The Automotive Market Needs a Convertible Minivan!

Chop that top!

 A good friend of mine contacted me today to gripe about how there are no convertible minivans on the market. With the weather warming up, us minivan drivers get to watch with envy as the good people of the world cruise by in their convertible Mustangs, 911s and Sebrings (okay, I'm not really jealous of that last one). If I want the wind to whip through my hair (or what is left of it) I have to roll down my window, which is just plain rough. I want to put the top down on my luxury cruiser minivan and roll hard on the way to dance lessons.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Apparently my friend wasn't aware of the fact that Nissan produces a convertible version of the Murano, called the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. The great thing about the CrossCabriolet is its huge trunk, even with the top folded down. Not only that, but it has a folding hardtop and all-wheel-drive meaning it can be driven year-round for mad shopping trips. The bad news is the Murano CrossCabriolet has the highest percentage female ownership out of any newer vehicle in the United States, according to a source I cannot recall now (bad writer!). I guess that's only bad if you are a guy, like me.

But back to the convertible minivans. You know, as I've said over and over I never thought I would own a minivan. But they are incredibly practical vehicles when you have kids, with a low step-in height, large door openings and huge cargo capacities. Do you have any idea how many strollers I can fit in the back of mine at once? It's crazy. Still, I would like a little bit of impractical fun, and a convertible van would provide a smidgen of that impractical fun.

But the technical side of me knows a convertible minivan would present some serious mechanical issues. First off, such a large folding roof would use a pretty complicated folding mechanism, which would take some fancy engineering. Not only that, but where would the top go once it's folded? There isn't exactly a trunk in a minivan. And then there are those pesky, practical sliding doors that would look pretty weird without a roof on the van.

Of course Germans are good at tackling such engineering issues. Volkswagen has their badge-engineered Routan that is a Chrysler abomination. This problem could present the perfect excuse for Volkswagen to reinvent the minivan in a format that would allow for a Cabriolet version. They could even offer a TDI version of the van using the same engine as the Touareg.

One huge advantage of a cabriolet minivan: when it gets crazy as it often does in minivans, mom or dad only need to fold down the top and hit the freeway. The whistling wind would quiet everyone down and force junior to hold on tight to his Avengers hat. I think that feature alone could help Volkswagen or whatever automaker brave enough to make a convertible minivan sell at least 200,000 models in the first year of production. Automakers lately are carving out all kinds of interesting niches in the marketplace, but this one so far has been untouched.

Now I'm off to catch a plane to Wolfsburg so I can sell the VW board on my excellent idea.

4 Hints Concerning Searching The Best Auto Insurance Quotes Online

Searching on the internet for automobile insurance has never been more simple and easy. By keeping a few pieces of advice in mind you will know what to look for and how to find the right insurance automobile policy. There are four details that should be element of your search. In years past, buying auto insurance meant looking in the phone book for insurance representatives and making some phone calls. Nowadays it is probably better to look for the best car insurance rates on the net. All you need is your VIN denotes (vehicle identification number) and you could get several car insurance quotes online. 1. Captive vs Independent Insurance Agents. The choice you have to make when finding the appropriate car insurance quote online is whether to go with insurance agents who are independent and represent many insurance companies or a captive agent, one who is representing only one major company. Either way, you definitely will be able to find most agents that render instant automobile insurance quotes if you provide them with a little information about situations. Keep in mind that a lot of insurance carriers will run your credit while in that process, and the premium is assessed based on your credit worthiness. Many other websites exist mainly to propose prices from many different insurance companies and show comparisons side by side. This is one of the best options to check out some of the best auto insurance rates, coverage's and costs. 2. Claims Services Each insurance company is not the same. Naturally they all provide similar thing, may even seem to offer the best car insurance rates out there and can even offer the same or similar rates. But these companies have many crucial variances that you should be careful of. Look into the claims services that each company offers. You don't want be in a situation where something happens to your auto only to find out that you have a coverage issue. Plus, will the online company be available whenever you need them. For example, look for 24-hour service for claims. It might be a excellent idea to call them for a service first- not a sale call, and see how they handle your request. 3. Reputation of Insurance Provider and Representative It is very easy to determine the reputation of companies when they have the big branded names that are advertised throughout the media. Even so, as with the smaller companies, you should always check what other people have had to say about the standard of their service. This is easily accomplished by doing a search based on what disappointed customers might have experienced. You can Google the phrase "XYZ Company Name Reviews" and you might get some positive or negative feedbacks. Sometimes just by searching the name of the company you want to check out will list articles or review sites that give opinions and details about some of the best auto insurance providers. In the US, there are two other sources for examinations of company reputation: JD Power and the Government. JD Power: Check there websit for a list of objective evaluation [jdpower.com/Insurance/ratings/auto-claims-ratings/] Government: Each state in the US has an insurance commissioner. One of the tasks of the insurance commissioner is to handle complaints made by the public against insurance companies. Check your state insurance department website. In Chicago and rest of Illinois, 4. Rating of Insurance Services When seeking for the best auto insurance rates or a company online it usually comes down to the price. While all the other listed considerations are important, most people will rely in their final pick on how much it will cost and if it is in their budget range. This is the most simple way to search for when reviewing the different proposals. Just be sure that the price that you are quoted covers the same insurance coverages under every other

