Cars started out as luxury. But now they have become a necessity. When the first car came out on the road in the early 1800s, no one had imagined the immense success and popularity it would enjoy two centuries later. Today, every working middle class family aspires to have a car. They might be limited in their choice by the budget. But that does not deter them. Little wonder, since applying and being approved for loans is easy now. Even the increasing oil rates haven’t decreased the number of people applying for car loans everyday.

Technology has come far since the time the idea of the first car was put in place. As a result, there are several models and designs of the automobile that are available in the market. Land Rovers to Rolls Royce; sedans to hatchbacks; diesel engine to petrol ones; costly to cost effective; one has a wide range to choose from. Currently, there are 520 million users of cars worldwide. And this number is increasing even as we speak.

However, there is a different side to this story; a darker side. Car manufacturing is a booming industry today. It has resulted in increasing the economy of nations by generating employment. But these employments have come at the cost of health hazards. Yes. Growth in the number of cars on the road has lead to pollution of the environment. We are breathing toxic gases today, thanks to the emission of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Besides, to run these polluting engines has become costly. We are paying for the oil through our nose. And over use of the natural resources has created an imbalance in nature.

Onus needs to be taken to improve the current design of the cars. These designs should be made keeping in mind the current causes of concern. To build engines that are less polluting, would be a good start. Besides that, we need to start looking for alternative fuels pronto!

Spyker Cars, a Dutch luxury car maker, has posted a 72M Euros loss for 2007. The cause, they say, was in the sale of their Formula One and car business as well as GT racing activities. According to CEO Victor Muller, “2007 was a dramatic year, the likes of which the company had never seen before and which we would like to leave behind us as soon as possible.”

This year maybe better. The company has also received a loan and capital contribution from Snoras Bank in Lithuania resulting in a remarkable turnaround in the first quarter. According to them they were able to produce 12 cars and sell 18 this first quarter and they’re expecting even better sales in the next one. On the third quarter, the Spyker C8 Aileron model will go into production.

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One the things that makes Americans unique is our love and hate relationship with the car. In the original glory of automobile industry we willfully transformed our society to depend on this mode of transportation. Now that we depend on them so greatly, they have combined with one of our other great love and hate relationship. More specifically, we have become a nation that does a lot of eating while driving. And even when we’re not eating something, you can generally find at least one travel coffee mug in a cup holder.

This is one of the little things that separate US made vehicles from imports. US cars almost always had more cup holders than European on Asian models. The European cars brought to the US either focused on the luxury high end or the inexpensive entry level car. In both cases, cup holder were sparse. In the beginning with Japanese vehicles it was generally about low cost entry level vehicle. Again, these tended to be short on cup holders.

But with US makes, even inexpensive cars would tend to have a couple of places to put a coffee mug or cup. But now it’s a different story. Overseas car makers have managed to at least catch up if not surpass US makers in the cup holder battle. For example, a late model Toyota mini-van comes with no less than 13 cup holders arranged throughout the vehicle.

It’s not just about sheer numbers though. Some of the car makers are still trying to figure this one out. For example, designing an interior where the cup holder sits right above the stereo system and climate controls is just a bad idea. It is just way too easy for a hot, steamy, sticky drink to spill into the sensitive controls and ruin any displays. This is an issue with 2002 Audi’s and several other vehicles.

One thing you need to have is obviously your driving license along with the paper copy if you have the photo card license. Many countries also require an International Driving Permit which allows you to drive a private car for a period of up to 12 months. You will be required to have all your cars documentation and registration details along with the details of your insurance.

Driving on roads in Europe can be a daunting experience if you are doing so for the first time. Driving habits in countries such as Spain and Italy are different those in England, so you must keep your wits about you. The obvious point to note is to ensure you drive on the right hand side of the road and not the left. Driving on the right means a vast change in habits for all UK drivers including your blind spots being on a different side.

There are 27 member states of the European Union and if you get into trouble in any of them then you can call 112. This is an emergency number so whatever trouble you find yourself in, you can ring 112, whether you have been in an accident or just feel in distress. This number has got many people out of trouble in the past and is definitely a number worth remembering.

Drink driving is as much a problem in Europe as it is in the UK and the punishments are as severe. If you have had anything to drink then do not drive as you are likely to have the book thrown at you. It is not worth spoiling your holiday for a few glasses of wine or beers so do not take the risk.

You also need to have a few things on your car, such as a GB sticker if you do not have a license plate that incorporates the GB logo. Reflective jackets are required in some EU countries, such as Norway and Portugal, so it is advisable to have at least two per car so if you breakdown you can exit the car safely. Your headlights also have to be dipped to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers: this is easy to do and should not be a hassle.

In Germany, taking the train or bus is a very common method of travel. There are trains everywhere and when I was in Germany this was how I got around. But for those that want to drive a vehicle here are some tips and advice.

Rental Cars:

If you want to rent a car in Germany, you are better off booking with a firm in the US before even going to Germany. Usually this way you will get a better rate and will be paying in US dollars. Most of the major US and European car rental agencies are also in Germany such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, etc. You should also book at least two weeks before your planned vacation.

You will need your driver’s license and passport. It’s also a good idea to use a credit card to pay for the rental because most credit card companies automatically cover your insurance deductible in case of an accident.

Most European cars have manual transmissions and not automatic. If you want an automatic, you will want to make sure you specify this. When driving, make sure the rental car has a green insurance certificate. If you are stopped by the police or have an accident, you will need this card. Every rental car should have one.

General Laws:

You have to be at least 18 years old to drive in Germany. The traffic drives on the right and passes on the left just as it is done here. Their seat belt and car seat laws are also the same as here. While driving you are supposed to leave your car doors unlocked in the event of an accident. All vehicles are to be equipped with a first aid kit and carry a warning triangle (Warndreieck).

