The 10th annual JEGS NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals was held this past weekend (March 23, 2013) at No Problem Raceway Park at Circuit Grand Bayou in Belle Rose, Louisiana. The event featured competitors looking to grab up the precious points leading up to the divisional and national championships.
"It's hard to believe we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the event and the rebirth of the NHRA SPORTSnationals program," said Eric Lotz, NHRA director of field marketing. "The JEGS Cajun SPORTSnationals has become one of the most popular events to attend as well as compete at. It attracts racers from all across the country, from east to west and north to south."
Lotz added that the No Problem Raceway and their entire staff do an incredible job and truly live up to Southern hospitality.
Husky Liners® sponsored cars cleaned up at the event as the Cobalt set the National Record in A/SMA at 7.901 ET and 172.65 MPH and the COPO Camaro won its class in CC/SA and qualified with a 9.66.
The COPO Camaro hit the track with a new custom-built Patterson Racing EFI 427 cubic inch engine combination. The Chevy Cobalt competed in the highly competitive Competition Eliminator class with a 400 cubic inch Splayed Valve Patterson Power Plant.
Todd Patterson of Patterson Racing, Inc. drives both the Cobalt and the COPO Camaro. Patterson Racing has been a well-recognized name in drag racing for more than 30 years. Together Allan & Todd have built a family owned and operated business based in Augusta, KS. Patterson Racing not only manufactures top quality racing engines but also specializes in high performance products and machining services. Todd, Allan, and their knowledgeable sales staff, have a combined knowledge and experience of over 100 years, which enables them to keep busy servicing the hardcore racing customers they have attracted through the years. This includes World, National and Division Champions to name a few all with Patterson record setting engines. Visit www.pattersonracing.com for more information.
Any racing fans are reminded to equip their own vehicles like the pros and put Husky Liners® custom fit floor mats.
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Winfield, Kansas, Husky Liners®, a division of Winfield Consumer Products is a leading manufacturer of automotive aftermarket products designed to protect the interior, and exterior of your vehicle. At the core of its diverse product line up is the Husky Liners® brand of custom fit floor liners, including front seat, rear seat, cargo area. The company also manufactures heavy duty floor mats, custom molded mud guards and a wide assortment of quality products designed to help extend the life of your car, truck or SUV. All products are manufactured in the USA and most come with a lifetime guarantee. For more information, visit: www.huskyliners.com.
The Volkswagen Golf was recently named the 2013 World Car of the Year at a press conference by the New York International Auto Show and Bridgestone Corporation. This marks the second consecutive year that Volkswagen has won the award and the fourth time since 2009. Last year the Volkswagen Up! won the World Car of the year, the Polo won in 2010 and the Golf VI won in 2009.
Those looking to make the World Car of the Year even better should equip it with Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats, leaving it looking sleeker and cleaner.
"We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named 'World Car of the Year'," said Martin Winterkorn , chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. "To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car."
The Jaguar F-Type was named the 2013 World Car Design of the Year by the New York International Auto show and Bridgestone, highlighting the car's innovation and style that pushes the boundaries. The Jaguar won against 43 other candidates for the designation.
Kelley Blue Book recently released a report of what it expects new car sales to come in at once March has ended.
According to KBB, new car sales are expected to hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 15.2 million in March, up 3.2 percent on a year-over-year comparison. KBB noted that when adjusting for the fewer amount of selling days in March, sales actually improved 7 percent on a year-over-year comparison. With that being said, the amount of units sold is expected to hit 1,450,000, accounting for the highest sales total since August 2007.
"Sales will be boosted by record low interest rates and a slowly improving job market, which recently saw the unemployment rate and new unemployment claims fall to five-year lows," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "In addition, with attractive financing and ample inventory to choose from, many people receiving tax refunds will use their returns toward a down payment on a new vehicle this month."
As for which brands are expected to perform the best in March, KBB predicts Volkswagen will show a 9.6 percent gain on a year-over-year comparison and Honda will show an 8.7 percent gain during that same period of time. Honda sales will primarily be buoyed by the popularity of the Accord, as sales are up 51 percent in the first two months of this year compared to the same period of time last year.
Truck sales up nearly 15 percent
Truck sales are also expected to show considerable gains by the end of March. KBB expects that full size pickup truck sales will increase 14.9 percent in March on a year-over-year comparison.