How To Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Maryland

If you are looking for cheap car insurance quotes in Maryland it can be often hard for you because different auto insurance companies have different rates and also Maryland state has minimum auto insurance requirements. Now I am sharing some valuable information about auto insurance in Maryland and few useful facts you should know before going to buy car insurance in Maryland.

Maryland Auto Insurance Minimum Requirement

Every state in the USA has a law about required auto insurance coverage and Maryland is no different. According to the motor vehicle administration of Maryland vehicles those are registered in Maryland must be insured by insurance companies which have got licensed must carry minimum coverage. The auto insurance minimum coverage requirement is 30/60/15. That means $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for injury by whole accident and $15,000 for property damage of your car.

Tips To Find Cheap Auto Insurance Rates In Maryland

There are many ways to get auto insurance in Maryland, but getting cheaper auto insurance rates is not easy. Though the state minimum auto insurance requirements are high, you could find out the cheapest car insurance in MD.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Online

The simplest way to get cheap car insurance in Maryland is to compare car insurance quotes from different companies at the same coverage. There are many websites those provide auto insurance quotes from multiple companies and suggest you the best one. You can get car insurance rates from all the listed car insurance companies in MD if possible and compare them to find the cheapest one.

If you have current auto insurance then you better have experience a little about auto insurance rates and coverage. Insurance companies have designed their insurance package with necessary and unnecessary coverage, from these coverages you can eliminate unnecessary coverage to get lower rates.

Get Discount On Your Insurance Policy

Once you select several auto insurance companies from those you want to buy, go to their websites and search on which conditions they are giving discounts. Generally if you have good driving records, few safety training records, good score in class if you are a student, safety devices installed in your car and if you insure other property with the same company.

Maryland Auto Insurance Saving Tips

Maryland is one of the expensive states in USA and the state auto insurance requirement is high, but still you can save money on your policy and get lower rates. Insurance price heavily depends on the vehicle you drive, because high performance and expensive cars usually carry higher insurance rates. Try to buy used or low price car to insure and you will save money on your coverage. The credit score is one of the factors which affect your insurance price. Improve your credit score if possible to get cheap rates. Driving limit also helps to reduce your insurance price and to save money.

Car owners should get auto insurance in Maryland to protect the financial condition and to get cheap car insurance drivers should request quotes from at least three companies and compare them.

Abbey Hill Steam Rally 2013

After my first visit to the show last year, I decided it would make a great family outing in the truck, and so the family piled into our 1947 Dodge pickup (now with new tonneau) and braved the Somerset hills to reach Yeovil for the Abbey Hill Steam Rally.

1939 AJS Grass Track

(ink sketch)

My only sketch of the weekend was this fantastic AJS which was built using a Silver Streak no less, so that's two Silver Streaks in two weeks (see Stafford Show report).

 The fuel tank is from an Atco mower.

The rider Len Isaac rode for the Exeter Falcons.

Motorcycles

 James Trials

Brockhouse Corgi

 Bicycles

 1891 Gents Tricycle

 Tricycle Tandem

Rudge and Royal Enfield ladies bicycles

 Tractors

Trusty Steed

Able to pull a weight of 1.5 tons and a tight turning circle due to independent drive to each rear wheel, what else do you want from a small tractor?

Steam

 There was a great lineup in the steam this year.

Foden Wagon with Garrett Tractor Engine

Marshal Roller

 Working Field

 Huge timber saw powered by a traction engine

Bedford truck used to load the logs on to the saw.

Two Man Chainsaw

Unfortunately I didn't see this running.

Military

 Alvis

 Cars

 Austin Trials Special

 2cvs and an Austin A40

1967 Fiat 600d

 Stationary Engines

1927 Lister L

This engine has a fantastic radiator, the water runs over a grate before going back round the engine, in order to cool it down.

 Commercial

1929 Chevrolet Wrecker

Fordson Thames 7v

Hillman Utility

Frank our 1947 Dodge WD21 having a well deserved rest.

Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford

The Stafford Bike Show soon comes round and again Vintage and Veteran we kind enough to invite me along to display work on their stand and sketch their wonderful array of early machines.

