car insurance in America is big business, since it was estimated that there were approximately 16.5 million car accidents last year in the USA alone. This, multiplied by the cost of paying out on a claim cost the car insurance companies over $90 billion. The fact that they could afford to make these payouts and still be in business, means that they are earning even more than that, meaning the industry must be an extremely big one. As well as paying out on accident claims, companies have to pay out on stolen cars, and last year an American car was stolen every 19 seconds - that's over 3 every minute!
How can you protect yourself against this? Simple - get yourself insured by a reliable car insurance company that has a strong financial history (you don't want any chance that the company will go broke during your year of insurance cover) and that offers you good service at a good price.
To save money on insurance, it is not advised to purchase collision cover for more than your car is valued at. In the event that you did need to spend that much on collision damage, you might as well buy a new car for less money. I would also advise not having any collision cover at all if your car is over 10 years old, since old cars usually aren't worth repairing, and it's always cheaper in the long-term to buy a new car (I don't mean buy a brand new car, a second hand car is fine).
David has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website about buying Decorative Night Lights which helps people find the best Night Lights Prices on the market.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The History of the Volkswagen Beetle - The People's Car
In 1938 the German automaker volkswagenr released their version of the economy car called the volkswagenr Type 1, or more commonly referred to as the volkswagenr Beetle. The names "Bug" and "Beetle" were adopted by the public, but it was not until late 1967 that volkswagenr began using the name "Beetle" in their marketing. It was previously known as only the "Type 1" or the 1200, 1300, or 1500, which were the names it had been marketed under in Europe prior to 1967. The numbers indicated the size of the vehicle's engine in cubic centimeters.
The 1967 model of the VW Beetle underwent a few changes, the car itself didn't get bigger, but many of the mechanical systems and components did. Some changes to the Bug included a larger engine. Output of the electrical generator had been increased from 180 watts to 360, and also had been upgraded from the old 6-volt system to the 12-volt system. The clutch disk was also made larger and changes had been made to the braking system, the flywheel, and rear axles.
Although the VW Bug has been widely despised for its styling, rough ride, weak power, along with high noise levels, it was also the longest and most produced vehicle for a single design.
The "Beetle" or "Bug" whichever you wish to call it also played a roll in the military. In 1935 prototypes of the Kdf-Wagen appeared.
Produced by Daimlet-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany the first prototypes were born. With its already peculiar round shape, and the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, The factory only produced a small number of the cars by the time war began in 1939. The first mass-produced version of the Beetle were used for military vehicles, like the Schwimmwagen and the Kubelwagen.
The military bug was created to be as simple as possible, so that little could go wrong. The 985cc air-cooled motor proved to be effective with German Afrika Korps in Africa's desert heat with The built in oil cooler and the superb performance of the flat four, or "pancake" engine configuration. The suspension was equipped with compact torsion beams in place of the more commonly used coil or leaf spring suspensions.
Once World War II was over, the shortage of jobs led to the reopening of the factory in Wolfsburg by Allied forces. The production of the Beetle from then on recommenced. The production increased massively over the next decade, with the one millionth car rolling off of the assembly line in 1955. The Bug's performance was far superior compared to other automobiles in its category with a top speed of 72 mph. The production was surpassing 16 million in 1972, and by the 23rd of June in 1992 the company had sold over 21 million of the cars.
The volkswagenr Beetle is the world's best selling design with the same name. The VW Beetle outlasted most all of the other vehicles who had copied the rear-mounted air-cooled engine layout like those by Subaru, and General Motors.
The Beetle began to phase-out in 2003. The annual production ad reduced to 30,000 from its peak of 1.3 million in 1971. As the last Beetle rolled off of the assembly line, it was shipped off to the volkswagenr company museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.
In 1998 volkswagenr introduced the new Beetle which was designed to look a lot like the classic Beetle. The new Beetle was designed with a water cooled engine being placed in the front of the car.
The new VW Beetle has turned out to be a very popular car and has become a pop culture icon and been featured in many movies.
If you are a volkswagenr enthusiast visit this great Air cooled volkswagenr Squidoo lens to see vintage television commercials, print ads, and lots of fun VW stuff
The 1967 model of the VW Beetle underwent a few changes, the car itself didn't get bigger, but many of the mechanical systems and components did. Some changes to the Bug included a larger engine. Output of the electrical generator had been increased from 180 watts to 360, and also had been upgraded from the old 6-volt system to the 12-volt system. The clutch disk was also made larger and changes had been made to the braking system, the flywheel, and rear axles.
Although the VW Bug has been widely despised for its styling, rough ride, weak power, along with high noise levels, it was also the longest and most produced vehicle for a single design.
