The Dos and Don?ts of Renting an Exotic Car
As the exotic car rental industry grows, more consumers are flocking to this exciting and accessible trend in the luxury automotive space. Gotham Dream Cars, a leader in the industry with locations in New York and Miami, has released some useful tips for those enthusiasts who seek a “dream day” in a favorite luxury or super car. Unlike when renting from a traditional car rental company (such as Hertz or Avis), knowing what to ask of your exotic vehicle provider can help protect you from the unknown factors that come with renting an extremely expensive and powerful piece of machinery.
“As a car guy, I loved the idea of trying out the latest super car but I couldn’t find a reputable company to rent from! It was then that I decided to start Gotham Dream Cars and solve that problem,” states CEO Noah Lehmann-Haupt. “Renting a Ferrari or Lamborghini for the weekend is quite different from rental a normal economy car at the airport. It’s important for those thinking about taking the plunge to do their research and know what questions to ask up front.”
Lehmann-Haupt offers these important tips to discuss with any exotic rental company prior to utilizing their services:
Avoid the fly-by-nights: Make sure the car you are renting is actually owned/leased by the rental company and not a private owner’s personal toy. Several fly-by-night operators use privately-owned cars as ways to get around the legalities and difficulties of insurance and financing. If you rent a car that isn’t legally insured as a rental, you could be held liable and possibly sued for damages by the owner – and your personal insurance carrier won’t cover you. Furthermore, private owners rarely respect customers’ reservations, and your car could be taken back from the owner at any time. Not a good thing to happen the night before your big rental!
Beware of the stock photo: Make sure the car you reserve is the car you’re getting. Many small/start-up rental companies trade cars with other companies or list cars on their website that they do not own in order to appear bigger and more established. You may make a reservation based on a pretty picture online and get a different color, different model, or no car at all!
Ask for an on-site walk through of your car: Luxury/super cars are generally rare and exclusive vehicles and may have extremely advanced technology. Each can also have a unique driving personality and varied handling characteristics that can take hours, if not days, to get used to. Ask your rental company to give you a proper introduction to your vehicle and make sure you know how to use all the safety features, how to operate the transmission, and how to avoid a potentially dangerous drive.
Terms and conditions: Know the terms and conditions of the agreement prior to arranging for your rental: Exotic and super cars can be vastly different to rent than your standard rental. How many miles are included in the agreement? (Exotic rental companies rarely, if ever, give unlimited miles.) What happens if the car breaks down? What about roadside assistance? Are there refueling requirements?
Locations: Ask about delivery to your home or office and what the full service range of your rental provider is. Some rental companies offer different points for pick up and drop off as an added value.
Check the vehicle’s condition: Many startup and fly-by-night firms act only as brokers or middlemen, renting you a vehicle that’s been borrowed from another firm or a private owner. When this happens, the “buck never stops” and mechanical failures may not get fixed, tires may get dangerously worn, warning lights can get ignored, and the vehicle’s paint may get tarnished and dull from lack of care. Make sure your chosen exotic rental company has adequate staffing and someone who is responsible for the vehicles’ maintenance – both aesthetically and mechanically.
BUT, have realistic expectations: Even though the vehicle you’ve chosen to drive for the day may the be car of your dreams, it’s still a rental car and will inevitably have been driven by other enthusiasts, so normal wear and tear should be expected. Unlike the traditional rental companies, exotic rental firms rotate their fleets less frequently (usually every 2 – 3 years). The most reputable firms will give great attention to providing you with a great-looking and great-driving car, but be realistic about your expectations – just because the car is expensive doesn’t mean it will be coming straight from the showroom floor. And if the renter immediately before you puts a scratch in the bumper, there probably won’t be time to repaint it before it’s your turn, so you might have to face the choice of scratched car or no car.
C-xf Shows Jaguar’s Future Design Era
Michelle Crimson asked:
Jaguar pushes the green button and starts it futuristic design. The new design direction is imbibed in Jaguar C-XF concept car which will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
“The Jaguar C-XF concept is the most dynamic and modern four-door car that Jaguar has ever created, a design showcase heralding the next generations of our sports saloon models,” said Ian Callum, Design Director for Jaguar, in a statement.
According to Jaguar, the new sedan is not just another concept car – it is much more than that. The Jaguar auto body parts in C-XF sedan boast the most dynamic and modern styling that delivers a glimpse to the future for Jaguar. The exterior of the car is made pure and athletic; the interior is innovative and striking yet practical.
The grille is bold and aggressive; headlamps narrow and angular; aluminium wheels polished; and the color deliberately chosen to contribute to its overall vitality. “The tonality has a functional aspect but also extreme beauty; mechanical designs that are fit for purpose are often beautifully designed – we’ve taken our inspiration from machinery as diverse as aircraft to cameras in seeking to make the car look like it was milled from a solid piece of metal,” said Julian Thomson, Head of Advanced Design.
C-XF has “one of the most exciting interiors Jaguar has ever done,” Callum added. “C-XF is a showcase for innovative technology, some of which will feature in one way or another on the next generation of Jaguar cars. Every Jaguar interior should have a sense of fun, but we also recognise that technology should only be there when you want to use it. Yes, there is a sense of theatre about the innovations we have chosen to highlight on the C-XF, but there is also an organised simplicity that brings order and structure to every system.”
CX-F is also equipped with 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, tuned to generate over 420bhp and 500Nm of torque. The engine mated to the a six-speed automatic delivers lightning-quick manual gearchanges; thanks to the Jaguar Sequential Shift System.
“Great Jaguars turn heads in the street. They make people stop and pay attention. They evoke instant desire. That’s what the C-XF does and that’s what the next generation of Jaguars will do,” Callum noted. “Jaguars should be perceived as cool cars and cool cars attract interesting, edgy people. The next generations of Jaguars will do just that.”
Jaguar pushes the green button and starts it futuristic design. The new design direction is imbibed in Jaguar C-XF concept car which will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
“The Jaguar C-XF concept is the most dynamic and modern four-door car that Jaguar has ever created, a design showcase heralding the next generations of our sports saloon models,” said Ian Callum, Design Director for Jaguar, in a statement.