Those with trucks, new or old, should be sure to equip them with Husky Liners® mud guards.
"Although incentives have helped boost truck sales in recent months, a steady climb in housing starts will continue to support the truck market even if incentive spending declines," Gutierrez added. "Incentives aren't expected to come down anytime soon, especially with a more than 90-day supply of Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 pickups available for sale nationwide. With supply still ample and incentives plentiful, consumers looking for a new pickup truck should not hesitate to pull the trigger."
The 2013 Ram 1500 will continue to be a favorite among truck buyers. Earlier this year the truck was named the 2013 North American Truck/Utility of the Year.
Husky Liners® will be launching their 2013 consumer media campaign featuring several of their interior and exterior vehicle protection products on the Truck U Show that will premiere on SPEED Channel on March 30, 2013. Be sure to watch multiple subsequent airings of this Episode over the next couple months. Scheduled airing dates are below:
SAT 3/30/13 @ 8:00am EST
SUN 3/31/13 @ 8:30am EST
FRI 4/5/13 @ 10:30am EST
SAT 5/11/13 @ 8:00am EST
SUN 5/12/13 @ 8:30am EST
FRI 5/17/13 @ 10:30am EST
This episode of Truck U will specifically feature our WeatherBeater™ Floor Liner series, Custom Molded Mud Guards, GearBox® Interior Storage System, as well as Husky Shield® headlight and paint protection film installed on a Toyota Tundra.
Husky Liners® is reaching out directly to the consumer with a dedicated message that quality, lifetime-guaranteed products do not have to cost a fortune, can be easily installed and will help extend the life of one of your largest investments. The Truck U program will help to deliver our message directly to the truck owners interested in our product.
Truck U is a how-to show dedicated exclusively to trucks, 4x4s and SUV’s, Truck U finds monster-truck expert Matt Steele and master mechanic Bruno Massel involved in hands-on projects crucial to serious off-roading and truck performance. Ideal for reaching the flourishing truck, 4×4, SUV, sport-compact truck and off-road audiences.
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Winfield, Kansas, Husky Liners®, a division of Winfield Consumer Products is a leading manufacturer of automotive aftermarket products designed to protect the interior, and exterior of your vehicle. At the core of its diverse product line up is the Husky Liners® brand of custom fit floor liners, including front seat, rear seat, cargo area. The company also manufactures heavy duty floor mats, custom molded mud guards and a wide assortment of quality products designed to help extend the life of your car, truck or SUV. All products are manufactured in the USA and most come with a lifetime guarantee. For more information, visit: www.huskyliners.com.
Chrysler is making plans to produce 500,000 Jeeps a year in Toledo.
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is planning to begin construction on Overland Industrial Park in April. The piece of land is where Willys-Overland Motors operated from 1888 to 2006, and home to Toledo Jeep.
"That is the historic home for all of the Jeeps that have been built since the early 1900s," said Matthew Sapara, chief operating officer of the port authority. "Everyone in this community has some type of relationship to that parcel. Either they themselves worked there, or friends or family members worked there."
The piece of land is just two miles west of two Chrysler assembly plants. As the port authority and a private developer plan to build six buildings with a total of 650,000-square-feet of manufacturing space, the time is ideal for Chrysler as it is hiring 200 new workers to build Wranglers and will soon add 1,105 workers to prepare for the launch of the new Jeep Cherokee.
Chrysler also recently announced that the Chrysler 200 will debut early next year. The vehicle will be made available next January, as the automaker has made plans to cut the 2014 200 model year short. Those looking to keep their new cars clean are reminded to install Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats.
The latest monthly sales forecast by J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network and LMC Automotive indicates that new vehicle sales will remain strong through the end of March. The groups predict that both the light vehicle retail selling rate and the total light vehicle rate will remain on par with February's performance of 12.1 million units and 15.3 million units, respectively.
According to the report, new vehicle retail sales are expected to come in at 1,158,000 vehicles at the end of March, translating to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 12.1 million units.
"While longer loan terms have traditionally been a cause for concern to the industry due to the risk of purchase cycle extension, it is not necessarily as daunting as it may seem." said John Humphrey , senior vice president of the global automotive practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "The longer loans are being offset by more leasing and the low interest environment, which means that consumers are able to put more of their monthly payment towards their loan principal rather than interest fees."
