Automotive

Best Car Sharing Services Compared: A Guide To Short-Term Car Rentals

Best Car Sharing Services Compared: A Guide To Short-Term Car Rentals Americans today are looking for the most cost-effective ways to move about. As the average price for a new vehicle continues to increase, car sharing services have become a viable option.
You can think of car sharing as a short-term rental service, enabling you to drive a specific vehicle when and how you need it. And while car sharing has a lot of upsides, there are particular drawbacks you need to consider as well.
This guide will help you determine which car sharing service is right for you.
What Are The Advantages of Car Sharing?
Expenses: Car sharing helps you save on gasoline, parking fees, maintenance costs, taxes, vehicle registration, insurance, and various other fixed monthly costs. Those expenses are inclusive in the per-minute or per-hour cost of renting the vehicle.
Occasional Use: Car sharing is a practical alternative for those on a budget who don’t necessarily need a full-time vehicle.
Selection: Easily able to choose what you need for specific trips. Need a small car for a quick run to the shopping mall or grocery store? Do you need a larger truck for moving, or an SUV for a family vacation? Many car sharing services and the vehicles they offer are accessible via an app on your smartphone.
Flexible: Car sharing services are an easy and affordable way to get behind the wheel without buying or leasing the vehicle, or beholding yourself to a preset public transportation schedule.
Green: If you are concerned about carbon emissions and pollution, then consider a car sharing service. You can choose a hybrid or – in some cases – a fully-electric vehicle for your trip.
Easy: Car sharing is nothing more than choosing the vehicle you want, and waiting for it to arrive at your home. When you’re done, return the car and that’s basically it.
Passive Income: Car sharing allows you to earn money from your privately-owned vehicle(s). New cars are cheap to run but expensive to buy. Car sharing services will give you the ability to maximize the use of a particular vehicle. Going on a long business trip abroad? Instead of parking your vehicle at the airport lot, car sharing gives you the opportunity to earn money while you’re away.
What Are The Disadvantages of Car Sharing?
Costly: Car sharing is costly if you need to drive every day. This also holds true if you cover a lot of miles on your typical work day commute. If this is the case, leasing or buying your own vehicle is more economical in the long run.
Range: Car sharing services may sound convenient, but not if you live far away from parking garages or drop-off points.
What Are The Types of Car Sharing Services?
Traditional car sharing where a company owns the cars; and
Peer-to-peer car sharing, where you rent the vehicle from private car owners or lenders.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the basics of car sharing and help you pick a service that’s right for you.
Traditional Car Sharing Services
Zipcar
Zipcar was established in 2000 and is one of the most popular car sharing services in the United States. They are a traditional service as a subsidiary of Avis Car Rental. As of July 2019, the service is available in more than 170 cities in 44 states, as well as Canada and Europe.
Zipcar offers a bevy of driving plans, including one for occasional driving with no monthly commitments, and an extra value plan for frequent drivers. The monthly rates will vary by city and model. You can expect to pay a daily rate of $66.00 to $78.00 for a 24-hour period or approximately $8.00 to $10.00 per hour depending on the chosen plan.
The monthly driving plan is $7.00 per month while the extra value plan is $50.00 per month. New customers can enjoy $25.00 in free driving credits; students may also receive special discounts and credits.
Photo: Zipcar.
What Are The Pros of Zipcar?
Location: Available at almost all airports and college campuses in the United States.
Selection: Zipcar has a huge fleet of cargo vans, pickup trucks, luxury vehicles, SUVs, and hybrid cars.
Peace of Mind: The service comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and a rental option of up to seven days.
Range: Every reservation includes 180 miles per day. If you need more, Zipcar will simply charge an additional $0.45 per mile.
Gas & Insurance Included: Each vehicle comes with a gas card. You can use it to fill up the tank and Zipcar will handle the rest. All Zipcar members are covered with comprehensive insurance.
Simple: After applying online, your Zipcard is mailed to you, giving you access to thousands of vehicles worldwide. Book your ride, tap the Zipcard on the car’s windshield to unlock the vehicle, and you’re ready to hit the road.
What Are The Cons of Zipcar?
Drop-Off Location: You are required to return the vehicle where you picked it up.
Added Fees: You’ll get hit with penalty fees ($50.00 to $150.00) for late returns and low fuel.
Verdict: Zipcar is available in more cities and airports across the country, and offers competitive rates within a range of plans. The widespread availability makes it an ideal choice for business travelers too.
If you join using our link, you’ll get a $25 free credit when you create an account.

