The way has been cleared for the next major innovation designed to improve the safety of the drivers and occupants of all vehicles.

The European Union has ruled that, by April 2018, all new cars rolling off the production lines of the factories in all member states will have to be fitted with an aircraft-style black box.

However, officials from the UK’s outgoing Conservative administration have come out against the plans on the grounds of their likely high cost. Other critics also want more safeguards to be put in place before the technology is made mandatory which will protect the rights and privacy of all drivers.

How the technology works

The proprietary system, known as eCall, links a vehicle’s entertainment and information system to satellite and telecoms networks.

In the event of a vehicle then being involved in an accident, the system can send an automatic alert to the nearest emergency control centre, thereby alerting the emergency services even if the driver and occupants of a vehicle are in no condition to call for help themselves.

They will automatically receive details of the time of any incident, its location, and the direction of travel, so that vital time can be saved in directing emergency help to the scene.

It has been estimated by European Commission officials that such a system could be installed in every car at a cost of under £90.

Ahead of the curve

As might be expected in such a highly technology-driven world as the motor industry, several manufacturers have already been working on their own versions of such a system, among them BMW, which also owns MINI.

However, with the recent move by officials in Strasbourg, the technology is likely to have to be fitted to all new cars and small commercial vehicles by 31 March 2018.

Assurances have been given by manufacturers that the tracking capabilities of any such system will not be used outside of emergency situations.

And safety campaigners could well be won over by the prospect of such technology being able to play a major role in helping cut some of the 25,700 deaths toll which occurred on roads in the EU in 2014.

Answering long-standing calls

There has been pressure for technology along these lines to be introduced since 2004 from within the car industry itself. The owner of MINI, BMW, as a member of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, has been at the forefront of moves advocating such a system – meaning that Cooper MINI dealerships could be one of the first places where it can be seen.

The motivation for introducing such a system, and the laws needed to make it a compulsory requirement lies mainly in the Commission’s own research, which has suggested that emergency services’ response times in the event of a serious crash can be cut by as much as 60 per cent in urban areas, and be halved in more rural places.

Motoring organisations say that there is no question that cars and their drivers and occupants will benefit from the introduction of such a system – but their doubts instead surround whether the emergency services themselves have the infrastructure and resources in place to enable them to meet a likely increase in demand for their critical services.

There are many things that people would never dream of buying second hand. Cars are not one of them. Figures show that three times as many used cars are sold in the UK as there are new. But, overall, which is better? And when the time comes to buy your next car, should you go new or used?

Both options have advantages, disadvantages and different ways to buy. Some main dealers may only sell new cars, with used car sales coming more from private individuals selling their old cars. Outfits like the Jennings Motor Group, however, have a foot in both camps, selling both new and used. Knowing where to buy from is only the beginning. What else do you need to know?

New cars
There are many advantages to buying a new car, some of which are rather obvious. Naturally, new cars will come equipped with the latest technology. Built-in Bluetooth, for example, might seem like a luxury, but the latest technology in safety features should be an important consideration for any family, as should recent advances in fuel efficiency. New cars can provide the owner with greater peace of mind, with benefits such as a three-year warranty and no requirement for an MOT during the first three years either. And, of course, there is no unknown history to worry about.

New cars can be delivered to a buyer’s exact specifications, although this can cause a delay; having to wait a few weeks is not uncommon. The biggest downside to buying a new car, for most people, is the price. The initial outlay is one thing, but do not forget how quickly its value will depreciate either. It is pretty much instantaneous although, as The Guardian explains, finance deals are making buying a new car affordable to more and more people.

Used cars
Aside from being cheaper, and suffering less value depreciation, used cars have numerous other advantages over new cars. Technological progress means most new car breakdowns are electrical in nature, with only professional mechanics able to fix them. Older cars with minor problems can often be fixed quickly and cheaply. This may happen more frequently than the owner might like, however, as wear and tear will certainly become an issue at some stage. Any money you save on the initial purchase may well be needed to keep the car running.

Although used car buyers will not have all the customisation options available to buyers of new cars, they will find more choice in the private sellers’ market. It is often easy to find models that are no longer available at main dealers, and at good prices.

The biggest danger used car buyers face is that of uncertainty. Some cars might not be all they appear to be; private buyers run the risk of purchasing a ‘clocked’ car, a car that has done more miles than the clock displays. In the worst-case scenarios, the car may have been stolen or written off in an earlier accident. It is up to the buyer to carry out all the relevant checks to avoid this scenario.

Whether you decide to go for new or used, there is a wealth of options that should, given time and consideration, provide you with your perfect car.

