tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2956947127353582602024-03-13T11:41:26.632-07:00Lauren Fix, The Car Coach Offers Car-MaWhat Comes Around Goes Aroundthecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.comBlogger519125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-64803239992788605482014-02-21T09:29:00.001-08:002014-02-21T09:29:11.532-08:00We've Moved! Visit our NEW Blog<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We've moved!</span></h2>
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<a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1cx8wDChkpgbK04pJzWr7HheOI97LczGmBcEGn1dJMa60u8Y2yYWJTVsr_K0EvOwbbnbbV5ASXWwKs47r5bK2GodyDgsh_DlG7AEzgHJQnsefBDjqMPBuiSaVa5bEgYEjOE7tDXi7UeQ/s1600/Lauren+Fix,+The+Car+Coach+new+logo.png" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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Click the image above to visit Lauren Fix's new blog location at <a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/">www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/</a></h2>
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For more great car care tips from Lauren Fix, The Car Coach:</h2>
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Sign up for Lauren's FREE monthly newsletter @ <a href="http://eepurl.com/CBl_z">http://eepurl.com/CBl_z</a><br />Lauren's website: <a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/">http://www.laurenfix.com</a><br />Follow me: @ <a href="http://twitter.com/laurenfix">http://twitter.com/laurenfix</a><br />Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lauren.Fix.The.Car.Coach">https://www.facebook.com/Lauren.Fix.The.Car.Coach</a></h3>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-35721107684280591592014-02-17T14:51:00.000-08:002014-02-17T14:51:15.139-08:00DON’T DAWDLE EDITION<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;">
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<b>THE CAR COACH REPORTS:</b></div>
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<b>February 14, 2014</b></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>DON’T DAWDLE EDITION</b></span></div>
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One of the top stories in the automotive news world is this: GM is recalling 778,000 vehicles. According to <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20140213/OEM11/140219933/gm-recalls-778000-cobalts-pontiac-g5s-for-engine-cutoff"><span style="color: #0433ff;">http://www.autonews.com/article/20140213/OEM11/140219933/gm-recalls-778000-cobalts-pontiac-g5s-for-engine-cutoff</span></a> six deaths have been reported as partially caused by faulty airbags.</div>
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This latest recall focuses on the 2005-2007 Chevy Cobalt and 2007 Pontiac G5. The ignition switch in the affected cars is causing airbag problems. Oh, and it makes the car shut off without warning—and, I’m guessing, at the most inopportune times. Causes for the ignition to stop working range from weights on key chains—like keys—or “jarring events” like bumpy roads, according to <i>Automotive News</i>.</div>
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Toyota also has a recall on 261,000 2012-2013 vehicles for a braking problem.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20140214/OEM11/140219907/toyota-recalls-more-than-261000-vehicles-in-u-s-for-braking-problem"><span style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Arial;">http://www.autonews.com/article/20140214/OEM11/140219907/toyota-recalls-more-than-261000-vehicles-in-u-s-for-braking-problem</span></a></span> In this case, it seems that an electronic component in the brake actuator is causing other systems to fail. Also according to<i> AN, </i>earlier in the week Toyota recalled 1.9 million Gen-3 Priuses worldwide over a programming glitch in the vehicles’ hybrid system.</div>
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With all of the recalls in the auto industry in the course of the last 12-18 months—not to mention this week—I think it’s time we have a heart to heart talk. Let’s not talk about quality control or whose fault the recalls are. Let’s not talk about holding manufacturers to a higher standard, at least in this forum. </div>
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I DO want to say this: If you receive a recall notice, get your vehicle fixed. Do not wait around until you have time get to it. It could be something as simple as Scion’s trunk latch, or as severe as GM’s ignition switch. By the way, GM recommends removing any excess weight from key chains if you drive one of the 778,000 recalled vehicles. But really don’t wait. Your life and safety—or that of others—isn’t worth waiting to get to whatever problem needs fixing. </div>
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And since repetition is often the best teacher: Please, if you get a recall notice, get your vehicle fixed.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Post your comments at <a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<b>My Final Thought:</b><b></b></div>
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Tragedy. Of the worse kind. Earlier in the week a sinkhole opened up at the National Corvette Museum and severely damaged eight classic corvettes.<b></b></div>
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But there is a happy ending. Chevy is going to oversee the repairs of the damaged Vettes.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/14/corvette-museum-sinkhole-repair-timeline-restorations/"><span style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/14/corvette-museum-sinkhole-repair-timeline-restorations/</span></a></span><b></b></div>
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Thank goodness. I would hate to think we would lose eight pieces of Corvette and American car culture and history.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Post your comments at <a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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Love Your Car! See you next week!</div>
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--Lauren Fix</div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-62136791067673623892014-02-12T08:36:00.001-08:002014-02-12T08:36:53.303-08:00IT COMES TO A VOTE EDITION<h4 align="center" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: none; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: AllerRegular; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 22px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<b style="border: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">February 7, 2014</b></h4>
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photo courtesy of www.wrcbtv.com</div>
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A few months ago, I wrote about how the UAW was trying to muscle its way in to the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. The UAW was accused in a complaint of instituting a card-check process to try and force recognition of its representation of Volkswagen workers. I had hoped the workers would realize that the UAW is no friend of theirs. But now, unionization comes down to a vote.<span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/02/03/vw-volkswagen-chattanooga-tennessee-union-uaw-vote/5184537/" style="border: none; color: #1e1e1e; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/02/03/vw-volkswagen-chattanooga-tennessee-union-uaw-vote/5184537/</span></a></span>. Next week employees at the plant will decide to organize a German-style works council or remain union-free.</div>
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And staunch anti-tax activist Grover Norquist is funding anti-union resistance in Chattanooga in the form of billboard announcements.<span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/02/06/detroit-blight-part-of-anti-union-fight-in-tenn/5271747/" style="border: none; color: #1e1e1e; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/02/06/detroit-blight-part-of-anti-union-fight-in-tenn/5271747/</span></a></span>. Part of the Center for Worker Freedom’s anti-union strategy is to show the devastation in Detroit as evidence of what unionization brings. One of the billboards features a picture of Packard’s shut down plant—it’s been closed 55 years, by the way—and the caption “Detroit. Brought to you by the UAW.”</div>
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Volkswagen has remained neutral during the vote; though they are glad the UAW is trying to establish representation for its workers. It kind of makes you wonder how much money has changed hands between Volkswagen and the UAW, doesn’t it? Though, to be fair, U.S. law mandates that the UAW help organize the employees because companies cannot. Also kind of weird, isn’t it? And by weird, I mean crony-istic.</div>
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At any rate, Chattanooga is hotly contested for two reasons. First, according to Volkswagen, the Chattanooga plant is the only one in the company’s organization that isn’t represented with a works council and they want a works council in the plant. Second, and this is the real driving force—in my opinion—UAW membership is down and they need to fill its coffers and add numbers to its rolls.</div>
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I really hope the workers in Chattanooga come to their senses and vote no on unionization. As I’ve said before, in the early days of labor rights, unions were an asset (minus the violence) that helped workers achieve fair treatment and decent wages. But when was the last time the big bad, big automotive business owners mistreated workers and docked pay, and, you get the point?</div>
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But what do you think about the unionization of the VW plant?</div>
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Post your comments below!</div>
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<b style="border: none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">My Final Thought:</b></div>
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It’s about time. Nissan has unveiled a diesel Frontier concept at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. You can read the full report here:<span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/02/06/diesel-nissan-pickup-explores-new-frontier/" style="border: none; color: #1e1e1e; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/02/06/diesel-nissan-pickup-explores-new-frontier/</span></a></span></div>
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While Nissan hasn’t released an actual arrival date for a diesel Frontier, I would hope they would bring it to market about the same time as GMC and Chevy’s diesel release: 2016.</div>
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<span style="border: none; color: #ff6600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Post your comments below!</span></div>
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Love Your Car! See you next week!</div>
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–Lauren Fix</div>
thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-46905759578783230412014-02-01T07:23:00.001-08:002014-03-03T10:03:57.439-08:00SNOWMAGEDDON SURVIVAL EDITION<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Visit our new blog location: <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/" target="_blank">http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/ </a></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">January 31,
