Lauren Fix, The Car Coach Offers Car-Ma

We've Moved! Visit our NEW Blog

2014-02-21T09:29:00.001-08:00

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DON’T DAWDLE EDITION

2014-02-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

February 14, 2014

DON’T DAWDLE EDITION

One of the top stories in the automotive news world is this: GM is recalling 778,000 vehicles. According to http://www.autonews.com/article/20140213/OEM11/140219933/gm-recalls-778000-cobalts-pontiac-g5s-for-engine-cutoff six deaths have been reported as partially caused by faulty airbags.

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 Automotive News.

Toyota also has a recall on 261,000 2012-2013 vehicles for a braking problem. http://www.autonews.com/article/20140214/OEM11/140219907/toyota-recalls-more-than-261000-vehicles-in-u-s-for-braking-problem In this case, it seems that an electronic component in the brake actuator is causing other systems to fail. Also according to AN, earlier in the week Toyota recalled 1.9 million Gen-3 Priuses worldwide over a programming glitch in the vehicles’ hybrid system.

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.

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.

And since repetition is often the best teacher: Please, if you get a recall notice, get your vehicle fixed.

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Tragedy. Of the worse kind. Earlier in the week a sinkhole opened up at the National Corvette Museum and severely damaged eight classic corvettes.

But there is a happy ending. Chevy is going to oversee the repairs of the damaged Vettes. http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/14/corvette-museum-sinkhole-repair-timeline-restorations/

Thank goodness. I would hate to think we would lose eight pieces of Corvette and American car culture and history.

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

IT COMES TO A VOTE EDITION

2014-02-12T08:36:00.001-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

February 7, 2014

IT COMES TO A VOTE EDITION

photo courtesy of www.wrcbtv.com

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.http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/02/03/vw-volkswagen-chattanooga-tennessee-union-uaw-vote/5184537/. Next week employees at the plant will decide to organize a German-style works council or remain union-free.

And staunch anti-tax activist Grover Norquist is funding anti-union resistance in Chattanooga in the form of billboard announcements.http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/02/06/detroit-blight-part-of-anti-union-fight-in-tenn/5271747/. 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.”

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.

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.

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?

But what do you think about the unionization of the VW plant?

Post your comments below!

My Final Thought:

It’s about time. Nissan has unveiled a diesel Frontier concept at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. You can read the full report here:http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/02/06/diesel-nissan-pickup-explores-new-frontier/

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.

Post your comments below!

Love Your Car! See you next week!

–Lauren Fix

SNOWMAGEDDON SURVIVAL EDITION

2014-02-01T07:23:00.001-08:00

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

January 31, 2014

SNOWMAGEDDON SURVIVAL EDITION

photo courtesy of The Huffington Post

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.

The first tip is pretty obvious. 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).

But if, for some reason, you find yourself out in the storm:

- 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.

- 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.

- If you are stuck and cannot move, call for help. Be prepared to be in the same location for a long period of time.

- NEVER wander away from the car to get help. 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.

- 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.

- Melt snow if you don’t have extra water with you.

- 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.

Drive safe, be prepared, and stay alive.

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Happy Anniversary! This month marks the VW Beetle’s 65^th year in the United States.

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/30/vw-beetle-65-years-in-us-photos/

The VW Beetle is an iconic piece of car—and American—culture. Here’s to you, Beetle!

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

What to Do if You Can't See the Road Ahead

2014-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

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What to do if you can't see the road ahead…

By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach^®

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.

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.

Upgrading to a whiter, brighter headlight, such as SYLVANIA SilverStar^® 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.

Here are some other visibility tips for when you find yourself unable to see the road ahead:

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.

When you look ahead and see a problem, find an exit. Do not stop in a travel lane because drivers coming up from behind may not see your vehicle until it's too late to stop.

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.

Listen to local radio stations during bad weather for traffic and road conditions.

Pay attention to fog lines on the right side of the road and median reflectors that help guide you on the road.

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.

Make sure to have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle in case of bright sunlight.