If you should ever be stopped by a police officer, and they want you to pay the fine on the spot – do it. In Germany, this is how most traffic offenses are paid. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, you risk getting your car impounded.

Cameras for catching speeding cars and traffic offenders are used all over the place in Germany – more so than you see here. If one of these cameras catch you, the ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. If you are using a rental car, the ticket will go to the rental agency, but they will turn around and report you as the driver in which the ticket is then forwarded to you.

Police also drive in unmarked vehicles with cameras mounted on the front and back. If you get caught speeding by one of these unmarked vehicles, you will most likely be signaled to pull over. The way they signal you is by holding a white stick out the window with a red bull’s eye on it. So if you see this, don’t just laugh and think Germany has weird people, you are being pulled over!

The Autobahn:

The autobahn is something everyone talks about. I remember one time as my 12 year old daughter was in Germany she called me to tell me she was on the autobahn with my uncle. She was so excited and was telling me how much fun she was having. Then when she told me they were driving in excess of 100mph I about fell over. I think I made a few calls to her later on that day just to make sure she was safe and off the autobahn!

Not all areas of the autobahn have no speed limit. In areas where there are curves or residential areas, you will sometimes see speed limits posted. In the areas where there are no speed limits, they do post “advisory limits” which are usually up to 130km/h. Should you go over this limit and are involved in an accident you may be responsible for any damage even if you are not at fault. Should you have an accident or your car breaks down, emergency telephones are along the side the road spaced about 2km apart.

Even with the high speeds on the autobahn, the accident rates are surprisingly low. About 1/3 of Germany’s traffic uses the autobahn, yet the autobahn only accounts for 6% of all accidents. Some of the reasons for this are:

The roads are constructed much better than in the USA. They are thicker, last longer and are maintained constantly. You don’t see potholes on the autobahn. There are no curves in the roads that can’t be handled at high speeds. The left lane is ONLY used for passing. You can get a ticket if you are seen passing cars in the right lane. The cars that are made in Germany are specifically designed to run at high speeds and by popular opinion, built better than the cars in the USA.

Should you ever drive on the autobahn, you’ll also enjoy scenic views as the autobahn was built along some of the most beautiful areas of Germany.

We hope this information has been helpful to you.

This car was called the Yugo because it was manufactured in Yugoslavia. The makers, Zastava, marketed it as a simple, low cost car. Then it went to the US in 1985 and sold 45,000 units. However there were negative comments regarding this car. First, most people found it uncomfortable and unreliable. There were comments saying that its transmission performance was horrible.

However, the worst was yet to come for this little car. Reportedly, in 1989, a 31-year old lady’s Yugo was blown off a bridge’s railing by 50MPH gales. Unfortunately she never survived the incident.

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Is this the worst car ever made or what?

A car is like a friend it can be by your side for ever if you treat it well. All it needs is good care and technology will take care of the rest. All you need to do it learn all you can about the car and its needs. If you make an effort you will save thousands of dollars in repair and maintenance costs. In general Japanese makes are reliable and need less care than American or European cars.

Here are a few tips that will help you take good care of your car:

1. Pay attention to what the maintenance manual recommends and create for yourself a reminder system that will tell you when a service needs to be done or a part replaced. While some things are based on mileage others depend on time used.

2. Create and maintain an emergency or repair fund. Try and put away small amounts towards unforeseen repair costs. In the long run saving to create a repair fund is easier that paying for a new car. Saving steadily will not startle you when an emergency arises.

3. Create a kind of cycle that will tell you to service the car, change oil, undertake anti-rust treatment, or to prepare the car for winter. If you treat the car right you will never have a breakdown or emergency. Keep an eye on what is known as the rust belt and nip any signs of rust in the bud and both the body as well as mechanical parts will stand you in good stead.

4. Be sure to read the car makers website as ell as forums and blogs devoted exclusively to the car model you own. These will help you keep abreast of new developments, news, views, and have access to free advice and help if and when any problem you can solve creeps up.

5. Keep an ear open to strange noises or tics. Develop a nose for new smells, unfamiliar running knocks and noises. As the owner you will develop the instinct that warns you when anything is amiss. Once in a while ask a friend or another car enthusiast to drive the car to judge how it handles. Learn to distinguish the normal from abnormal.

6. When any problem arises replace parts with quality parts and never resort to “quick fixes” these will just lead to deeper waters and not solve any problems. Interiors, electrical fixtures, chrome , and other accessories must be polished and cleaned just as you bath your kids or dogs. Always but quality parts and not parts that are less expensive. Stick to parts and replacements provided by the manufacturer.

Wash, wax, and polish will keep your car new and shining. Learn how to fight and deal with wear and tear especially that caused by weather changes. Always handle your car gently and treat the vehicle with respect. Follow road safety norms and rules and your car will probably out live you.

With good care your car will last well beyond 200000 miles and more. You will not just enjoy the convenience of a vehicle but save lots of money which will be spent on new cars or hired transport.

Before the end of the millennium, the American Car Manufacturer, Ford ,was able to produce the European Car of the Year for 1999: The Ford Focus.

The Focus was considered as a car that would not just edge out any competition in the European Market, it would totally blast them away. The car interior was radical in the sense that it had a lot of curves and sweeping lines. One of the reasons for its classy handling is the Control Blade: a fully independent multi-link rear suspension. Not only was it fast, but it was also safe. The Focus received a 4 out of 5 stars for occupant safety, and a 2 out of 4 for pedestrian safety by the EuroNCAP tests.

That was the Ford Focus, fast, innovative, smooth-sailing, and safe.

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When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.

For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.

The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.

Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi’s quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.

So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.