The "Beetle" or "Bug" whichever you wish to call it also played a roll in the military. In 1935 prototypes of the Kdf-Wagen appeared.
Produced by Daimlet-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany the first prototypes were born. With its already peculiar round shape, and the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, The factory only produced a small number of the cars by the time war began in 1939. The first mass-produced version of the Beetle were used for military vehicles, like the Schwimmwagen and the Kubelwagen.
The military bug was created to be as simple as possible, so that little could go wrong. The 985cc air-cooled motor proved to be effective with German Afrika Korps in Africa's desert heat with The built in oil cooler and the superb performance of the flat four, or "pancake" engine configuration. The suspension was equipped with compact torsion beams in place of the more commonly used coil or leaf spring suspensions.
Once World War II was over, the shortage of jobs led to the reopening of the factory in Wolfsburg by Allied forces. The production of the Beetle from then on recommenced. The production increased massively over the next decade, with the one millionth car rolling off of the assembly line in 1955. The Bug's performance was far superior compared to other automobiles in its category with a top speed of 72 mph. The production was surpassing 16 million in 1972, and by the 23rd of June in 1992 the company had sold over 21 million of the cars.
The volkswagenr Beetle is the world's best selling design with the same name. The VW Beetle outlasted most all of the other vehicles who had copied the rear-mounted air-cooled engine layout like those by Subaru, and General Motors.
The Beetle began to phase-out in 2003. The annual production ad reduced to 30,000 from its peak of 1.3 million in 1971. As the last Beetle rolled off of the assembly line, it was shipped off to the volkswagenr company museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.
In 1998 volkswagenr introduced the new Beetle which was designed to look a lot like the classic Beetle. The new Beetle was designed with a water cooled engine being placed in the front of the car.
The new VW Beetle has turned out to be a very popular car and has become a pop culture icon and been featured in many movies.
If you are a volkswagenr enthusiast visit this great Air cooled volkswagenr Squidoo lens to see vintage television commercials, print ads, and lots of fun VW stuff
Volkswagen Survives World War 2
volkswagenr is an auto manufacturer based out of Wolfsburg, Germany. Translated literally, volkswagenr means "People's Car" and has an inauspicious beginning to say the least. Unfortunately for the company it would be linked in people's minds for many years with Adolf Hitler. While it seems to have shed this negative connotation in the years after World War II, it wasn't always that way.
Ferdinand Porsche was contacted by Hitler because he was interested in a vehicle that was suited for working class people. Several designs were discussed and after working with Han Ledwinka who later designed the KdF-wagen in 1938, Porsche finally agreed to help Hitler create the "peoples car".
An advertising campaign was developed through which people were encouraged to save five marks per week toward the purchase of their own car. This was an investment program founded by volkswagenr to help people purchase their own vehicles. After World War II, when Germany was divided into East Germany and West Germany, volkswagenr's headquarters and Factory wound up in West Germany. volkswagenr went on to honor savings agreements held by individuals in West Germany only. The volkswagenr Beetle was the first car produced by the company and by 1936 already has the distinctive round shape that would make the car famous.
The volkswagenr factory was completed in before the war started however, none of the vehicles produced was ever delivered to any of the original savings holders. The only one produced by the factory pre war to find its way into the hands of a driver was the one presented to Hitler for his 49th birthday. It was a type 1 convertible that was presented on April 20, 1938.
Once Germany entered the war all factories including volkswagenr were switched over to produce military vehicles only. Throughout the war, volkswagenr continued to produce utility vehicles for the war effort. In 1945, the Americans captured the factory and handed it over to the British for utilization and occupation. It was placed into the hands of British Army Major Ivan Hirst. Had not Hirst seen the potential in the former military plant, the factory would have no doubt been reduced to rubble in the intent to see Germany stripped of most of its industrial capabilities. It was Hirst who saw the value of continuing to produce military vehicles at the plant. At one time, to get his point across to high-ranking officers, Major Hirst painted one of factories cars green as a demonstration for the British Army's top brass. The war had caused a shortage of light vehicles all over the planet and Britain was not spared. Immediately, British top army officers saw the potential and ordered 20,000 vehicles immediately.
The ability to produce this many vehicles was quite a feat considering how much damage had been sustained by the heavy bombing that had occurred near the end of the war.
Soon both the company and the town had changed its names and production of the round vehicles continued at an increased pace. The factory was actually slated to be dismantled and shipped to Britain for reassembly. Fortunately, for volkswagenr, no one in Britain wanted the German car factory. The Morgenthau Plan called for removal of all German war potential by disassembling all of Germany's heavy industry. This plan was later scrapped when it was eventually realized as an unattainable goal.