Enterprise Car Share
Enterprise Car Share is found in a handful of U.S. cities and on 130 college campuses. The service is also available in the UK and Canada. Enterprise Car Share is part of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and leverages the company’s experience in the rental car industry. While rates are competitive, the reach in the U.S. is limited.
If you live in New York City, Enterprise Car Share offers two types of plans: Smart Saver and pay-as-you-go. Smart Saver charges an annual membership fee of $40.00 and will cost you around $79.00 to $175.00 daily; and $9.00 to $18.00 per hour depending on the chosen vehicle. Pay-as-you-go starts around $50.00 per month with hourly rates starting at $7.65. Houston, Philadelphia, and St. Louis are among the other major metropolitan areas Enterprise Car Share covers.
What Are The Pros of Enterprise Car Share?
Gas & Insurance: Both are included.
Location: Available in airports and on college campuses.
Range: Lengthy mileage allowance of 180 miles to 200 miles.
Flexibility: Offers customized plans for small businesses and government agencies.
Selection: Enterprise Car Share offers sedans, pickups, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
Rates: Slightly lower rates than other car sharing services. You can rent a vehicle 24/7 by the hour, per day, or overnight depending on your needs.
What Are The Cons of Enterprise Car Share?
Less Flexible: You must return the car where you picked it up.
Rates: Nothing is set. Rates will depend on the time of day or day of the week.
Availability: Enterprise Car Share is not available in most U.S. metropolitan areas. As of this writing, only 11 cites appear on their website.
Verdict: With the ability to rent a vehicle by the hour, Enterprise Car Share is best for shorter trips. The service also includes free pick-up if you reserve a vehicle from a non-airport location. However, the limited availability in the U.S. might mean you end up using another service anyway. Enterprise Car Share is, however, much more expansive in the United Kingdom.
Car2Go
Car2Go was established in Germany in 2008. It is now available in many North American and European cities and comes with no annual or monthly fees, and no membership costs. Their service model lets you grab an available vehicle from designated parking lots in your city. No reservations required! After you’re done with the trip, the process ends by parking the vehicle in the appointed spot and walking away. You don’t need to return the vehicle to the same pick-up point either.
The rates of Car2Go will vary by vehicle model and location. Typical rates start around $0.41 per minute and around $14.99 per hour. Daily rates start at less than $85.00.
Photo: Car2Go.
What Are The Pros of Car2Go?
Gas & Insurance: Both are included.
Rates: No membership fees and no late return fees.
Peace of Mind: 24/7 roadside assistance is standard.
Grab & Go: Per minute rentals are available, making it ideal for short trips around the city.
Flexibility: No need to return the vehicle to the same pick-up point. Return it to the appropriate “Home Zone” and you’re done!
What Are The Cons of Car2Go?
Selection: Smaller fleet of available vehicles.
Availability: The service is not yet available at airports and covers fewer cities.
Verdict: Car2Go needs to increase their coverage and service fleet to fully compete in the market. However, the hassle-free return policy and competitive rates are a strong point of Car2Go.
Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Services
Turo
When it comes to peer-to-peer car sharing services, Turo is a hands-down favorite. However, there’s a catch: the service only offers daily or weekly rates, meaning it might only be ideal for longer driving scenarios. If you just need to go grocery shopping or run a few quick errands, why pay an entire day’s rate? In terms of selection, however, Turo is top-notch. The service offers the opportunity to rent a wide array of vehicles courtesy of local owners. This includes luxury sedans, premium SUVs, and even sporty cars or coupes.
Turo is available at more than 300 airports and over 4,500 U.S. cities. What we really like about Turo is the doorstep pick-up and drop-off feature. There’s no need to look for official home areas or parking lots, and the vehicle is sent to you at no additional cost. When you’re done, simply park it outside your house and Turo will collect it.
There are no sign-up or membership fees either. Daily rates start at around $18.00 to $30.00 with an additional rental fee of 10 percent. The owner of the vehicle will set the mileage rates (approximately 200 miles per day). The service will charge a fee of $0.75 per mile if you exceed the prescribed mileage.
Photo: Turo.
What Are The Pros of Turo?
Availability: Turo sends the vehicle directly to your location.
Selection: Wide array of vehicles including luxury and sports cars.
Rates: No membership or sign-up fees. The daily and weekly rates are lower than other services.
Passive Income: The owner of the vehicle gets a $1M liability policy and will pocket 75 percent of rental and over-mileage fees.
What Are The Cons of Turo?
Availability: The service does not offer hourly or per-minute rates.
Expenses: You will pay for your own gas. Fuel expenses are separate from the rental fees.
Other Fees: If you are under 25, an extra fee applies (an additional 20 percent based on the rental rate).
Verdict: Turo works well if you are doing a full day’s worth of driving, or need a vehicle for a longer period of time. Its widespread availability means you likely will have access to the service in larger U.S. metro areas.
Create an account on Turo and get started renting, or if you want to make money from your car, sign up here to list your car for rent.