A used fire truck is an economical way for a station to save money when replacement vehicles are needed. A fire department can’t operate with fully functioning trucks, but sometimes they break down or need costly repairs that aren’t in the budget. For departments that would rather allocate their funds for a different fire truck, considering used is a good option. There are many factors to consider, however, when choosing a used fire truck, according to Fire Rescue 1.

Budget

The budget is one factor to take into account when purchasing a used fire truck. The amount of money spent shouldn’t be too much. A station should consider what repairs might need to be made, the value of the fire truck and what features it has. It doesn’t make sense to spend more money than is reasonable on a fire truck. Researching the options and testing out several models is the best way to find the right truck.

Features

Used fire trucks for sale come with a variety of features. Inspecting each is a good way to ensure that a truck meets the needs of the station. The engine, wheels, hoses, ladders and hook ups should be looked at and tested. If any of those pieces of the truck aren’t in good working order, a station might be able to have the cost of the fire truck reduced. If not, it’s best to look for other options.

Who to Buy From

While some fire stations might sell their used fire trucks to another in a private sale, a better place to look is at a fire truck dealer, such as Firetrucks Unlimited. These locations typically sell new models, but often have used ones as well. This can save money by eliminating the middleman and ensure that a quality item can be found. At the same time, most fire truck dealers offer a wide variety of trucks, from aerials to ladder trucks to wild fire fighting vehicles. This makes it much more likely that a station can find the specific type of used fire truck they need to meet their needs.

Another used fire truck option is to look for a demo truck. Because they’ve been driven and operated in demonstrations, they are often reduced in price, even though they’re virtually new. That means good working parts, an undamaged exterior and interior and perhaps the latest model. All of the above recommendations are still important to consider even when buying a demo. It doesn’t make sense to purchase one, even if it’s a good deal, if the model and features don’t fit the current needs of a fire department.

Test drives are the ultimate way to find the right used fire truck. Most dealers allow department representatives to test out the trucks and make sure each equates to the specific requirements of the station. During a test drive, it’s easier to figure out if the specifications of the fire truck for sale will work with the needs of the department. If not, other fire trucks can be driven. If it does align with the what the station needs, it’s usually a simple process to write a check and take the fire truck back to the station.

Chrysler, General motors and Ford are the biggest auto makers in the United States and were largest in the world for a while.
Amongst these three auto makers of USA, the Chrysler and General Motors are still in the top five rankings. Toyota overtook the position of Ford in the year 2007 after Ford’s sales in North America rapidly went down. Since 56 years, Ford held the second rank in automobile manufacture.
The General Motors, Chrysler and Ford are often referred as the ‘The Big Three’ for being the largest automaker.
The Big Three is not just distinguished by their size or geography. The business model of these manufacturers also matters a lot.

Largest automakers in The United States

GENERAL MOTORS: the GM motors was found as a holding company for Buick, in Flint, Michigan by William C. Durant on September 16, 1908. By the turn of the 20^th century, there were around 8000 horse driven vehicles in America and Durant became a leading manufacturer.
General Motors, also known as GM is a multinational corporation of the United States. The GM manufactures markets and distributes vehicles, their spare parts along with sells financial services. The General Motor has its headquarters at Michigan, Detroit. The GM manufactures cars in 37 countries around the globe under ten brands, which include- GMC, Opel, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Holden, UzDaewoo Buick, Vauxhall, Wuling, Jie Fang and Baojun. The company has led the global vehicle sales for 77 years from 1931 to 2007. General Motors employs nearly 202,000 people. In the year 2009, GM sold around 6.5 million trucks and cars globally, which increased to 8.4 million in 2010.
Since the beginning of the 21^st century, the change in the annual sales of the company was less by 4%, which further decreased to 22% in the year 2008 and 30.1% in 2009.  The GM reported annual profits since 2010.  The company shed several brands like Pontaic, Saturn and Hummer in the year 2009,as the company approached bankruptcy.

Chrysler: headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, The Chrysler is a fully owned subsidiary of the famous automaker Fiat S.p.A of Italy. Chrysler Group LLC was found by Walter Chrysler in the year 1925.  The company expanded hugely in 1928 after it acquired the Dodge Brothers Company and the Fargo Truck Company. The Company began selling vehicles under those brands.
The company merged with the Daimler-Benz AG a German automaker, and formed the DaimlerChrysler. The merge turned to be disputable and Chrysler was sold to Cerberus Capital Management and was again renamed Chrysler LLC in 2007.
Though it is the smallest of the big three, Chrysler is the world’s 13^th largest automakers. The company is reported to have huge sales in 2010. The annual sale of the company was down by 6% from 2000 to 2003. Sales rate increased by 5% during 2004 to 2005.
However since 2006, the sales decreased rapidly until 2009.
The Chrysler has a catchy slogan: ‘Imported from Detroit’.

