More road tax is going to drain from our pocket

In a recent news, it was said that consumers may have to pay minimum Rs 5,000 more to buy a car and up to Rs 2,000 for purchasing a two-wheeler as the government is raising road tax on vehicles.

According to automakers, this would increase the cost of ownership of their vehicles reasulting in an adverse impact on sales volume also after a notification is issued and marketers feel there could be a rush of consumers planning to buy a vehicle before the new rates come into force.

This increase in road tax is substantial and will particularly have an adverse impact on small-car buyersas this is the fourth increase in the cost of ownership for a car buyer in Delhi since January. Carmakers have increased prices of cars due to higher input costs and new emission norms besides change in excise duty.

The road tax has been raised to generate more revenues for the state government also, to induce consumers to switch to public transport and decongest roads. Now, cars that costs up to Rs 6 lakh will attract 4% road tax, twice that of the existing rate. So a small car priced around Rs 3.5 lakh will entail a road tax of Rs 14,000 after the new rates are notified.

Consumers buying cars with a price tag between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh will need to pay 7% more road tax and cars costing above Rs 10 lakh will attract 10% more road tax as compared to 4% at present.

The biggest impact will be on price of luxury cars that would cost at least Rs 1 lakh more. There would be a rush of consumers buying and registering their cars before the new rates are applicable but there would be a sales lull thereafter for some time.

Two-wheelers costing between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000 will also attract 4% road tax as compared to 2% at present and vehicles with price tags of more than Rs 40,000 will attract 6% more tax. Most two-wheelers sold in Delhi costs upwards of Rs 40,000. So consumers will need to shell out as much as Rs 2,000 more to buy the vehicle. This will impact consumers but would not mean reduction in sales in the region.

"Bike to Work Week" targetting young bikers

These days, in USA, Metro Vancouver’s Bike to Work Week is going to start its fourth annual event at the end of May. In Sapperton, Cap’s Cycles, in partnership with the New West chapter of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) and elementary schools around town have set up bike information classes aimed to educate kids on the advantages of cycling.

After that, it is planning to offer a bicycle riding skills seminar at Sir Richard McBride school, scheduled for June 7.

Earlier, it focused on promoting cycling as a way for adults to commute to work. Now, it also is setting up the Glenbrook bike club this year, an optional group for students to ride their bikes, build ramps and go on community rides with the school.

In addition to the work being done in Royal City schools, New Westminster has also put out a new bike map, outlining the various trails and paths around town. And for those adults looking to take their bike to the office during this year’s event, Feltham says the VACC plans to set up three commuter stations around town stocked with beverages for those who need some refreshments for their trip either to, or from, work.

Synopsis of Automobile Industry

It was way back in 1769 when a steam-powered automobile was created for transport purposes. The next important year was 1806, when cars were running on fuel gas and was powered by internal combustion engines. Later electric cars came into the industry during the 20th century; however it became popular only in 21st century when consumers and government were more concerned about low-emission vehicles.

Phases in automobile industry:

• Steam automobiles (Cugnot Steam Trolley)
• Electric automobiles (The Henney Kilowatt)
• Internal combustion engines (Benz Patent Motorwagen)
• Veteran era (Renault Voiturette)
• Brass/ Edwardian era (Ford Model T, Mercer Raceabout, Bugatti Type 13)
• Vintage era (Austin 7, Bugatti Type 35, Lancia Lambda, Cadillac V-16)
• Pre-World War era (Alvis Speed 20, Ford V-8, Bugatti Type 57, Volkswagen Beetle)
• Post-War era (Morris Minor, Jaguar E-type, Ford Mustang, Datsun 240Z)
• Modern era (Toyota Corolla, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 3 Series, Ford Taurus)

The largest automakers in U.S are General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler. U.S ranks third after Japan and China under the list of world's top 20 motor vehicle producing countries.