2014</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">SNOWMAGEDDON
SURVIVAL EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> photo courtesy of The Huffington Post</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Snowmageddon
has passed and we survived. Naturally, the blame game is well underway in
places like Atlanta where the horrendous traffic made headlines. I will not
concern myself with whose fault that situation was here. Instead, I want to
focus on how you can be better prepared if you should get stranded in traffic
during a snowstorm that was forecasted well in advance. And listen, folks, I am
from Buffalo. I know what I’m talking about here.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The first tip is pretty obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't go out in a snowstorm if you don't have to. Corporate
America can wait. Whatever it is you think you need to do or get can wait. It's
safer to stay at home (or leave for home earlier than the exact moment the
storm hits). </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>But if, for some reason, you find yourself out in the storm: </b><br />
<br />
- Be prepared. Carry an emergency kit. Make sure it includes hand & foot
warmers, blankets, extra clothes, food, any prescriptions you might need, a
cell phone and a cell phone charger.. This kit should be in however many cars
you own at all times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- Carry an LED light source in the car. This is one of the most
important pieces of gear to have. LED lights are magnetic and have a flashing
and a solid light mode and can go for hours on end. This will allow help to
find you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- If you are stuck and cannot move, call for help. Be prepared to
be in the same location for a long period of time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- NEVER wander away from the car to get help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE SAFEST PLACE WHEN STRANDED IS IN
THE CAR. I cannot stress this enough. The distance you might have to travel can
be undetermined. Moreover, you don't know how deep the snow is or how dangerous
the ground underneath it is. Stay put.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- Ration food and water. If you will be in the car for a long
period of time make sure your food and water will last. Water is the most precious
resource. Humans can go about 72 hours without water and many days without
food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- Melt snow if you don’t have extra water with you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">- Abandoning your car is a last resort. If some extreme
circumstance forces you to abandon your car make sure you have multiple layers
of clothing on. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Drive safe, be prepared, and stay alive.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Happy
Anniversary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month marks the
VW Beetle’s 65<sup>th</sup> year in the United States. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/30/vw-beetle-65-years-in-us-photos/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/30/vw-beetle-65-years-in-us-photos/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
VW Beetle is an iconic piece of car—and American—culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s to you, Beetle!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-58899245400456374532014-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:002014-03-03T10:05:35.909-08:00What to Do if You Can't See the Road Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Visit our new blog location: <a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/">http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What to do if you can't
see the road ahead…</span></b></h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">By Lauren Fix, The Car
Coach<sup>®</sup></span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLSFyqcvUZRAIZ0jLUel4J3lpE6RJf66JhpU5NNpm9mwBw9-K5NR2U8iWdCriUe50yAQvT0L_yoEzyk6x4N-fkpu1TneYDTv8TJu1VUpUebjM5Yb5bzBeNmHc8V8lZFS5EZ5Jlun-i6Oj/s1600/Sylvania+photo+winter+driving.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLSFyqcvUZRAIZ0jLUel4J3lpE6RJf66JhpU5NNpm9mwBw9-K5NR2U8iWdCriUe50yAQvT0L_yoEzyk6x4N-fkpu1TneYDTv8TJu1VUpUebjM5Yb5bzBeNmHc8V8lZFS5EZ5Jlun-i6Oj/s1600/Sylvania+photo+winter+driving.png" height="132" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> What
should you do if you can't see the road ahead of you? This may sound like
a silly question but with the recent winter weather causing accidents all around
the country, notably the big wrecks last week on Texas and Indiana highways,
drivers need to have a solution to the problem.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Visibility is key to safety, especially in
inclement weather. It may be smoke, fog, rain or even a snowstorm that blocks
your visibility. Eighty percent of your driving decisions are based on
visibility so following tips that add seconds to your reaction time can mean
the difference between a crash and a near-crash. It is important to have
working wiper blades, properly inflated tires and bright, white headlights that
will help ensure you have maximum visibility in any condition. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF7Prksq7wIUvMhLbzHsgaEog5MlA82KNXkypyPuCcqFWSExcjGEN2wI4pJpQj7SXFeLZLIKIcAv5z4oT9d2i3cLS6U2s1kFHUmUB1L3269wBEby0ME4yU1vXNe97lAr_ym-0tzQ8FmL4/s1600/silverstar+sylvania.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF7Prksq7wIUvMhLbzHsgaEog5MlA82KNXkypyPuCcqFWSExcjGEN2wI4pJpQj7SXFeLZLIKIcAv5z4oT9d2i3cLS6U2s1kFHUmUB1L3269wBEby0ME4yU1vXNe97lAr_ym-0tzQ8FmL4/s1600/silverstar+sylvania.png" height="232" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Upgrading
to a whiter, brighter headlight, such as SYLVANIA SilverStar<sup>®</sup> ULTRA
headlight bulbs, can provide more down road and side road visibility. This
improved visibility can give drivers the additional time they need to avoid an
accident. It’s also important to make sure you replace your headlights in
pairs. Changing one at a time can cause an uneven field of vision that can be
distracting to both the driver as well as oncoming traffic, especially during
the winter time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are some other visibility tips for when you
find yourself unable to see the road ahead:<span style="color: #1d1d1d;"> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Driving situations
can change at any time so slow down and avoid tail-gating. You will greatly
reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and chain reaction pile-ups. Be patient
and do not pass lines of traffic. But don’t slow down so much that you become a
risk.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you look
ahead and see a problem, find an exit. Do not stop in </span>a travel lane because drivers coming up from behind may not see your vehicle until it's too late to
stop.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you must stop your vehicle immediately, pull as far off of the
road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off the brake pedal
and turn on your hazard lights.</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Listen to local
radio stations during bad weather for traffic and road conditions.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pay attention to
fog lines on the right side of the road and median reflectors that help guide you
on the road. </span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Turn on your headlights any time of day or night, especially if you need
your windshield wipers as well. Also, drive with your headlights on low beam. According
to experts at SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting, high beams will only reflect back
off the snow and actually impair visibility even more.</span></li>
</ul>
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</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Make sure to
have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle in case of bright sunlight.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If
you are a do-it-yourself or would like to be, watch how easy it can be to
install new headlights and improve visibility in this video. </span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NYTrS5QVHUw" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-64873550657215211142014-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:002014-01-29T08:20:28.476-08:00THANK YOU DR. OBVIOUS EDITION
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">January 24,
2013</span></b></div>
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</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THANK YOU
DR. OBVIOUS EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN1F2v9U4SaHFTMvLvmBmoDb0tAZ9NrmdPsrk_LBANYFAdKLfUnI8oqTqjHcYmdtMtIxYep3KthFQLJYnvLuPA4-Qx5k69Rpu947rRpCkepmM4NEcK-DhQUeL20oM1vA2jGJ9UKEwxCHZ/s1600/small+car+crash.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPN1F2v9U4SaHFTMvLvmBmoDb0tAZ9NrmdPsrk_LBANYFAdKLfUnI8oqTqjHcYmdtMtIxYep3KthFQLJYnvLuPA4-Qx5k69Rpu947rRpCkepmM4NEcK-DhQUeL20oM1vA2jGJ9UKEwxCHZ/s1600/small+car+crash.jpeg" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of www.tflcar.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A
few days ago the IIHS released a study that found (cue melodramatic music) tiny
cars don’t perform very well in their small-overlap crash tests. (More
dun-dun-dun music).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/22/iihs-tests-11-minicars-finds-them-wanting-in-small-overlap-cras/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/22/iihs-tests-11-minicars-finds-them-wanting-in-small-overlap-cras/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> No kidding. Thanks, Dr.
Obvious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Here
is my favorite part from the press release that Autoblog also quoted: “Small,
lightweight vehicles have an inherent safety disadvantage. That's why it's even
more important to choose one with the best occupant protection,” said Joe
Nolan, IIHS' senior VP for vehicle research. “Unfortunately, as a group,
minicars aren't performing as well as other vehicle categories in the small
overlap crash.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
don’t think anyone is really shocked by this news. It’s a pretty simple
concept, really. Tiny car + crash=big mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate to sound flippant, especially when you think about
how many people drive these go-cartesque cars, but come on. What should you
expect out of a car that fits in the bed of an F-150?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Small
cars don’t do well in crashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
hey, you get lots of gas mileage, so I guess it’s a fair trade off right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it interesting that America has
this thing for emulating Europe, don’t you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the mini cars started appearing on our roads it was
because of an idea that “they work so well in Europe. They get better mileage,
take up less space and the big gas-guzzling SUV and American sedan are so
archaic and awful. The mini car will be the way of the future,” remember that?
