coupe known only as the Reventón. This vehicle was thought to have been unsurmountable. Well, if there is one thing we've learned by observing the models released by the automotive giant, it's simply that nothing they do is ever good enough – according to them that is. There is always a sleeker, faster, alternative idea lurking in the shadows.

Lamborghini has always had to be the biggest and the best which is why they always work to achieve excess from every aspect. Excessive horsepower, excessive styling, and excessive prices. This is one of the things Lamborghini prides itself on. The ability to create in excess. Their newest addition to the excess family can be seen in the new Reventón Roadster. The Reventón Roadster is very similar to the Reventón Coupe with the exception of one thing. The drop top. That's right, you heard correctly. Once the cloth roof retracts, the Reventón Roadster unveils a cock pit second to none. Reaching speeds of 330 Km/h (205 mph), this vehicle has a very unique safety feature. Should you lose control of this beast, roll over hoops instantly pop up behind he driver's and passenger's head.

Here's a look at a few other specifics regarding the Reventón Roadster.

• • Containing a V12 engine, the Reventón Roadster is able to propel itself 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

  • It can continue to accelerate to speeds topping off at 330 km/h (205 mph)

  • The Reventón Roadster uses an automated six-speed sequential manual transmission to send the power to the all-wheel-drive system.

  • Starting prices will be around 1.1 Million Euros, and auto shipping deliveries began in October 2009, about $1,632,289 U.S. Dollars.

  • Like the Coupe, the Reventón Roadster will only be produced in small numbers, the current estimation being at 20 vehicles before termination.

The Reventón Roadster can be considered one of the most unique and exclusive vehicles available today. According to Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, “The Reventón is the most extreme car in the history of the brand. The new Roadster adds an extra emotional component to our combined technological expertise — it unites superior performance with the sensual fascination of open-top driving.” It's no wonder Lamborghini is top of it's class.

As the auto industry continue to evolve, we can note a significant change in the direction in which auto makers are developing new vehicles. It would appear as if over the last decade or two the favored trend seemed to be found in the bigger, faster vehicles. However, over the past few years it's not hard to observe the notable change in the way these vehicles are being developed. With the scare of global warming knocking at our door, auto manufacturers have answered by beginning to develop a new line of vehicles which are much more environmentally friendly. There have been a variety of ways in which this task has been executed.

Perhaps the most obvious ways are found in the increasing popularity in using electric or hybrid cars. Electric cars are completely electric. Before they can be driven, they must be plugged in and charged. Also, the distance they can drive, or their Range, is determined by the charge. Hybrid cars have a wider range due to the fact that they use a combination of gasoline as well as electric power. This has enabled these vehicles to be partially electric and much more fuel efficient. Certain hybrids have even been further developed to the point where they're able to run completely off of electric power, switching to gasoline only in the case of an emergency.

Another way auto manufacturers have been attacking this problem is by creating regular, gas powered vehicles that are more fuel efficient than their predecessors. When the economy took a dive and America's auto industry nearly went under, the Government implemented a program to help stimulate the industry while replacing old gas guzzling vehicles with newer, more fuel efficient choices. The CARS or “cash-for-clunkers” program, took approximately 690,114 vehicles off of the road, including around 450,700 SUV's. For the most part, these vehicles when traded in would provide an approximated $4000 rebate towards a new eco-friendly option.

One concept which emerged some time ago was the development of smaller vehicles. The idea here is the smaller the car, the more ability it has to be fuel efficient. The main concern with these smaller vehicles for most is that people consider them to be like “driving in coffins”; meaning if anyone was to ever get into an accident in one, they would surely be injured, especially against an SUV of some sort. One Italian auto company known as Pininfarina has been developing a vehicle known as none-other-than “Nido.” The Nido's design is truly one of a kind. The idea is to bring “real-world impact safety to smaller vehicles.” The main design of the Nido would be appear to be egg shaped. The vehicle is able to isolate the driver/passenger within a safety cage which can provide roll and crush resistance. Though the Nido is still considered a “Concept Car”, the technology is promising. Theoretically if the car was in some sort of accident, the Nido's design will help reduce the risk of organ bruising, whiplash, and other severe injuries such as concussions.

These smaller cars will more than likely be increasing in production across the globe in the coming years. They seem to adapt well to newer technologies ranging from iPod compatibility, to built in navigation, as well as devices such as interlock ignition devices – a device used by those who have been charged with drinking and driving to ensure the individual is not under the influence at the time they are attempting to operate their vehicle. Other branches such as the auto transport industry as well as auto manufacturers will also be affected by the new age technology as procedures and other policies may change the face of the industry as we know it.

By now, we've all heard of the iPhone and all of the clever technology which has been developed since its original release in June of 2007. Currently, there are 85,000 available applications for download. These applications have a combined number of 2,000,000 downloads as of September 2009. These applications have such a wide range of purposes and uses that there is virtually no way to keep track of all of them. Recently, there has been a surge in iPhone applications and designers have begun to venture into the automotive realm.