According to Jaguar, the new sedan is not just another concept car – it is much more than that. The Jaguar auto body parts in C-XF sedan boast the most dynamic and modern styling that delivers a glimpse to the future for Jaguar. The exterior of the car is made pure and athletic; the interior is innovative and striking yet practical.
The grille is bold and aggressive; headlamps narrow and angular; aluminium wheels polished; and the color deliberately chosen to contribute to its overall vitality. “The tonality has a functional aspect but also extreme beauty; mechanical designs that are fit for purpose are often beautifully designed – we’ve taken our inspiration from machinery as diverse as aircraft to cameras in seeking to make the car look like it was milled from a solid piece of metal,” said Julian Thomson, Head of Advanced Design.
C-XF has “one of the most exciting interiors Jaguar has ever done,” Callum added. “C-XF is a showcase for innovative technology, some of which will feature in one way or another on the next generation of Jaguar cars. Every Jaguar interior should have a sense of fun, but we also recognise that technology should only be there when you want to use it. Yes, there is a sense of theatre about the innovations we have chosen to highlight on the C-XF, but there is also an organised simplicity that brings order and structure to every system.”
CX-F is also equipped with 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, tuned to generate over 420bhp and 500Nm of torque. The engine mated to the a six-speed automatic delivers lightning-quick manual gearchanges; thanks to the Jaguar Sequential Shift System.
“Great Jaguars turn heads in the street. They make people stop and pay attention. They evoke instant desire. That’s what the C-XF does and that’s what the next generation of Jaguars will do,” Callum noted. “Jaguars should be perceived as cool cars and cool cars attract interesting, edgy people. The next generations of Jaguars will do just that.”
SUV Rollovers Pose Serious Auto Accident Risks
Alan Haburchak asked:
The sport utility vehicle (SUV) has the highest rate of death in rollover accidents. According to government tests, SUV rollovers are almost three times more likely to occur than in the average passenger car, and the most stable SUV is still more unstable than the most unstable car. In 2002, nearly 11,000 people died in rollover accidents, 61 percent of which occurred in SUVs.
With the number of people killed in SUV rollovers increasing by 14 percent per year, consumers should be aware of the risks SUVs pose to their families. Even more alarming than the rising rollover statistics is the withholding of rollover information by the government and auto manufacturers.
Sobering Statistics
Though the number of SUV rollover fatalities continues to escalate, but SUVs are not being manufactured to better resist rollover crashes. Not a single SUV earned the federal agency’s highest safety rating, according to an NHTSA report in 2003. However, SUV consumption has increased: SUV popularity created a large increase in sales in the 1990s, and because of high consumer demand for these cars, car makers continue to manufacture SUVs. Because the vehicle has changed from simply being an off-road vehicle to a replacement for the family station wagon, manufacturers removed the roll bar that protects drivers and passengers in a rollover situation from SUVs.
Many SUV rollover accidents occur because of the unusual propensity the large car has to roll over when steered hard in foreseeable accident avoidance maneuvers. Also, the size and height of an SUV may increase the danger of rollovers. SUV defects, like weak roofs and safety restraint system failures, are some of the heightened risks involved in an SUV rollover situation. Roof Crush Injury
Roof crush injury is most often the result of rollover automobile accidents. Roof crush injuries kill 10,000 people every year. Vehicle design is supposed to depend on a structural support system that creates a “survival space” that protects car occupants in a crash from injury due to roof crush. When a vehicle does not have the proper roof pillar strength, it will cause the roof to cave into the passenger compartment during an accident. A weak roof makes a vehicle defective, and roof crushes can cause serious and fatal injuries, including disabling brain and spinal injuries.
Safe Roof Designs
Safe roof structure designs have been documented from as early as the 1930s. Vehicles with the safety features mentioned above would reduce the number of roof crush accidents. Despite the availability of safer designs and structures, manufacturers claim it is the force of the impact that leads to injuries and death, notwithstanding the fact that the relationship between rollover crashes and injuries from roof crush was observed and noted as early as 1932.
Safe roofs are equipped with strong roof pillars and full-length closed sections, windshield headers and side sections, internal baffle plates, strong tubular cross-members, and reinforcing gussets at the connections. Some use rigid foam within the tubular cross-members to help strengthen the structure. These different safety precautions can significantly minimize the fatal results of roof crush.
Roof Crush and Rollover
Roof crush injury risks are higher in vehicles with a greater propensity to roll over. Because they are taller and narrower, SUVs, or sports utility vehicles, are three times more likely to roll over in an accident than are other passenger cars. In 1973, the government passed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, creating a standard roof strength test to measure the integrity of roof structure in motor vehicles. This test was to apply to motor vehicles weighing six thousand pounds or less. Many SUVs weigh more than this, and are therefore exempt from compulsory safety standards that may be crucial to preventing roof crush injury. In light of SUV roof crush injury risks, consumer advocacy groups have urged the federal government to modify standards so that they include any vehicle weighing ten thousand pounds or less.
Roof pillars appear strong to the average consumer, but most of them consist of just sheet metal that is hollow on the inside at the cross sections. When an accident occurs involving roof structures with a filled inner space, the outcome has been shown to be safer due to a lesser amount of roof crush.
Pillars filled with high-density foam can reduce the severity of a roof crush significantly, saving lives and reducing serious injuries. Overall, federal safety standards fail to provide roof strength requirements that adequately protect people from suffering roof crush injury in a rollover automobile accident. Despite federal standards, many vehicle roofs will easily crush a foot or more during a rollover accident. More stringent testing standards and minimum industry safety standards must be employed if the government hopes to adequately protect people from sustaining serious roof crush injury in automobile accidents.
If You’ve Been Injured in an SUV Accident
Though rollover accidents are regarded as highly survivable events, the integrity of a vehicle’s roof structure during impact is crucial. Windshield reinforcement is a critical component of vehicle design: when a windshield is destroyed in the course of an accident, the strength of the roof is instantly reduced by 33 percent. As a result, roof crush injuries are often extremely serious. Common roof crush injuries include neck fractures and other spinal injuries. Sometimes a brain injury may result from the roof crushing in on the vehicle occupant. These head and neck injuries can also cause paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other life-altering conditions.