Ford Motor Company:  commonly known as Ford, this American Multinational company is headquartered in a suburb of Detroit- Dearborn, Michigan. The company was found by Henry Ford, on June 16, 1903. Automobiles and commercial vehicles manufactures by the company is sold under the brand Ford and luxury cars under the brand Lincoln. Ford owns the Brazilian SUV manufactures Troller and the high performance car manufacturer FPV.
The company earned a net profit of $6.6 billion in the year 2010 and reduced its debt.
Fords F-series was the best selling vehicle in the U.S. for 2010. Around 528,349 F-series trucks were sold by Ford, making progression in the sales rate by 27.7%.
Since 1908, Ford has manufactured numerous vehicles, which include trucks, buses, tractors, sports cars, touring cars, flexible fuel vehicles, Hybrid electric vehicles and much more.
The company also manufactures spare parts of the vehicles, which are available in the service centers and authorized shops. US-wide auto part store CarPartKings is the hub of various types of car spare parts. It provides you hassle free purchase along with free shipping facilities for online buyers.

According to the AA, brand new cars lose around forty per cent of their value in the first 12 months. You can avoid such a dramatic loss financially by opting to buy a used vehicle instead. However, there are some risks to be aware of so before you rush in to find a cheap Volvo in the paper, read through these tips that will ensure you buy with your head and not just your heart.

Be Aware of Buying from Private Sellers

If you want to buy a car from a private seller rather than through a dealership you must take extra care. There are certain problems that you’ll want to avoid, such as:

• Clocking – when the odometer is illegally turned back to make it appear as if the vehicle has driven less miles than it really has. Each time the mileage is reduced by 1000 the value increases.
• Car Cloning – a vehicle is given the identity of another one by switching the number plates.
• Cut and shut – when two cars that have been damaged in accidents are welded together to make a whole car. The put-together car will then be given the ID of one of the two cars used.

It’s better to avoid these issues entirely by either buying from a family member or a friend you can trust entirely, or buy using a used car dealership instead.

Buying Advice

When you decide to buy a used Volvo from a dealer or someone you trust entirely you still need to shop sensibly. Start off by working out your budget and decide how much money you can afford to borrow if you’re taking out a loan. It’s worth investigating the cost of the loans before you go to a dealership as you’ll then be able to compare the finance deals that may be available so you’re sure you’re getting a better deal.

Research Your Volvos

Always spend some time looking at the different models that are available. You need to find a car that will be suited to you and your general needs. Pick a car that will have the right size and have the appropriate number of doors, engine size and power. Once you know the model you want you can begin investigating the going rates for the various versions of that model to help you know what price you should expect to pay from a dealership. This will help you make sensible offers when working through the negotiation process.

Check the History of the Car

When you buy any used vehicle you should always look at the history of the car. The history should be consistent and include any details regarding persistent faults, the service record as well as the old MOT certificates. The V5C registration document is also essential as it will show you the past owners.

With these tips you can make sure you don’t make a rash decision when buying any used vehicle. Always do your maths, investigate the car, check the history and take the car on a test drive before you decide to buy.

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Buying any car is an expense most people can do without.  It’s one of the most expensive purchases you make and certainly one of the most expensive regular outgoings when it comes to insurance payments and petrol. Therefore before you spend any money it’s worth trying to work out how you can get the best value. The most obvious way to save money is to buy second hand, but is that the right choice for you?

Would You be Better off Buying a New Car?

Sitting in a brand new car is an exciting feeling. However, the costs and the drawbacks involved could make the exhilaration wear off quickly. There are of course benefits to be enjoyed when buying new:

• You have a full manufacturer’s warranty so if there are any faults with the car you can get them repaired without having to pay for them. The warranty on a new car lasts for around three years on average but there are some manufacturers that provide up to seven years warranty.
•  You can have it set up to your own specifications – so everything is just how you want it right down to the colour and the interiors.
• Sometimes new cars include special offers such as free insurance for a set period or interest free finance.

Disadvantages of Buying a New Vehicle

As with everything in life you will find some drawbacks when you buy a new car. The disadvantages include:

• The car will be expensive and you could save yourself a fortune buying the exact same model that has already had an owner.
• Within the first year the value of the car will drop significantly so buying a car is not a good investment of your money.
• You may have to wait a long time to have your car is ready for delivery or collection. It can take weeks or months before you’re able to drive it away.

Buying a Used Car, Is it Right for You?