Getaround
Similar to Turo, Getaround is a peer-to-peer car sharing service. But unlike Turo, it offers low hourly rates, making it perfect for short trips or occasional users. However, Getaround is only available in select U.S. cities, namely Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Chicago, and Portland.
Rates start around $5.00 per hour and up to $45.00 per hour, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Customers can also expect to pay a three percent booking fee for each trip. Daily rates will vary upon the owner’s behest as will the mileage limits. You can expect to pay $0.50 per mile if you exceed the limit, and a late return fee of $50.00 to $500.00, depending on the vehicle.
If you want to list your vehicle on Getaround, you’ll need to pay a one-time installation fee of $99.00 and a $20.00 per month subscription fee. The fees will cover the remote tracking and unlocking system.
What Are The Pros of Getaround?
Peace of Mind: Comes with 24/7 roadside assistance.
Rates: Lower per hour rates and no membership or sign-up fees (a perk for occasional users).
Selection: Good selection of vehicles including convertibles, luxury cars, vans, and exotic rides.
What Are The Cons of Getaround?
Expenses: You pay for your own gas.
Availability: Only available in a handful of U.S. cities as of this writing.
Passive Income: Vehicle owners receives 60 percent of the fees versus 75 percent with Turo.
Verdict: Similar to Enterprise Car Share and Car2Go, Getaround suffers from limited availability. However, the hourly rates make it ideal for shorter trips and one-off users.
Sign up for Getaround here.
Conclusion
Our top choice for a traditional car sharing service is Zipcar. The service is available in more cities and airports nationwide and offers a wider selection of vehicles. For peer-to-peer services, it’s hard to go wrong with Turo. The service might not offer hourly or per-minute rentals, but it does come with lower daily and weekly rates compared to other car sharing services. It’s also available in more cities.
Join Zipcar here and get $25 in free driving credits.
Do you have a car sharing service you use regularly? Let us know by commenting below or on our Twitter page.

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2020 Cadillac XT5: Caddy’s Best-Seller Gets A Whole Lotta Updates!

2020 Cadillac XT5: Caddy’s Best-Seller Gets A Whole Lotta Updates! The 2020 Cadillac XT5 benefits from a number of revisions for the new model year.
Interior themes focus on comfort and luxury; tech features on connectivity and safety.
A new turbo engine is on offer for 2020, although the 3.6 V6 remains an option as well.
Did you know the Cadillac XT5 is the brand’s best-selling model worldwide? That shouldn’t be all that surprising, given the popularity of SUVs, especially luxury ones, and Caddy’s inroads into the Chinese market. So with that as a background, you can see why Cadillac opted for only a revamp on their sales leader, and not a full-on redesign. Still, the refresh is as comprehensive as they come. Cadillac says over 40 different items were updated for the XT5 for 2020.
Here is a look at what to expect when the XT5 hits the dealership.
What Are The 2020 Cadillac XT5 Trim Levels?
For the new model year, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 comes in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury (a redundantly named trim level if nothing else), and Sport. The Premium Luxury emphases bright trim and contemporary décor, while the Sport goes darker and more aggressive. As you would expect, Luxury and Premium Luxury are oriented towards comfort, and provide a “retreat from road disturbances” as Cadillac says. The Sport, by contrast, has quicker steering and more aggressive chassis tuning and stuff like that.
Luxury and Premium Luxury models get 18-inch wheels standard, although a new 20-inch wheel is available. The XT5 Sport gets the 20-inchers standard. Across the range, you’ll find a new grille design, available in two textures, and an available Platinum package for more tech.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury. Photo: Cadillac.
And Speaking of Tech . . .
Caddy has no problem loading in as much as the bean counters will allow, and infotainment and driver assistance technologies take center stage. The new XT5 now has over 20 available safety and driver aids as a matter of fact. The XT5’s “user experience interface” receives an upgrade, as does the rotary controller with more comprehensive jog functionality. Please note this complements the conventional buttons and touchscreen, but does not do away with them entirely. This is a great move. Hörst du German auto manufacturers?
When Cadillac says user experience interface, they mean the eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, various apps, and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. One-touch phone pairing with Near Field Communication is there, but this is slowly becoming standard, especially on high-end rides like the XT5.
2020 Cadillac XT5 touchscreen display. Photo: Cadillac.
Related: Affordable luxury for younger buyers: on the road with the 2019 Cadillac XT4.
Interior Treatments
This is a Cadillac, so of course the comfort and convenience goodies will make you feel like you’re driving a suite at the Hilton. There are new interior “themes,” each incorporating a richer selection of authentic materials and coordinating décor. There’s also a new Jet Black/Kona Brown theme that includes premium leather seats, door trim, and armrests. Further accents come by way of new designs for the center console and cup holders (natch).
Best of all, there’s a new Bose Performance Series sound system.
2020 Cadillac XT5 cargo area. Photo: Cadillac.
2020 Cadillac XT5: Power & Performance
The engine bay for the XT5 gets a new choice for 2020. The 2.0L Turbo is now standard for Luxury and Premium Luxury; the existing 3.6L V6 remains standard for the Sport, but is still an option on the Premium Luxury. Both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic, controlled via the next generation of Cadillac’s Electronic Precision Shift technology.
The turbo found on the 2.0L is a trick, twin-scroll setup with a unique three-step sliding camshaft. Cadillac says the design optimizes performance across the rev band. Don’t say VTEC, although that’s essentially what it is. Bottom line here is an okay 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The six-banger, on the other hand, puts out 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. of torque thanks to direct injection and camshaft phasing. There’s also Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic stop/start to help fuel economy.
If you opt for the 2.0L Turbo, you’ll also get a new, electronically-controlled braking system replacing the conventional vacuum-assisted system. Would you look at that. Caddy finally got out of the 1950s!
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 will be available later this summer. We expect a starting price right around $44,000. The new XT5 is produced in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Gallery

Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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2019 Mazda3 Sedan Review: Fun, Sporty & Affordable

2019 Mazda3 Sedan Review: Fun, Sporty & Affordable 95Excellent 2019 Mazda3 Sedan Overall Impression Stylish & affordable.Good safety features.ProsNice Interior All-Wheel Drive Driving Dynamics ConsCabin Noise Small Backseat AC Needs More Power The Mazda3 was good before, but it gets upgrades that lift it higher in the compact sedan segment. For 2019, the Mazda3 continues with its already sharp driving dynamics, and gains the 2.5-liter engine as standard equipment across all trims. Mazda has also made all-wheel drive an option this year, a bonus for customers living in cold weather climates who need extra grip. This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive.
Mazda3: What’s New For 2019?
The Mazda 3 is fully redesigned for 2019 and remains the brand’s best-selling vehicle. The aforementioned 2.5-liter engine is standard now, ensuring all models will have plenty of power. Safety systems for 2019 include Smart City Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert among others. Trim levels include Select, Preferred, and Premium, along with a Hatchback option.
Features & Options: Just Enough For The Drive
The 2019 Mazda3 Premium all-wheel drive ($27,900) comes standard with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights; a rearview camera, push-button start, 60/40-split folding rear seat, and an 8.8-inch central display. Tech treatments include Bluetooth, voice commands, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio and two USB ports.
Other features include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additional safety features on our tester included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking; a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert; adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beam control, and lane keeping assist.
The top-trim Premium package adds adaptive headlights, a sunroof, heads-up display, leather upholstery, and paddle shifters for models with the automatic transmission. Total MSRP including destination: $30,930. By comparison, the 2019 Mazda3 starts at $21,000.
2019 Mazda3 sedan.
Interior Highlights: Clean & Uncluttered
The new Mazda 3’s interior is clean with mostly quality materials and an overall solid fit and finish. The white interior with bald trim is especially attractive but it could be hard to keep the leather seats clean. This tester came loaded with a power driver’s seat (w/memory) and heated front seats for extra winter comfort. We settled in and found the controller-based interface is one of the best we’ve seen. Everything is uncomplicated in the new sedan, as controls and buttons are easy to see and understand. It doesn’t take long to find and select a function.
We could easily find the perfect driving position and visibility is descent out the front and sides for a compact sedan. The Mazda3 comes with a blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera as standard, making it easier to navigate and detect objects out of your normal view.
The 3’s roofline has a steep rake, so our passengers this week needed to duck to get into the back. They said rear legroom and headroom was a bit tight as we took a ride to lunch. I had to keep my front seat pushed up more than usual to accommodate their longer legs. Mazda wanted sleeker styling but rear passengers pay the price. Overall, however, we would give the cabin high marks at least up front, and this Premium upgrade comes with features found in more expensive cars. It’s a comfortable place to spend your commute.
2019 Mazda3 sedan interior layout.
2019 Mazda3: Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 186 horsepower and an equal 186 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is standard with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, a series of motion control technologies to increase steering response and handling.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 25/33 city/highway and 28 combined with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models improve to 26/35 city/highway and 30 combined. Our all-wheel drive tester came with cylinder deactivation which helps increase fuel economy.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty & Stable
Getting underway revealed a sporty ride and the dynamics from Mazda we’ve come to expect. The ride is comfortable, even at highway speeds, and the seats are supportive. Driving in the mountains west of Denver gave us the opportunity to push the sedan hard in the curves. The driving characteristics of the 2019 Mazda3 did not disappoint us either. The handling is crisp, and the steering offers up a light but engaging feel thanks to the G-Vectoring technology. However, with Denver’s temperatures in the high 90s this week, we cranked up the A/C but felt the climate control needed more power to sufficiently cool the cabin.
The 2.5-liter powerplant is naturally-aspirated and is eager to deliver from the onset, but it really gets going from the middle of the rev range. We had no problem merging onto the highway even with heavy traffic. We did notice quite a bit of road noise at higher speeds, despite Mazda saying they included additional sound insulation for 2019. In the city, we needed to make a U-turn and the Mazda3 has a quick-turning radius, making it easy to navigate parking lots and busy streets. But when the road gets curvy is when the fun begins in this sedan! The transmission even offers a sport mode which makes the car more responsive in the curves.
The 2019 Mazda3 is especially fun to drive on curvy roads.
Related: 2019 Mazda3: Two flavors and plenty of extras.
Driving Dynamics: Confident Cruiser
The 2019 Mazda3 will give a driver confidence as the car feels safe at higher speeds. We liked the 2.5-liter’s power, of course, but it feels stable as the suspension and transmission pair well with the larger engine. We didn’t test it through snow or over ice, but the available all-wheel drive gave the sedan more stability on the dirt roads we drove.
Conclusion: Definitely One To Consider
For those looking for an upscale, affordable, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, small sedan or hatchback, the 2019 Mazda3 should be on your shopping list. It’s especially attractive now with the all-wheel drive option and new engine.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Mazda3 Sedan Gallery

Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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Letter From The UK: Is It All About Brexit?