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.

THANK YOU DR. OBVIOUS EDITION

2014-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

January 24, 2013

THANK YOU DR. OBVIOUS EDITION

photo courtesy of www.tflcar.com

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).

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/22/iihs-tests-11-minicars-finds-them-wanting-in-small-overlap-cras/ No kidding. Thanks, Dr. Obvious.

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.”

I don’t think anyone is really shocked by this news. It’s a pretty simple concept, really. Tiny car + crash=big mess. 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?

Small cars don’t do well in crashes. But hey, you get lots of gas mileage, so I guess it’s a fair trade off right? I find it interesting that America has this thing for emulating Europe, don’t you? 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. Didn’t we model our Affordable Care Act after European social healthcare, too? But I digress.

Not everyone is so “meh” or “duh” about small car crash test performance, though. Consumer Reports removed the Honda Fit from its “Recommended” list after the Fit’s poor small-overlap crash test performance. http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/23/honda-fit-loses-recommended-rating-from-consumer-reports/. It’s probably a wise move on Consumer Reports' 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.

I have one final question about these startling results: How much did this test to prove what we already know cost?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Two important thoughts for safe winter driving. First, remember that visibility is crucial – make sure you can see and be seen on the road: http://parade.condenast.com/253758/laurenfix/put-the-freeze-on-bad-winter-driving-by-improving-your-visibility/

Also, check out this sobering article: http://jalopnik.com/there-were-108-car-crashes-in-austin-last-night-1508063924

Be careful out there, folks. 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.

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

COMEBACK KID LEADS FROM THE FRONT EDITION

2014-01-20T20:59:00.001-08:00

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

January 17, 2013

COMEBACK KID LEADS FROM THE FRONT EDITION

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.

Without a doubt the biggest reveal at the Detroit Auto Show is the 2015 Ford F-150.

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/13/2015-ford-f-150-detroit-2014/ 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.

Next, how about the amazing 2015 Corvette Z06? http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/16/2015-chevy-corvette-z06-detroit-2014-video/#continued “‘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. Autoblog points out that the Z06 doesn’t have much data released yet, but this is still one terrific car.

The Chrysler 200C just might be the most shocking comeback kid of the auto world. http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/13/2015-chrysler-200-detroit-2014/. 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.

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.

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

One final note on the California woman who was cited for wearing her Google glass while driving: case dismissed.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/16/traffic-ticket-for-driving-with-google-glass-gets-dismissed-in-c/

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.

What do you think about the case dismissal and Google glass driving?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

LASERS and TABLETS and COCKPITS, OH MY! EDITION

2014-01-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

January 10, 2013

LASERS and TABLETS and COCKPITS, OH MY! EDITION

Who wouldn’t want a car with lasers? OK, maybe not lasers like Star Wars, but lasers nonetheless. At CES this week Audi has announced its plans to produce laser headlights. Yep, that’s right. Lasers.

You can read the full story here: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/07/audi-laser-headlamps-ces-sport-quattro-laserlight/. 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. 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. Still, the car has lasers.

The tech doesn’t stop there. Audi also unveiled its newest in-car technology system, the Smart Display. Smart Display is a Google/Android powered tablet that will come integrated in future vehicles. The news is still fairly “new” http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/08/audi-tablet-android-smart-display-ces/ 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. Can’t wait to see how this turns out.

And finally one last bit of cool from Audi and CES: a cockpit for the new TT. Yes, folks you heard me right. http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/07/audi-tt-interior-ces-2014/ Follow the link and take a look at the pictures of the new interior design. The display has moved from the center stack to right in front of the driver.

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.

With the influx of all this tech what do you think this will do to driving? 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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Winter is here. But have no fear, horsepower and all-wheel-drive is also here: http://jalopnik.com/americans-stuck-in-snow-need-more-power-and-grip-1496354719

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

Can You See What I See? Blog for SYLVANIA

2014-01-07T05:40:00.001-08:00

Blog for SYLVANIA

Can You See What I See?

