The skyrocketing cost of gas is forcing more people to consider buying used cars, even if they recently bought a new car.

Many drivers are keeping their SUV in the driveway and buying fuel efficient used cars from the 80s and 90s.

Rolling off the lot used to mean you were losing money, but drivers now-a-days are intentionally buying used.  They’re looking for a depreciated, older model to pay less upfront and get more miles per gallon.

“I live north of the river in Missouri and I work down in Lenexa,” Matthew Bitner said.  “So that 30 miles a day is now a gallon, which used to be four gallons of gas.”

Bitner traded his Kia minivan in for a Honda CRV, saving him a lot of money.

“Its a 50 percent savings, my car insurance went down because it’s not a minivan, my fuel went down, everything went down.”

At O’Neill Nissan, salesmen said used Hondas won’t stay on the lot long.  In some parts of town, there’s an eight week wait for a used Civic.  It’s up to eight months for a new one.

“Hondas, Toyotas, Civics and Accords are prime,” Country Hill Motors salesman Bob Worley said.

Worley said he is seeing a change in what his customers want.  Instead of good financing on the latest 2009s, drivers are looking to pay cash and leave with a car that is more than five years old.

“Cars that used to be bought for students are being bought for people to commute back and forth to work,” Worley said.

Worley said many drivers are buying used cars without trading in since they know their SUVs have lost value.  Drivers said it’s all about making their money work for them right now.

“I know everybody is looking for a deal and more importantly the gas mileage,” Bitner said.

Many buyers said they are going used instead of buying a $20,000 hybrid since they’ll get the same miles per gallon.

Car makers General Motors (GM) and Ford have reported strong growth in the first half of this year in China, the world’s second largest vehicle market after the US, despite auto sales downturn in their home market.

The US’ largest automaker GM, said it sold 590,126 vehicles in the first six months, posting a 12.7 per cent rise over the same period a year earlier.

Ford said its sales rose 21 per cent from the year earlier period to 172,411 units. This included passenger cars produced by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. Ltd., a joint venture of Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd, a Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Company, which rose 25 per cent to 116,903 units.

Ford’s China sales grew a robust 30 per cent last year but the 21 per cent rise is still much stronger than in North America where there is a downturn for automakers.

Kevin E Wale, President of GM China, said the company’s multi-brand strategy was taking effect with new models of brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and Wuling receiving good “feedback” from Chinese consumers, official Xinhua news agency said.

Major US, European and Asian automakers have been investing heavily and competing aggressively in China, where sales are expanding at double-digit rates.

The soaring international oil prices have not had much impact on auto sales in China where the fuel prices are government regulated and kept at lower levels.

Japan’s Honda Motor (China) Investment Co. Ltd, said its sales in China rose 21.3 percent year-on-year to 186,991 vehicles during the first half of 2008.

The growth rate exceeded that in its home market and other overseas markets. In the first six months, Honda’s sales shrank in Japan and grew merely 4.1 per cent in the United States - its biggest overseas market.

Despite the mounting production cost and rising oil prices, the Chinese auto market would continue booming, Zhu Linjie, an official with the Honda China company was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

He said Honda was expecting 20 per cent annual sales growth this year in China - its fastest growing market worldwide.

Now this is a fantastic idea.

Mean and green, that’s how I like it, and this car delivers.

Called the Scorpion, it is a car made by the Ronn Motor Company (RMC), and it is scheduled to be in production this fall— around October or so. Visually, it is a stunning car with the looks to compete with any exotic, but it’s the mechanics that are the real beauty.

This is proof that environmentally friendly cars don’t have to be slow and ugly. This car is a hybrid, but more than that, it runs on hydrogen. Actually, it runs on a 30-40% hydrogen/gasoline blend, but the important thing is the system used by RMC.

Most hydrogen cars use fuel cells, a fantastic but costly system that should be further explored. In this method, hydrogen goes to the fuel cell, where it is electrochemically converted to electricity, which then powers the car. This system should be seriously looked into, as it is the perfect system—no complicated moving parts, no combustion, hydrogen is eternally renewable, and the only emissions are water vapor.

The Scorpion, however, runs on a less attractive but fantastic nonetheless hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) system. This system is much like modified gas engine, only it uses gaseous hydrogen rather than liquid gas. Since the hydrogen is mixed with gasoline, it means there is combustion involved, but there are almost no emissions, due to the fact that there is no carbon in hydrogen. The hydrogen is provided via the Scorpion’s hydrogen on demand system, which uses dual computer processing controls to deliver the good stuff in real time, and it is then blended with gasoline.