In coming days, a California company will announce the release of an iPhone applications and automobile receiver which enables users to unlock, lock, and remote start their car with the push of a button, replacing the use of the car's key fob. Known as the Viper SmartStart, this application can be seen as the most recent addition in the newest trend of automotive electronic functions crossing over into the world of interactive phones. Other examples of applications which have been integrated with automotive uses include turn-by-turn directions and an application that helps the driver locate the gas station closest to where they are.

The SmartStart remote locking and car starting application will hit Best Buy at a starting price of $499, a reasonable price for such an advanced concept. However, automakers seem to have mixed feelings on the emergence of these new technologies. Some are embracing the integration while others are continually fighting it. Some companies such as Ford will continue to try and come up with new clever applications to make their customers lives easier. Recently, Ford has announced that they have partnered with the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy in an attempt to advocate students creating new mobile applications.

Ford is not the only Automaker who has begun to expand on these applications. BMW Mini has has an application which enables its owner to contact a tow truck with one push of a button. Created by Allstate Roadside Services, this application allows Mini owners to request basic automotive services such as battery boosts and flat tire changes. Toyota Scion came out with an application which is geared more towards pure entertainment. This application lets “would-be Djs time the precise speed of a song by tapping the phone to the beat.”

Currently, the SmartStart is one of the most remote application. In one demonstration, Mike Simmons – Executive Vice President of Directed Electronics- showed exactly how remote the SmartStart application actually is, when he started his car in California while using an iPhone in Kansas City. This demonstrates the versatility and technological advances the industry is experiencing. If this technology continues to advance it will have major impacts on a variety of areas within the industry ranging from auto transport to production lines, and even dealerships.

Recently, AutomobileShippingQuotes.com has revamped their entire website, adding many useful applications as well changing the overall look of it. The newly renovated site is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service/satisfaction. One of the upgrades made by Automobile Shipping Quotes has been the implementation of a new-aged, integrated quotes system. This makes them able to provide their customers with a newer more convenient auto transport & door ding removal experience, which, in this industry is imperative to retain clientèle. The integrated quotes system which they use actually drives down prices on the actual transport. The way it drives down the price is by providing ten free quotes from ten different auto shipping companies. By doing this, the transporters involved are in essence competing with each other. The lower the quote the more apt the customer is to utilize their specific services.  

Also, while the quotes are being generated, an instant quote is provided to give a general idea of exactly how much money would be required. One emerging trend can be seen in consumers purchasing vehicles off of the Internet. During this process there can be a lot of hidden charges, one of which is how much it would cost for the transportation of the purchased vehicles. With Automobile Shipping Quotes, these fees are acknowledged and conveyed, alleviating any stress caused by such situations. ASQ uses a network of trusted transporters, ensuring that their customers receive the best service available.

Over the past several months there has been extensive attention paid to the auto industry, and the roller coaster ride it has been enduring. Suffering from the economic crisis our country has been experiencing, the auto industry has seen one of it's deepest depressions to date. The U.S. government has had to financially assist all of the industries top three giants- GM, Ford, and Chrysler. With the help of government policies, the DOT and President Obama's panel of auto analyzers, programs such as the Cash-for-clunkers program, or CARS, have been implemented.
   

Programs such as these aim to aid in stimulating the auto industry, helping to increase demand and possibly regenerating some of the jobs which were lost when the industry crashed. Also, these programs aimed to get better, more fuel efficient vehicles on the road while removing those gas guzzlers which are harmful to the environment. The program, although short lived, was a great success. It encouraged the American consumer to place their economic trust back into the auto industry by providing an incentive of up to $4500 off a new, more fuel efficient vehicle.
   

Recently, secretary of the Department of Transportation as well as the administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency have come together to work towards a new policy aimed to further increase engaging both automakers and consumers to continue to increase fuel efficiency. The proposed national program works to better vehicle fuel economy as well as reduce the emission of green house gases. Overall, the program would set national standards which would theoretically help consumers save money on fuel, conserve billions of barrels of much needed oil, help with the reduction of millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and of course, increase fuel economy.  Other branches besides the automakers would be equally effected. One example can be seen in the auto transport industry. 

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson embraces the rewards which the program works towards.
In one interview she stated, “ “By bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders -- including an unprecedented partnership with American automakers -- we have crafted a path forward that is win-win for our health, our environment, and our economy. Through that partnership, we’ve taken the historic step of proposing the nation’s first ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and moved substantially closer to an efficient, clean energy future.”
   