As for the rest of 2012, LMC Automotive expects that sales will remain similar to the strong pace set in the first quarter. The group believes total light vehicle sales will end the year at 15.3 million units and retail light vehicles sales will come in at 12.5 million units.
Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of forecasting at LMC Automotive said that based on current performance, he expects the economic environment to improve throughout 2013, as growth in auto sales is already outpacing initial expectations.
Whether you are looking for a new or used car, every vehicle owner should install Husky Liners® custom fit floor mats to ensure their interior stays clean.
Top 10 cars for under $10,000
Those looking for a used car would benefit from taking a gander at Cars.com's list of the top 10 cars for under $10,000.
"Although the price gap between new and used cars has decreased, many shoppers are still going the used route," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's editor-in-chief. "We took a look at cars from 2006 or later and came up with the best 10 used cars that shoppers should be able to find for around $10,000. To make our list, the cars had to pass crash tests and have key standard safety features. We also analyzed reliability, drivability and practicality."
The list includes the 2006 Ford Escape, 2008 Ford Focus, 2007 Ford Freestyle, 2007 Ford Fusion, 2006 Honda Civic, 2006 Hyundai Azera, 2007 Hyundai Sonata, 2008 Kia Optima, 2008 Nissan Versa and 2007 Scion tC.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently announced that it is adopting some major changes to hunting for the 2013 season. According to officials, new changes have been proposed and will affect the seasons for deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion and gray wolf.
As some of the changes were proposed by Fish and Game biologists, the department has responded. According to the press release, hunters will now be able to bag more elk and pronghorn as well as see and expand wolf hunting and trapping season.
The major changes for elk include a net increasing of 2,331 controlled hunt tags, eliminating 71 late bull hunt tags in unit 11 in response to low bull numbers, increasing antlerless tags in Hells Canyon Units in order to reduce high cow densities and low calf survival, and shifting tags from nonresident allocation to resident hunters in Diamond Creek and Salmon zones.
As for major changes to the gray wolves, hunters will now be able to tag wolves year round on private land in the Panhandle Zone, with various other season extensions throughout Idaho.
According to the department, hunters have killed 245 wolves this season in Idaho, down from 379 last year.
Hunters are reminded to outfit their vehicle with Husky Liners® mud guards, in order to protect the exterior of their cars.
Ram Truck will end its Road to the Ram Jam all-star country music series with a bang, by auctioning Easton Corbin's 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn.
Fans will have a chance to bid on Corbin's truck March 18, as all the proceeds will go toward the Freedom Alliance Scholarship fund, which awards college scholarships to children whose parents have served in the military.
Corbin said that the purpose is to help other people and he is encouraging his fans to bid. He said not only do they get a great truck but they also know all the process are going to help well-deserving young people attend college.
At the start of the Ram Jam series, in addition to Corbin, Ram issued a one year lease for a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Truck to Kellie Pickler, Brantley Gilbert, Billy Currington and Zach Brown Band. As Corbin's is the last to be auctioned, all the other trucks sold from anywhere between $34,552 for Gilbert's truck, to $39,300 for Brown's truck. Ram is proud to help military children attend college.
"All of the proceeds from the auction of Corbin's Ram truck, are going to help the sons and daughters of American heroes achieve their dream of a college education," Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance, said. "Every scholarship we give out is a reminder to the student that their parent's sacrifice will never be forgotten by a grateful nation."
Pick up trucks show strong sales in February
As pick up trucks sold in high numbers in February, all owners should look into Husky Liners® truck floor mats. These liners will ensure a truck's interior is kept as clean as the day they pulled off the lot, whether they're helping transport construction materials to the next job or just simply taking the kids to school.
TrueCar.com reported that while new light vehicle sales reached 1.2 million units in February, up 5.7 percent compared to this time last year and up 16.5 percent compared to January, pick up trucks showed considerable gains.
"Automakers enjoyed a month of ideal conditions for profitability in February with incentives down nearly four percent and sales up double digits compared to year ago levels," said Kristen Anderson , analyst for TrueCar.com. "We expect incentives spending to track within a narrow range the rest of the year as the supply of vehicles and consumer demand are forecasted to increase at similar levels."