Performance numbers are enticing— over 200 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, yep, there’s no doubt that this is indeed a supercar. Anticipated horsepower is 450, nothing to sniff at, as well as 302 pound-feet of torque. However, these numbers aren’t concrete, the official details have not been out yet.

The look of the car itself is fantastic, with its menacing, snake-like front, beautiful curves, and of course, the air scoop along the side. Chromed skirt edges are a nice touch, though they might disappear for the production model. It is sensual, curvacious, and oh-so-sexy. All in all, a smooth, clean, and simple but good-looking green supercar.

So basically, put it all together and you get over 40 mpg, no emissions, and one hell of a sexy ride. I wish it got more mpg, but considering what it has already accomplished, it’s a win-win. And you can’t go wrong with that.

Specs

Price: $150,000 (estimate)

Engine: 3.5 liter V-6

Top Speed: 200+ mph

Horsepower: 450

Torque: 302 lb-ft.

0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

Mileage: 40+ mpg

Brabus offers its 6.1 S displacement engine for SLK55 AMG. It has a power output of 438 hp and produces a peak torque of 468 lb. per ft. It reaches 0 to 60 mph at 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 191 mph.

The installation of the Brabus stainless steel sport exhaust system is helpful not only for tuned engines. Its four chrome plated tail pipes give the 2008 Brabus SLK55 AMG a more unique appearance and produce an even more sonorous exhaust sound on all SLK engines.

The striking Brabus front spoiler lowers lift on the front axle at high speeds. The rear of the SLK is upgraded by the Brabus apron with cut outs for the quad sport exhaust and the understated Brabus spoiler lip on the trunk lid. Brabus light alloy wheels are available for the Mercedes SLK in one piece or multi piece designs with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches.

The available Brabus suspension modifications for the SLK are specifically calibrated to the use with sporty wide tires. Engine specific Brabus sport springs lower the ride height of the roadster by 30 millimeters. Brabus sport suspensions combine this lowered center of gravity with a stronger and comfortable damper setup. To reduce body roll even more in fast corners Brabus offers stronger sway bars.

Brabus also offers various versions of high performance brake systems for the new SLK. The largest version features six piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355 mm (14 inches) vented and slotted discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 300 mm (11.8 inches) discs and four piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex steel brake lines ensure continuous high brake pressure.

The government is believed to be considering decontrolling petrol prices, a move that may see rates being hiked by Rs 16-17 a litre, but diesel will continue to be sold at a subsidised price.

The relentless rise in international oil prices that last week touched an all time high of $135 a barrel has forced the government to mull options to save state-run firms, which expect a revenue loss of Rs 200,000 crore (Rs 2000 billion) this fiscal on sale of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene.

“One of the options being considered is deregulating petrol prices,” an official said. “The country’s preferred auto fuel diesel will, however, continue to be subsidised even though a marginal Rs 2-3 a litre hike in prices may be announced.”

Petrol is currently being sold at a loss of Rs 16.34 a litre and diesel at Rs 23.49 per litre. Deregulating petrol price would mean that its prices would move in tandem with international prices.

He said the move is being considered after Finance Ministry declined Petroleum Ministry’s request for lowering customs duty on crude oil to zero from 5 per cent and that on petrol and diesel to 2.5 per cent from current 7.5 per cent.

The oil ministry had also asked for lowering of excise duty on the two fuels but Finance Ministry is not obliging.

Petrol has negligible impact on inflation and so even if it is deregulated it would not contribute the 3-and-half year high inflation rate of over 8 per cent, he said.

Diesel on the other hand is used by transport industry and replicating the same for the fuel would have cascading effect on inflation.

However, deregulating petrol would lower the revenue losses by just Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion). Half of the current estimates are on account of diesel rates.

If you want to sell your car, you need to know a few things before doing so. Here are tips on how you can sell your car the best way.

- There are different ways you can sell your car. You can go through a dealership or you can sell it yourself. It is more convenient when you sell your car to a dealer, but your car may be priced below what you anticipate. On the other hand, you can get a better price if you sell it yourself, but it will take much of your time and effort.

Whether you decide to enter to a dealership or sell your car by yourself, you need to know the market. Research how your type of car sells today and look for what other buyers at looking to buy. This way you can price of your car accordingly. You should highlight the features that your car has in order to match the desired market.