Letter From The UK: Is It All About Brexit?
UK Car Production Down: But Is It All About Brexit?
I receive many messages in my burgeoning email inbox. Some of them I don’t want to read because they bear no relation to what I actually do. I do not, for example, want to buy electrical parts from China, perfumes from Paris, and I don’t want to meet attractive girls from foreign lands. Well, in a sort of typically male lecherous sense I do, but the marriage contract and the prospects for my future health don’t allow for it.
I also get a lot of mail every financial quarter from motor manufacturers shouting from the rooftops that the last three months have been their best yet in terms of sales and profits; this includes European car makers like Volvo and Volkswagen. They must be doing this by means of economies of scale or something because, if the UK motor industry is anything to go by, business is not looking rosy.
Worrying Statistics
Figures recently released show that UK car production once again declined in March, with demand falling by -13.3% year on year as the domestic market continues to slow down. Exports also declined, down -11.9% due to fluctuations in demand in some global* markets. In addition, some manufacturers were impacted by the adverse March weather* conditions which negatively affected production operations.
Overall, output in the first quarter of 2018 fell -6.3%, with 440,426 cars leaving production lines in total this year. Almost 80% of these were exported, and while demand from overseas customers fell, this was dwarfed by the -14.1% decline in manufacturing for the UK market.
The UK’s vehicle and component manufacturers are important contributors to the UK economy and are responsible for 13% of all the country’s export in goods. For every one British pound generated by the motor industry, three pounds are delivered to the economy via adjacent sectors such as logistics, retail, and finance. Overall this is estimated to be 10% of UK Gross Domestic Product.
An industry executive is reported as saying, “A double digit decline in car manufacturing for both home and overseas markets is of considerable concern. Following recent announcements on job cutbacks in the sector, it’s vitally important that the industry and consumers receive greater certainty, both about future policies towards diesel and other low emission technologies, and our post-Brexit trading relationships and customs arrangements. Maintaining free and frictionless trade is an absolute priority – it has been fundamental to our past success and is key to our future growth.”
True enough; but is it the whole story or do other factors also impinge on our national prosperity? I think they do.
In this September 2014 photo, recently manufactured Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles await shipping. According to a CNN Money report, dated April 16th 2018, the company is cutting manufacturing jobs in Birmingham citing Brexit as one of the reasons. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
The Big Picture
Further up the page I have set an asterisk against two words. One is ‘weather’ and is something none of us can do anything about, especially in this country when we can get four seasons in one day. The other is ‘global’ in the sense that we, as a productive nation, cannot possibly allow for unknown variables like the state of the economies outside of the European bloc. Inevitably, if, say a Far Eastern economy is suffering then it stands to reason that we will sell less to them. Conversely, if a country is successful with its internal economy they may buy less from us unless we are truly competitive. That’s just basic economics. Swings and roundabouts.
Yet, I wonder if that is the whole picture. Yes, the uncertainty surrounding the British exit (hence Brexit) from the European Union is a major factor. The Eurocrats continue to be difficult and intransigent and the UK Government continues to be weak and vacillating. Is it any wonder the British Public are concerned about their long-term prosperity and that the UK car industry, like Yossarian, doesn’t have a clue which way to jump: but I also think it doesn’t end there.
Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory or “Die Gläserne Manufaktur” in Dresden, Germany serves as the automaker’s Center of Future Mobility. The facility offers tours, exhibitions, and test drives for attendees with a focus on electrification. The e-Golf has been made here since April 2017 and will be joined by other electric models according to Volkswagen. Photo: Volkswagen UK.
The Public Purse
Sales of diesel cars have been very badly hit thanks to the adverse, and rather unfair, publicity yet the sales of petrol, hybrid, and electric cars have not risen to the same extent, something that would seem to be a reasonable assumption. The fact is, despite some aggressive price cutting and attractive leasing options, the British public are keeping their cars for much longer (my own car is six years old and I’m very happy with it) because they either do all that is required of them or the people are simply losing interest.
Running a car is expensive here. Fuel prices, insurance premiums, and all manner of taxes make owning a vehicle a costly luxury. Certainly many young people on starter wages can’t afford it. Other needs are taking precedence. I don’t have any evidence to back any of this up but, call me crazy and send me off to the funny farm, in the back of my mind I do wonder if the car industry isn’t killing itself. I know, I know, but I’ve put it out there now.
Changing Tides
From doing what I do (when not browsing listings of young ladies who desire my company above all else) I’m hearing the message: cars are getting boring. In the mainstream, affordable world that most of us live in they are all the same. Ask me the question, ‘which crossover shall I buy’ and my answer now will be ‘any of them,’ because they are all essentially identical. This one handles better than that one but has a smaller trunk and does five miles less to the gallon and so on: Yadda, Yadda, Yadda . . .
The most boring aspect of all is autonomous cars. To a gearhead these robots, these things, are anathema. It simply is not possible to get interested in them unless you’re fascinated by guidance systems.
Wherever you lay the blame; on economies or government or Brexit or an apathetic public, there is a danger that cars are losing their allure as status symbols or objects of desire. Once, in Great Britain, if you owned a Jaguar or a Mercedes it said that you had arrived. You had status in the community. Things are so different now and nobody much cares. They’re just cars.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