Honda recently announced that it is launching a new advertising structure to benefit both its Honda and Acura brands. The automaker chose MediaVest as its new ad agency, as RPA will be Honda's new creative agency and Mullen will be Acura's new creative agency.
Through the new structure, Honda is looking to streamline business operations and in particular, increase creativity, improve efficiency and set up a new long term strategy.
"We are creating a new and highly collaborative path forward that will yield outstanding creative and enable us to focus more of our marketing investment on communicating with our customers," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of National Marketing Operations. "We are confident that our new team of agencies will create dynamic marketing campaigns that connect and engage consumers with our products and our brands, while achieving an even higher level of efficiency and effectiveness."
Accavitti added that because Honda is releasing such a strong lineup of new products, the new agency will have plenty of material to take the automaker's creativity to the next level. Honda recently released the 2013 Honda Accord and Civic, both of which have already contributed to strong sales numbers in 2013.
Car owners looking to improve their current vehicles should install Husky Liners® vehicles floor mats.
Honda sales up in the new year
Honda reported that even though sales were hindered by snow storms last month, it was still able to sell 107,987 units in February, down only 2 percent when compared to a year ago. Honda reported that year-to-date sales were still above levels seen during the same period of time last year.
"It took a big winter storm in the Northeast to slow us down a bit, but our robust sales over the last three weeks show that our strong retail momentum continues," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Sales at American Honda. "With Accord posting strong numbers and spring just around the corner, the best is yet to come."
The all new Accord was one of the automaker's top selling cars. According to Honda, Accord sales reached 27,999 units, up 35.2 percent on a year-over-year comparison.
The automaker also celebrated last month as the Accord, CR-V and Odyssey were all named to Consumer Reports' annual Top Pick List, pitting them as some of the best cars in the nation.
Jeff Gordon recently did a commercial for Pepsi Max where he disguised himself and heads to a used car dealer. After talking with a salesmen, the disguised Gordon shows his interest in a car he'd like to test drive.
After acting like he doesn't know how to drive too well, Gordon slammed on the accelerator, burning out the tires and scaring the used car salesmen half to death. While Pepsi Max did their part to doctor some of the footage, considering it is a commercial, they used a stunt driver for certain shots, Gordon said he had fun and still laughs when he sees the video.
"When I did that, I knew I was putting myself out there quite a bit," Gordon said. "That's sort of unfamiliar territory. You look at yourself and you go, 'OK, I'm either going to look really dumb here or this is going to be a hit and people are going to laugh.'"
The video was put on YouTube and has since racked up more than 17 million views.
In other NASCAR news today, driver Kurt Busch's $2.8 million condominium went on sale. The three bedroom, four bathroom house is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A teenager getting a license can be a stressful time for parents as it is, and many parents wish they did more to improve their child's driving ability, even after they got a license.
According to recent research form the Allstate Foundation, nearly 50 percent of parents regretted not monitoring their teen driver after they had obtained their license. In addition, more than 66 percent indicated they wished they spent more time practicing high risk situations with their teen.
"We know from our research that parents are the No.1 source of information for teen drivers, yet 40 percent don't know car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens," said Vicky Dinges, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Allstate. "Drive it Home can help protect teen drivers, educate parents on the crucial role they play in the driving process, and help ensure our sons and daughters return home each and every night."
Allstate also showed with its research that 74 percent of parents were incorrect in believing that risk-taking was the leading cause of teen car accidents when in fact inexperience is the No. 1 cause. The data also showed that nearly 30 percent of parents are not establishing rules around certain dangerous behaviors, like driving at night or having passengers in the car.
"Parents are looking for information that can help them manage their teens' driving experience and need additional tools that take a variety of non-traditional approaches to capture their attention," said Janet Froetscher, chief executive officer at the National Safety Council. "The National Safety Council researched the behaviors and messages that appealed most with parents and used it to inform the Drive it Home program. We know different parents respond to different kinds of messages."
Froetscher added that one technique they use is humor, adding that while this is an extremely serious issue, they know that comedy can appeal to everyone, while at the same time finding ways to relay important tips, tools and statistics into the content for the program.