If you’re interested in saving your money the used car option is a good choice. As with anything there are advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages are:

• It may not be in warranty (but some dealers provide their own warranty for a set period of time).
• You might not be able to buy a car with a special offer.
• You can’t pick the set specifications (for example you may not be able to have the exact colour you were hoping for).
• The car could be in poor condition – a risk that increases depending on where you buy the used car from (you can avoid this by only purchasing from respected businesses or dealers).

The Benefits of Buying a Used Car

• You can buy the make and model of the car you want for much less than the brand new version.
• You may even be able to stretch to a much better spec buying second hand than if you were buying brand new!

• You don’t need to worry about the depreciation of the vehicle as the biggest fall always happens in the first year.
• With respected dealers sourced on cars.co.za you could acquire a used car with a great deal on finance.

Cars.co.za provides excellent used cars and there are many benefits to be enjoyed when you purchase a second hand vehicle.

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Learning to drive is difficult but knowing how to drive safely is much harder. Learners and more experienced drivers alike benefit from an intense course of driving safety tips – including busting some myths about what it means to drive legally and securely, in order to avoid accidents and getting pulled over by the police.

1. It’s Illegal to Eat When Driving

False. You won’t be charged with anything if a police officer sees you eating when you’re behind the wheel so you don’t have to throw the bag of crisps into the back seat if you see a patrol car. However, you can be stopped for careless driving if your eating is distracting you and causing you to drive dangerously. It’s best to pull over if you are consuming more than a few bites.

2. Cars and Pedestrians Can’t Share the Same Space

False? Schemes abound in the UK where shared spaces are intended to reduce road accidents and improve driving safety. For example, a recent programme in Grimsby has made one of the busiest roads into a shared space where there is no clear distinction between the road and the pavement. Experts claim this encourages careful and less aggressive driving.

3. It’s Illegal to Drive Round a Roundabout More than Once

False. There is no law to support this myth. However, it could be considered careless driving if you were to aimlessly circle the roundabout not knowing where you were going. Plus, you can’t drive over a mini roundabout because you must treat it as if it were a larger roundabout.

4. You Cannot Drive Barefoot

False. However, it is not recommended to drive without any shoes as it can affect how well you drive – particularly how well you can use the brake pedal. The same goes for flip flops or heavy boots. It’s not illegal to drive in this footwear but be careful because it could get you into an accident.

5. You Can Have One Drink and Still Drive

False. The amount of alcohol you consume while still being safe to drive and under the legal limits depends on your weight, your age, your gender, your metabolism and so many other factors that it is certainly not safe to assume you can have a pint then get behind the wheel. Play it safe and avoid alcohol altogether if you are driving.

6. You Can Go 10 MPH over a Speed Limit

False. Speed cameras don’t have a 10mph tolerance, despite what many people believe. If you are going at 65mph in a 60 zone you can be stopped and then you may be prosecuted. Driving at even small amounts over the speed limit could still result in an accident that causes death or serious injury – speed limits are there for a reason – so don’t try to second-guess them.

If you are taking driving lessons, for example with systematicuk.co.uk, make sure you pay attention to the laws of the road and your instructor’s tips for safe driving as well as the methods for passing the test. Pretty soon you’ll be on your own, and knowing how to drive safely could save your life.

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Inch Feeler Gauge Set is important on the types of machinery ranging from cars to manufacturing equipment to easy household appliances. There are many types of gauges which might be while in the market, all with distinct uses and functions. If you are out shopping for custom gauges which you want for manufacturing or probably just DIY projects then it’s best that you simply find a reliable supplier who can offer you the gauges that you simply require. You’ll find specific considerations that you’ve to bear in mind just before picking a supplier for your custom gauges, and it is best that you don’t forget these ahead of determining.

Generally, gauge will be the phrase used to denote a typical kind of measurement referring to an object’s quantity, capability as well as its dimension. It might also refer for the instrument employed every time an item is becoming measured or examined. Gauge could be the basis for making an evaluation or estimation like a check. In mathematics, gauge, as being a notion, is applied when studying convex sets. In knitting, gauge would imply the fineness on the complete stitches made inside of a particular length on the material. In physics, it is part of the group forming the mathematical mappings generally known as the gauge transformation. In sailing or water transportation, nautical gauge signifies the distance of a boat relative to one more vessel including the wind element. In land transportation specifically in railroads, gauge refers to the length among any two rails.

Gauge frequently refers towards the measure from the thickness or even the diameter of an object. Below the wire gauge standard, gauge relates for the magnitude throughout the circle on the wire, or just its diameter. As being a medical phrase, gauge indicates the needle’s diameter with respect for the Gauge. In the science of metallurgy, it pertains towards the body comprising a metal sheet.