By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach^®

The winter weather has been brutal this year for the whole country, from heavy snow to dangerous icy roads that hide black ice.

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 percent of driving decisions are based on visibility and the improved visibility as a result of whiter, brighter premium headlights provides additional reaction time. These seconds are vital in a situation where it can mean the difference between a crash and a near-crash.

Upgrading to a whiter, brighter headlight, such as SYLVANIA SilverStar^® ULTRA headlight bulbs, can provide more downroad and sideroad visibility over worn standard halogen headlights. This improved visibility can give drivers the additional time they need to avoid an accident.

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 video for step by step instructions.

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.

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.

I’m teaming up with SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting for a #WinterDriving Twitter Party on Thursday, January 9 at 8 p.m. ET. Follow @LaurenFix and @SYLVANIA, 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!

WAY OF THE DODO EDITION

2014-01-03T11:27:00.001-08:00

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

January 3, 2014

WAY OF THE DODO EDITION

Photo courtesy of Laptopmag.com

Well folks, that’s it for us. Sort of. According to this: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/02/all-cars-autonomous-self-driving-by-2050-study/ autonomous driving vehicles will be the way of the future. So long Great American Road Trip as we know it.

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.

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.

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.

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. This is why I won't be purchasing a self-driving vehicle.

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.

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.

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.

But I want to hear from you. How do you feel about cars that drive themselves? Are you excited to have a car that drives itself or will you miss the driving experience?

What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Someone should tell that to newly sworn in New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

According to this: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/02/nyc-mayor-de-blasio-ban-central-park-horse-carriages/ Mayor de Blasio wants to get rid of Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages and replace them with EVs.

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.

Come on, Mayor de Blasio. 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?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

NO CAR FOR YOU! EDITION

2013-12-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

December 20, 2013

NO CAR FOR YOU! EDITION

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: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/government-says-10-downpayment-required-on-auto-loans-1486177241/@matthardigree the government is looking to regulate auto loans for the security of the loan and protection of the consumer. This is a bad idea.

Any time the government tries to get involved in anything in the private sector, it doesn’t end well. Remember how many billions we lost on GM stock? This won’t be much different. 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 require at least 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.

The best part of this article is the comments from the auto loan industry. 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? Talk about business acumen. The bottom line is the government needs to exit from micromanaging commerce.

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.

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. 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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Here’s something the government is doing right: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/19/nhtsa-ignition-lockout-drunk-driving-dui-poll/

NHTSA wants ignition lockouts mandated for all first-time DUI offenders. This is a terrific example of government protecting the innocent and enforcing zero tolerance for drunk drivers.

What do you think?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS EDITION

2013-12-16T08:49:00.001-08:00

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

December 13, 2013

GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS EDITION

(photo courtesy of Associated Press)

Good news out of Detroit. The Treasury Department announced Monday that it has sold the last of its shares in GM. Applause. Shouts of joy. http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2013/12/09/us-sells-final-gm-shares/

The good news is GM didn’t fail and in fact, GM has had a terrific resurgence. 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.

The bad news: it cost tax payers $10 billion for the government to exit GM. Yep. 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?

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. Obviously, the government wasn’t out to make money, but I for one would have thought they would have sought not to lose any. But hey, it wasn’t their money, so who cares right? Or maybe we should just be excited we didn’t lose more money. Is that the success?

I know, I know. People will say I’m just focusing on the negative and not the positive. 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.”

I am glad the bailout of GM is over. I am excited that GM is making leaps and bounds in its economic recovery. But I won’t be doing any happy dances over the $10 billion dollar loss of tax dollars.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Unflappable. That’s one way to describe the driver involved in this vehicle rollover. http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/12/dashcam-calmest-car-roll-over-video/#continued

What do you think of her reaction?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

PASSING IT ALONG? EDITION

2013-12-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

December 6, 2013

PASSING IT ALONG? EDITION

According to this: 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 the House is proposing a 15 cent tax increase at the pump.

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?

