Is this the concept of things to come with car technology?

With degree in hand, you step off of the stage and work your way back to your seat, tassel turned and your whole life ahead of you. And if your searching paid off, you may have a new job waiting, one paying a living wage and offering a good start toward helping you launch your career.

Now for an important question: how will you get to your job?

If you live in the city, then mass transportation may be all that you need, but with so many jobs located in the suburbs and exurbs, having a dependable and efficient way to get you where you are going is essential.

Cars Of The Future

For students entering the workforce in 2015 and beyond, the types of transportation offered will be radically different from the cars available today. Though just a few years away, the cars coming online beginning later this year and over the ensuing years will be far removed from what you can buy right now.

The transition to a whole new breed of vehicles began more than a decade ago when both Honda and Toyota began to produce their first hybrid gas-electric cars. Earlier models were ugly, underpowered, and fairly cheap, but over time these cars have become more sophisticated and fuel efficient, keeping up with owner preferences and government mandates.

Concept Toyota Gets Noticed

The Toyota Prius is by far the best selling hybrid model of all, but it will soon have some strong challengers including newer versions of itself. One such model under consideration is the Toyota FT-CH concept (pictured), a vehicle that made its debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this January.

The FT-CH changes things for Toyota and for customers as the model points to new direction the world’s top selling automaker plans on going: some models will still be gas-electric hybrids, but instead of using the current nickel-cadmium technology, a switch to lithium-ion will begin, perhaps even as early as this year. Li-ion batteries as they are called have a more robust lifespan then ni-cad batteries and offer a longer driving range. You will be able to plug these cars in to home electrical outlets to recharge the battery.

But FT-CH will not stop there. A pure battery electric vehicle is being readied, one that will not include a supplemental gas engine. Plug this car in at home or at your work place’s recharging port and you will have a ready and steady supply of energy available to you.

Hydrogen Powered Cars Too

Perhaps the most revolutionary vehicle to hit the market will be a hydrogen powered version of the Prius. Thought to be decades away from hitting the market when first conceived around 2000, the technology has been refined and improved to where production may start as soon as 2015.

Also called a fuel cell vehicle, these cars are already being tested with Honda Clarity FX available for lease in select markets. A fueling infrastructure needs to be put in place first, but that looks possible for Southern California and the New York City area.

Sustainability Movement Takes Off

Although what powers these cars is critically important to buyers, what is inside will be dramatically different too. Roomy cabins, the use of 8-bit microprocessor technology for video games and music, and a much greater use of recyclable materials will be evident throughout.

Indeed, most automakers are working on developing cars which will be nearly completely recyclable, meaning that few future models will clog auto junkyards when their lifespans have been completed.

You have heard the term “sustainable” for many years now – the auto industry has embraced the concept of producing more environmentally friendly vehicles and you will be the benefit of these cars once you are ready to make your purchase.

The Toyota FT-CH is just a concept but its styling, engineering, and technology point in the direction Toyota and other automakers will be heading. Come 2015 you may have a new job in hand, but you may also be driving a car powered by electricity or hydrogen, sustainable vehicles with a minimal impact on the environment.

Unfolding Before Your Eyes

If you’re just starting out in college, you will witness these changes from the vantage point of a student who is seeing a new world unfold. No, the internal combustion engine is not dead, but even these motors will be smaller, more energy and environmentally efficient then what we’ve seen, part of an across the board sea change making its way through the global automotive industry.

Perhaps what you’re seeing a glimpse at the first new car you will buy once you launch your career.

Resources

Autotrends.org: Three New Hybrids to Join Hybrid Fleet

Green Car Congress

The New York Times: Coming: 95% Recyclable Cars

Source: Toyota Motor Company

Tags: battery electric, hydrogen vehicle, lithium-ion, NAIAS, recyclable, sustainable, Toyota FT-CH, Toyota Prius

Many drivers are seeing the worst winter in their lifetimes as howling winds, blowing snow, and sub-zero temperatures grips the country from America’s mid-section to New England. Unless you’re in Southern California or in South Florida, you will likely have to deal with the effects of winter chill sometime over the next two months.

Plenty of college students will be heading back to class over the next week or two as the spring semester gets underway. For students who plan on driving, particularly for long distances, making sure that your car is ready to handle winter’s worst is essential to help you arrive at your destination safely and on time.

The Car Care Council, which promotes the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, offers timely seasonal tips to help drivers prepare their cars to handle all kinds of weather conditions including those impacting your driving:

• Keep the battery connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Since batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail completely, it’s wise to replace batteries that are more than three years old.

• Antifreeze (coolant) should be flushed and refilled at least every two years in most vehicles. The mixture of antifreeze and water is typically 50:50. As a reminder, don’t make the mistake of adding 100 percent antifreeze.

• Change to low-viscosity oil in winter, as it will flow more easily between moving parts when cold. Drivers in sub-zero driving temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.

• Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

• Tire pressure should also be checked, as tires will lose pressure when temperatures drop — consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.