In engineering, gauges pertain to a variety of products that are utilized for measurement purposes. The list of types of gauge units include the strain gauge, the temperature gauge, the wire gauge, the bore gauge, the feeler gauge, the radius gauge, the thread pitch gauge, the strain gauge, the Venire height gauge along with the gauge blocks, between other folks.

Dealing with a car dealership can be a frightening experience, especially if you’re buying a new or used car for the first time. The expense involved is one of the reasons why it’s so nerve-wracking but it’s also scary simply because there is always some haggling involved. If you’re not looking forward to dealing with the salesperson we have a number of useful tips you can use to ensure you get the best deal possible.

Keep Your Budget to Yourself

It’s never a good idea to disclose your budget to the car dealer, but they will ask you for it to try and work out how much they’re going to be able to get from you. Often they will try and increase your monthly cost slightly so the best way to deal with this is by keeping your monthly allowance for your car to yourself. Instead of handing out your financial information it’s better to say that you’re not sure and that you would like to be shown some of the best prices and best deals available. Take a notebook with you to write down what they’re telling you as this can unnerve the salesperson slightly, giving you some of the power in the conversation.

Consider Choosing a Less Popular Vehicle

If you choose the hot car of the moment it’s going to be much harder to bargain with the salesperson. They know the car will sell to someone else if you don’t buy it so they’re more likely to charge you the premium rate. It’s better to choose a car that isn’t as popular. They’re harder to shift and often sit on the forecourt for much longer, losing the car dealership money.  It’s worth knowing which vehicles are soon to be replaced with newer versions and models too. They will probably have great deals available so the dealership is able to shift them in time for the new arrivals.

Don’t be a Pushover

The hardest part of buying a car is the negotiation. Don’t be a pushover, you’ll need to stand firm and play your moves confidently to secure the good deal. The dealer may try to persuade you to buy there and then which is often a mistake. You should always obtain a quote and go away to do your calculations once more to ensure you can afford the deal. If they tell you it’s a one-time only deal, stand firm and inform the salesperson that you haven’t brought your wallet with you.

Be a Great Customer

The final tip is to remember that although it’s important to be firm and tough you do need to remain polite and friendly at the same time. Car dealers are more likely to give you a better deal if they like you. Listen to their advice and guidance, engage them in small talk and show your appreciation for their time and effort too. Remember they have a job to do but they will also want to ensure that you walk away feeling happy with the outcome.

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Remember how it felt to buy your first-ever car? That proud, pleased feeling probably lasted a long time and you got plenty of good use out of your first auto. But now you’ve fallen out of love with your car and it’s time to trade it in for something better. Selling a car seems complicated when you’ve never done it before. If it’s your first time selling a car, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions. Don’t panic – selling is simple when you go about it the right way. Here are the answers to a few key queries which will soon put you on your way to buying an all-improved model.

1. Where Do I Begin?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when confronted with a car you no longer want, but can’t figure out how to get rid of – at the right price. The first thing to do is get an idea of how much your car is actually worth and only then can you tell if you are being offered a fair price for your motor or if someone is ripping you off. You can find information online about the different makes and models, plus valuations. In addition, make use of a simple service where you input your car’s information into an online car marketplace and receive a free, no-obligation price for your car.

2. I Owe Money on a Car Finance Plan – Can I Sell It?

Yes, you will be able to sell your car if you still have an outstanding finance agreement. In many cases the buyer will take on the finance agreement on receipt of a settlement letter. You then knock the outstanding balance from the price of the car.

3. How Do I Avoid Getting Ripped Off?

It’s easy to fall victim to a scam but it helps if you do your research first and never sell to someone you don’t trust – putting in place some key safety considerations goes a long way to making sure you don’t end up in an empty car park with your car 100 miles away. For example, never give a stranger your car keys and only release the car once payment has gone through. Alternatively, you can use an online marketplace where you are guaranteed a fair price and to be paid on time.

4. My Car Doesn’t Even Run Anymore – Will Anyone Want It?

You may be throwing your arms in the air, crying, “How on earth am I going to sell my car when it looks like it’s been driven to the end of the earth and back?” Your car may even be off-the-road and you don’t want to pay to repair it. Is it worth selling your car in this state? Will you be able to find a buyer? Don’t tow your once-beloved auto to the scrap yard just yet. For everything there is a buyer. Plenty of people want a car for parts or as a renovation project. Valuing the car takes into account the state of the car. Always be honest about the condition your car is in and you’ll find an interested buyer.

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