Act as a role model
One of the most important ways to get your teen driving safer is to act as a good role model. Monkey see monkey do. Many teen car accidents are a result of distracted driving, so parents need to set ground rules and never partake in talking or texting on their phones while driving.
If you want your teen to have cleaner car its also important to lead by example. Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats are the best way to keeping a car's interior clean and good way to show teens responsible care for a car.
Nissan was in the news recently, receiving props for its environmental sustainability and customer service.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently gave its ENERGY STAR partner Nissan its 2013 Partner of the Year- Sustained Excellence Award, its highest honor in protecting the environment through energy efficiency.
"Since becoming an ENERGY STAR partner in 2006, we have saved more than 800 billion BTUs (British thermal units) of the energy used to assemble vehicles," said Bill Krueger, Nissan's senior vice president of manufacturing, purchasing, production engineering and supply chain management. "That's enough energy to power the all-electric Nissan LEAF for more than 750 million miles."
Nissan's Decherd, Tennessee, powertrain plant recently completed an EPA ENERGY STAR Challenge when it reduced the amount of energy need to assemble engines by 7 percent in 12 months, representing just one of the many ways the automaker has increased energy efficiency.
J.D. Power and Associates also recently reported that Nissan improved 23 points on its Customer Service Index Study, earning a score of 797 on the 1,000 point scale, and finishing sixth among the 19 nameplates in the mass market brands segment.
Car owners can improve their own satisfaction with their vehicles by installing Husky Liners® custom fit floor mats to keep their vehicles looking clean.
The automotive industry has come roaring back since the recession by releasing new models that resonate with consumers and improving customer experiences. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Customer Service Index Study, auto manufacturers investments and recent improvements have increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.
The study showed that, on a 1,000 point scale, customer satisfaction reached 797, up from the average of 787 in 2012 and up 29 points since 2011.
"Manufacturers have made large investments in their retail programs, and dealers have made significant investments in key customer touch-points - people, improved processes and customer waiting areas - which are having a profoundly positive impact on their customers," said Chris Sutton, senior director at J.D. Power and Associates. "Dealerships are placing more emphasis on the service advisor's role, which is essential to effectively handling service customers. Having a skilled, trained advisor is vital for a positive customer experience."
The study indicated that car owners enter a dealer service department an average of 2.6 times each year, primarily for vehicle maintenance. It used five factors to determine customer satisfaction at dealer service centers including service initiation, service advisor, service facility, and vehicle pick-up.
It showed that 77 percent of car owners said their latest dealer service visit was for maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation, up from 72 percent on a year-over-year comparison. J.D. Power said increases in service department satisfaction were the most significant contributor to overall customer satisfaction with auto manufacturers.
As cars are lasting longer than ever before, auto owners are seeing the value in maintaining their current vehicles. Installing Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats is another way to extend the life of your vehicle.
Cars more valuable these days
Kelley Blue Book recently reported that because of the wide range of amenities offered in new cars today, they are more valuable than ever.
"Since the 2011 model year, nearly every vehicle in each major selling category has undergone a significant redesign that has upped expectations of consumers by a sizable margin," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book . "Shoppers considering one of the latest and greatest can count on significant improvements in fuel economy, performance, build quality, amenities and style from the generation being replaced, and all for only a modest bump in its manufacturer's suggested retail price."
As many potential car buyers consider whether they should buy used or new, a recent report might help them make their decision, as used car prices are still up from last year, but no where near years past.
The NADA Used Car Guide recently released its March edition of Guidelines, giving consumers an insight on the pricing of used vehicles.
According to the report, wholesale prices for used cars and light trucks up to eight years old increased 0.8 percent in February on a year-over-year comparison. The increase is far more than the 3 percent shown when compared to two years ago.
"Price growth for used vehicles through early spring will be weaker than what is typically seen for the period," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide. "Consumers and businesses are beginning to react to the expiration of the 2% payroll tax holiday as well as political activity surrounding the federal budget sequester and debt ceiling extension. These factors will have a negative impact on household income and reduce spending."
In addition, the report indicated that through the first two months of 2013, used car prices increased 0.4 percent when compared to the same period of time last year. NADA said that the slight increase is far better than when prices increased 4.4 and 2.2 percent in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Banks added that Hurricane Sandy and the delay in filing income tax returns helped slow down price growth in the used vehicle market.
