Retractable Hardtops are Practically Enjoyable

Convertibles give annoyances like road noise, and leaky roof. To counter these and other annoyances, the auto industry thinks it has found the solution: the retractable hardtop. There were two mass-production retractable cars on the market and both were built by Mercedes-Benz. And now, 10 models are being sold under nine nameplates, and for sure, more could be on the way. After decades as a bit more than a footnote in auto history, the retractable hardtop became hot. It is intended for people who want to blend the sun and fun of a convertible with the amenity and security of a coupe. And the roof-retracting system just one punch of a button and the top slides into the trunk attracts something that each automaker craves: attention. Lonnie Miller, the Director of Industry Analysis for Industry Researcher R.L. Polk & Co., said that the retractable hardtops are showroom vehicles that really catch the public s attention as the go ohh and ahh . Before, convertibles were coifed in cloth or vinyl. They were cool to drive but not practical. This was for the reason that they were basically part-time vehicles, sometimes even in sunny conditions. Owners routinely left their cars unlocked rather than face the cost of repairing sliced roofs. Security still remained an issue despite the fact that engineering and insulation reduced some problems. Only the extremely well-muscled hardtops had to be removed manually. If you enter a retractable, push a button. Observe that what appears to be a solid sheet of auto-grade steel rears up and back, folds neatly into three or more sections and disappears into the trunk. Historically, according to Rick Deneau of Chrysler Group, convertibles have been thought of almost as luxury cars because they are not supposed to be practical. But he adheres to the thinking that it is not the case anymore today. He continued that Focus group participants who shied away from traditional convertibles found the new Sebring alluring. He said that the participants perceive it as "more of a 365-day-a-year car that was both practical and fun to drive." With the introduction of the costly Mercedes SLK, the recent run of hardtops started in the late 1990s. As years pass by, they have become more affordable. The Pontiac G6, Volkswagen Eos and Mazda Miata MX-5 including some Mazda accessories all start below $30,000, and the Sebring has a base sticker price under $32,000. Marna Wood bought a copper-red MX-5 in January. The 52-year old Highland, Calif. resident and her husband have owned several Miatas, which are sold only in drop-top versions. Even though it cost about $2,000 more than a comparably equipped soft top, the MX-5 s retractable roof was something new and appealing. Wood said she liked the hardtop from the perspective that it is nice and easy to put up and down, and one just need to push a button. She continued that the top up is more quite than the soft top. Moreover, she also appreciates that like other hardtop manufacturers, Mazda has designed the car so that the retracting top does not eat up the entire available trunk space, which is a common problem with older models. Mazda boasts that even with the top down, the trunk can hold a big textile bag, two sets of golf clubs or a couple cases of wine. The ability to provide a reasonably sized trunk is another reason why retractable hardtops are suddenly popular. Despite the rebirth of convertibles, the style is not expected to win back the broad popularity it enjoyed during the 50s and 60s, when automakers offered drop-top versions of most of their lineup. The more than 30 convertible models that are now being sold only account for about 2 percent of total U.S. new vehicle sales.



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So You Want Vinyl Window Graphics On Your Car?

Perhaps one of the most challenging, on issues from the world of car wrap is the application of vinyl graphics to glass windows. Of course, installing vinyl stickers and decals on the car body is very complicated. But there is no more difficult than putting in vinyl glass.
How that reason? Most car windows are coated with silicone or other types of substrates that make vinyl grip fleeting. And because the vehicles are exposed to direct sunlight and heat for long periods, vinyl decals, which is expected to last at least 3 years, can not be linked. Moreover, most of the windows of the car coat tints that are not friendly vinyl. While the stick already vinyl decals on them, they become a problem to take off without running the risk of destroying the film.
But vinyl window graphics are what make the bodywork of the vehicle more attractive, right? Actually, they are! Fortunately, for you, there is a way to circumvent this.
Next Generation Media boasts of a team of designers, printers and body experts who are considered high-dogs in their areas. And because they are the best at what they do, you can be sure that you vai Tuesday vinyl graphics you want in your car& 39;s window without any embarrassment. With the help of Next Generation Media, you will never have to worry that an installation work can not be done ever again - even in any kind of surface.
The thing is this: There are two basic types of vinyl graphics you can use. While calendared vinyl, or the brightest type of vinyl, it works beautifully with the body of his vehicle, does not bode well placed on the glass. However, there is another type of vinyl, called perforated cast vinyl graphics, which is a dream for use in windows. By their nature perforated, not only will your car does not resemble the oven for a warm climate, you will also be able to see through graphics and is not limited to a windshield view.
While you& 39;re already bringing their work to windows wrap the professionals, that will make him very well to understand how the whole thing. While Next Generation Media can ensure that you receive the best possible service, you will be able to benefit more if you know what you& 39;re putting. Vinyl graphics in your vehicle& 39;s window is a kink extra for your car& 39;s artistic design, but it is not true that is necessary. You can not deny, however, that his vehicle looks more kick-ass with it.
What Next Generation Media offers you are choices, not a headache. It takes place in their windows vinyl graphics or not? And if you decide to do so, what design you& 39;d like to have? There are questions about how or when. When you take a look outside, you can consider the job done - and very well done. That is the beauty of their powers. Of course, vinyl graphics window the installation process is a complicated, but there is nothing Next Generation Media can not do. You can count on that.