If you have suffered injury due to a roof crush car crash, you may be eligible for monetary compensation due to faulty automobile design. Contact an experienced crashworthiness attorney as soon as possible. Your crashworthiness lawyer will help you assess your claim, file a law suit, and get the compensation you deserve.
The sport utility vehicle (SUV) has the highest rate of death in rollover accidents. According to government tests, SUV rollovers are almost three times more likely to occur than in the average passenger car, and the most stable SUV is still more unstable than the most unstable car. In 2002, nearly 11,000 people died in rollover accidents, 61 percent of which occurred in SUVs.
With the number of people killed in SUV rollovers increasing by 14 percent per year, consumers should be aware of the risks SUVs pose to their families. Even more alarming than the rising rollover statistics is the withholding of rollover information by the government and auto manufacturers.
Sobering Statistics
Though the number of SUV rollover fatalities continues to escalate, but SUVs are not being manufactured to better resist rollover crashes. Not a single SUV earned the federal agency’s highest safety rating, according to an NHTSA report in 2003. However, SUV consumption has increased: SUV popularity created a large increase in sales in the 1990s, and because of high consumer demand for these cars, car makers continue to manufacture SUVs. Because the vehicle has changed from simply being an off-road vehicle to a replacement for the family station wagon, manufacturers removed the roll bar that protects drivers and passengers in a rollover situation from SUVs.
Many SUV rollover accidents occur because of the unusual propensity the large car has to roll over when steered hard in foreseeable accident avoidance maneuvers. Also, the size and height of an SUV may increase the danger of rollovers. SUV defects, like weak roofs and safety restraint system failures, are some of the heightened risks involved in an SUV rollover situation. Roof Crush Injury
Roof crush injury is most often the result of rollover automobile accidents. Roof crush injuries kill 10,000 people every year. Vehicle design is supposed to depend on a structural support system that creates a “survival space” that protects car occupants in a crash from injury due to roof crush. When a vehicle does not have the proper roof pillar strength, it will cause the roof to cave into the passenger compartment during an accident. A weak roof makes a vehicle defective, and roof crushes can cause serious and fatal injuries, including disabling brain and spinal injuries.
Safe Roof Designs
Safe roof structure designs have been documented from as early as the 1930s. Vehicles with the safety features mentioned above would reduce the number of roof crush accidents. Despite the availability of safer designs and structures, manufacturers claim it is the force of the impact that leads to injuries and death, notwithstanding the fact that the relationship between rollover crashes and injuries from roof crush was observed and noted as early as 1932.
Safe roofs are equipped with strong roof pillars and full-length closed sections, windshield headers and side sections, internal baffle plates, strong tubular cross-members, and reinforcing gussets at the connections. Some use rigid foam within the tubular cross-members to help strengthen the structure. These different safety precautions can significantly minimize the fatal results of roof crush.
Roof Crush and Rollover
Roof crush injury risks are higher in vehicles with a greater propensity to roll over. Because they are taller and narrower, SUVs, or sports utility vehicles, are three times more likely to roll over in an accident than are other passenger cars. In 1973, the government passed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, creating a standard roof strength test to measure the integrity of roof structure in motor vehicles. This test was to apply to motor vehicles weighing six thousand pounds or less. Many SUVs weigh more than this, and are therefore exempt from compulsory safety standards that may be crucial to preventing roof crush injury. In light of SUV roof crush injury risks, consumer advocacy groups have urged the federal government to modify standards so that they include any vehicle weighing ten thousand pounds or less.
Roof pillars appear strong to the average consumer, but most of them consist of just sheet metal that is hollow on the inside at the cross sections. When an accident occurs involving roof structures with a filled inner space, the outcome has been shown to be safer due to a lesser amount of roof crush.
Pillars filled with high-density foam can reduce the severity of a roof crush significantly, saving lives and reducing serious injuries. Overall, federal safety standards fail to provide roof strength requirements that adequately protect people from suffering roof crush injury in a rollover automobile accident. Despite federal standards, many vehicle roofs will easily crush a foot or more during a rollover accident. More stringent testing standards and minimum industry safety standards must be employed if the government hopes to adequately protect people from sustaining serious roof crush injury in automobile accidents.
If You’ve Been Injured in an SUV Accident
Though rollover accidents are regarded as highly survivable events, the integrity of a vehicle’s roof structure during impact is crucial. Windshield reinforcement is a critical component of vehicle design: when a windshield is destroyed in the course of an accident, the strength of the roof is instantly reduced by 33 percent. As a result, roof crush injuries are often extremely serious. Common roof crush injuries include neck fractures and other spinal injuries. Sometimes a brain injury may result from the roof crushing in on the vehicle occupant. These head and neck injuries can also cause paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other life-altering conditions.
If you have suffered injury due to a roof crush car crash, you may be eligible for monetary compensation due to faulty automobile design. Contact an experienced crashworthiness attorney as soon as possible. Your crashworthiness lawyer will help you assess your claim, file a law suit, and get the compensation you deserve.
Nissan, Ready For 2007
Joe Thompson asked:
The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is now ready to take on the coming year. It has already set out a list of vehicles that it would be setting off in the auto market. And the whole Nissan line up of vehicles is sure quite something to look through. With auto parts for a Nissan vehicle quite plenty in the market, interested parties need not worry about any replacement parts or Nissan accessories if they are going to purchase a Nissan car, truck, or SUV for their own.
For 2007, the Nissan line of vehicles includes the new Nissan Versa. Aside from this, you would find other Nissan vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Sentra in the line up. You can also find the Nissan Maxima, and Quest in the list.
The Nissan Altima would be available for 2007 and this time around, it would already be in its fourth generation. The 2007 Nissan Altima has been redesigned and it comes available with the new Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. This would also be having a new and restyled platform for better and improved body rigidity.
Entering the sixth generation, the 2007 Nissan Maxima would now be sporting off a restyled exterior. As per its interior, you can most certainly find it very refined. A pack of high technology made for the next generation has also been added in the vehicle. What makes the 2007 Nissan Maxima quite different this year is that it is much more sporty and luxurious at the same time.