Ferdinand Porsche was contacted by Hitler because he was interested in a vehicle that was suited for working class people. Several designs were discussed and after working with Han Ledwinka who later designed the KdF-wagen in 1938, Porsche finally agreed to help Hitler create the "peoples car".
An advertising campaign was developed through which people were encouraged to save five marks per week toward the purchase of their own car. This was an investment program founded by volkswagenr to help people purchase their own vehicles. After World War II, when Germany was divided into East Germany and West Germany, volkswagenr's headquarters and Factory wound up in West Germany. volkswagenr went on to honor savings agreements held by individuals in West Germany only. The volkswagenr Beetle was the first car produced by the company and by 1936 already has the distinctive round shape that would make the car famous.
The volkswagenr factory was completed in before the war started however, none of the vehicles produced was ever delivered to any of the original savings holders. The only one produced by the factory pre war to find its way into the hands of a driver was the one presented to Hitler for his 49th birthday. It was a type 1 convertible that was presented on April 20, 1938.
Once Germany entered the war all factories including volkswagenr were switched over to produce military vehicles only. Throughout the war, volkswagenr continued to produce utility vehicles for the war effort. In 1945, the Americans captured the factory and handed it over to the British for utilization and occupation. It was placed into the hands of British Army Major Ivan Hirst. Had not Hirst seen the potential in the former military plant, the factory would have no doubt been reduced to rubble in the intent to see Germany stripped of most of its industrial capabilities. It was Hirst who saw the value of continuing to produce military vehicles at the plant. At one time, to get his point across to high-ranking officers, Major Hirst painted one of factories cars green as a demonstration for the British Army's top brass. The war had caused a shortage of light vehicles all over the planet and Britain was not spared. Immediately, British top army officers saw the potential and ordered 20,000 vehicles immediately.
The ability to produce this many vehicles was quite a feat considering how much damage had been sustained by the heavy bombing that had occurred near the end of the war.
Soon both the company and the town had changed its names and production of the round vehicles continued at an increased pace. The factory was actually slated to be dismantled and shipped to Britain for reassembly. Fortunately, for volkswagenr, no one in Britain wanted the German car factory. The Morgenthau Plan called for removal of all German war potential by disassembling all of Germany's heavy industry. This plan was later scrapped when it was eventually realized as an unattainable goal.
Best Car Lease Deal - A Beetle Or A Mini Cooper?
When it comes to buying cars, the very first thing that comes to mind is brand. What makes a car reliable? Brand name? Form factor? Or the way it functions? In the case of the Beetle and mini cooper, this can actually turn out to be a tough debate. The best car lease deal after all is neither one nor the other. Why? Because of the fan base that each of these cars has managed to collect over the decades.
An economy car first built in 1938 by the German automaker Volkswagen, it seems that the Beetle (or the "Bug" as some others might refer to it) really has stuck it out over the many years as a best car lease deal. Think about it; production of the beetle went on until the year 2003 (give or take a few years when newer models weren't introduced). Dubbed "The People's Car" (Volks-Wagen), this basic vehicle can seat about two adults and three children, probably one more in its more recent form. Perhaps the most famous of Beetles were the ones that came out in the late 60s to the early 1970s. These Super Beetles sported large rear windows, large front brakes, and a few rows of vents on the engine. In 2000, the Beetle took another form of bug. It clearly is different but the traditional form factor can't be mistaken since it really only is an update. But a sweet update it is and that makes it one of the best car lease deal options until today. The reason? It's fun to look at and it's fun to drive.
The mini cooper, on the other hand, is really something quite strange. It looks really nice and compact, it does look sexy at an angle and its current version does seem to make it look like it can handle an Italian job. But the sad fact is that it doesn't perform too well. Handling is shabby, it's not very strong at all, and you would probably need to overhaul or replace the engine just to have it boost a little quicker. Again, the mini cooper as a best car lease deal? You have to believe it. This is one of those machines that have received a cult-following in recent history like no other. It's most popular in the UK but ever since that movie the Italian Job came out, they've been selling like hotcakes stateside as well. Design-wise it never really changed, unlike the Beetle. But that also seems to be the case with its performance. At least the Beetle runs a lot smoother now than ever before. You be the judge. Are you a Beetle or mini cooper fan? This is a best car lease deal that has no real answer on which is better.