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The World Of Collection Cars

Collection cars are highly sought and even have trade shows dedicated to their very existence. In the world of collectors, you have mechanics who can rebuild old cars to seek alternative, people who have protected the original beauty of the car without a restoration or collectors who completely build cars collection field. Each year, collectors gather at shows around the world to view a variety of collection of cars in a place.
Early camaros, vintage Mustangs and other muscle cars or trucks are just a few car collection are presented at trade shows. In exchange & 39; a right of entry & 39;, the organizers of the event & 39; collection accept cars in their show and award prizes for the best entrants. All cars collection are considered by experts nominees, who decide which are the best of the lot and speak.
Collection cars are not only nice to watch, but they also bring a nice price for their owners. Antique and collecting cars are in high demand among collectors, but are also popular among those who wish to simply remember their glory days. In addition, many collection cars are purchased for purposes of & 39; investment. If preserved, collection May & 39; cars continue to increase in value over the years to come. If entered d & 39; other salons l & 39; automotive, May they continue to win prizes or get & 39; l & 39; media attention that will make them even more cars do desirable.
Collection is not found in & 39; local car dealership, but they are close to enthusiasts who do not mind doing their research. Some of the best places to search for the collection of cars are specialized magazines, the local newspaper of the section d & 39; classified advertising, television or local trade fairs, and even online. Before & 39; buy anything online, buyers are requested to conduct due diligence on & 39; automobile. A person d & 39; inspection, a mechanic with the & 39; observation, should be carried out before signing on the dotted line.
Quite often, the collection of cars are invited to participate in local parades. No matter the period of & 39; years, these amateurs d & 39; automobiles are anxious to show their game wheels and are proud to ride in many parades on an annual basis. Many collection of cars can be entered into contact with parades by the city hall for information on participation. Everyone loves cars collection, including those who do not characterize themselves as collection love with the automobile & 39;. The profession of engineer to & 39; hope auto designer and & 39; n & 39; child who is not yet old enough to & 39; s sit behind the wheel, the collection of cars are a common sight to see and are celebrated by all those who appreciate classical detail at its best. About KellyBlueBook cars d & 39; occasion, KellyBlueBook resources and KellyBlueBook related Web sites.



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Getting All Of The Discounts Available On A Car Insurance Policy

When buying car insurance, there are many important things to consider. In order to become a smart and savvy car insurance consumer, and get the best rates possible for your policy, you need to understand what insurance companies do, and how to best communicate with them.
Insurance companies are in the business of taking risk. The amount of risk they take to insure you and the rate they will charge you are based on a number of variables. Your driving experience and history, where you live, your age, how many drivers and vehicles are on your policy, what discounts are applicable to you, and numerous other variable are all used to determine the rate or cost for your policy.
There are numerous discounts available for the consumer on car insurance policies today.
A multi-car discount will lower the premium on each vehicle on the same policy. Some companies will sell you a separate policy for each vehicle and still give you the multi-car discount. Keep in mind there can be overhead or additional cost for each policy, so having all of your vehicles on the same policy could save you money.
Most insurance companies will give full time high school or college students with a 3.0 or higher grade point average a discount. This discount could be as high as fifteen percent on the primary vehicle that the student drives. If the premium for the student driver is one to two thousand dollars per year, a good student discount could be a savings of one hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars per year. Multiply that by the number of years in school, and that will add up to a huge savings.
Some insurance companies will give you an occupational discount depending on your educational background and job title. Teachers, Medical Professionals, Scientists, Engineers, Computer Professionals, and other jobs that require a college degree, license, or certification.
An anti-theft discount can lower the comprehensive (theft & vandalism) portion of the policy premium. This is generally considered to be a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) based system where your car can be located via a satellite if it is stolen.
Department of Motor Vehicle certified mature driving courses are available for senior citizens and can lower your premium as much as ten percent.
And of course, maintaining a good driving record will allow your insurance carrier to give you a good driver discount and keep your rates down.
All car insurance policy owners should check with their current carrier to see if they are getting all of the discounts that apply to their policy.
Copyright 2006 Barry Brenner



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