As per the Nissan Sentra of 2007, this car offers style along with quality, and optimum performance. Owners would most surely find an abundance of space with this vehicle. Sure enough, Nissan has made certain that this popular car from the company would remain to be one of the topnotch choices of consumers in the auto market.
These are just a few of the vehicles that Nissan has to offer for 2007. The list of 2007 Nissan vehicles include the 2007 Nissan Versa which has been created so as to set standards and not compromise the features that it has with the norms of the auto world. You also can find the Nissan Quest, the Titan King Cab, Titan Crew Cab, Nissan Armada, Frontier King Cab, Frontier Crew Cab, the Pathfinder, the Xterra, Murano, and the 350Z coupe and roadster included in the list.
The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is now ready to take on the coming year. It has already set out a list of vehicles that it would be setting off in the auto market. And the whole Nissan line up of vehicles is sure quite something to look through. With auto parts for a Nissan vehicle quite plenty in the market, interested parties need not worry about any replacement parts or Nissan accessories if they are going to purchase a Nissan car, truck, or SUV for their own.
For 2007, the Nissan line of vehicles includes the new Nissan Versa. Aside from this, you would find other Nissan vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Sentra in the line up. You can also find the Nissan Maxima, and Quest in the list.
The Nissan Altima would be available for 2007 and this time around, it would already be in its fourth generation. The 2007 Nissan Altima has been redesigned and it comes available with the new Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. This would also be having a new and restyled platform for better and improved body rigidity.
Entering the sixth generation, the 2007 Nissan Maxima would now be sporting off a restyled exterior. As per its interior, you can most certainly find it very refined. A pack of high technology made for the next generation has also been added in the vehicle. What makes the 2007 Nissan Maxima quite different this year is that it is much more sporty and luxurious at the same time.
As per the Nissan Sentra of 2007, this car offers style along with quality, and optimum performance. Owners would most surely find an abundance of space with this vehicle. Sure enough, Nissan has made certain that this popular car from the company would remain to be one of the topnotch choices of consumers in the auto market.
These are just a few of the vehicles that Nissan has to offer for 2007. The list of 2007 Nissan vehicles include the 2007 Nissan Versa which has been created so as to set standards and not compromise the features that it has with the norms of the auto world. You also can find the Nissan Quest, the Titan King Cab, Titan Crew Cab, Nissan Armada, Frontier King Cab, Frontier Crew Cab, the Pathfinder, the Xterra, Murano, and the 350Z coupe and roadster included in the list.
Components of the Integrated Marketing Campaign for the New Mercedes-benz C-class
Dwyane Thomas asked:
The Mercedes-Benz marketing campaign for the new C-Class is consist of various elements or components using the same slogan the “C-for Yourself” which encourages customers to test-drive the new sedan in order to experience first hand the performance, comfort and quality of C-Class components— such as the Mercedes brake hose, radiator, etc. to name a few— that it has to offer.
Video Podcast, Interactive Films and a 360-degree Software Configurator
One of the predominantly extensive and entertaining elements of the international campaign is the online presentation which is found at www.mercedes-benz.com/c-class. On this site customers may be able to view the advertising banners and get to see the C-Class displayed against realistic backdrops. They may also reconfigure the C-Class according to their preference to study and get a good look of the various perspectives of the new sedan. The software allows users to select any combination of the model’s equipment lines, numerous color options, different types of light-alloy wheels, interior designs and other selected optional features.
The website also features an interactive assistant who will guide users to find their way through the new 360-degree soft configurator. There are also several interactive films that are available on the web site showing various individuals that has driven the C-Class describing the most vital details of the new Mercedes-Benz sedan.
A specially produced video podcast about the development of the C-Class is also available at www.mercedes-benz.com/podcast. This video podcast documents the creation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class which is divided in four episodes. To complete the entire online campaign a Mercedes-Benz Museum website at www.mercedes-benz.com/museum which takes visitors on a multimedia journey showcasing the successful history of Mercedes-Benz’ best selling model series ever.
Customers to Test-Drive the new C-Class
The campaign ads made for Mercedes-Benz C-Class address existing and potential customers in the spirit of its core brand value of “Appreciation”. Mercedes-Benz believes that direct communication is an important element of their marketing campaign which helps them in connecting with their customers. And speaking of connecting with customers, Mercedes-Benz will sponsor an ‘Exclusive Driving Experience“ in Barcelona and that’s not all Mercedes-Benz has also entered into agreement with some European hotel chains especially in popular vacation regions that will offer customers and potential buyers the chance to personally test-drive the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The “Exclusive Driving Experience” will start on April 1 to 3, 2007 and will allow at least 80 consumers from every part of Europe to experience the C-Class in an especially relaxed environment. In Barcelona participant to the said driving event will get to enjoy the beauty of the Catalonian capital. And not only that, they will be made to participate in a slalom competition with other production vehicles that will allow them to compare the comfort and agility of the new Mercedes-Benz with other vehicles in this segment.
Participants will also get the chance to visit the Circuit de Catalunya where they will be allowed to drive an offroad course as well as go for taxi rides in a C-Class DTM model with Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers Bruno Spengler, Mathias Lauda and Bernd Schneider. And on the evening of April 1, 2007 the guests in Barcelona will be made to attend the Laureus Welcome Party for the Laureus World Sports Awards. The King of Spain Juan Carlos, together with Mercedes-Benz is the sponsor of the said event that will honor top international athletes on April 2, 2007.
Guests who will stay at selected Robinson Club Resorts and Westin Hotels & Resort facilities in Germany, Italy, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Greece for the inclusive months of May to September 2007 will be able to experience driving the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in an attractive atmosphere. During the drive test guests will learn to appreciate the superior quality and agility of the new Mercedes sedan. Likewise, Mercedes-Benz will also offer shoppers at premium shopping malls like the one on Metzingen Germany the chance to take spontaneous test drives for the months of April and May 2007. And similar to the way the E-Class was introduce in the summer of 2006, the C-Class will be experienced at selected non-automotive trade fairs that showcase design, lifestyle, as well as interior decorating such as those of the ‘Maison & Objects” in Paris France.