An economy car first built in 1938 by the German automaker Volkswagen, it seems that the Beetle (or the "Bug" as some others might refer to it) really has stuck it out over the many years as a best car lease deal. Think about it; production of the beetle went on until the year 2003 (give or take a few years when newer models weren't introduced). Dubbed "The People's Car" (Volks-Wagen), this basic vehicle can seat about two adults and three children, probably one more in its more recent form. Perhaps the most famous of Beetles were the ones that came out in the late 60s to the early 1970s. These Super Beetles sported large rear windows, large front brakes, and a few rows of vents on the engine. In 2000, the Beetle took another form of bug. It clearly is different but the traditional form factor can't be mistaken since it really only is an update. But a sweet update it is and that makes it one of the best car lease deal options until today. The reason? It's fun to look at and it's fun to drive.
The mini cooper, on the other hand, is really something quite strange. It looks really nice and compact, it does look sexy at an angle and its current version does seem to make it look like it can handle an Italian job. But the sad fact is that it doesn't perform too well. Handling is shabby, it's not very strong at all, and you would probably need to overhaul or replace the engine just to have it boost a little quicker. Again, the mini cooper as a best car lease deal? You have to believe it. This is one of those machines that have received a cult-following in recent history like no other. It's most popular in the UK but ever since that movie the Italian Job came out, they've been selling like hotcakes stateside as well. Design-wise it never really changed, unlike the Beetle. But that also seems to be the case with its performance. At least the Beetle runs a lot smoother now than ever before. You be the judge. Are you a Beetle or mini cooper fan? This is a best car lease deal that has no real answer on which is better.
Top 10 Alternatives to SUVs
SUVs are known to have a lot of space, but they have their own drawbacks too. Most of the customers purchase an SUV because it is extremely spacious, flexible and gives all-weather road performance. However, you can choose other cars instead of an SUV if you are looking just for these features.
The following are the ten cars that are excellent alternatives to SUVs.
1. Dodge Caliber has chunky SUV-like good looks and better-than-SUV fuel economy. It is not so compact like SUV.
2. Ford Taurus is equipped with a decent-sized back seat which is quite easy to get in and out of the car.
3. Honda Fit has a cargo bay stows with a massive 20.6 cubic feet. It comes with even fold the back seat bottoms upwards in order o accommodate large items.
4. Kia Rondo is designed to bridge the gap between minivans, cars and SUVs. It comes with seven seats, which includes a third-row seat which offers far more space.
5. The Mazda 5 is popularly known as a mini-minivan with seating capacity of 4 to 5 people. It has the convenience of easily movable sliding rear doors.
6. Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon is luxurious, elegant, relaxing and fun to drive. It gives amble space for 7 people to sit comfortably.
7. Scion xB is an excellent family car and really a fantastic SUV alternative car. It has a roomy rear seat and easy-to-load cargo bay that rivals many small SUVs.
8. Subaru Impreza 2.51 comes with all-wheel-drive as standard car. It looks really very big and is available as a 5-door mini-wagon or a 4-door sedan.
9. Suzuki SX4 is still the least expensive all-wheel-drive car. It is really tiny on the outside, but big on the inside
10. Volkswagen Jetta Sport Wagen with 32.8 cubic feet of large space behind the rear seats is also an excellent choice. It really stows away much more cargo than many compact SUVs in the market.
The following are the ten cars that are excellent alternatives to SUVs.
1. Dodge Caliber has chunky SUV-like good looks and better-than-SUV fuel economy. It is not so compact like SUV.
2. Ford Taurus is equipped with a decent-sized back seat which is quite easy to get in and out of the car.
3. Honda Fit has a cargo bay stows with a massive 20.6 cubic feet. It comes with even fold the back seat bottoms upwards in order o accommodate large items.
4. Kia Rondo is designed to bridge the gap between minivans, cars and SUVs. It comes with seven seats, which includes a third-row seat which offers far more space.
5. The Mazda 5 is popularly known as a mini-minivan with seating capacity of 4 to 5 people. It has the convenience of easily movable sliding rear doors.
6. Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon is luxurious, elegant, relaxing and fun to drive. It gives amble space for 7 people to sit comfortably.
7. Scion xB is an excellent family car and really a fantastic SUV alternative car. It has a roomy rear seat and easy-to-load cargo bay that rivals many small SUVs.
8. Subaru Impreza 2.51 comes with all-wheel-drive as standard car. It looks really very big and is available as a 5-door mini-wagon or a 4-door sedan.
9. Suzuki SX4 is still the least expensive all-wheel-drive car. It is really tiny on the outside, but big on the inside
10. Volkswagen Jetta Sport Wagen with 32.8 cubic feet of large space behind the rear seats is also an excellent choice. It really stows away much more cargo than many compact SUVs in the market.
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