Choose how you will advertise your car. You can simply put a CAR FOR SALE sign on it so that every where you go you advertise it, or you can be more serious about marketing and place an advertisement online or inn the classified ads of your local newspaper.

If you decide to place an ad in the classifieds or on the net, provide a photo of your car to make it more appealing to buyers -so get out your camera and take pictures of your car!

Use unforgettable statements to give your car “charm”. Match these comments with your markets needs; highlight the excellent features so that they can be easily noticed.

Assess your vehicle and price it reasonably. As mentioned make a research on how cars sell are selling. If you price your car too high, chances are you will lose the sale. However, by putting a very low price on it will you will incur a loss.

Set up your car for the show. Your car is the star of the show, so it should be in tip top shape. Take the necessary measures to entice buyer have the engine tuned-up so it runs well.

Keep a record of all the services and repairs of your vehicle. Some buyers also look at these records to determine how well the car was maintained. These records also tell if the car is in good condition.

RIA Novosti cited Ms Valentina Matvienko governor of St Petersburg, when delivering the annual address to the Legislative Assembly of the city, as saying that General Motors will launch its new plant at St Petersburg on November 5th 2008.

Ms Valentina Matvienko said “The second automobile plant of General Motors will be launched on November 5th 2008 and that laying the foundation stone of Hyundai has been slated for June when St Petersburg hosts the Economic Forum.”

The report added that General Motors, will launch in St. Petersburg the plant worth roughly USD 300 million with the annual capacity of 70,000 cars. Captiva off highway vehicles are amid the models to be made by GM in that city of Russia.

General Motors is represented in Russia already. The company has a joint venture with local automobile giant AvtoVAZ. GM-AvtoVAZ was set into motion September 2002 and it currently makes Chevrolet Niva off highway vehicles and Chevrolet Viva cars.

Toyota through its sole agent PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) won 33.25 percent of car sales in Indonesia in the first quarter of 2008, the company`s president director Johnny Darmawan said here on Monday.

In the first quarter of this year the total car sales in Indonesia were recorded at 135,607 units or an increase by 60.8 percent if compared with the same period a year earlier.

Johnny said that Toyota led the market for all non-commercial vehicle (non-passenger) types such as sedan cars, multifarious vehicle (MPV) and sport vehicles (SUV).

“In the first quarter, we succeeded not only in maintaining our position as a market leader but also in leading all market segments for non-commercial vehicles,” he said.

On the sedan car segment, TAM controlled 41 percent of the sales with 3,548 units while on the 4×2 segment Toyota car was leading with a sale of 37,306 units or 43.1 percent, he said.

The same was also true to the 4×4 market segment, Toyota was leading with a market sale of over 40 percent.

In the first quarter of 2008, Toyota`s sales for Vios and Limo cars which were included in the mini-sedan segment reached 1,410 units (28.6 percent) and 545 units (11 percent) respectively.

The sales of Corolla and Camry which were included in the middle sedan car segment were recorded at 827 units (47.2 percent) and 763 units (46.7 percent).

“TAM`s sales of sedan cars increased 308 percent compared with those in the corresponding period last year. The increase exceeded the national sedan car sales level which rose 177.3 percent,” Johnny said.

The sales of Toyota sedans were ranked first with a market share of 41 percent, followed by Honda (31.8 percent) and Suzuki (14.3 percent).

In the 4×2 (MPV) segment, Toyota led the market with a controlled share of 43.1 percent, followed by Suzuki (15.5 percent) and Daihatsu (14.7 percent).

“In this segment, the highest sales remained with those of Avanza mini buses (16,158 units) and Kijang Innova (14,033 units). It was followed in the third place by Daihatsu Xenia with a sale of 7,778 units,” he added.

RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, will offer an exciting line-up of important Ferrari sports and racing cars when they return to Maranello, Italy on May 18th for the much-anticipated ‘Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione’ auction event. Headlining the list of significant consignments for the single-day event is a pair of rare and ultra-desirable California Spyders, a 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe Pinin Farina with celebrity provenance, and a 1951 Ferrari 340 America Coupé with a superlative racing history.

London, England (April 14, 2008) – Ferrari aficionados will have a rare opportunity to peruse and bid on some of the marque’s finest – and oldest – sports and racing cars next month when RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, returns to Maranello, Italy for their much-anticipated Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione auction event.