And now we suddenly discover the mini car doesn’t fare so well in crash
tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t we model our
Affordable Care Act after European social healthcare, too? But I digress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Not
everyone is so “meh” or “duh” about small car crash test performance, though. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Consumer Reports</i> removed the Honda Fit
from its “Recommended” list after the Fit’s poor small-overlap crash test
performance. </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/23/honda-fit-loses-recommended-rating-from-consumer-reports/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/23/honda-fit-loses-recommended-rating-from-consumer-reports/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s probably a wise move on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Consumer Reports</i>' part since the Fit
finished dead last in the overall scoring of the crash test. But have no fear
Fit fans, the new Fit is expected to better next time around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
have one final question about these startling results:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much did this test to prove what we
already know cost?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Two important thoughts for safe winter driving. First,
remember that visibility is crucial – make sure you can see and be seen on the road: <a href="http://parade.condenast.com/253758/laurenfix/put-the-freeze-on-bad-winter-driving-by-improving-your-visibility/">http://parade.condenast.com/253758/laurenfix/put-the-freeze-on-bad-winter-driving-by-improving-your-visibility/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also, check out this sobering article: </span><a href="http://jalopnik.com/there-were-108-car-crashes-in-austin-last-night-1508063924"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://jalopnik.com/there-were-108-car-crashes-in-austin-last-night-1508063924</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Be
careful out there, folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are in the grip of this winter storm, drive safely. And if you live in an area
that isn’t prepared for snow and ice, perhaps consider working from home—if
that is an option.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-10837778012608055292014-01-20T20:59:00.001-08:002014-03-03T10:06:34.796-08:00COMEBACK KID LEADS FROM THE FRONT EDITION<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCLIWBFrW8plVNvpgbClQq5g0B3rfInpww36jIWNR8foVdAlzfsfou-ZLwpKOV0lwYhhjae_czai79DTQ4ujcKUHprqab0B6P_ZCvL4u2wM_jFFtQcdmAeL4xjw-fHJxWEhGBrBps3iGR/s1600/Lauren+Fix%252C+The+Car+Coach+new+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCLIWBFrW8plVNvpgbClQq5g0B3rfInpww36jIWNR8foVdAlzfsfou-ZLwpKOV0lwYhhjae_czai79DTQ4ujcKUHprqab0B6P_ZCvL4u2wM_jFFtQcdmAeL4xjw-fHJxWEhGBrBps3iGR/s1600/Lauren+Fix%252C+The+Car+Coach+new+logo.png" height="200" width="143" /></a> </div>
<h2>
Visit our new blog location: <a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/">http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/</a></h2>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
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<b>THE CAR COACH REPORTS:</b></div>
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<b>January 17, 2013</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4yIWyOiuqNvMhcTvk8rKoLSAN076_n7rB3_AAUwU8BpY4S-XYqR35sNSbdipU1q4P40PtRLIlNLmg-mJ6EGLk-nLaVIHi-pDDKRv4c6Jhw3zVwPoxe-MK4rySokPCWJogJPWDw4Jfz1J/s1600/IMG_7901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4yIWyOiuqNvMhcTvk8rKoLSAN076_n7rB3_AAUwU8BpY4S-XYqR35sNSbdipU1q4P40PtRLIlNLmg-mJ6EGLk-nLaVIHi-pDDKRv4c6Jhw3zVwPoxe-MK4rySokPCWJogJPWDw4Jfz1J/s1600/IMG_7901.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>COMEBACK KID LEADS FROM THE FRONT EDITION</b></span></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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American cars are and have been for some time now the comeback kids of the auto industry. After the American auto industry’s bailout during the economic crisis of a few years ago, (though Ford didn’t need a bailout) American cars have been gaining steady ground against imports. And despite our government trying to force the green car revolution on us, we still love our power and the American-ness of our cars. And with good reason. With better brand reliability and more features, American cars are quickly becoming forces to be reckoned with as the news from the Detroit Auto Show this week proves.</div>
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Without a doubt the biggest reveal at the Detroit Auto Show is the 2015 Ford F-150. </div>
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<span style="color: #0433ff; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/13/2015-ford-f-150-detroit-2014/">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/13/2015-ford-f-150-detroit-2014/</a></span> The F-Series is already the bestselling vehicle in the country—Americans love their trucks—so what could come next? Lighter trucks? That’s right; I said lighter—700 pounds lighter to be exact. Ford’s use of aluminum makes it possible for a lighter truck that can do everything the previous F-series could and the new F-150 will do it with more fuel efficiency without sacrificing the strength and durability one expects from an F-Series truck. And Ford’s decision to use aluminum over steel will influence the materials the rest of the auto industry use. Way to innovate, Ford.</div>
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Next, how about the amazing 2015 Corvette Z06?<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/16/2015-chevy-corvette-z06-detroit-2014-video/%22%20%5Cl%20%22continued"><span style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/16/2015-chevy-corvette-z06-detroit-2014-video/#continued</span></a></span> “‘At least’ 625 horsepower,” the articles says. 6-2-5. Plug that into your battery-powered car charger. And why 625 horsepower you might ask? Because America, that's why. The Corvette is a quintessential American car and this newest iteration will undoubtedly do Corvette’s history proud. <i>Autoblog</i> points out that the Z06 doesn’t have much data released yet, but this is still one terrific car.</div>
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The Chrysler 200C just might be the most shocking comeback kid of the auto world. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/13/2015-chrysler-200-detroit-2014/"><span style="color: #0433ff;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/13/2015-chrysler-200-detroit-2014/</span></a>. What was once a “meh” car has evolved into a great American sporty, touring sedan. Kudos to Chrysler for its redesign of this model. European cars look out, because Americans are fighting hard for a spot at the sleek, stylish, sporty table. A well thought out interior and ample engine power, not to mention available all wheel drive, promise to make the 200C a vehicle to be reckoned with. </div>
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With all the quality and excitement coming from Detroit it’s no wonder our American brands are experiencing resurgence. Keep an eye on these and other American cars in the future. You’ll like what you see.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Post your comments at <a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<b>My Final Thought:</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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One final note on the California woman who was cited for wearing her Google glass while driving: case dismissed. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/16/traffic-ticket-for-driving-with-google-glass-gets-dismissed-in-c/">http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/16/traffic-ticket-for-driving-with-google-glass-gets-dismissed-in-c/</a></span></div>
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The article assumes that the case was dismissed for lack of evidence more than wrongdoing. If so, then the case-at-large is still far from over. </div>
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What do you think about the case dismissal and Google glass driving?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Post your comments at <a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love Your Car! See you next week!</div>
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--Lauren Fix</div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-52209565724968167122014-01-10T09:52:00.000-08:002014-01-26T09:53:22.882-08:00LASERS and TABLETS and COCKPITS, OH MY! EDITION<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">January 10,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">LASERS
and TABLETS and COCKPITS, OH MY! EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Who
wouldn’t want a car with lasers? OK, maybe not lasers like Star Wars, but
lasers nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At CES this
week Audi has announced its plans to produce laser headlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, that’s right. Lasers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
can read the full story here: </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/07/audi-laser-headlamps-ces-sport-quattro-laserlight/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/07/audi-laser-headlamps-ces-sport-quattro-laserlight/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. The laserlights—can I
just call them lasers?—were introduced on the Audi’s Quattro Sport Laserlight
Concept car. These lights are brighter, reach farther, and are smaller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Uncle Sam might be a spoiled
sport; remember Audi’s latest LED Matrix Beam headlights still aren’t approved
in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, the car has
lasers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
tech doesn’t stop there. Audi also unveiled its newest in-car technology
system, the Smart Display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smart
Display is a Google/Android powered tablet that will come integrated in future
vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The news is still fairly
“new” </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/08/audi-tablet-android-smart-display-ces/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/08/audi-tablet-android-smart-display-ces/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> and no specifics have
been released, but this might be pretty cool all the same. As long as the
driver can’t be distracted by the tablet, the passengers as users might really
enjoy this concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t wait to
see how this turns out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And
finally one last bit of cool from Audi and CES: a cockpit for the new TT. Yes,
folks you heard me right. </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/07/audi-tt-interior-ces-2014/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/07/audi-tt-interior-ces-2014/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Follow the link and take
a look at the pictures of the new interior design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The display has moved from the center stack to right in
front of the driver. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
picked these three stories because they are innovative and flat out cool.
C’mon, lasers. But this isn’t the only new car tech coming for cars being
unveiled at CES or talked about in the media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">With
the influx of all this tech what do you think this will do to driving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a techie so, of course, I am all
for it—so long as the tech revolution doesn’t turn out to cause distracted
driving.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Winter
is here. But have no fear, horsepower and all-wheel-drive is also here: </span><a href="http://jalopnik.com/americans-stuck-in-snow-need-more-power-and-grip-1496354719"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://jalopnik.com/americans-stuck-in-snow-need-more-power-and-grip-1496354719</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-86593859936750276652014-01-07T05:40:00.001-08:002014-01-07T05:41:49.509-08:00Can You See What I See? Blog for SYLVANIA<style>
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Blog for SYLVANIA</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Can You See What I
See?</b></div>
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By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach<sup>®</sup></div>
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The winter weather has been brutal this year for the whole
country, from heavy snow to dangerous icy roads that hide black ice.<br />
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According to the NHTSA, 39 percent of all weather-related
accidents happen in winter conditions like slush, ice and snow. Visibility is
key to safety, especially in inclement weather. Many may not know that 80 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>percent of driving decisions are based on visibility and the
improved visibility as a result of whiter, brighter premium headlights provides
additional reaction time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
seconds are vital in a situation where it can mean the difference between a
crash and a near-crash.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtiRYNZaAGAXPbcAVZSLOIAmZcwEsrnwWTpNG9obBva3vNigZPSUiT1-WLrdr52hUWV6za9vEWFwSp8llZnTV-b5rGPoF-k_0lYppSL8HZyzy8bOnbE55pyIdztFb3CveuYdP722wdG2R/s1600/Sylvania+headlight+comparison.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtiRYNZaAGAXPbcAVZSLOIAmZcwEsrnwWTpNG9obBva3vNigZPSUiT1-WLrdr52hUWV6za9vEWFwSp8llZnTV-b5rGPoF-k_0lYppSL8HZyzy8bOnbE55pyIdztFb3CveuYdP722wdG2R/s1600/Sylvania+headlight+comparison.png" height="347" width="640" /></a></div>
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Upgrading to a whiter, brighter headlight,
such as SYLVANIA SilverStar<sup>®</sup> ULTRA headlight bulbs, can provide more
downroad and sideroad visibility over worn standard halogen headlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This improved visibility can give
drivers the additional time they need to avoid an accident.</div>
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An important tip is to always change headlight bulbs in
pairs and before they burn out. Changing one at a time can cause an uneven
field of vision that can be distracting to both the driver as well as oncoming
traffic, especially during the winter time. Changing out your headlights is
easy, check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYTrS5QVHUw&feature=share&list=PLkYxiFC-NXXX81kz9kmLfyqKSkyN5Pi0j&index=5" target="_blank">video</a>
for step by step instructions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0Dlgvyt_tPobXw_j7QjjmfEgwZwBqcsCF-Kzkp0pAh3-Ph8GAfg1pd2TodWVQJU-BVR65VKeHFv-UOR5x_8q4CbegZcpJNGaXEOSrHOWz6ENdVeEPeE3a8gFgdVAchFxx0PDFCsU2AkM/s1600/Sylvania+comparison+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0Dlgvyt_tPobXw_j7QjjmfEgwZwBqcsCF-Kzkp0pAh3-Ph8GAfg1pd2TodWVQJU-BVR65VKeHFv-UOR5x_8q4CbegZcpJNGaXEOSrHOWz6ENdVeEPeE3a8gFgdVAchFxx0PDFCsU2AkM/s1600/Sylvania+comparison+2.png" height="334" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember to use low beam headlights in snowy weather, not
high beams. The reflection can be blinding because the lights reflect back to
your eyes and can limit visibility.<br />
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Another important tip is to check headlight alignment.