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Toyota Invests In Mississippi Plant, New Facilities & Jobs Planned

Toyota Invests In Mississippi Plant, New Facilities & Jobs Planned With spring in the air, all sorts of plants are beginning to grow and that includes plants of the automotive manufacturing variety. This is the case in Blue Springs, home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, where the automaker has committed $170 million for production of the new Corolla using a platform called “Toyota’s New Global Architecture” or TNGA.
The plant currently produces 170,000 vehicles annually and employs over 1,500 people.
Essential Foundations
TNGA improves Toyota vehicle performance in virtually every category while advancing and streamlining the company’s product development process. The monies will be used for a complete overhaul and replacement of the current production lines, a move Toyota officials say enables the facility to stay competitive globally.
“We will be able to respond quicker and be more flexible in order to meet market demands down the road,” explained Sean Suggs, Toyota Mississippi President. “Toyota knows that you have to put in the effort to get the results, and this is just the beginning of that effort.”
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Continued Growth
Toyota says the investment will create 400 plus new jobs over the course of the next year. This recent commitment is the latest in Toyota’s effort to invest $10 billion in its U.S. facilities over the next five years, and brings the current total to $4.27 billion. Toyota’s total investment in the U.S. over the past 60 years is $25 billion, with more than a billion of that going to Mississippi since 2007.
“For more than a decade, Toyota has been a valued corporate partner to Blue Springs and the state of Mississippi,” said Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. “Toyota’s commitment to building a sense of community is illustrated by the company’s continued investment in its operations and philanthropic efforts throughout the region.”
“I’m very proud of our team members and the partnerships we have developed across the state,” Suggs added. “These jobs will support production of the all-new Corolla, and we are excited to build more of them for our loyal customers.”
A new visitor and training center is planned for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Visitor & Training Center
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi also held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new visitor and training center designed by local architecture firm JBHM. The 15,000-square-foot facility will include meeting and training spaces for up to 120 people with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. A 5,000-square-foot area with interactive exhibits that showcase Toyota’s Production System and Mississippi’s economic development are also planned.
The visitor and training center will open to the public in November 2019.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Subaru of America Delivers Nine-Millionth Vehicle To Arkansas Doctor

Subaru of America Delivers Nine-Millionth Vehicle To Arkansas Doctor Subaru of America, Inc. recently hit a milestone, selling their nine-millionth vehicle in the United States. Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville, Arkansas earned the distinction after delivering a new Crosstrek to Dr. Hershey Garner. At the dealership, Garner was greeted by Don Nelms, owner of Adventure Subaru, along with staff and Ali Daniel and Brian Wilson from Subaru of America.
The celebration came as a surprise for Dr. Garner and his wife Denise, who are loyal Subaru customers. The good doctor proudly owns a 2005 Baja but admits he was taken by the new Crosstrek.
“I’ve been waiting for the right Subaru to come along and found the perfect one on Adventure Subaru’s website, the 50th Anniversary Edition Crosstrek,” he said. “It has all the features I was looking for, and the color and size are the perfect fit.”
Community Pillars
Dr. Garner has specialized as a radiation oncologist for over 30 years and supports Circle of Life Hospice by filling in as a staff physician. Denise Garner has served on the board of Feed Communities, one of Adventure Subaru’s Share the Love local charity recipients. The Garners were presented with several gifts and a charitable donation on their behalf to Feed Communities.
The couple champions public radio and donated the music room at the local NPR-affiliate KUAF.
Adventure Subaru is also active in community outreach and environmental stewardship and has been a certified Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailer since 2012.
Photo: Subaru of America.
Continued Growth
The Crosstrek is coming off its best March ever for sales with an 88.2 percent increase over the same month in 2017. March also marked the first time that Crosstrek has topped 13,000 units in a single month, marking Subaru of America’s 49th consecutive month of 40,000 plus vehicle sales.
All 2018 Crosstreks are powered by a revised version of the company’s 2.0-liter Boxer engine that creates 152 horsepower. The Crosstrek delivers 23 in the city, 29 on the highway, and 25 combined miles per gallon according to the EPA ratings.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Subaru of America.