To be held May 18th at Maranello’s legendary Ferrari factory, the single-day event will present dozens of significant vintage Ferraris for auction, as well as a selection of newer Ferrari models, and items from one of the world’s most important Ferrari memorabilia collections, Jacques Swaters’ famed Ferrari Francorchamps Collection.

“Our upcoming Ferrari Leggenda e Passione auction is set to be a truly historic and international event, highlighting over 50 years of Ferrari history,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM’s European Operations.

“We have received tremendous early interest in the event and have secured a magnificent assortment of consignments, including some of the earliest Ferraris produced, making this a ‘must attend’ event for professional collectors and those with a predilection for the Ferrari marque,” he added.

Headlining the growing list of significant consignments are no less than two rare and ultra-desirable California Spyders – a magnificent 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder, (s/n 0923GT) and a stunning 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spyder (s/n 2377GT) with celebrity provenance. Completed on March 3, 1961, 2377GT was shipped to the US in the 1960s after being purchased by Academy Award winning actor, James Coburn, who shared a passion for Italian sports cars with close friend and fellow Ferrari enthusiast, the legendary Steve McQueen. Over the course of his 25-year ownership, Coburn was a regular sight in his Spyder, using it as a daily driver to and from the movie studios. Additionally, on weekends, he, along with McQueen and fellow actor James Garner, could often be found testing their driving abilities through the winding Hollywood hills. Throughout Coburn’s ownership, he repainted the vehicle three times, first in dark blue, followed by silver and finally burgundy; today the car appears in its original black and includes extensive documentation relating to its restoration and maintenance.

Another star attraction with celebrity provenance, and just confirmed for the May auction, is a fabulously restored 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe Pinin Farina (s/n 0265EU). Fitted with a prototype 3.0-litre 250 type V12 engine, this unique example was purchased new by renowned film director Roberto Rossellini and used on a road trip to Sweden by him and his wife, three-time Academy Award winning actress, Ingrid Bergman.

Also set to cross the block at the Maranello event is a legendary 1951 Ferrari 340 America Ghia Coupe, (s/n 0150A). Regarded as one of the rarest of all early racing Ferraris, this example was the last of four 340 Americas bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia, and the only one with a superlative racing history. Sold new in 1952 to noted Ferrari patron, Antonio “Tony” Paravano, the car was subsequently shipped to California before making its racing debut at Torrey Pines in July 1952, closely followed by an appearance at the grueling Carrera Panamericana in Mexico, where Jack and Ernie McAfee drove it to a respectable fifth place finish.

To coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Ferrari Daytona, the May event will also offer an ultra-collectible, award-winning 1971 Ferrari GTS/4 Daytona Spyder, a fully restored 1971 Daytona Coupe; and a totally original 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, with just one owner from new and 2,500 original miles.

The stock markets may have tanked, oil prices may have sky rocketed and interest rates may have gone up. But that has not stopped the common man from walking into a car dealership and driving home his set of dream wheels. Most car companies sold more cars in India during financial year 2007-08 than they have ever done before. And there’s one big reason for this: the onslaught of new models hitting Indian roads.

With more options on the table, customers have flocked to showrooms and the numbers tell the story. Maruti Suzuki rode strong with a 12% growth in sales. While small cars continued to dominate the company’s sales with a 13.4% growth, its brand new Maruti SX4 sedan helped it break the domination of Honda City in the mid-size sedan category.

And as a result, Honda, bound by capacity constraints for most part of the year, found it tough to keep up its sales during the year. But it was General Motors (GM) that recorded the highest growth in percentage terms. Again a new model the Chevrolet Spark coupled with some customer incentives and interesting variants garnered the numbers.

Next in line was Fiat, which saw a revival in sales thanks to its distribution tie-up with Tata Motors. But with just 3379 units sold over the year, the company still has a long way to go if it wants to make its presence felt. The newly launched diesel Palio with the 1.3 litre Multijet engine and the upcoming Linea and Grande Punto may just do the trick.

Another star attraction during the year was the Mahindra Renault Logan, an entry level sedan which gave the existing biggies a serious run for their money.

Perhaps the best validation of the fact that new model launches have driven sales comes from Tata Motors, which witnessed a decline in sales because it could not offer something new to its customer. During the year, company executives reiterated this lacuna, assuring customers that 2008 will be the year to watch out.

The refurbished portfolio includes the new Indica and the much-awaited Nano. Ford too had a similar story to tell. While there might be some sighs of relief in Dearborn, Michigan with the income of $2.3 billion from the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover, the falling sales in market like India must be a cause of worry.