Although to be fair, with inflation and more fuel efficient cars, consumers are coming out ahead. 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.

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.

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?

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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

The 2015 Ford Mustang was officially been revealed and in this Jalopnik post:

http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-ford-mustang-is-the-most-advanced-muscle-car-e-1476612775 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.

But what do you think of this new iteration?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

HOLIDAY HAZARDS - Shopping Safely

2013-12-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY HAZARDS - Shopping Safely

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.

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.

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.

Here are some general suggestions that can help you be safer in mall parking lots as you begin your holiday gift shopping this year.

Practice smart parking

Park as close as possible and preferably within view of the door from which you will exit.

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.

Park in a well-lighted area.

Keep in mind that you may arrive in the daylight but emerge after dark. Choose a spot near a lamp standard.

Leave nothing of value visible in your car.

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.

Avoid parking near vehicles in which someone is sitting.

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.

Safety common sense

Walk with your purse held firmly to your side, opposite traffic flow.

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.

Don' t let strangers approach you in the parking lot. 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.

Know exactly where your car is. 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.

Before you leave the mall, locate your car keys and carry them in your hand, ready to use.

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.

Make a scene. 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.

Keep in mind that your best protection is your alert attention. Look around. Let your intuition be your guide. If a situation makes you uneasy, avoid it.

CIVIL LIBERTIES? WHAT ARE THOSE? EDITION

2013-11-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

November 22, 2013

CIVIL LIBERTIES? WHAT ARE THOSE? EDITION

(photo courtesy of checkpointusa.org)

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?

According to this http://jalopnik.com/the-feds-are-spending-8-million-to-take-your-blood-at-1469600527 and this http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/North-Texas-Drivers-Stopped-at-Roadblock-Asked-for-Saliva-Blood-232438621.html, 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.

The survey is meant to record the number of drivers who are operating vehicles under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 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.

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. 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.

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 Jalopnik and NBC, 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.

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. 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. Period. Don’t consent and allow NHTSA to think this is a good idea.

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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Lambo. Bear. "Lambearghini." I don’t know why there is a bear, but, hey, California.

Enjoy the clips and happy Thanksgiving!

http://jalopnik.com/watch-videos-of-the-bear-in-a-lamborghini-that-shut-dow-1467620427

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

Cool Car Necessities: Safety and Travel Gadgets

2013-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Check out my eBay collection of automotive goodies 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!

Don't forget to follow me on eBay 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

Love Your Car,

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? EDITION

2013-11-16T05:55:00.002-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

November 15, 2013

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? EDITION

Yesterday, NHTSA released their Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data. You can read the press release and synopsis here at NHTSA’s site: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/NHTSA+Data+Confirms+Traffic+Fatalities+Increased+In+2012

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 higher. This number bothers me a lot. Driving is not new; neither is driving under the influence of alcohol. Be responsible, grow a brain, call a cab, and stop driving drunk.

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.

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: “U.S. traffic deaths up for first time since 2005, safety agency says,” LA Times; “Traffic Fatalities Rise For First Time In Seven Years,” AOL Auto.

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 I popped over to NHTSA’s site for just the data. I found that NHTSA’s own headline read, “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.”

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?

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.”

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

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.

Check out this story: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/14/oktoberfest-man-loses-car/

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. And with that I bid you happy Friday.

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

Car Coach: Minivans With Great Track (Street) Records

2013-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

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!

I put together this eBay collection featuring some of my favorite minivans that offer helpful features for families on-the-go at reasonable prices.

Don't forget to follow me on eBay 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

Love Your Car,

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

Car Coach: Used Premium Cars Under $40,000

2013-11-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

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.

I put together this eBay collection featuring some of my favorite luxury cars that offer high-end options combined with great used car prices.

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.

Don't forget to follow me on eBay 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

Love Your Car,

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

BAD LUCK COMES IN THREES EDITION

2013-11-11T07:31:00.002-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

November 8, 2013

BAD LUCK COMES IN THREES EDITION

Oh how the mighty have fallen. A third Tesla has now caught fire after a crash: http://autos.aol.com/article/tesla-motors-investigating-third-model-s-fire/

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.