The new C-Class will also be displaying its superior driving performance at the German Touring Car Masters series (DTM) on April 22, 2007. And for this year’s DTM, four AMG Mercedes C-Class vehicles from the new model series will be featured. It is important to note that the former C-Class models are the most successful vehicle in DTM today.
The C-Class Mobile in Second Life
The new Avantgarde model with the AMG package is also available in the Mercedes-Benz’ virtual representation at Second Life with coordinates 128.128.11. All the residents of this virtual community may purchase a virtual model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class for 1,500 Linden Dollars or 4 Euros and virtually test drive it on the challenging track on the Mercedes-Benz Island.
The Mercedes-Benz marketing campaign for the new C-Class is consist of various elements or components using the same slogan the “C-for Yourself” which encourages customers to test-drive the new sedan in order to experience first hand the performance, comfort and quality of C-Class components— such as the Mercedes brake hose, radiator, etc. to name a few— that it has to offer.
Video Podcast, Interactive Films and a 360-degree Software Configurator
One of the predominantly extensive and entertaining elements of the international campaign is the online presentation which is found at www.mercedes-benz.com/c-class. On this site customers may be able to view the advertising banners and get to see the C-Class displayed against realistic backdrops. They may also reconfigure the C-Class according to their preference to study and get a good look of the various perspectives of the new sedan. The software allows users to select any combination of the model’s equipment lines, numerous color options, different types of light-alloy wheels, interior designs and other selected optional features.
The website also features an interactive assistant who will guide users to find their way through the new 360-degree soft configurator. There are also several interactive films that are available on the web site showing various individuals that has driven the C-Class describing the most vital details of the new Mercedes-Benz sedan.
A specially produced video podcast about the development of the C-Class is also available at www.mercedes-benz.com/podcast. This video podcast documents the creation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class which is divided in four episodes. To complete the entire online campaign a Mercedes-Benz Museum website at www.mercedes-benz.com/museum which takes visitors on a multimedia journey showcasing the successful history of Mercedes-Benz’ best selling model series ever.
Customers to Test-Drive the new C-Class
The campaign ads made for Mercedes-Benz C-Class address existing and potential customers in the spirit of its core brand value of “Appreciation”. Mercedes-Benz believes that direct communication is an important element of their marketing campaign which helps them in connecting with their customers. And speaking of connecting with customers, Mercedes-Benz will sponsor an ‘Exclusive Driving Experience“ in Barcelona and that’s not all Mercedes-Benz has also entered into agreement with some European hotel chains especially in popular vacation regions that will offer customers and potential buyers the chance to personally test-drive the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The “Exclusive Driving Experience” will start on April 1 to 3, 2007 and will allow at least 80 consumers from every part of Europe to experience the C-Class in an especially relaxed environment. In Barcelona participant to the said driving event will get to enjoy the beauty of the Catalonian capital. And not only that, they will be made to participate in a slalom competition with other production vehicles that will allow them to compare the comfort and agility of the new Mercedes-Benz with other vehicles in this segment.
Participants will also get the chance to visit the Circuit de Catalunya where they will be allowed to drive an offroad course as well as go for taxi rides in a C-Class DTM model with Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers Bruno Spengler, Mathias Lauda and Bernd Schneider. And on the evening of April 1, 2007 the guests in Barcelona will be made to attend the Laureus Welcome Party for the Laureus World Sports Awards. The King of Spain Juan Carlos, together with Mercedes-Benz is the sponsor of the said event that will honor top international athletes on April 2, 2007.
Guests who will stay at selected Robinson Club Resorts and Westin Hotels & Resort facilities in Germany, Italy, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Greece for the inclusive months of May to September 2007 will be able to experience driving the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in an attractive atmosphere. During the drive test guests will learn to appreciate the superior quality and agility of the new Mercedes sedan. Likewise, Mercedes-Benz will also offer shoppers at premium shopping malls like the one on Metzingen Germany the chance to take spontaneous test drives for the months of April and May 2007. And similar to the way the E-Class was introduce in the summer of 2006, the C-Class will be experienced at selected non-automotive trade fairs that showcase design, lifestyle, as well as interior decorating such as those of the ‘Maison & Objects” in Paris France.
The new C-Class will also be displaying its superior driving performance at the German Touring Car Masters series (DTM) on April 22, 2007. And for this year’s DTM, four AMG Mercedes C-Class vehicles from the new model series will be featured. It is important to note that the former C-Class models are the most successful vehicle in DTM today.
The C-Class Mobile in Second Life
The new Avantgarde model with the AMG package is also available in the Mercedes-Benz’ virtual representation at Second Life with coordinates 128.128.11. All the residents of this virtual community may purchase a virtual model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class for 1,500 Linden Dollars or 4 Euros and virtually test drive it on the challenging track on the Mercedes-Benz Island.
Things to Know About Exotic Cars
Frank Collins asked:
An exotic sports car can be defined as a vehicle with limited production, exclusive, made by foreign car companies and a borderline race car. They tend to have sleek attractive looks and yield high performance from their exquisitely designed engines. The prestige they carry alone makes them exclusive and a looker for everyone.
Exotic cars are legendary an they include the McLaren F1, Lamborghini and Ferraris. These cars are highly followed and establish your status as a person with more than adequate funds. However, even if you can afford to purchase one, is it the right car for you?
The temptation, the stories and status are enough to make you want to own an exotic sports car. It is extremely hard to resist if you have the chance and the means to own such a car with a timeless design. But your status is not defined solely by a beautiful car. Your status is made by being objective and making wise investment decisions.
There are a couple of aspects one needs to think over.
Exotic Cars Are Expensive
The high sticker price does not stop once you make the payment. The recurring cost for repair and to maintain the fine tuning of an exotic sports car should logically be considerably more costly than a standard automobile. It is recommended that you know what type of costs you’ll encounter to keep the car in running at its peak.