The future of cars is overloaded with high end technologies which are eco-friendly and cost effective for customers. The auto manufacturers are spending a lot of money in R & D (Research and Development) to create a product that is safer, sustainable, energy efficient and less polluting. Alternatives to fuels like hydrogen cars, electric cars, compressed-air cars, etc are entering the market to give high mileage at low cost which is beneficial for owner of the car and environment too.

Latest technologies like BMW's Turbosteamer, Regenerative braking, Installation of Vortex is used which helps in saving energy and thereby cost. To improve the quality and strength of automobiles, the auto manufacturers are replacing steel with materials like fiber glass, carbon nanotubes, duralumin and carbon fiber. Few other technologies like platoons, automated highway systems and vehicle infrastructure integration enhances road safety and traffic flow.

Automobile industry was deeply affected by the recession which recently occurred. However, it is reviving and it will soon come back to normal in the near future.

Go Green With a Homemade Electric Car - Top 3 Reasons to Do it Now!

With the slow economy most of us are looking for ways to save money. Building a homemade electric car is a great way to save on fuel prices. It's really a lot easier and cheaper than you probably think.

1) A homemade electric car will free you from The Big Oil Cartels stranglehold

While we struggle to scrimp and save the greedy big oil companies rake in billions in profits at our expense. We need to break their grip on us and become less dependent on them.

It's a safe bet that gas prices will rise again. How high will they go this time? Can you afford to pay more? Last time when prices topped $4 many families had to chose between food or gas It could go much higher this time.

Wouldn't it be nice to be free from them? Imagine never paying for gas again. What would you do with the extra money? Go on vacation? Eat better? Catch up on bills? Whatever your choice it's better in your pocket than theirs.

2) A homemade electric car is an affordable alternative to an expensive hybrid.

Many people think hybrid electric cars are the answer. But they are expensive. Many cant afford to be strapped with another payment. Availability right now is also an issue. It's questionable whether or not the savings in gas justify the increased cost of a hybrid. Plus your still buying gas!

You can build an electric vehicle conversion for a fraction of the price. There are countless examples of electric vehicle conversion for under $1000. Uncle Sam will even pay you to do it. You can get up to a $1000 alternative energy tax credit.

If you have a car that needs engine work it's probably cheaper just to do an electric vehicle conversion. I was quoted $700 for a complete tune up. Why bother? You can build a homemade electric car for that much money instead.

3) A homemade electric car is a green solution to global warming.

If we don't take care of our planet what will be left for our kids and grand kids? Hybrid cars still use gas and produce emissions. They may be a better alternative than a regular gas guzzler but they are still part of the problem.

It takes a lot less energy to recycle an existing car into a electric vehicle conversion than it does to create a new hybrid car from scratch. Why not take advantage of resources that are already here instead of using all the energy and materials needed for creating new ones?

Automobile Engine Overhauls

You will need to find an appropriate place to work when performing any engine overhauling procedures. A level surface that has adequate space to move around in as well as storage for components and additional tools and parts is essential for smooth workings. An engine hoist is necessary to draw the engine out of your vehicle chassis and is typically on an A-frame that has portability for lifting and moving your engine in order to work on it.

Be sure to have all of the necessary tools required for any replacing or rebuilding of parts that you wish to do during your overhaul. Having separate drain pans and containers are essential for any fluids that you will need to drain and store during this process. Cleaning solvents, masking tape and even extra rags or paper towel should also be part of your tools and supplies list to help clean up any rebuilt engine parts or spills that may occur during your overhaul.

If you are new to engine overhauling, there are many places that provide complete engine overhaul kits pre-made and ready to use on your specific make and model of vehicle. Gasket kits, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets and even exhaust and intake manifold kits are just a few of the options available for pre-made automobile engine overhaul kits. Depending on your expertise, there are basic engine overhaul kits, Master and Deluxe kits available to cover any number of replacement parts or rebuilding for your engine.

Basic engine overhaul kits will typically include gaskets, piston rings and bearings sets, rod, cam and timing gear and chain sets, valve lifters, oil pump kits, and other oil and lube options. Master kits can add additional options to the Basic kit such as rocker arms, camshaft and oil pumps. If you are advanced, the Deluxe kit can expand your automobile engine overhauling capabilities to include piston pins, pushrods, intake and exhaust valves, as well as valve guides and springs. You may have the option to add additional components as needed, but you will have to check with your parts supplier for what is available.