1914 Overseas

(ink sketch)

Made in Birmingham UK between 1909 and 1915 this Overseas is the only know running example. The only other known Overseas is in Australia. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend time with this bike on the Sunday of the show. It has some great details especially the Sturmey Archer pedal. I',m currently trying to find out more about the Overseas mark so if you know anything please get in touch.

1929 350cc Rudge - Whitworth

 

(ink sketch)

1938 AJS Silver Streak

 This bike was a real crowd puller on the Vintage and Veteran stand, so much so that it sold by Sunday.

The Silver Streak is a very rare beast indeed, all possible parts are chrome plated and it came with a tuned 500cc engine.

Club Stands

Dot Motorcycle Club

The Dot stand won best club stand, I especially liked this combo. The smaller bike is a 1954 DOT ggs.

Rudge Enthusiasts Club

 1953 BSA MCI Racer (prototype racer)

 This Rudge Four recently took part in the Cannonball Run across America.

National Autocycle and Cyclemotor Club

The NACC had their usual fantastic array of machinery

Here's some more highlights from the show:

1970 Sprite Goldfinger

 1960 NorBSA

1952/53 Velocette KTT

Auto Jumble Spots

 Early Indian in a very interesting French jumble

 Beardmore Precision

 Motorised tandem

 Basketcase Bantam

1935 James Handy Van

with JAP v twin

1930 Montgomery

 Last spot in the paddock before heading home.

 Unknown race Norton

Creative Car Badging

I always wince when automakers engage in badge engineering, when a car is given new badges and maybe a few exterior pieces to make a different "model." As much as I would like to say that only automakers engage in badge engineering, unfortunately some car owners do the same thing.

Why do people put some wishful badges on their car? You know, like the Honda Civic owners in the United States who slap a "Type-R" badge on the trunk lid. Is it that these people think the badge will add horsepower or trick everyone into thinking their car is something it's not?

The other day I ran across one of the most creative badging jobs I've seen on a car in a while. It was on an old Dodge SRT-4, a car that posts some respectable output figures but in stock form is lacking in handling characteristics. Apparently the owner of this SRT-4 felt inclined to slap a Viper badge on this car's nose. Was it a joke? It made me laugh, but sadly I doubt it. Does the guy think the average person would think his car was a Viper? Most people know that a Viper looks like but sadly probably wouldn't recognize its badge. Or maybe the guy tries to claim he crammed a Viper's engine under the hood.

Whatever the reason, like I said it made me laugh, and hopefully it makes you laugh as well.

Electric Cars Are Dropping Like Flies!

Is it just me or does the Coda Sedan look a little too much like an old Civic?

There are many critics of electric cars, especially people who work in the petroleum industry (that's slightly a joke, but only slightly). People cite the limited range of electric cars as a concern as well as battery problems, battery replacement costs, extra strains put on maxed-out electricity delivery systems, etc.

Well, these critics of electric vehicles should be having a party right now because it seems that electric car makers are dropping like flies. In case you missed the huge news from last week, Fisker Automotive is quickly moving toward bankruptcy. It seems that the company continued to tax money from the US government even though it knew that it was losing a massive amount of money with each Karma sold (insert joke about bad Karma here). Now Justin Bieber is going to have to find some new car he can have wrapped in chrome so the paparazzi has an extra easy time of tracking him wherever he goes.

To add to that bad news for EVs, now Coda Automotive has declared bankruptcy. Of course the question that everyone asked was who would be stupid enough to pay $40,000 for a Chinese electric car with no reputation to uphold, but that's beside the point. There are plenty of people who are declaring the death of the electric car at this very moment.

Of course there is still the Nissan Leaf, which was not selling very well until recently. And then there is the Tesla Model S, you know that piece of "vaporware" that the critics said would never come to pass. The Model S has racked up some serious awards and I've personally seen several on the roads here and have to say they look as good in person as in the marketing collateral. But apparently the electric car is dead.

Sure, Toyota backed out of a deal last year with Tesla to start making all-electric powertrains Some other automakers have also backed off of their EV projects. And some really big players like Daimler and Nissan/Renault have declared they are moving forward with hydrogen vehicles.Does this mean the electric car is dead?

If anything the electric car is showing more life than ever. These deaths are a necessary movement in the marketplace, the casualties of faulty planning rather than a faulty plan for powering vehicles. Evidence abounds at this, including the recent surge in Leaf sales as well as big automakers planning on releasing EVs in the near future. The Fiat 500E is coming soon, promising another inexpensive electric car as well as the Smart Fortwo Electric, to name just two. And Detroit Electric is back, although it remains to be seen just how well the automaker survives the next few years. 

As for those who fear that all these electric cars are going to overload the power grid, I have one thing to say: buy a solar array and take yourself off the grid. Problem solved.