Misaligned headlights can be distracting and dangerous, especially during
darker driver months. Consult your ASE automotive service technician to align
them for you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNssUMlPXRPlzLSDlppe5NuaKPyEQOF3tTpnX0qtWNsEL_3A0Oa0_X0yNh6AtHHMHI9PE7YdzXxd9wZVeWjyZAL1PN8o23OkPCIKhshlkwLz2Vw0HuzIvksfYEA738sHRJjxaNcEsDHM5/s1600/new_twitter_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNssUMlPXRPlzLSDlppe5NuaKPyEQOF3tTpnX0qtWNsEL_3A0Oa0_X0yNh6AtHHMHI9PE7YdzXxd9wZVeWjyZAL1PN8o23OkPCIKhshlkwLz2Vw0HuzIvksfYEA738sHRJjxaNcEsDHM5/s1600/new_twitter_logo.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’m teaming up with SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting for a #WinterDriving
<b>Twitter Party</b> on <b>Thursday, January 9 at 8 p.m. ET</b>. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenfix" target="_blank">@LaurenFix</a> and
<a href="https://twitter.com/SYLVANIA" target="_blank">@SYLVANIA</a>, and join us for a chance to win some great SYLVANIA products and
Amazon gift cards while learning about how to make this winter a safe one on
the roads! </span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-383562714909386912014-01-03T11:27:00.001-08:002014-01-03T11:28:22.257-08:00WAY OF THE DODO EDITION<style>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR COACH
REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">January 3, 2014</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">WAY OF THE DODO EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz0-SRU_ARahAxgTMTeQgoa0fp4iiIQMHke4unD6668qPel1JUNhJEH7bosb_qmsDJsDoLDZBm-FCIf2FzxJiVsxfR2za2taKchdwWuXRFuD9bo9LOVbV1UDG8uJboH3ih6py7PlkUtxh/s1600/Autonomous+Car+Self+Driving+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz0-SRU_ARahAxgTMTeQgoa0fp4iiIQMHke4unD6668qPel1JUNhJEH7bosb_qmsDJsDoLDZBm-FCIf2FzxJiVsxfR2za2taKchdwWuXRFuD9bo9LOVbV1UDG8uJboH3ih6py7PlkUtxh/s320/Autonomous+Car+Self+Driving+Car.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Laptopmag.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span lang="PT" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Well folks, that’s it for us. Sort of. According to
this: </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/02/all-cars-autonomous-self-driving-by-2050-study/"><span class="Hyperlink0">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/02/all-cars-autonomous-self-driving-by-2050-study/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> autonomous driving vehicles will be the way of the future. So long
Great American Road Trip as we know it.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">In a recent study by IHS, by the year 2050 nearly
all of the cars on the road will be self-driving. Of course, this is just a
projection. A lot of details—technology, government regulations, legal issues
and prices, and manufacturing among them—still need to be worked out, but with
Google and others hard at work to make self-driving a reality this doesn’t seem
too far-fetched.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Believe it or not, I am not opposed to autonomous
driving. Drivers are the ones who cause the accidents, after all, so it might
be safer if our cars started driving themselves. And if the technology gets
better and the cars are safer, then self-driving isn’t such a bad thing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">On the other hand, driving a car is a piece of
freedom, riding in a car is just that. Taking control of a car, paying
attention to the road, pride of ownership and the joy of driving is what
automobiles are all about.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">With that being said, the idea that we will no
longer drive ourselves saddens me in a lot of ways. You know me. I love the
thrill of feeling a car respond to my controls. I will miss looking at an open
stretch of road with excitement and the feeling of meandering around curves on
a highway. I will miss the roar of a powerful engine, the squeal of tires, and
the speed of a muscle car all at my control. In short, the entire driving
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why I won't be
purchasing a self-driving vehicle.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Also, while we discuss the pros and cons of
autonomous driving vehicles we need to think about this: what happens to
delivery drivers and tractor-trailer drivers? The article briefly mentions that
these careers would be adversely affected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Of course this is all just academic, the study
predicts 2050 as the year we will almost all have self-driving cars. That’s 37
years from now. We have some time to work out the kinks, I guess. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Think about this: you may already be own a partial
self driving car now. With all the new technology that's available such as lane
change departure, active cruise control, multi-camera active safety and blind
spot detection to name just a few of this type of autonomous driving we use
already.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">But I want to hear from you. How do you feel about
cars that drive themselves?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you excited to have a car that drives itself or will you miss the driving
experience?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">What are your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Post your comments at</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/"><span class="Hyperlink1"><span lang="DA" style="mso-ansi-language: DA;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">If it ain’</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">t broke don</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">’t fix it. Someone should tell that to newly
sworn in New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">According to this: </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/02/nyc-mayor-de-blasio-ban-central-park-horse-carriages/"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD;">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/02/nyc-mayor-de-blasio-ban-central-park-horse-carriages/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> Mayor de Blasio wants to get rid of Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages
and replace them with EVs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">My question is: Why? The carriages are a staple of
Central park and have been since 1858. Why change it? While the mayor claims
the carriages are inhumane, I think this is just another
governmental-let’s-get-involved-in-something-we-shouldn’t-simply-because-we-can.
It might also be another scheme to back the forced EV idea, remember
Bloomberg’s attempting to force cabs to buy EV? I wouldn’t be surprised if
someone is going to receive a kickback or exclusive contract for him getting
rid of the horses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Come on, Mayor de Blasio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carriages aren’t inhumane. They are a part of the city.
Find something better to do with your time. Don't we have enough cars on NYC
streets?</span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Post your comments at</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/"><span class="Hyperlink1"><span lang="DA" style="mso-ansi-language: DA;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Love Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<span lang="DE" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren Fix</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-16708588650009706862013-12-24T09:48:00.000-08:002013-12-24T09:48:30.784-08:00NO CAR FOR YOU! EDITION
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">December 20,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">NO CAR
FOR YOU! EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sometimes,
I just shake my head at the nanny state American has become. In this newest
nanny adventure, government regulators are trying to fix the auto loan
industry. (Which I didn’t realize was broken, but hey, who am I?) According to
this: </span><a href="http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/government-says-10-downpayment-required-on-auto-loans-1486177241/@matthardigree"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/government-says-10-downpayment-required-on-auto-loans-1486177241/@matthardigree</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> the government is looking
to regulate auto loans for the security of the loan and protection of the consumer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a bad idea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Any
time the government tries to get involved in anything in the private sector, it
doesn’t end well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember how
many billions we lost on GM stock? This won’t be much different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the biggest proposed rules (sarcastically
read as good ideas) are fatal to auto loan financers and car dealers if
implemented. First, the government wants to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">require</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at least</i></b> a 10 percent down payment on an auto loan. The new
changes are also trying to mandate that lenders do an income and debt
verification on site—because buying a car isn’t already a long enough
process—to verify the security of the loan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
best part of this article is the comments from the auto loan industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read them for a good laugh at our
government’s expense. The comments point out that the government’s “help” will
make it impossible for anyone to buy a car. Requiring a down payment when
currently “no down” financing is a major carrot for consumers with good credit
is breaking something that doesn’t need fixing. Where is the incentive for the
consumer? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about business
acumen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bottom line is the
government needs to exit from micromanaging commerce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sometimes,
when you read about the decisions our government makes you can’t help but
wonder if the people running it are trying to destroy American industry on
purpose or by the sheer force of their collective ineptitude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">At
any rate, I have said this a million times. Consumers need to be responsible
for themselves. We don’t need the government getting involved in auto
lending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t afford a
car, don’t buy it. Save for it—although, if the government has its way it won’t
matter anyway. Under the proposed rules, no car for you, or any of us for that
matter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Here’s
something the government is doing right: </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/19/nhtsa-ignition-lockout-drunk-driving-dui-poll/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/19/nhtsa-ignition-lockout-drunk-driving-dui-poll/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">NHTSA
wants ignition lockouts mandated for all first-time DUI offenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a terrific example of government
protecting the innocent and enforcing zero tolerance for drunk drivers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What
do you think? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-4094495444677463212013-12-16T08:49:00.001-08:002014-03-03T10:07:36.147-08:00GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS EDITION<style>
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<a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCLIWBFrW8plVNvpgbClQq5g0B3rfInpww36jIWNR8foVdAlzfsfou-ZLwpKOV0lwYhhjae_czai79DTQ4ujcKUHprqab0B6P_ZCvL4u2wM_jFFtQcdmAeL4xjw-fHJxWEhGBrBps3iGR/s1600/Lauren+Fix%252C+The+Car+Coach+new+logo.png" height="200" width="143" /></a> </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Visit our new blog location: <a href="http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/">http://www.laurenfix.com/car-coach-report/</a></h3>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">December 13,
2013</span></b></div>
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</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">GOOD NEWS
BAD NEWS EDITION</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCfWA51h7oUzUVGk2g4Qs52EpPIog5A0tRHuosbeMAhX_-ko089B6KG5zv1LpFgtrICrRAKjyG8BQxgGVLrcK3KDZozYCFSFab1CL9lNzCHdCxHNtn4Ut7X9i8jaE151FZVrO8nTp3RT9/s1600/obama+GM+Bailout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCfWA51h7oUzUVGk2g4Qs52EpPIog5A0tRHuosbeMAhX_-ko089B6KG5zv1LpFgtrICrRAKjyG8BQxgGVLrcK3KDZozYCFSFab1CL9lNzCHdCxHNtn4Ut7X9i8jaE151FZVrO8nTp3RT9/s1600/obama+GM+Bailout.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">(photo courtesy of Associated Press)</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Good
news out of Detroit. The Treasury Department announced <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday that it has sold the last of its
shares in GM. Applause. Shouts of joy. </span><a href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2013/12/09/us-sells-final-gm-shares/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2013/12/09/us-sells-final-gm-shares/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
good news is GM didn’t fail and in fact, GM has had a terrific resurgence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its quality of existing products
improved and its newer models are also fantastic. More good news: the
government is out of the private sector in this case. Like it should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
bad news: it cost tax payers $10 billion for the government to exit GM. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All told, American taxpayer have lost a total of $15 billion
due to the auto industry bailouts. That’s billions of dollars that we will
never get back that could have been applied to infrastructure or national debt.