Many common engine overhaul activities include replacing or grinding valves, inspecting or changing the camshaft or the crankshaft, inspecting the intake and exhaust manifolds as well as removing and replacing oil seals for smoother operation. You may be able to complete a number of engine overhaul procedures on your own, while others may require you to seek help with removal or replacement and rebuilding of parts for your automobile engine. If you are new to engine overhauling, it is always a good idea to have someone who has previous experience with replacement or rebuilding engine parts help you out when you are unsure of any necessary steps or actions.

Auto Sales - How To Score All The Early Morning Deals - Preparing The Mind

Yeah, you guys heard me. As tough as it is to make the trip to the dealership early in the morning, it is a lot tougher to get the mindset in line to prepare for your big money making day. When I was first starting in the business, I'll admit, I missed a lot of the early morning deals. Maybe it was the lack of concentration, or maybe I still felt like I haven't woken up yet, or just maybe it's because I haven't talked to anybody. And I mean as in getting the right attitude in place when you finally walk up to that first buyer. Here's a couple of tips I implemented to help get my day started and take advantage of some of those nice early morning deals.

Practice some of your interpersonal people skills by making the rounds to your service, parts, and even your finance and accounting office. Make it a habit of greeting more than ten co-workers and while you are at it, talk to a couple of those service customers. This is a lesson in getting the tongue untied, and you never know, you might find that special someone that is looking for an auto sale for your automobile. And speaking of those loyal service customers, how about taking a pot of coffee and some cups, and just get to know some of them. On many different occasions, I actually found out that a close friend or relative is in the market. And I end up selling that person a car within a couple days, see how easy it is to do an auto sale?

As you can see, it's the little things like this that make a difference between selling only the average eight cars a month, to getting up to 15-16 cars. The last time I checked, that's several thousand dollars just by doing the simple chore in greeting your morning crew. Also try out some other clever morning traffic generation tips like taking some doughnuts and business cards to the local beauty salon. They're always talking there, a great source of gossip and word of mouth. Or maybe call up some of your previous customers and just thank them and ask for referrals. With these easy combinations, sales consultants can make better use of their time and start raking in more money. Show no mercy, make all the deals in the morning and make the other salesmen jealous! It's such a great feeling.

New Car For the Summer?

With the winter season well and truly behind us people are looking forward to the summer and quite rightly so. Soon there will be long days of sunshine, socialising with friends and BBQs whenever we want, for us to enjoy.

There is also driving around with friends to look forward to, which really encapsulates everything that is great about summer. You will see loads of people are taking long rides with friends in their new cars, windows down, music ringing out whilst really making the most of the glorious weather.

So could a new car be on the cards this season then? Just imagine driving around in your new car - how about a convertible? Put the roof down and get your friends in the back listening to the radio while you cruise past people walking along the streets. You could head down to the local beach and do some sunbathing or just drive around doing some proper tourist sight seeing. You will be surprised at the activities and things to see that are right on your doorstep.

New cars are now pretty affordable. Many dealerships offer some form of payment plans that could suit your pocket or income. You will be able to get a 'buy now pay later' scheme that may not even ask for a deposit. There may also be a monthly payment plan which will enable you to stretch the cost of the car over 12, 24 or 36 months making the cost a new car much for affordable.

There are many affordable cars out there that offer £35 year car tax which is a pretty hefty saving on what you may already be paying out.

Newer cars can also be more fuel efficient than a lot of the older cars meaning that you will be able to go further to you money. This will prove invaluable in the summer as you will be able to drive for miles and in the winter you should still be seeing the saving if you are using that car for journeys to work.

It becomes easy to see why people are opting for a new car. Especially with the summer months fast approaching. You would be mad to be stuck in an old car that doesn't have air conditioning or even a sunroof.