Since the car is in limited production, the parts are probably going to have a limited stock. Do not be surprised if some parts have to be custom made. It is even more prevalent in older exotic cars where the original manufacturer has ceased production
Obviously, you’ll need to have a mechanic who specializes in exotic car repair and is certified accordingly. More than likely they will be based in major cities or luxury suburbs where these exotic cars are driven. Otherwise, you will have to ship your car or travel to find the proper mechanic. Although an exotic sports car may symbolize the high performance, you cannot predict that it will also be reliable, especially with older “classic exotic cars”.
Driving an Exotic Car
It is not uncommon when driving high performance cars that it will take some time to get comfortable and familiar with such a vehicle. Driving a high performance vehicle like a professional comes in time, and will depend a lot on the motorist’s skill. Inexperienced drivers may become overly frustrated with the learning curve. A person needs to be patient and consider the risks involved.
Therefore, if you are seriously in the market to buy an exotic sports car, you will need to overlook the love affair and excitement of actually being an owner of a prestigious high performance car. Be prepared to deal with obstacles so you can enjoy the most highly sought after designed vehicles in the world.
An exotic sports car can be defined as a vehicle with limited production, exclusive, made by foreign car companies and a borderline race car. They tend to have sleek attractive looks and yield high performance from their exquisitely designed engines. The prestige they carry alone makes them exclusive and a looker for everyone.
Exotic cars are legendary an they include the McLaren F1, Lamborghini and Ferraris. These cars are highly followed and establish your status as a person with more than adequate funds. However, even if you can afford to purchase one, is it the right car for you?
The temptation, the stories and status are enough to make you want to own an exotic sports car. It is extremely hard to resist if you have the chance and the means to own such a car with a timeless design. But your status is not defined solely by a beautiful car. Your status is made by being objective and making wise investment decisions.
There are a couple of aspects one needs to think over.
Exotic Cars Are Expensive
The high sticker price does not stop once you make the payment. The recurring cost for repair and to maintain the fine tuning of an exotic sports car should logically be considerably more costly than a standard automobile. It is recommended that you know what type of costs you’ll encounter to keep the car in running at its peak.
Since the car is in limited production, the parts are probably going to have a limited stock. Do not be surprised if some parts have to be custom made. It is even more prevalent in older exotic cars where the original manufacturer has ceased production
Obviously, you’ll need to have a mechanic who specializes in exotic car repair and is certified accordingly. More than likely they will be based in major cities or luxury suburbs where these exotic cars are driven. Otherwise, you will have to ship your car or travel to find the proper mechanic. Although an exotic sports car may symbolize the high performance, you cannot predict that it will also be reliable, especially with older “classic exotic cars”.
Driving an Exotic Car
It is not uncommon when driving high performance cars that it will take some time to get comfortable and familiar with such a vehicle. Driving a high performance vehicle like a professional comes in time, and will depend a lot on the motorist’s skill. Inexperienced drivers may become overly frustrated with the learning curve. A person needs to be patient and consider the risks involved.
Therefore, if you are seriously in the market to buy an exotic sports car, you will need to overlook the love affair and excitement of actually being an owner of a prestigious high performance car. Be prepared to deal with obstacles so you can enjoy the most highly sought after designed vehicles in the world.
Check Out Lexus Suv Expansion
Jennifer Dylan asked:
There are various types of car and auto aficionados in the world. There are some that are quite focused on one type of vehicle only, like perhaps those who are fans of sports cars like the Ford Mustang. There are also those people who are simply attracted finding the best classic auto parts to use on the vehicle that they are restoring. While there are also those who find themselves following the changes of their favorite vehicle or their favorite brand.
So for Lexus fans out there, you might want to read on and learn about a new happening with the brand Lexus. Lexus is a luxury brand is operating under the Toyota Motor Corporation.
You see, according to the luxury brand, they do proudly believe that they can be quite capable to produce luxury vehicles that are not only good to use for the conventional streets and roads. In fact, the brand has created a very capable off road vehicle through a sports utility vehicle. Yes, clad in the toughest (yet still luxurious and elegant) Lexus performance parts, the new Lexus LX470 is boasted to be capable of running and conquering various road types and conditions. Plus, this one also does give its driver and passengers a safe and very comfortable ride.
However, the fun does not end here. You see, Lexus has created an even more fun package for this vehicle. The Lexus LX470 is now being offered in the market with a Special Edition unit. The production for this one is quite limited and it has got tons of features and technologies to offer.
“With the LX470 Special Edition, we have taken the ultimate luxury SUV and made it even better, then wrapped it in an exclusive package that will make this one of today’s most desirable vehicles on the road and off it. This exclusive model represents a unique combination of the muscle of a full size SUV and the contemporary luxury upon which Lexus has built its reputation,” says Stuart Payne, the director for Lexus’ Canada arm.
Impressive and quite remarkable, the Lexus LX470 Special Edition also does come with a $106,000 price tag.
There are various types of car and auto aficionados in the world. There are some that are quite focused on one type of vehicle only, like perhaps those who are fans of sports cars like the Ford Mustang. There are also those people who are simply attracted finding the best classic auto parts to use on the vehicle that they are restoring. While there are also those who find themselves following the changes of their favorite vehicle or their favorite brand.
So for Lexus fans out there, you might want to read on and learn about a new happening with the brand Lexus. Lexus is a luxury brand is operating under the Toyota Motor Corporation.
You see, according to the luxury brand, they do proudly believe that they can be quite capable to produce luxury vehicles that are not only good to use for the conventional streets and roads. In fact, the brand has created a very capable off road vehicle through a sports utility vehicle. Yes, clad in the toughest (yet still luxurious and elegant) Lexus performance parts, the new Lexus LX470 is boasted to be capable of running and conquering various road types and conditions. Plus, this one also does give its driver and passengers a safe and very comfortable ride.
However, the fun does not end here. You see, Lexus has created an even more fun package for this vehicle. The Lexus LX470 is now being offered in the market with a Special Edition unit. The production for this one is quite limited and it has got tons of features and technologies to offer.
“With the LX470 Special Edition, we have taken the ultimate luxury SUV and made it even better, then wrapped it in an exclusive package that will make this one of today’s most desirable vehicles on the road and off it. This exclusive model represents a unique combination of the muscle of a full size SUV and the contemporary luxury upon which Lexus has built its reputation,” says Stuart Payne, the director for Lexus’ Canada arm.
