All In Gear
Sharing is caring: Onstar to let GM owners rent out their carsSharing is caring. Onstar will soon allow GM car owners to rent their cars out via a new startup called Relay Rides, a company that connects private parties who want to rent out their cars for a few hours at a time to short-term drivers in need of wheels.
Electric car-charging stations: Will market forces cut prices?Charging stations charge by time or by amount of electricity used--amount of electricity is generally viewed as the fairer option. But electric-car drivers may start to choose only those stations that charge a fair price, meaning market forces will adjust prices down.
Jay Leno, Bob Lutz talk plug-ins, test drive a hybrid truckTalk show host Jay Leno is betting that Americans will love the Via Vtrux, a full-size, electric pickup truck that combining the practicality of a Chevy Silverado with the mileage of a Chevy Volt. Leno endorsed the truck on the latest episode of his web series, "Jay Leno’s Garage."
Ford Escape recall affects 10,000 cars. Is yours on the list?Ford Escape recall involves certain 2013 models with a carpeting issue that could affect breaking. Owners with cars affected by the Ford Escape recall can have the problem repaired for free.
Electric cars? That's so 20 years ago.The CleanAir LA301 ran on electric power a generation before the Chevy Volt hit the market. So what happened?
Electric sports car: Toyota takes on TeslaMost automakers are being cautious with their initial electric offerings, but customers are begging for something more exciting. Toyota is rising to the challenge with plans for an electric sports car to rival electric automaker Tesla.
Parking equality or misogyny: Town debuts ‘female only’ spotsIn an interesting and somewhat controversial move, a German mayor is pioneering new parking spots exclusively for women, which are marked by the familiar female gender symbol and are wider than average, so as to be ‘easier’ to park in.
Chevrolet Malibu Eco: most hated car of the year?Chevrolet Malibu Eco has gotten a lukewarm reception from critics so far this year, due to unimpressive gas mileage and a less than competitive price tag . But if buyers don't love the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, they can return it under Chevy's money back guarantee.
June's best (and worst) selling carsA pickup truck snagged to top-selling spot for June's new car sales, while the worst-selling models only sold one model each. Can you guess which car came out on top?
The return of the gas guzzler? Average fuel economy drops in June.New cars had lower average fuel economy in June, three months after peaking an all-time high. The culprit? Falling gas prices.
Volkswagen completes Porsche takeoverVolkswagen has completed its takeover of Porsche, acquiring the 50.1 percent of the luxury automaker that it didn't already own. Volkswagen will pay Porsche $5.6 billion plus one ordinary VW share, according to the agreement.
June auto sales: There's good news and bad newsJune auto sales may have reached a five-year high for new cars, but don't break out the party hats just yet. Another bit of news for June auto sales is troubling.
Myth busters: Consumer Reports takes on alleged gas-saving tipsConsumer Reports lists several myths that have been rumored to improve gas mileage but which don't really make much of a difference in modern cars. From gas quality to tire track preferences, consider these myths busted.
Where are car repairs the most expensive?A new study from CarMD shows that the overall cost of repairs declined six percent in 2011, from an average of $356 to $334. For drivers seeking repairs in five Western states, however, the costs were much higher, at an average of $360.
Good news? Demand for gas plummets, oil prices sinkThe average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.45 -- 18 cents below last year, and 23 cents lower than May. That's good news for commuters, road-trippers, and other folks who depend on their cars. Crude oil prices have also dropped.
Ultimate driving machine: BMW M5 won’t offer manual transmission?Performance cars like the BMW luxury-performance sedan M5's make numerous concessions in the interests of comfort and civility, that cost speed and handling. But the next M5 may make a big concession, and not offer a manual transmission option.
800 number on Blink plug-in stations? Useless, don't botherEcotality's Blink network seems a little worse for wear. Despite a fat government contract, some of the company's electric plug-in charging stations have been found out of order, and their 1-800 number operators are little help.
Got hybrid sticker shock? Just remember, it could always be worseEven fans of electric and plug-in hybrid cars often complain about their high prices. Some can run into the high $30,000 dollar range. But Americans should remember it could be worse. A hybrid in Australia can run close to $50K.
Toyota's newest electric car is just for the kidsHow can we get the next generation driving clean, green electric cars? Toyota thinks it has come up with a creative solution of its own, rolling out a new three-seat electric concept car that the kiddos can drive.
Hybrid Mad Men: New ad campaign may spark interest in Chevy VoltAfter struggling for two years to create an effective ad campaign for the plug-in sedan, GM seems to have taken a leaf out of the Apple school of advertising, launching ads which focus on real-life owners, or, "the happiest car owners on the planet."