But hey, let’s chalk this up as a win, right?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
selling off stock at a loss isn’t exactly a win. Just ask a stockbroker, or any
businessperson for that matter. The object is to not lose money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, the government wasn’t out to
make money, but I for one would have thought they would have sought not to lose
any. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But hey, it wasn’t their
money, so who cares right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
maybe we should just be excited we didn’t lose more money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that the success?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
know, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will say I’m
just focusing on the negative and not the positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with the “success” in selling off GM’s stock, it is easy
for our government to say, “Look we saved GM. See, government intervention is a
good thing.” Which means it will be easier for the government to say later,
“Look, let us get involved in this, or that,” and, “You need us. We have a
proven track record,” and the American public will say, “OK.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
am glad the bailout of GM is over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited that GM is making leaps and bounds in its
economic recovery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I won’t be
doing any happy dances over the $10 billion dollar loss of tax dollars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Unflappable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s one way to describe the driver
involved in this vehicle rollover. </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/12/dashcam-calmest-car-roll-over-video/#continued"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/12/dashcam-calmest-car-roll-over-video/#continued</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What
do you think of her reaction? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-80567381524253847952013-12-09T06:02:00.000-08:002013-12-09T06:02:30.516-08:00PASSING IT ALONG? EDITION
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">December 6,
2013</span></b></div>
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</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">PASSING
IT ALONG? EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2niGe-oii8JlT4lBT4t13rVgW_bq90bn3IcLLp2CLFUmSUMbvVOvmEmHS4LdVQuyhuwBzpjtxi7enLagkPPK7lk4B1_J2RFJ4brjONfgDHp16rNiLsdKuQ2FW_k98Gm10VjjXajEOne0h/s1600/gas_gauge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2niGe-oii8JlT4lBT4t13rVgW_bq90bn3IcLLp2CLFUmSUMbvVOvmEmHS4LdVQuyhuwBzpjtxi7enLagkPPK7lk4B1_J2RFJ4brjONfgDHp16rNiLsdKuQ2FW_k98Gm10VjjXajEOne0h/s320/gas_gauge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">According
to this: </span><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/15-cent-increase-in-federal-gas-tax-proposed/2013/12/04/548d6d80-5ce9-11e3-95c2-13623eb2b0e1_story.html?tid=sm_fb"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/15-cent-increase-in-federal-gas-tax-proposed/2013/12/04/548d6d80-5ce9-11e3-95c2-13623eb2b0e1_story.html?tid=sm_fb</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> the House is proposing a
15 cent tax increase at the pump.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Why,
you may ask? Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer says the tax hasn’t been
raised in 20 years, that’s why. Sound like as good a reason as any, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Although
to be fair, with inflation and more fuel efficient cars, consumers are coming
out ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another good reason to
tax us at the pump, right? I think it’s a little hypocritical for Congressmen
to talk about Americans not paying their fair share and expecting them to drive
more fuel-efficient vehicles; all while voting themselves pay raises and
exemptions. But that is a different discussion for a different time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This
proposed tax is expected to raise over $170 billion dollars by 2024. Of course
it will take $2.7 trillion to repair our infrastructure by 2020 according to
the American Society of Civil Engineers. I’m not a mathematician, but those
numbers don’t seem to add up. It seems that even with taxing us, our government
can’t cover the expenses to fix our roads and highways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
my opinion, I think the tax is being suggested in part because Congress is a
little short on budgeting sense lately and doesn’t know how to fund our rapidly
decaying infrastructure repairs. Instead of making cuts where they should be
cut—again, another discussion—they want to pass the cost along to us. Does that
sound lazy and like a total lack of leadership to anyone else but me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Also
of note, the general president of the Laborer’s International Union of North
America, AAA, and a host of other organizations support this tax since the
people using the roads will be the ones paying the cost of maintaining it. I’ve
got news for you folks: just because a large group of people thinks something
is a good idea doesn’t necessarily make an idea good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
2015 Ford Mustang was officially been revealed and in this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jalopnik</i> post:</span></div>
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<a href="http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-ford-mustang-is-the-most-advanced-muscle-car-e-1476612775"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-ford-mustang-is-the-most-advanced-muscle-car-e-1476612775</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Zac Estrada looks at some
of the smart innovations of the newest Mustang and includes some great pictures.
Seems like the Mustang has come a long way and it’s hard to believe the Mustang
is nearly 50. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
what do you think of this new iteration?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-8731747263290941202013-12-01T14:18:00.000-08:002013-12-01T14:18:15.720-08:00HOLIDAY HAZARDS - Shopping Safely<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<b>HOLIDAY HAZARDS - Shopping Safely</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfuSgmV43HT_TiZwqgYkW060Y0GnfvYd3Bl2pJYR9D5OwKtmnZSS_Opmw2DyZHKhjssbwLVVGbStE0KDHU3jZupr1OvmzW1lex6ijgeUmRy0PN8cj1HqVzHm26LRKAybBJoRtk7RilzGu/s1600/Car_with_gifts-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfuSgmV43HT_TiZwqgYkW060Y0GnfvYd3Bl2pJYR9D5OwKtmnZSS_Opmw2DyZHKhjssbwLVVGbStE0KDHU3jZupr1OvmzW1lex6ijgeUmRy0PN8cj1HqVzHm26LRKAybBJoRtk7RilzGu/s320/Car_with_gifts-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Malls provide one-stop shopping for more than the ordinary patrons. Thieves, panhandlers, drive-by purse snatchers, car robbers and other such predators can find almost anything they want in the extensive parking lots surrounding the malls.</div>
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And yet there is something about the orderly array of cars and the enticing promise of wonders inside the mall that lulls ordinary folk into a lack of awareness, adding to their vulnerability. Thus the first step in danger abatement is to take responsibility for your own safety. Instead of going into a slow-blink-rate mode when you turn into a mall parking lot, sharpen your wits and become even more alert to your surroundings.</div>
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Even before you choose a mall as your favorite, check out its security program. Does it have foot or motorized patrols in the parking lot? What are their hours? Will the security force provide an escort to your car if you want one? Ask the security department for recommendations on how you can protect yourself and your car at that mall.</div>
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Here are some general suggestions that can help you be safer in mall parking lots as you begin your holiday gift shopping this year.</div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Practice smart parking</b></span></div>
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<b>Park as close as possible and preferably within view of the door from which you will exit.</b></div>
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If you are one who stashes your car in a far-off corner of a vast parking lot to protect your paint job from possible dings, weigh that against other risks, particularly if you are alone. If you park in the boonies, you'll have farther to walk, possibly with your arms full of purchases. You could be more vulnerable to drive-by grab-and-run thieves.</div>
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<b>Park in a well-lighted area.</b> </div>
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Keep in mind that you may arrive in the daylight but emerge after dark. Choose a spot near a lamp standard. </div>
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<b>Leave nothing of value visible in your car.</b> </div>
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A car phone, a radar detector - or the dry cleaning you just picked up before stopping by the mall - is merchandise on display and could invite a broken window. What you don't take with you, lock up out of sight. And do that with a stop before you park, or you could be advertising their location. Hide sunglasses, tollgate coins, umbrellas, etc.</div>
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<b>Avoid parking near vehicles in which someone is sitting.</b></div>
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Avoid parking near vans or vehicles with blacked-out windows. The sliding doors of vans make it easy for a rear-seat occupant to surprise you as you walk past. Darkened windows conceal occupants.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Safety common sense</b></span></div>
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<b>Walk with your purse held firmly to your side, opposite traffic flow.</b> </div>
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And if you hear a motorcycle burbling up on you, move quickly between cars. A common purse-snatching technique is a motorcycle passenger making the grab and then speeding off. Cars or trucks cruising with lowered windows are also suspect.</div>