Top 10 used cars for under $10,000
Cars.com recently released its list of the top 10 used cars for $10,000.
"Although the price gap between new and used cars has decreased, many shoppers are still going the used route," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's editor-in-chief. "We took a look at cars from 2006 or later and came up with the best 10 used cars that shoppers should be able to find for around $10,000. To make our list, the cars had to pass crash tests and have key standard safety features. We also analyzed reliability, drivability and practicality."
The list includes the 2006 Ford Escape, 2008 Ford Focus, 2007 Ford Freestyle, 2007 Ford Fusion, 2006 Honda Civic, 2006 Hyundai Azera, 2007 Hyundai Sonata, 2008 Kia Optima, 2008 Nissan Versa and 2007 Scion tC.
Those looking to preserve the life of their used car, whether they plan on selling it again or not, should install Husky Liners® custom fit floor mats.
Every year, tax season serves as a recurring reminder that you should keep your financial information organized. Whether you are a business or an individual, tracking all of your major activities and associated costs is extremely important. You also want to keep your data in a convenient repository, so it is easy to store and access.
With vehicles being such a large investment and vital asset to your home or organization, it only makes sense that you should apply the same care in keeping up with costs, maintenance and the various necessary reminders (tags, license, insurance, inspections, etc.). Don’t simply rely on a windshield sticker and glove box full of receipts to keep your car or truck in order. If you have just one vehicle or thousands, there is an easier and more effective way to stay on top of your fleet.
With fleet management software (also known as vehicle maintenance software) you can now store fuel records, service activities and vehicle details online using cloud technology and access the information from anywhere. Reminders can also be set to notify you via email when oil changes, tire rotation, or other vital services are due for each automobile - ensuring that you won’t miss required maintenance. Similar notifications can be set for renewals that are necessary to operate the vehicles.
Another excellent option available is linking your fuel purchasing cards, which allows for your transactions from the pump to be automatically uploaded to the fleet management software. With this data, fuel economy (MPG) can be tracked and costs can be analyzed for each vehicle. Since fuel is probably your biggest regular automotive expense by far, it makes complete sense to follow your fill ups closely. Also, with mobile-friendly products, you can conveniently enter vehicle updates from your smartphone.
There are a variety of options now available for managing both personal and commercial fleets. Prices will vary, depending on size, but a few can be purchased via monthly subscription at a very reasonable cost. Some are even free for the first handful of vehicles. Start being proactive today and make it easy to keep up with your fleet.
Don't forget to protect your investment and keep your fleet of work trucks looking new with Husky Liners® Floor Liners.
About the Author
Matt Chapman works at Fleetio, where he helps fleet managers and individuals make the most of their vehicles and equipment. You can find his articles on the Fleetio blog.
Image credit KDavidClark via Flickr Creative Commons.
Those of you on a budget are looking to get the best bang for your buck and Cars.com is trying to help. The auto website released its list of the top 10 used cars for $10,000 and the experts say the list spans from 2006 to 2008.
"Although the price gap between new and used cars has decreased, many shoppers are still going the used route," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's editor-in-chief. "We took a look at cars from 2006 or later and came up with the best 10 used cars that shoppers should be able to find for around $10,000. To make our list, the cars had to pass crash tests and have key standard safety features. We also analyzed reliability, drivability and practicality."
Cars.com's list of the top 10 cars for $10,000 includes the 2006 Ford Escape, 2008 Ford Focus, 2007 Ford Freestyle, 2007 Ford Fusion, 2006 Honda Civic, 2006 Hyundai Azera, 2007 Hyundai Sonata, 2008 Kia Optima, 2008 Nissan Versa and 2007 Scion tC.
Olsen added that the used car market is unpredictable and consumers can often negotiate a better deal for a well-equipped model at the same price as a less valuable car and the way in which the car was cared for by its previous owner makes all the difference.
Car owners can preserve the life of their vehicle by keeping up their schedule maintenance and installing Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats to keep the interior of their car clean.
Best cars for under $8,000
KBB released its list of the 10 best cars for under $8,000 for consumers on a tighter budget.
"To come up with this handy list of top used cars, first we compiled all the used cars from 2003 and newer with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $8,000 as of January 2013," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book 's KBB.com. "Then we went through the list and handpicked the 10 standouts with the most appealing mixes of reliability and desirability. The vehicles on our short list offer incredible value for today's budget-conscious car shopper."