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2018 Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition Arrives

2018 Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition Arrives The Blue Sky Edition has joined the 2018 Fiat 500X lineup, giving fans another way to show off their style and personality. Available on Fiat 500X Pop models with the nine-speed automatic transmission, the Blue Sky Edition decorates the vehicle with new styling treatments.
“With all-wheel-drive confidence, best-in-class torque and room for five, the Fiat 500X is fun to drive and wrapped in iconic Italian design,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. “The new Blue Sky Edition offers yet another unique customization option for our Fiat 500X customers.”
Package Contents
Premium touches include satin chrome mirror caps, door handles, body-side moldings, fog lamp bezels, front and rear badges, and the tail lamp bezels. The Blue Sky Edition is available with four exterior colors, with Fiat noting that front-wheel drive models receive automatic headlamps, fog lamps, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The interior is themed in blue with blue-patterned cloth seats, blue instrument panel, and a dual-pane sunroof.
2018 Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Availability
The Blue Sky Edition is $1,495 on front-wheel drive models and $1,195 on all-wheel drive models, which start at $19,995 and $23,890 respectively, excluding destination. Fiat was not immediately clear what, if anything else, would be different in the package between the two models.
The Fiat 500X Blue Sky Edition will be arriving in Fiat studios this spring.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Distracted Driving Kills: And It’s A Worldwide Problem

Distracted Driving Kills: And It’s A Worldwide Problem The data is conclusive. Distracted driving is dangerous and can increase your chances of getting involved in a potentially debilitating or life-threatening vehicle crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 deaths in 2016. Distracted driving can also be blamed for the 391,000 reported injuries in vehicle crashes in that same period.
Sobering Statistics
Think about that for a second. If you break it down, we’re talking nine people killed and 1,000 injured in vehicle crashes each day in the United States alone, all caused by texting, calling, or browsing the Internet while driving.
Distracted driving is a worldwide problem. Are you aware that one in four Australians have a nasty habit of multitasking while driving? A survey conducted by Carzoos found that 75 percent of Australians like to eat while operating a vehicle and 55 percent use a mobile phone while driving. The study even concluded that 25 percent of women aged 25 to 34 apply makeup while driving. Talk about severe distractions!
The European Transport Safety Council reported last year on surveys conducted by Ipsos and Dekra. Ipsos found that 36 percent of drivers in the Czech Republic admitted to using their phone behind the wheel; Dekra found around 25 percent in Spain and Ireland said the same thing. And in a bizarre yet tragic case two years ago in Japan, the popular Pokémon Go game was a factor in a fatal accident.
What Is Distracted Driving
Distracted driving or driver inattention is driving while doing something else. Does talking to a passenger constitute distracted driving? Not exactly, as long as you’re not discussing the theory of relativity while behind the wheel. You can talk without taking your eyes off the road, but using a smartphone or fiddling with the audio and navigation system is a different story altogether.
In order to comprehend the meaning behind the numbers, we were fortunate enough to chat with Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police.
“Distracted driving is a major concern in Michigan. There were 20,000 reported crashes in 2017 which led to 72 deaths and 7,652 injuries,” he said. “The sad part is that 100 percent of crashes related to distracted driving are preventable.”
Phone use while driving is a fundamental problem.
“In today’s electronic digital age, it seems impossible for some people to resist answering phone calls or responding to text messages or Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook posts even while behind the wheel,” Flegel added.
What Are The Causes of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert the driver’s attention, but why do people find it hard to resist doing something else that could put their own lives or someone else’s in jeopardy?
“Using a cellphone or smartphone stimulates the portion of a person’s brain that releases a chemical called dopamine,” Flegel commented. “This chemical triggers a pleasure response in the brain that makes a person happy.”
Some experts even argue we are modern day versions of Pavlov’s dog with regard to smartphones.
“This is one of the reasons why it makes it difficult to resist the urge to respond immediately to text messages, calls, or social media posts, regardless if the person is operating a vehicle or not,” Flegel added. “When a person drives distracted one time and nothing bad happens, they think they can do it all the time with the same results. This is not true! It only takes being distracted for a brief moment before a tragedy can occur.”
Even in stopped or slow moving traffic, it is important to keep your eyes on the road.
What Are The Types of Distractions
Distracted driving comes in three different forms:
Visual – taking your eyes of the road.
Manual – taking your hands of the wheel; and
Cognitive – taking your mind off the task of driving.
“Texting while driving is especially dangerous since it combines all three forms of distractions,” Flegel stated.
Sending or reading text messages (or social media posts) will take your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. This is long enough to cover the length of an entire football field while traveling at 55 mph. When you add it up, it is easy to discern why distracted driving is hazardous but preventable. It only takes a second of hesitation and good judgement to completely change the outcome of what could be an unfortunate event.
Examples of distracted driving include:
Texting
Reading
Eating or drinking
Watching videos or movies
Using a smartphone or cellular phone
Grooming (combing hair or applying makeup)
Excessively adjusting the navigation, climate, and infotainment systems
Reaching down to pick something up or grabbing your bag from the backseat
Distracted Driving – Who Is Most At Risk
According to the Traffic Safety Facts Research Note on Distracted Driving conducted by NHTSA, drivers under the age of 20 had the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes in 2015.
It is reported that 42 percent of high school students who drove in the past 30 days sent text messages or emails while driving. What makes it more worrying is how these students were less likely to wear a seatbelt, more likely to ride with a driver who had been drinking, or more likely to drink and drive themselves, which further increases the chances of a horrific crash.
But teens and millennials are not the only ones at risk. We are all at risk the very moment we enter the car and drive. In fact, we are all guilty of committing a grave sin by allowing ourselves to be distracted by smartphones, mobile devices, passengers, and other external factors in the car.