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<b>Don' t let strangers approach you in the parking lot. </b>Keep a car between yourself and others, particularly those approaching with soft-voiced requests. Common ploys are to ask if you know where "social service agencies" are located or to play on your sympathies with a sad tale of a lost wallet and the need for gas money to get home. Report any such canvassers to the mall security office.</div>
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<b>Know exactly where your car is.</b> Jot down any grid numbers. And look back at your car as you near the mall entrance to get a mind picture of where it is. When you come out, you will want to go quickly and precisely to your car, eliminating any wandering about.</div>
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<b>Before you leave the mall, locate your car keys and carry them in your hand, ready to use.</b></div>
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If you return to put purchases in your car and then go back to shop, lock the packages in the trunk and move your car. This can be a pain, particularly during crowded times when spaces are rare. The choice is yours - inconvenience or the possibility of a damaged lock and stolen possessions.</div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>Make a scene.</b> If you think you are being followed, or a suspicious person approaches you, don't be timid; make a ruckus. Yell, blow a whistle, honk your horn. If you are wrong, so what? You've got a story to tell on yourself at dinner. If you are right, you may have avoided being the subject of a more unpleasant story.</div>
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<b>Keep in mind that your best protection is your alert attention.</b> Look around. Let your intuition be your guide. If a situation makes you uneasy, avoid it.</div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-91266525757306632762013-11-23T06:17:00.000-08:002013-11-23T06:17:17.354-08:00CIVIL LIBERTIES? WHAT ARE THOSE? EDITION
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">November 22,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">CIVIL
LIBERTIES? WHAT ARE THOSE? EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpWkE9hsFpnIqHG3foUK91UaLdfg54znhYW-oldp6bFeEl1vdsSQve1Ux07Ihj66Lvie-qaGMpj1TZS66puWHaKiYR9bxfptK0U573LZdv9EOPCYS203hFr_f_Lbv_dvJrpNIWd4Hxxod/s1600/Police+Checkpoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpWkE9hsFpnIqHG3foUK91UaLdfg54znhYW-oldp6bFeEl1vdsSQve1Ux07Ihj66Lvie-qaGMpj1TZS66puWHaKiYR9bxfptK0U573LZdv9EOPCYS203hFr_f_Lbv_dvJrpNIWd4Hxxod/s320/Police+Checkpoint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo courtesy of checkpointusa.org)</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So
there you are driving along, minding your own business, driving safely, and you
come to a police check point. No big deal, you aren’t intoxicated or impaired,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">According
to this </span><a href="http://jalopnik.com/the-feds-are-spending-8-million-to-take-your-blood-at-1469600527"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://jalopnik.com/the-feds-are-spending-8-million-to-take-your-blood-at-1469600527</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> and this </span><a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/North-Texas-Drivers-Stopped-at-Roadblock-Asked-for-Saliva-Blood-232438621.html"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/North-Texas-Drivers-Stopped-at-Roadblock-Asked-for-Saliva-Blood-232438621.html</span></a>,<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> it is a big deal. NHTSA
has decided to spend $8 million over three years in 30 cities to collect your
saliva and blood at “voluntary” checkpoints. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
survey is meant to record the number of drivers who are operating vehicles
under the influence of drugs and alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That all sounds great, right? Then the data can be analyzed and maybe
more stringent laws created and applied to violators or some other great
sounding proposal to make us feel safer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Except
for this thing we have in America. You might have heard of it, though our
government ignores it a lot lately, it’s called the Constitution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has amendments and the fourth one is
pretty important. It protects us from “unreasonable search and seizure,” which
is actually what this “survey” is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Just
because the survey takers offer $10 for a cheek swab and $50 for a blood sample
doesn’t not make this a violation of our rights. According to both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jalopnik</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NBC</i>, the permission forms state that the driver’s breath is being
tested for alcohol before he or she even consents to the survey. Civil liberty
violation? Uh, yeah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Be
aware that this is happening and don’t participate. NHTSA says this study is
going to continue for three years and will take place in 30 cities. This is
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our vehicles are our
private property. Our saliva and blood are, too. They are off limits to any
government entity without consent or probable cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period. Don’t consent and allow NHTSA to think this is a
good idea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one wants intoxicated drivers on the
road, but I want my liberty more than I want to know how many people are
driving while intoxicated. Once again the federal nanny state has stepped way
out of line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Lambo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Lambearghini."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why there is a bear, but, hey, California.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Enjoy
the clips and happy Thanksgiving!</span></div>
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<a href="http://jalopnik.com/watch-videos-of-the-bear-in-a-lamborghini-that-shut-dow-1467620427"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://jalopnik.com/watch-videos-of-the-bear-in-a-lamborghini-that-shut-dow-1467620427</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-71996085612574781452013-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:002013-11-21T10:50:15.547-08:00Cool Car Necessities: Safety and Travel Gadgets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-81568-14685-0/16??tag1=Influencer+Program&tag2=eBay+Collections&tag3=Cool+Car+Necessities%3A+Safety+and+Travel+Gadgets&tag4=Blog&tag5=3531b2a7d78285230e7f8cd2d0d1763b&tag6=103&tag7=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fcln%2Fthe_car_coach%2FCool-Car-Necessities%2F56733098013"><img alt="http://www.ebay.com/cln/the_car_coach/Cool-Car-Necessities/56733098013" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicmpxG9dTy7Or4MvRqKh_8PRuqNE5CviuAAu5-fQ0yHjufulep1cQuhZ5vHPIO0jjnD0vMLRasTPCaQorFxeSI5NXM2iPDLI3xOrDBp901HSPs2cnLCCDX533eioiPYmQLKw3132qOXGS/s1600/eBay+Cool+Car+Necessities.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing rides to and from work, sports events, school and games can be a
great way to get to know co-workers as well as family friends and
acquaintances. Getting there safely is obviously an important part of
the drive. Being prepared for almost anything will make the trip more
enjoyable for both the driver and passengers. If your vehicle doesn't
have a backup camera, GPS, satellite radio or proper organization, then
it's time for an upgrade. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out my <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-81568-14685-0/16??tag1=Influencer+Program&tag2=eBay+Collections&tag3=Cool+Car+Necessities%3A+Safety+and+Travel+Gadgets&tag4=Blog&tag5=3531b2a7d78285230e7f8cd2d0d1763b&tag6=103&tag7=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fcln%2Fthe_car_coach%2FCool-Car-Necessities%2F56733098013" target="_blank">eBay collection of automotive goodies</a> that will help you save money, navigate, and stay clean and
organized on the road. Also some great ideas for holiday gifts for the drivers or car enthusiasts in your life!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Don't forget to <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/the_car_coach" target="_blank">follow me on eBay</a>
to check out my collections of vehicles and car gadgets for every
budget. My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration
with eBay. #FOLLOWITFINDIT</span><br />
<span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Love Your Car,</span><br />
<span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®</span> </span></span>thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-33919749670615297842013-11-16T05:55:00.002-08:002013-11-16T05:55:45.847-08:00WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? EDITION
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">November 15,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">WHAT’S UP
WITH THAT? EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OpyYQbMtCOjK00RFfPBaOYJyyv4vHbNATPGrATPxdCCuqIWmxwj-xlUFoWSOyaU1IZgPyT8YOiP_WIacVA4mg0kmBWgeIkEAzQEp0OVxcR6ZBj8c6vFwofH7Ke-97OFuc62EwlYQajqH/s1600/NoDrinking-andDriving1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OpyYQbMtCOjK00RFfPBaOYJyyv4vHbNATPGrATPxdCCuqIWmxwj-xlUFoWSOyaU1IZgPyT8YOiP_WIacVA4mg0kmBWgeIkEAzQEp0OVxcR6ZBj8c6vFwofH7Ke-97OFuc62EwlYQajqH/s200/NoDrinking-andDriving1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Yesterday,
NHTSA released their Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data. You can
read the press release and synopsis here at NHTSA’s site: </span><a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/NHTSA+Data+Confirms+Traffic+Fatalities+Increased+In+2012"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/NHTSA+Data+Confirms+Traffic+Fatalities+Increased+In+2012</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
data shows that traffic fatalities are on the rise in some categories,
pedestrians and motorcycles, and on the decline in others, distracted driving.