• If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

• Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing to let the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.

• If you live in a place with especially severe winter conditions, consider using cold weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades.

There are a few more points drivers should consider before heading back to college this semester:

Your car insurance policy – does it covering towing in the event that you get stuck? If not, make sure that your car has auto club or similar coverage for road emergencies. While you’re reviewing your policy, check to make sure that it is paid up, currently reflects your needed coverage levels, and a copy of your insurance card is kept in the glove box or other safe place.

Finally, add contact numbers for your auto insurer and auto club to your cell phone’s directory. In the event that you are in an accident or need assistance, you can make a quick call without fumbling around for a phone number.

Source: Car Care Council

Photo Credit: Michal Zacharzewski, SXC

Tags: auto car, Car Care Council, car maintenance, Michal Zacharzewski, winter driving

It certainly pays to shop around for car insurance coverage. Compare rates between insurance providers to find the best deals for you.

Auto insurance coverage is mandatory in most states or can be waived if you can show sufficient proof of assets. In any case, car insurance can help protect you if you’re in an accident, by paying repair bills, covering hospital costs, and protecting you in a lawsuit.

The insurance commissioner in your state authorizes who may write policies in your area, but the following car insurance companies have a national presence and are worth comparing when seeking price quotes.

State Farm Insurance Company
One State Farm Plaza
Bloomington, IL 61710
(877) 734-2265
statefarm.com

Allstate Insurance Company
2775 Sanders Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 402-5000
allstate.com

Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO)
One GEICO Plaza
Washington, DC 20076
(800) 861-8380
geico.com

The Progressive Corporation
6300 Wilson Mills Road
Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143
(800) 776-4737
progressive.com

USAA
9800 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78288
(800) 531-6597
usaa.com

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
175 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
(800) 295-3753
libertymutualgroup.com

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215-2220
(877) 669-6877
nationwide.com

Smart Tips

When contacting any car insurance company for a price quote, obtain quotes based on comparable coverage to arrive at an accurate comparison. Expect that these companies will review your credit reports to determine if they’ll offer coverage to you and at what rate.

Before obtaining price quotes, visit AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain copies of your credit reports. Review your reports closely, correcting errors before obtaining price quotes from auto insurers.

Adv. – If you are in the market for a new car, find a dealer to set up a test drive. Importantly, by arranging your own auto financing you can save hundreds of dollars, allowing you to take the manufacturer’s rebate instead of their low-rate financing.

Tags: AnnualCreditReport.com, auto insurance, car insurance, credit reports, insurance company, price quotes

Available in other colors besides blue, the Hyundai Elantra Blue offers just the right blend of value and fuel economy in a compact sedan.

Compact cars are usually the model of choice for first time car buyers, vehicles which seat four or five people, come equipped with a fair number of standard features, are priced around $15K and get very good gas mileage. For any automaker who has a winning entry level car available, that could spell the difference between losing a customer or gaining one for life.

Base Elantra

Hyundai’s entry in the compact car segment is the Elantra, a car that goes head to head with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus and numerous other vehicles. Hyundai’s presence in this all-important segment has been growing over the years thanks to newly revamped models which are priced hundreds of dollars less than what competitors are offering. Moreover, the typical Hyundai model is better equipped than what competitors offer, perhaps offering the best bang for the buck of any manufacturer out there. And, add in its 10 year/100,000 mile warranty and the Hyundai buying advantage certainly becomes quite apparent.

Not one to rest on its laurels, Hyundai has rolled out the Elantra Blue for 2010, its most fuel efficient Elantra yet. Delivering 35 mpg highway, the Elantra Blue matches up well against all competitors delivering the best dollar per mile cost of any car on the market, edging the Chevy Cobalt XFE for best value. Though the Cobalt gets 37 mpg on the highway, the Blue is priced $845 less resulting in an overall pricing edge for the Hyundai.

Higher MPG

To squeeze out an additional eight percent improvement in fuel economy, which raised highway mpg by two, Hyundai engineers added lower friction engine components, revised transmission gearing ratios, included a “smart” alternator management system, and placed a shift indicator with the manual gearbox. Even GLS and SE models equipped with a manual transmission benefited from these improvements, seeing their highway mileage figures increase from 33 mpg to 34 mpg from 2009 to 2010.

When it comes to standard equipment, the Hyundai Elantra Blue offers much including six airbags, anti-lock brake system, four wheel disc brakes, active head restraints (front) and power door locks/windows, keyless entry and power heated windows among other features. A/C is extra, part of a $1700 comfort package which also includes a high end audio system and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs.

What Buyers Want

Will the Hyundai Elantra Blue be exactly what cost conscious buyers want? Perhaps. Likely, some will still opt for the higher end GLS and and SE models which add several thousand dollars to the price, but deliver excellent fuel economy around town as well as on the highway.

Source: Hyundai Motors

Adv. — For more information about new cars, visit Autos Express. Check out Auto Purchase Loans for details on how to finance your new car purchase.

Tags: Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Elantra Blue, Toyota Corolla