Prevention Is The Best Cure For Distracted Driving
Luckily for us, local governments are doing their best to prevent drivers from succumbing to the dangers of distracted driving. Many states are now enacting laws such as banning texting while driving or using graduated licensing systems for teen driver applicants. Texting while driving is now prohibited in 46 states and the District of Columbia as of June 2017.
“There have been many initiatives where Michigan State Troopers will use unmarked vehicles to spot drivers texting on their phones while driving,” Flegel warned. “Once the troopers witness a person texting while driving, they will radio ahead to a trooper in a fully marked patrol car which will pull the vehicle over.”
In Michigan, there are laws that prohibit drivers from texting or reading texts while operating a vehicle. The law covers failing to maintain the lane of travel which leads to reckless or careless driving. Violators will be fined $100 for the first offense and $200 for subsequent violations.
While technology is sometimes proposed as a solution, law enforcement officials are hesitant to endorse the idea.
“Distracted driving can somewhat be related to impaired driving,” Flegel noted. “It can be construed as ‘digitally impaired’ so make a pledge to never text, type or access apps while driving.”

Distracted Driving Is Our Responsibility
It starts by setting an example for kids and younger adults who are old enough to get behind the wheel. It is best to avoid texting, watching videos, browsing the Internet, reading, and playing video games while operating a motor vehicle. It is also best to avoid smoking and eating and drinking while driving.
“It is time for us to be better role models. Remember your children are watching and will be influenced by your driving decisions when they begin driving,” Flegel said. “The Michigan State Police urge all drivers to make the responsible decision: put your phone away and focus all your attention on driving.”
If you need to do anything remotely distracting while driving, it is best to pull over and stop so you can better focus on the task at hand. The message is clear: anything that distracts you visually, manually, or cognitively while driving should be avoided at all costs.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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Volvo S90 Ambience Concept: Magic Carpet Ride

Volvo S90 Ambience Concept: Magic Carpet Ride “In England and Europe, we have this huge music called ambient – ambient techno, ambient house, ambient hip-hop, ambient this, ambient that,” said Brian Eno, who knows more than a thing or two about ambience. And now, it would seem, we have ambient cars, or at least it will be that way if Volvo has any say about it.
The car in question would be the Volvo S90 Ambience Concept. It is, literally, an industry-first sensory experience that synchronizes visuals, sound and – I’m not making this up – scent to “redefine in-car luxury.”
Okay, that sounds fine, in a way. Not sure what that could offer me as a driver personally, since my preferred automotive ambience is blurring scenery, red-lining engines, and the fine bouquet of unburned fuel and tire smoke.
Aladdin’s Lamp
Volvo’s S90 Ambience Concept made its public debut at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show (ah-ha!, I sense a trend). The S90 Ambience Concept is based on Volvo’s top-of-the-line S90 Excellence, which is a kinda-odd, three-seater executive sedan thing that focuses on the chauffeured passengers in the rear seat. Which, given the ambience deal, makes much more sense. The Gothenburg Guys tell us passengers can personalize the atmosphere by using a smartphone app to choose one of seven visual themes that synchronize with audio and scent. I know some guys that were trying to work on that same sort of system in their VW Bus that was equipped with a Radio Shack color organ, a Steppenwolf 8-track, and a hookah. Anyway . . .
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Mind Trip
The visual part of the Volvo S90 Ambience Concept happens on the headliner, where the car’s ceiling is transformed to the selected theme: Northern Lights, Scandinavian Forest (of course), Swan Lake, Archipelago, and Rain. There is also a Nocturnal theme for chilling and the Freedom theme aims to give you a boost of fresh and uplifting energy. Synchronized audio plays through a Bowers and Wilkins sound system that includes small tweeters in the headrest for an immersive experience.
And to top it all off, each theme is complemented with one of four bespoke scents, created by Byredo (I don’t know either), which deploys simultaneously from a portal in the center console.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Continued Growth & Expansion
Volvo says the S90 Ambience is launching as a concept but are considering making it available in S90 Excellence production cars in China. And indeed, China is the whole point here. In 2017 alone, Volvo sold more than 100,000 cars in China. That’s the company’s fourth consecutive year of record sales and growth in The Forbidden Kingdom. China is Volvo Cars’ single largest market and the company’s biggest for the S90 sedan.
“The Ambience Concept was created primarily for the China market and provides a contrast to China’s sometimes hectic city environments,” said Martin Andersson, Senior Commercial Product Manager at Volvo Cars’ Special Vehicles Department. “The S90 Ambience Concept will reinforce our premium brand values in this important region.”
Or, to quote Per Olaf Gunderssen, Volvo Senior V.P. of Ambience and Good Vibes, “I like to dream, yes, yes. Right between the sound machine. On a cloud of sound I drift in the night. Any place it goes is right. Goes far, flies near. To the stars away from here.” Then he broke into a 4:39 drum solo. Okay, I made that up.
But what is true is that Volvo is Paying Attention to the Chinese market in a big way and seem to have no problem specializing their output to meet that market’s needs.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Volvo S90 Ambience Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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