The KBB list of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 includes the 2003 Acura TL, 2004 Honda Odyssey, 2005 Volvo S60, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab and 2011 Hyundai Accent. Experts at KBB chose the above models for their reliability and overall bang for buck.
As a new car purchase is out of reach for many Americans, the average lifespan of vehicles is encouraging most people to just hang onto the cars they have.
According to a recent report by CNBC, the average cost of a new car is $30,500, accounting for the highest it has ever been. However, according to the Car Care Council, at a fraction of the cost, an auto owner can significantly extend the life of their current vehicle.
"Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills, beef up savings or even take a road trip vacation," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, consumers could cover an entire year's worth of basic maintenance."
White added that in the early 1970's, consumers could buy a home for $30,000 and a car for $3,900. He added that while cars are more expensive today, they are lasting longer than ever and with proper maintenance, a vehicle can easily surpass 200,000 miles and still be safe, efficient, dependable and enjoyable.
Tips to extend the life of your vehicle
Those looking to nurture the cars they have now should consult the owner's manual on any maintenance scheduling your vehicle requires. It is important to stay up with the suggestions put forth by your manual. It might require a little extra money up front for service fees but this is peanuts compared to a new car purchase or major repair if something happens to break down.
Car owners should also equip their vehicle's with Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats. These liners will keep a car's interior looking as clean as the day it pulled of the lot.
 copy-resized-600.png)
WELCOME, N.C. (March 7, 2013) - Husky Liners®, a leading supplier of automotive accessories for light trucks, SUV's, vans and cars, will continue its partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2013 as a primary sponsor for two races with the No. 2 NASCAR Nationwide Series team and Brian Scott at the wheel.
The Husky Liners® brand will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro under the lights at Texas Motor Speedway on April 12 and Bristol Motor Speedway on August 23. The Winfield, Kansas-based company will also serve as an associate sponsor throughout the season on Scott’s No. 2 Nationwide Series Chevrolet.
"We’re glad to continue our association with Richard Childress Racing this year, said Bob Tyler, President of Husky Liners. “They’ve proven to be a valuable partner to Husky Liners as their fan base aligns with our customer base. We look forward to bringing our brand to a whole new audience in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and given RCR’s on track record; we’ll be contending for wins.”
Husky Liners® was founded in 1988 and is celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Headquartered in Winfield, Kansas, Husky Liners® is a division of Winfield Consumer Products, a leading manufacturer of automotive aftermarket products designed to protect the interior and exterior of your vehicle. At the core of its diverse product line is the Husky Liners® brand of custom fit floor liners; including front seat, rear seat and cargo areas.
The company also manufactures heavy duty floor mats, custom molded mud guards and a wide assortment of quality products designed to help extend the life of your car, truck or SUV. All products are manufactured in the USA and most come with a lifetime guarantee. For more information, visit, www.huskyliners.com.
"It’s great to have Husky Liners come on board for the night races at Texas Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway," Scott said. "Their products are proven to be durable and tough. It's an honor to be able to represent a company like Husky Liners. I’m looking forward to taking them to Victory Lane with our team."
For more information on today's announcement, and all that is happening at RCR, please visit rcrracing.com.
About Husky Liners
Today Winfield Consumer Products / Husky Liners® is a privately held company, whose primary business consists of designing, manufacturing and supplying automotive accessories for light trucks, SUV's, vans and cars to the aftermarket. Husky Liners believes that a clean, safe and efficient work environment results in the manufacturing of quality products by employees who care. Husky Liners® controls the entire process of its products, from product design, tooling and manufacturing to warehousing and distribution. Husky Liners has a strong commitment to quality, customer service, financial strength and the well being of its employees.
About Richard Childress Racing:
Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 200 victories and 14 championships, including six in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Its 2013 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Paul Menard (No. 27 Menards Chevrolet), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Budweiser/Jimmy John’s/ Rheem Chevrolet) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar/Cheerios Chevrolet). Its Nationwide Series program includes Brian Scott (No. 2 Shore Lodge/Armour Vienna Sausage/Fast Fixin’/Charter/Husky Liners Chevrolet), 2012 Nationwide Series rookie of the year Austin Dillon (No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet) and an all-star driver lineup on the No. 33 Menards/Rheem/WESCO/Armour Vienna Sausage/Hunt Brothers Pizza/Fast Fixin’ Chevrolet team. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series program will consist of 2012 Camping World Truck Series rookie of the year Ty Dillon (No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet) and Brendan Gaughan (No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet).