Drunk driving increased, and what’s more troubling is that the fatalities that
involved a driver who was intoxicated at nearly double the legal limit—.15
BAC—or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">higher</i>. This number bothers me
a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving is not new; neither
is driving under the influence of alcohol. Be responsible, grow a brain, call a
cab, and stop driving drunk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Another
troubling number, in my opinion, is the number of deaths caused by not wearing
a seatbelt. Again. Seatbelts. Not a new thing. What’s even more perplexing is
the deaths occur at night. I’m not sure why driving in the dark means no
seatbelts for some drivers, but wearing seatbelts is common—maybe practical is
a better word—sense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
what really bothers me is what follows next. As I was doing research for today’s
post, I came across headlines for the report’s release like these: </span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">“U.S. traffic deaths up for first time
since 2005, safety agency says,” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LA Times</i>;
“</span><a href="http://autos.aol.com/article/traffic-fatalities-rise-for-first-time-in-seven-years/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Traffic Fatalities Rise For
First Time In Seven Years</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">,” AOL
Auto.<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As I read the articles, I got the sense
I wasn’t getting the full story, that I was only getting a panic-inciting
version of the facts, or at the very least, a sensationalized headline to make
me read (which worked, sort of). I didn’t want to read sensationalist
reporting, so</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> I popped over to NHTSA’s site for just the data. I found that
NHTSA’s own headline read, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">NHTSA Data
Confirms Traffic Fatalities Increased In 2012,” but the subhead for the report
said, “Highway deaths over the past 5 years remain at historic lows.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
media outlets reported on (insert dramatic reading voice here) “the rise of
traffic deaths since…” but not that the fatalities remain at historic lows. Why
the disparity and, what I consider, manipulation of the reader? What happened
to just the facts? Am I overreacting here<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">At any
rate, don’t drive drunk, wear your seatbelt, drive safely and don’t be so
trusting of what you read or hear on the “news.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I want to hear from you. What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Have
you ever lost your car in a parking lot? Or had a split second moment of panic
when you walk to where you thought you parked your car? Ever done the parking
lot spin—you know, where keys in hand you rotate 360 degrees looking for your
car? At least you didn’t have it as bad as this guy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Check
out this story:</span> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/14/oktoberfest-man-loses-car/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/14/oktoberfest-man-loses-car/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">An
Italian man identified as Andreas lost his car at Oktoberfest in Munich. For
five weeks. That’s 35 days. Andreas swears he hadn’t had anything to drink, that
“he only went for the rides.” Five weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And with that I bid you happy Friday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-74238815599736628982013-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:002013-11-20T14:19:04.340-08:00Car Coach: Minivans With Great Track (Street) Records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-81568-14685-0/16??tag1=Influencer+Program&tag2=eBay+Collections&tag3=Car+Coach%3A+Minivans+With+Great+Track+%28Street%29+Records&tag4=Blog&tag5=6da72cd1bf9c5d02cc4fca8b1aaa76e8&tag6=103&tag7=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fcln%2Fthe_car_coach%2FMinivans-With-Great-Track-Street-Records%2F54210345013"><img alt="http://www.ebay.com/cln/the_car_coach/Minivan-With-A-Great-Track-Street-Record/54210345013" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUY4lupqlUP_VLHz-g0y2GzE0KeSKhawQM67hRVmxC_6j9fYAGi_m7NdPhWMVjfE8Kvsq_GjeWL-6sBIhW_M-EvGctHWKcXkwhjU5fwQYvuVyyKK_lg8nroZcBxBBORI6YenabeVvTdRv/s1600/eBay+Minivans+With+Great+Track+(Street)+Records.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Why buy a minivan? If you are constantly transporting your kids to school and events, often carpool with coworkers, take frequent family road trips, or are always on the go, a minivan should be in your driveway. Both men and women have learned to love a minivan because it can double as a work truck. Also, if you're dealing with car seats, it's much easier to install them in a minivan without breaking your back. Some minivans offer refrigerators and tons of electrical outlets to keep the whole family (or your carpooling social media fans) with fully charged smart devices. The convenience of sliding doors, tons of cup holders, flexible storage, progressive safety features, great optional rear entertainment systems and (best of all) low insurance rates, make these minivans a great option!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>I put together this <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-81568-14685-0/16??tag1=Influencer+Program&tag2=eBay+Collections&tag3=Car+Coach%3A+Minivans+With+Great+Track+%28Street%29+Records&tag4=Blog&tag5=6da72cd1bf9c5d02cc4fca8b1aaa76e8&tag6=103&tag7=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fcln%2Fthe_car_coach%2FMinivans-With-Great-Track-Street-Records%2F54210345013">eBay collection</a> featuring some of my favorite minivans that offer helpful features for families on-the-go at reasonable prices.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Don't forget to <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/the_car_coach" target="_blank">follow me on eBay</a>
to check out my collections of vehicles and car gadgets for every
budget. My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration
with eBay. #FOLLOWITFINDIT</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Love Your Car,</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®</span><br />
</span>thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-42559107131783528562013-11-12T12:17:00.000-08:002013-11-14T05:36:12.110-08:00Car Coach: Used Premium Cars Under $40,000<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ebay.com/cln/the_car_coach/Used-premium-cars-under-40-000/56672839013" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.ebay.com/cln/the_car_coach/Used-premium-cars-under-40-000/56672839013" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ay_OobSQ8Buv0jknAH25erUe1q57IpZZBiIMjYOITfXB-jI_LoiV7nGEl4ZJ9310Cg9__gPsf122FL1Nl4Je9_7hpKzoIVTX7AtV4XVEPoM7l63onyGv10uMhmkBz7VbNY8PS5KvZIgY/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-11-12+at+3.10.52+PM.png" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Are you seeking a premium vehicle that offers a high-end, luxury brand name, leather seats, technology and all the goodies that make others jealous? Well, you don't have to spend a large sum of money to get a vehicle that meets your needs and still has plenty of luxury and premium benefits. Buyers interested in high-end luxury vehicles are often shocked by the high prices of all those extra options. Also consider that lease payments can be close to $1,000 per month.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>I put together this <a href="http://www.ebay.com/cln/the_car_coach/Used-premium-cars-under-40-000/56672839013" target="_blank">eBay collection</a> featuring some of my favorite luxury cars that offer high-end options combined with great used car prices. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Make sure to have a certified technician check out the vehicle before you make your purchase. I highly suggest seeking out a certified pre-owned vehicle. Also, beware of aftermarket extended warranties unless the manufacturer is offering their own warranty.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Don't forget to <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/the_car_coach" target="_blank">follow me on eBay</a> to check out my collections of vehicles and car gadgets for every budget. My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay. #FOLLOWITFINDIT</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Love Your Car,</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®</span><br />
<br />
thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-67001185464568030432013-11-11T07:31:00.002-08:002013-11-11T07:39:28.448-08:00BAD LUCK COMES IN THREES EDITION<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">November 8,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">BAD LUCK
COMES IN THREES EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<br />
<br />
Oh how the mighty have fallen. A third Tesla has now caught fire after a crash: <a href="http://autos.aol.com/article/tesla-motors-investigating-third-model-s-fire/">http://autos.aol.com/article/tesla-motors-investigating-third-model-s-fire/</a><br />
<br />
While this certainly isn't an epidemic...yet, it does not bode well for the darling of the EV industry. In fact, Tesla's stock prices have fallen quite a bit and consumers who were once considering buying a Tesla Model S are likely considering alternatives at this point. <br />
<br />
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, said recently that gas-powered vehicles catch fire after a crash and EVs can too. Yeah, great defense, Mr. Musk. That's like defending a mass shooting because one happened last week. Two wrongs do not make a right.<br />
<br />
New car fires are rare as well, where older cars catch fire because of poor maintenance or other problems.<br />
<br />
What's even more curious is that the Feds have not stepped in yet to investigate. Where's NHTSA? If this were GM or Toyota, NHTSA would be all over this like a Republican congressman on Kathleen Sebelius at a congressional hearing. <br />
<br />
Seriously, NHTSA launches an investigation if someone calls to complain about squeaky brakes on their Ford. It's called brake dust. Wash it off. <br />
<br />
I'm curious how many Model S crashes have occurred. We obviously don't hear about the ones where no fire erupted but I wonder about the crash to fire ratio and how it compares to regular cars. <br />
<br />
Heck, it's not often that traditional vehicles erupt in flames after a crash, so why has this happened to Tesla vehicles so frequently lately? Is it coincidence? Is it a fluke? Or is there a design flaw? <br />
<br />
If it's a design flaw, what do Tesla owners need to do to rectify it? Do they continue driving a potentially dangerous car until there's a fix? Could Tesla be held liable for injuries if this is the case? <br />
All I have to say is that Musk better get on this quicker than it takes to receive an error message on Healthcare.gov or we may see the demise of a promising EV company. <br />
<br />
But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My Final Thought: </b><br />
<br />
Either this guy is really stupid and doesn't grasp simple physics or his girlfriend is really, really irritating: <a href="http://jalopnik.com/man-jumps-from-moving-car-to-escape-argument-with-his-g-1459691012">http://jalopnik.com/man-jumps-from-moving-car-to-escape-argument-with-his-g-1459691012</a><br />
<br />
Either way, jumping from a moving car at 35 mph is a bad idea with very few exceptions, including but not limited to: <br />
<br />
· There's an angry tiger in the back seat<br />
<br />
· Ticking time bomb in the glove box<br />
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· Your seat catches fire<br />
<br />
· Snakes<br />
<br />
· The radio is playing Justin Bieber and you can't shut it off<br />
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<br />
Do you have any good reasons to jump out of a moving car?<br />
<br />
Post your comments at <a href="http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Love Your Car! See you next week!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
--Lauren Fix<br />
<br />thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-90425607437920963102013-11-04T05:40:00.000-08:002013-11-04T05:40:15.493-08:00TIMES ARE CHANGING EDITION
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">November 1,
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">TIMES ARE
CHANGING EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
technology of driving is changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the laws may need to change with it. Or do they? According to this</span>
<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/11/01/driver-cited-for-wearing-google-glass-expects-to-fight-ticket/?intcmp=obnetwork"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/11/01/driver-cited-for-wearing-google-glass-expects-to-fight-ticket/?intcmp=obnetwork</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Cecelia Abadie was
ticketed by California Highway Patrol (CHP) for driving while wearing her
Google Glass and she might fight it. CHP says Ms. Abadie was cited for “driving
with a visible monitor”. (Side note: she was pulled over for allegedly doing 80
in a 65.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ms.
Abadie insists the Glass wasn’t operational while she was wearing it and,
therefore, didn’t have a visible monitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t there, so I can’t say either way. But what I can say is that
distracted driving is distracted driving. Google Glass is not a GPS, neither is
it a heads up display--the latter two are meant specifically to aid drivers and
not entertain people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
Google maintains that the Glass can be used to view maps and receive
directions, having a tiny screen in front of my face is different than a HUD on
my windshield. But that’s just me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My
own feelings are that Google Glass is a distraction. However, as much as I may
think that, I don’t think that government can, nor should<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tell us what is or is not a
distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe Ms. Abadie can
drive perfectly fine with her Google Glass on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
hope Ms. Abadie follows through with her initial instinct to fight her citation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The outcome has merit for the future of
Google Glass driving laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again,
I am not saying we should be driving with Google Glass on, but I am saying I
hope she wins. The Google Glass laws on the books in the few states that have
them are prohibitive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
my opinion, those states are overstepping their bounds. In California’s case,
maybe the laws aren’t up to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But updating doesn’t necessarily mean banning the use of Google Glass.