    So to recap, the proposed program would:
   
1)Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 950 million metric tons
2)Increase fuel economy by approximately five percent every year
3)Assist the American Consumer in  saving approximately $3000 in fuel costs.
4) Help spare 1.8 Billion barrels of oil

The program which is being developed would influence model years 2012 through 2016. The idea is to create a national fleet of cars which fit all federal requirements and standards. Included in the proposal are restrictions/requirements pertaining to miles per gallon under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards program as well as the “first-ever” national emissions standards under the EPA's greenhouse gas program. By compiling the agencies involved, it provides automakers with a clearer set of rules.

Over the past several months there has been extensive attention paid to the auto industry, and the roller coaster ride it has been enduring. Suffering from the economic crisis our country has been experiencing, the auto industry has seen one of it's deepest depressions to date. The U.S. government has had to financially assist all of the industries top three giants- GM, Ford, and Chrysler. With the help of government policies, the DOT and President Obama's panel of auto analyzers, programs such as the Cash-for-clunkers program, or CARS, have been implemented.
   

Programs such as these aim to aid in stimulating the auto industry, helping to increase demand and possibly regenerating some of the jobs which were lost when the industry crashed. Also, these programs aimed to get better, more fuel efficient vehicles on the road while removing those gas guzzlers which are harmful to the environment. The program, although short lived, was a great success. It encouraged the American consumer to place their economic trust back into the auto industry by providing an incentive of up to $4500 off a new, more fuel efficient vehicle.
   

Recently, secretary of the Department of Transportation as well as the administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency have come together to work towards a new policy aimed to further increase engaging both automakers and consumers to continue to increase fuel efficiency. The proposed national program works to better vehicle fuel economy as well as reduce the emission of green house gases. Overall, the program would set national standards which would theoretically help consumers save money on fuel, conserve billions of barrels of much needed oil, help with the reduction of millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and of course, increase fuel economy.  Other branches besides the automakers would be equally effected. One example can be seen in the auto transport industry. 

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson embraces the rewards which the program works towards.
In one interview she stated, “ “By bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders -- including an unprecedented partnership with American automakers -- we have crafted a path forward that is win-win for our health, our environment, and our economy. Through that partnership, we’ve taken the historic step of proposing the nation’s first ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and moved substantially closer to an efficient, clean energy future.”
   
    So to recap, the proposed program would:
   
1)Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 950 million metric tons
2)Increase fuel economy by approximately five percent every year
3)Assist the American Consumer in  saving approximately $3000 in fuel costs.
4) Help spare 1.8 Billion barrels of oil

The program which is being developed would influence model years 2012 through 2016. The idea is to create a national fleet of cars which fit all federal requirements and standards. Included in the proposal are restrictions/requirements pertaining to miles per gallon under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards program as well as the “first-ever” national emissions standards under the EPA's greenhouse gas program. By compiling the agencies involved, it provides automakers with a clearer set of rules.

A spending bill that could have massive ramifications on the auto-industry and in turn, auto-transport companies, has recently passed a vote in Congress.  The spending bill had a measure written into it that would force General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC to restore franchise agreements with dealerships.  When both companies restructured during their bankruptcy each one decided it would be prudent to close a large number of dealerships.  GM decided to close over 2,000 while Chrysler closed nearly eight hundred.  The measure built into this new spending bill would reverse these closings.  But how would this affect the auto-transport industry?  Some auto-transporters may have seen elevated business due to dealership closings, as they moved cars from closed dealerships to the few that remained open, but how long would this last?  Obviously, the best thing for auto-transporters would be for the American car industry to make a full and complete rebound--but whether or not re-opening closed dealerships will help or harm this is a topic of serious contention.

The White House is actually opposed to this measure because it interferes with a closed Judicial bankruptcy proceeding and could even require legal action at a later date.  And, naturally, the auto companies that restructured are opposed to this measure as well.  Both GM and Chrysler feel as if restoring the dealerships will slow down their rebuilding plans as they struggle to become relevant in the global market.  The Chrysler vice president, Peter Grady said, “There are simply too many dealers for not enough sales.”  But on the other side of the argument is the House of Representatives and the measure's author, Steve LaTourette.  LaTourette said "I don't think Chrysler or GM has been able to demonstrate there are savings associated with fewer dealers, since the dealers themselves bear the costs of operating their dealerships with little help from the manufacturers." 

While it’s difficult to know which side is right as of now, it’s plain to see that there is a lot at stake.  It is too soon to tell if this new measure will have catastrophic effects on GM’s and Chrysler’s reconstruction plans; or help jumpstart the economy and give jobs back to nearly 200,000 people across the United States.  There has been some speculation that the bill will likely not pass a vote in the Senate and the main reason for the measure was to pressure GM and Chrysler to develop a better method to close excess dealerships. 

There is no way to know how this measure will affect auto-transport companies or if it will even pass.  But in an unstable economy the best way to stay profitable is by remaining adaptable while still providing consistently excellent customer service even when the road ahead seems perilous.