Honda recently reported that it was happy with the way it dealt with the winter storms in February, posting sales of 107,987 units, only accounting for a 2 percent decrease in sales compared to a year ago. The automaker noted that year-to-date sales are still above levels seen during the same period of time last year.
"It took a big winter storm in the Northeast to slow us down a bit, but our robust sales over the last three weeks show that our strong retail momentum continues," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Sales at American Honda. "With Accord posting strong numbers and spring just around the corner, the best is yet to come."
Honda noted that sales of its all new Accord, which is among the top selling cars in the nation, were up 35.2 percent on a year-over-year comparison to 27,999 units. In addition, the automaker said that sales were helped out by the 2013 Crosstour as it saw its second month of double digit sales growth this year, up 15.3 percent in February.
Honda has three cars on Top Pick list
Honda announced at the end of last month that the Accord, CR-V and Odyssey all earned positions on Consumer Reports' annual Top Picks list, which highlights some of the top cars in the nation.
The Accord won the category of the best Midsized Sedan, the CR-V took the top spot in the Small SUV category and the Odyssey won the No. 1 spot in the Minivan category.
Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor, said this year's list saw an overhaul led by Honda's return.
Those considering purchasing a new vehicle in 2013, or those just looking to maintain their current ride, should look into Husky Liners® vehicles floor mats. The liners will help preserve the life of a car while keeping your interior looking clean.
Hunter safety in Iowa has been top notch as, with the exception of a few minor incidents, hunters continued to improve on safety. The 2012 hunter safety incident report showed that there were no firearm-related deaths, only 13 injuries and six cases of property damage in 2012.
However, safety advocates say there is always more that can be done, as Iowa should strive for no incidents whatsoever.
"A lot of the incidents still involve target fixation," Megan Wisecup, safety education coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources, told Omaha NBC affiliate WOWT. "Basically the shooter gets focused on the game and tends to forget about surroundings…and what lies beyond the target."
The state has been making strides in hunter safety, reporting only six fatalities in the past 10 years, down from 13 from the mid 1960's to the mid 1970's.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be holding meetings across the state in order to gauge the public opinion on new hunting rules that were announced. The DNR hopes to increase the conversation of hunting safety through the meetings, getting constituents to talk about what went right, what didn't go right and what changes should be made.
Hunters looking to protect the exterior of their vehicle from wear and tear should look into Husky Liners® mud guards.
Honda recently announced that three of its vehicles have made Consumer Reports' annual Top Picks list, as the automaker didn't have one vehicle on last year's list.
The Consumer Reports' 2013 Top Picks list now features the Honda Accord, CR-V and Odyssey. The Accord was featured as the top midsize sedan, the CR-V won the small SUV category and the Odyssey was No. 1 in mini vans.
Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor said that this year's list was completely overhauled with Honda's return, as seven winners in its 10 categories are new to the list. Paul added that Honda was led by the Accord's redesign and well rounded performance, and reliability from the CR-V and Odyssey.
Accord won the Midsize Sedan Showdown
At the end of 2012 Experts from Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek tested six midsize sedans, all under $26,000, to see which was the best in fuel efficiency, practicality, driving ability, comfort and features.
According to the results, Cars.com said the 2013 Honda Accord was the winner of the Midsize Sedan Showdown.
"Nearly one in six new cars sold today is a midsize family sedan," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's editor-in-chief. "Midsize sedans are some of the most popular cars you'll see on the road. We test many different types of cars, but the midsize Showdown is one of the most important ones we do, because it provides practical shopping advice and expert insight for those looking to buy."
The Accord wont the showdown over the 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 2013 Kia Optima, 2013 Nissan Altima and the 2012 Toyota Camry.
Olsen said the Accord's great value, high-end standard features and great driving characteristics were what set it apart from the rest of the competition.
Those considering a vehicle purchase should protect their car's interior with Husky Liners® vehicle floor mats.