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.

New car fires are rare as well, where older cars catch fire because of poor maintenance or other problems.

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.

Seriously, NHTSA launches an investigation if someone calls to complain about squeaky brakes on their Ford. It's called brake dust. Wash it off.

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.

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?

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?
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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

Either this guy is really stupid and doesn't grasp simple physics or his girlfriend is really, really irritating: http://jalopnik.com/man-jumps-from-moving-car-to-escape-argument-with-his-g-1459691012

Either way, jumping from a moving car at 35 mph is a bad idea with very few exceptions, including but not limited to:

·      There's an angry tiger in the back seat

·      Ticking time bomb in the glove box

·      Your seat catches fire

·      Snakes

·      The radio is playing Justin Bieber and you can't shut it off

Do you have any good reasons to jump out of a moving car?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

TIMES ARE CHANGING EDITION

2013-11-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

November 1, 2013

TIMES ARE CHANGING EDITION

The technology of driving is changing. And the laws may need to change with it. Or do they? According to this http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/11/01/driver-cited-for-wearing-google-glass-expects-to-fight-ticket/?intcmp=obnetwork 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.)

Ms. Abadie insists the Glass wasn’t operational while she was wearing it and, therefore, didn’t have a visible monitor. 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. 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.

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 tell us what is or is not a distraction. Maybe Ms. Abadie can drive perfectly fine with her Google Glass on.

I hope Ms. Abadie follows through with her initial instinct to fight her citation. The outcome has merit for the future of Google Glass driving laws. 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.

In my opinion, those states are overstepping their bounds. In California’s case, maybe the laws aren’t up to date. 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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

This just in from the Buffalo News: http://blogs.buffalonews.com/politics_now/2013/10/bill-aims-to-raise-nys-maximum-speed-limit-to-75-mph-.html New York State Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda wants to raise the speed limit from 65 mph to 75 mph on some highways.

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. I hope he finds a sponsor soon.

I think we should raise the speed limit. What about you?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

I REALLY HATE BEING RIGHT EDITION

2013-10-27T16:56:00.001-07:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

October 25, 2013

I REALLY HATE BEING RIGHT EDITION

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: http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-toyota-sudden-acceleration-verdict-20131024,0,6974251.story#axzz2ikSUb9X5

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.

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.

What does this mean for Toyota specifically and the auto industry at large? I’m not sure, but it doesn’t bode well.

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?

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.

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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

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.

You can read the full story here: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/23/ohio-man-gets-6-12-years-in-prison-after-dui-crash-confession/.

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.

What do you think about his sentence? Do you think it was too lenient?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

Will Self-Driving Cars Hit the Roads Soon?: Car Expert Lauren Fix on FOX...

2013-10-24T06:26:00.001-07:00

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?

Courtesy of FOX Business News
Aired: 10/23/2013

We Couldn’t Agree On a Budget, But We Can Agree On This Edition

2013-10-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS:

October 18, 2013

We Couldn’t Agree On a Budget, But We Can Agree On This Edition

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:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131015/AUTO01/310150123/1148/rss25

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. 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 that cost Japan’s automakers.

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?

How about instead of partnering with foreign automakers, we invest in the American auto industry? The House members’ use of the word investments in relation to American jobs and American economy irks me. 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?

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.

But I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

My Final Thought:

And speaking of the auto industry what do you think about this? http://green.autoblog.com/2013/10/18/a-milennial-explains-what-itll-take-for-him-to-buy-a-car/

Millenials just won’t buy cars. It’s curious. What do you think about his argument?

Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/

Love Your Car! See you next week!

--Lauren Fix

Automotive Industry Jobs on the Rise

2013-10-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is work in technical areas, training, or in management at the corporate level for national franchises, vehicle manufacturers, and private and municipal fleets.

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.

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.

Courtesy of YNN/Time Warner Cable
Aired: 10/14/2013

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