Laws that ban Google Glass (and the cell phone ban for instance) are
impractical, knee-jerk reactions from a government convinced of its
self-importance and authority over its citizens’ lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just in from the Buffalo News: </span><a href="http://blogs.buffalonews.com/politics_now/2013/10/bill-aims-to-raise-nys-maximum-speed-limit-to-75-mph-.html"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://blogs.buffalonews.com/politics_now/2013/10/bill-aims-to-raise-nys-maximum-speed-limit-to-75-mph-.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> New York State
Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda wants to raise the speed limit from 65 mph to 75 mph
on some highways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Assemblyman
Sepulveda will have some strong opposition from agencies and groups who
maintain that higher speeds lead to more accidents—though research does not
support that theory. The proposed bill will also need a Senate sponsor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he finds a sponsor soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
think we should raise the speed limit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What about you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-57844962931465583382013-10-27T16:56:00.001-07:002013-10-28T05:08:58.323-07:00I REALLY HATE BEING RIGHT EDITION<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">October 25,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I REALLY
HATE BEING RIGHT EDITION</span></u></b></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJIRwOWCLls4OLWXzZNjxR71Ms4x1oD3l83QYYNZ2Kzj77k1jXmH7LKA0Vccw8bsejEQyUSYO4mzuXhBEDikkGPlGXVOjsSecat8j0Fs4LK6JiNDiqj6ZvqVxdEIS8OFzmta4oSIQM7vA/s1600/recall-stamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJIRwOWCLls4OLWXzZNjxR71Ms4x1oD3l83QYYNZ2Kzj77k1jXmH7LKA0Vccw8bsejEQyUSYO4mzuXhBEDikkGPlGXVOjsSecat8j0Fs4LK6JiNDiqj6ZvqVxdEIS8OFzmta4oSIQM7vA/s320/recall-stamp.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
Oklahoma City, a judge found for the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that accused
Toyota of negligence and culpability in the sudden acceleration-caused death of
a vehicle driver and passenger. You can read the full story here: </span><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-toyota-sudden-acceleration-verdict-20131024,0,6974251.story#axzz2ikSUb9X5"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-toyota-sudden-acceleration-verdict-20131024,0,6974251.story#axzz2ikSUb9X5</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
sudden acceleration of Toyota vehicles had been a contested issue for some
time. Toyota has maintained its innocence and has defended itself against three
lawsuits so far, though hundreds are pending. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Interestingly,
the article points out that Oklahoma is not known for finding for plaintiffs in
cases like this, in fact the opposite is true. But in this case, the jury
absolutely found Toyota responsible for the deaths of two people caused by
faulty electronics. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What
does this mean for Toyota specifically and the auto industry at large? I’m not
sure, but it doesn’t bode well.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Back
when the sudden acceleration claims surfaced in 2009, I advocated for better
quality controls on the vehicles Toyota was making. But let’s face it; Toyota
isn’t the only company with vehicle recalls. I won’t list all the recalls here
(there are too many to list), but just think about what we’ve heard in the news
over the last few months. How many hundreds of thousands of vehicles have been
recalled for something?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Again,
I want to advocate for better quality control on vehicle manufacturing rather
than point fingers. The safety of consumers needs to be the focus of automakers.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Every
day millions of Americans start their vehicles believing that the vehicle will
work and be safe to transport them and their families to wherever they need to
be. Whatever the costs of extra quality assurance and control measures, or
better parts, it is nothing compared to what it will cost if consumers lose
confidence in the safety of their vehicles.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
Ohio man who confessed on YouTube to killing a man in a drunk driving accident was
sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison and loss of driving privileges for
life, earlier this week.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You
can read the full story here: </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/23/ohio-man-gets-6-12-years-in-prison-after-dui-crash-confession/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/23/ohio-man-gets-6-12-years-in-prison-after-dui-crash-confession/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
maximum sentence for his crimes is eight-and-a-half years. Matthew Cordle, the
driver, was sentenced to six years for aggravated vehicular homicide, six
months for drunk driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What
do you think about his sentence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you think it was too lenient?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-19056639584066593282013-10-24T06:26:00.001-07:002013-10-24T06:27:59.915-07:00Will Self-Driving Cars Hit the Roads Soon?: Car Expert Lauren Fix on FOX...<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wFZDzkQenJc" width="459"></iframe></div>
<br />
FBN's Gerri Willis and television car expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, discuss the pros and cons of self-driving cars. Autonomous cars could make our roads safer, but are consumers ready to hand over the wheel?<br />
<br />
Courtesy of FOX Business News<br />
Aired: 10/23/2013thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-20244618816503230342013-10-21T05:52:00.000-07:002013-10-21T06:01:57.251-07:00We Couldn’t Agree On a Budget, But We Can Agree On This Edition<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">THE CAR
COACH REPORTS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">October 18,
2013</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We
Couldn’t Agree On a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Budget, But We
Can Agree On This Edition</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86cNPjKbcZvS_LOzHiNtljL5yeHkqG2KSdLZw4Nd_j9aZCKxVPuZl8mzeKCJl3PNpBG8o2lQFiNwG1OyllQ_7VdQ6YPi1-A9E-Y1aFwVJ0KrrlpjZWCZAEQ3VL6NAApgsAMtmQUY9cKT9/s1600/Congress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86cNPjKbcZvS_LOzHiNtljL5yeHkqG2KSdLZw4Nd_j9aZCKxVPuZl8mzeKCJl3PNpBG8o2lQFiNwG1OyllQ_7VdQ6YPi1-A9E-Y1aFwVJ0KrrlpjZWCZAEQ3VL6NAApgsAMtmQUY9cKT9/s320/Congress.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
guess congratulations are in order for the (temporary) bipartisan fiasco
diversion of the budget crisis this week. So, congratulations for doing your
job (more or less). Our elected officials are so good at their
jobs—representing the needs and interests of the American people—we should not
be surprised to see this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131015/AUTO01/310150123/1148/rss25"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131015/AUTO01/310150123/1148/rss25</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I
recognize that Japan makes great automobiles, and the Japanese auto industry’s
U.S. manufacturing plants and dealerships provide more than 400,000 American
jobs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is it me, or is there
just something inherently wrong with American Congressmen (79 of them), many of
whom can’t agree on anything, getting together to praise a foreign auto industry?
I wonder how much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> cost Japan’s
automakers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Americans
can’t buy businesses in Japan, we can’t build plants there, but our own House
members want to praise Japanese automakers and make sure that Japan gets a fair
shake at the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks. Really?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">How
about instead of partnering with foreign automakers, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> invest in the American auto industry? The House members’ use of
the word investments in relation to American jobs and American economy irks
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is Japan investing or are they
getting rich off of us? I think those are questions that need answering. And if
we were true partners, wouldn’t American companies be able to purchase property
and build factories in Japan? Why aren’t these 79 Congressmen lobbying for
American industry?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It
has been a hard road for the American auto industry these last few years and
Detroit has made significant strides in improving product quality and
increasing financial stability of American companies. Obviously no Congressmen
from Michigan signed this letter. And of course Ford, GM and Chrysler are not
pleased. I can’t help but feeling that this is a betrayal of American industry.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
I want to hear from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
your thoughts?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 136.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 136.5pt;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post
your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Final Thought:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And
speaking of the auto industry what do you think about this?</span> <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2013/10/18/a-milennial-explains-what-itll-take-for-him-to-buy-a-car/"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://green.autoblog.com/2013/10/18/a-milennial-explains-what-itll-take-for-him-to-buy-a-car/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Millenials
just won’t buy cars. It’s curious. What do you think about his argument?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Post your comments at<span class="yiv1020398364apple-style-span"> </span></span><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/laurenfix\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="yshortcuts"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Love
Your Car! See you next week!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">--Lauren
Fix</span></div>
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thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295694712735358260.post-54829606889489755992013-10-16T06:30:00.001-07:002013-10-16T06:51:09.009-07:00Automotive Industry Jobs on the Rise<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KB5-AX-T6dU" width="459"></iframe></div>
<br />
If you're looking for a new job, or a career change, automotive technology can be rewarding. In this edition of Car Coach, YNN's Lauren Fix has more on the industry.<br />
<br />
Parents and students should take a second look at automotive repair. It is a high-tech career that is always in demand, and can't be outsourced overseas.<br />
<br />
Parents, if becoming an automotive technician is not high on your list of career choices for your child, perhaps it's time to look again. You may consider the automotive industry for yourself as well.<br />
<br />
Officials with the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationally, notes automotive service and repair has changed dramatically in just the span of a generation.<br />
<br />
High-tech systems are now standard equipment on much of the nation's vehicles, including stability and traction control systems, and adaptive cruise control, just to name a few. And more changes are on the way. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric vehicles, plus Internet connections, voice recognition commands and GPS mapping are some of the new technologies available in economy to luxury models.<br />
<br />
Given the advance of technology and a richly varied automotive industry that offers an array of positions and career paths, the future is bright for talented people with math, science, communications and technical skills. Unlike many high-tech careers that require four, six, or even eight years of college, automotive technology careers can begin after just two years of education.<br />
<br />
As with any career, lifelong learning and continuing education is necessary, but the simple fact is, students in automotive technology can get out into the real world sooner, and with less college debt.<br />
<br />
Moreover, job growth looks strong into the foreseeable future. The U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the automotive repair and maintenance industry is expected to add 237,500 new jobs and have a 30 percent growth rate through 2020. That makes technicians one of the top 20 jobs with relatively high median earnings, and the potential for significant job openings over the next decade.<br />
<br />
The jobs run the gamut from line technician to service consultant, service director, or store owner. There is work in parts, parts distribution and wholesaling; collision repair, painting, and damage estimating; vehicle maintenance, repair, and performance upgrades.<br />
<br />
There is work in technical areas, training, or in management at the corporate level for national franchises, vehicle manufacturers, and private and municipal fleets.<br />
<br />
For those whose true calling is in the service bay, it's far from a dead-end career. Top-notch technicians well versed in computer diagnostics and the latest engine performance and drivability solutions can and do command top-dollar salaries.<br />
<br />
If your child prefers to get out into the real world and make his or her mark, consider a career in automotive technology. More than 360,000 professionals hold current ASE certification.<br />
<br />
Courtesy of YNN/Time Warner Cable<br />
Aired: 10/14/2013thecarcoachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03042410565627419153noreply@blogger.com0