Impressive and quite remarkable, the Lexus LX470 Special Edition also does come with a $106,000 price tag.
Auto Title Loans – Mayday Payday
Payday Loans, Cash Advances and Auto Title Loans asked:
What is an Auto Title Loan?
An Auto Title Loan is a simple way to get cash advance when you are in a jam. Auto title Loans are small consumer payday loan designed for short term emergency cash needs. With an Auto Title Loan, usually a vehicle title is used by placing the lender as a lienholder on the title itself as security for the payday loan. Auto Title Loans are 30 day payday loan where you use your car title to secure the loan. You can get your Auto Title Loan cash and continue to drive your car while you pay off your loan.
How do I get an Auto Title Loan?
You can get an Auto Title Loan by filling out our short online title loan application. The title loan application process is very simple; we do not make it difficult for you to borrow money. Your interest rate is not determined by credit worthiness. You get the same low rate regardless of your credit score!
We can even have your payday loan approved within an hour of filing out your online title loan application.
How does an Auto Title Loan Work?
The Auto Title Loan process is very simple! You can borrow from $100 – $5,000. Our automobile title loans are available to almost anyone 18 years of age with a paid off auto and a clear title, at least $1,000 per month of steady verifiable income, and a current permanent residence. After receiving your title loan cash you may pay off or extend your title loan when it comes due. If you should need to you may pay only the interest to extend the auto title loan until your next payday. It is always your choice. You can pay off your title loan at any time – there’s no penalty for early payoff.
Start the process immediately by calling toll free (800) 979-1823 or by visiting our web site at: http://www.Mayday-Payday.com
What is an Auto Title Loan?
An Auto Title Loan is a simple way to get cash advance when you are in a jam. Auto title Loans are small consumer payday loan designed for short term emergency cash needs. With an Auto Title Loan, usually a vehicle title is used by placing the lender as a lienholder on the title itself as security for the payday loan. Auto Title Loans are 30 day payday loan where you use your car title to secure the loan. You can get your Auto Title Loan cash and continue to drive your car while you pay off your loan.
How do I get an Auto Title Loan?
You can get an Auto Title Loan by filling out our short online title loan application. The title loan application process is very simple; we do not make it difficult for you to borrow money. Your interest rate is not determined by credit worthiness. You get the same low rate regardless of your credit score!
We can even have your payday loan approved within an hour of filing out your online title loan application.
How does an Auto Title Loan Work?
The Auto Title Loan process is very simple! You can borrow from $100 – $5,000. Our automobile title loans are available to almost anyone 18 years of age with a paid off auto and a clear title, at least $1,000 per month of steady verifiable income, and a current permanent residence. After receiving your title loan cash you may pay off or extend your title loan when it comes due. If you should need to you may pay only the interest to extend the auto title loan until your next payday. It is always your choice. You can pay off your title loan at any time – there’s no penalty for early payoff.
Start the process immediately by calling toll free (800) 979-1823 or by visiting our web site at: http://www.Mayday-Payday.com
Car Rental & the Environment
Car Guru asked:
With the environment such a hot topic around the world and especially in the transport industry, there are companies that are embracing new environmentally friendly technology. Hybrid Cars and ever increasingly fuel efficient diesel cars are becoming more available to mainstream motorists. I used to work for a corporate travel company and many of the major corporations were requesting the inclusion of Hybrid cars in their contracts. This was more to do with increasing business opportunities by being seen to be green as opposed to wanting to be green!
The question arises when people travel and want to maintain their commitment to the green cause. Car Rental companies will be the ones providing these vehicles… or will they?
I have chosen (for the Australia traveller) major car companies that you can book ‘green cars’ with. Working for DriveAway Holidays here in Australia, the most common request is for diesel cars. This is driven out of cost concerns and also the occasional environmental concern. (Shouldn’t it be the other way around??)
First off the rank is Avis Rental Cars.
In Australia, the group L car will give you a Toyota Hybrid. This car is the favorite for the car rental companies due to it being built by Toyota.
In the UK, there doesn’t appear to be any green cars, although there may be diesel cars on fleet, Avis don’t make them easy to find.
In the USA, like Australia, the Toyota Hybrid under group XG is available.
Second off the cab rank is Hertz Rental Cars.
In Australia, like Avis, the Toyota Hybrid is the car of choice. Book a group G and you will get this car.
In the UK, Hertz has a range of fuel efficient diesels on fleet but no hybrids. This seems to be a common factor in the UK. Being an expat, I know that Toyota car prices in the UK are reasonably expensive compared to other european manufactured vehicles
In the USA, Hertz has a range of Hybrids, although on some of the cars, I couldn’t tell if they were Hybrid or not.
Now, all credit to Hertz as they do promote their green cars as part of their Green Fleet. Avis don’t appear to market their green cars in any way, which is a shame.
Third on the cab rank is Europcar Rental Cars.
Again, unlike Hertz, they appear not to promote their green fleet. Looking at their Australia Fleet guide, they have the regular passenger vehicles such as Small, Medium, Large, Prestige, Minivans, Sport, 4WD. Europcar list the green car as part of there regular fleet, however, it does have it’s unique identifier (IHAR) in Australia.
In the UK, Europcar doesn’t appear to have any green offerings. Maybe it’s something you can request at pick up. Personally, if I could book a green car over the internet, I would do so with a company that offered that service.
In the USA, I chose LAX as Europcar have a limited presence. There were no cars I could find that looked green.
To Europcar’s defence, in other parts of Europe where they are particularly strong, one is able to guarantee a diesel for an extra few euros per day.
In this brief look, Hertz appears to be the only car rental company that is actively promoting green cars. Avis & Europcar seem to be a bit hap hazard in their approach to a green fleet. Whilst it may be a case of logistics and a supply issue, there is no reason why they couldn’t promote their green cars.
I am sure that in 12 months time, the situation will be that every car rental company will be actively marketing green cars. The consumer can currently offset their CO2 emissions in the various transport sectors and I am sure that the car rental industry will follow suit in the near future.
The Environment is a marketers dream and I do think that some of the car rental companies have missed the boat so far. Hopefully their marketing departments will wake up and smell the cleaner air..
With the environment such a hot topic around the world and especially in the transport industry, there are companies that are embracing new environmentally friendly technology. Hybrid Cars and ever increasingly fuel efficient diesel cars are becoming more available to mainstream motorists. I used to work for a corporate travel company and many of the major corporations were requesting the inclusion of Hybrid cars in their contracts. This was more to do with increasing business opportunities by being seen to be green as opposed to wanting to be green!
The question arises when people travel and want to maintain their commitment to the green cause. Car Rental companies will be the ones providing these vehicles… or will they?
I have chosen (for the Australia traveller) major car companies that you can book ‘green cars’ with. Working for DriveAway Holidays here in Australia, the most common request is for diesel cars. This is driven out of cost concerns and also the occasional environmental concern. (Shouldn’t it be the other way around??)
First off the rank is Avis Rental Cars.
In Australia, the group L car will give you a Toyota Hybrid. This car is the favorite for the car rental companies due to it being built by Toyota.
In the UK, there doesn’t appear to be any green cars, although there may be diesel cars on fleet, Avis don’t make them easy to find.
In the USA, like Australia, the Toyota Hybrid under group XG is available.
Second off the cab rank is Hertz Rental Cars.
In Australia, like Avis, the Toyota Hybrid is the car of choice. Book a group G and you will get this car.
In the UK, Hertz has a range of fuel efficient diesels on fleet but no hybrids. This seems to be a common factor in the UK. Being an expat, I know that Toyota car prices in the UK are reasonably expensive compared to other european manufactured vehicles
In the USA, Hertz has a range of Hybrids, although on some of the cars, I couldn’t tell if they were Hybrid or not.
Now, all credit to Hertz as they do promote their green cars as part of their Green Fleet. Avis don’t appear to market their green cars in any way, which is a shame.
Third on the cab rank is Europcar Rental Cars.
Again, unlike Hertz, they appear not to promote their green fleet. Looking at their Australia Fleet guide, they have the regular passenger vehicles such as Small, Medium, Large, Prestige, Minivans, Sport, 4WD. Europcar list the green car as part of there regular fleet, however, it does have it’s unique identifier (IHAR) in Australia.
In the UK, Europcar doesn’t appear to have any green offerings. Maybe it’s something you can request at pick up. Personally, if I could book a green car over the internet, I would do so with a company that offered that service.
In the USA, I chose LAX as Europcar have a limited presence. There were no cars I could find that looked green.
To Europcar’s defence, in other parts of Europe where they are particularly strong, one is able to guarantee a diesel for an extra few euros per day.
In this brief look, Hertz appears to be the only car rental company that is actively promoting green cars. Avis & Europcar seem to be a bit hap hazard in their approach to a green fleet. Whilst it may be a case of logistics and a supply issue, there is no reason why they couldn’t promote their green cars.
I am sure that in 12 months time, the situation will be that every car rental company will be actively marketing green cars. The consumer can currently offset their CO2 emissions in the various transport sectors and I am sure that the car rental industry will follow suit in the near future.
The Environment is a marketers dream and I do think that some of the car rental companies have missed the boat so far. Hopefully their marketing departments will wake up and smell the cleaner air..
Get a New Car Loan
Car Loans asked:
A car loan is simply a way for you to go about paying for the car that you are looking to purchase. You are going to take out a car loan from a financial lending company and bring it to the car dealership with you. The reason for going about doing this is because the moment that you bring your own New Car Finance to a car dealership you are then considered what is known as any cash buyer in that you can buy the car pretty much out right from them just as if you are paying for it in cash in the first place. You can then you should car finance in order to either buy the car that you want from them or you can also use it to lease a car through them.
When you go about getting yourself a great deal on the type of used cars that is going to last you for a long period of time you might end up thinking that it’s something that is based upon a roll of the dice or something to that extent. The reality is however that it really depends on each exact amount of time and research that you are willing to put in to in order to empower yourself with the knowledge that is required in order to get the best possible deal on a New Car Loan that you can get for yourself. The bad credit used car loan that you will end up getting for yourself really is going to end up helping you get a very easy to manage and budget priced because the monthly payments are going to be fairly lower than at what you would normally expect from a car dealership as well as the interest rates on it should also be considerably lower than what you would get from used car dealerships. The reason you and make sure that you do this actually correctly is because you not want to end up having to get locked in to why it is known as an upside down car loan. This is aware you end up having your New Car Loan being worth more than what the price on a used car but you are trying to purchase or are purchasing it is. You should not be afraid about this though because there are a few different things you can do that can guide you in finding yourself the best financial deal on a bad credit used car loan.
A car loan is simply a way for you to go about paying for the car that you are looking to purchase. You are going to take out a car loan from a financial lending company and bring it to the car dealership with you. The reason for going about doing this is because the moment that you bring your own New Car Finance to a car dealership you are then considered what is known as any cash buyer in that you can buy the car pretty much out right from them just as if you are paying for it in cash in the first place. You can then you should car finance in order to either buy the car that you want from them or you can also use it to lease a car through them.
When you go about getting yourself a great deal on the type of used cars that is going to last you for a long period of time you might end up thinking that it’s something that is based upon a roll of the dice or something to that extent. The reality is however that it really depends on each exact amount of time and research that you are willing to put in to in order to empower yourself with the knowledge that is required in order to get the best possible deal on a New Car Loan that you can get for yourself. The bad credit used car loan that you will end up getting for yourself really is going to end up helping you get a very easy to manage and budget priced because the monthly payments are going to be fairly lower than at what you would normally expect from a car dealership as well as the interest rates on it should also be considerably lower than what you would get from used car dealerships. The reason you and make sure that you do this actually correctly is because you not want to end up having to get locked in to why it is known as an upside down car loan. This is aware you end up having your New Car Loan being worth more than what the price on a used car but you are trying to purchase or are purchasing it is. You should not be afraid about this though because there are a few different things you can do that can guide you in finding yourself the best financial deal on a bad credit used car loan.