Knowing When To Hit Send

As the summer holidays approach, more glasses of beer and wine are poured, more cocktails are shaken and stirred, and more people are deciding whether or not to get behind the wheel after drinking.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. Picture 10 of your closest loved ones. What can you do as a mother, father, brother, sister or friend to protect them?

There’s no excuse for driving drunk. In one year, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics–and those were the ones who got caught. Think of the ones who slipped under the radar and made it home safely. How long will their “luck” hold out?

If you’re drinking you have a responsibility to not drive, and to prevent others who are drinking with you from getting behind the wheel. Even drivers with breath alcohol concentrations below the legal limit are responsible for thousands of fatalities each year. So be the voice of reason and plan ahead:

• Designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
• Take the keys. Don’t let a friend drive drunk.
• Be an awesome host this summer. Remind your guests to designate their sober driver, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all of you guests leave with a sober driver.

But what can you do if you’re not on the scene? As a mother or father you probably don’t gallivant around the town with your children as their designated driver (unless of course they are too young to drive!). Your adult children might not even live in the same town and you wouldn’t be able to pick them up and give them a safe ride even if you could. Maybe you’ve spent a sleepless night (or 10) worried about how a loved one, out for a night on the town, would get home safely.

You have to be the voice of reason even if you’re not physically present. You might say: “There’s nothing I can do if I’m not there.” But with the “Your Designated Driver On Me” program there’s now a simple solution.

Using innovative phone payment technology, you can easily take away any excuse a loved-one may have for driving drunk. All you have to do is provide the funds for a cab ride home in advance or send the funds by mobile phone when needed to your loved one’s reusable card. They’ll instantly have a way to get home safely. Have you ever tried to bail someone out of jail with a cell phone? You can’t. But now you can prevent them from going to jail in the first place.

You deserve a good night’s sleep knowing your loved ones are safe from a totally preventable, expensive, embarrassing and deadly tragedy. “Your Designated Driver On Me” is a simple solution for protecting everyone.

8 Ways to Declare Your Energy Independence

The summer months are upon us. For most American families this means family vacations, summer sports leagues and barbeques in the back yard are in full swing. However, with high gas prices, many families are being forced to cut back on some of these activities. In fact, the latest trend is “staycations,” or vacations taken in your hometown or nearby. There is relief on the horizon though, if Americans are willing to fight for it! Did you know America’s current domestic gasoline production is enough to supply the country’s gasoline needs for 149 days? That number increases to 186 days if Americans increase the use of biofuels and practice simple conservation strategies. Exactly how many days is 186 days? January 1, 2009 to July 4, 2009, that’s half of the year! As America’s families pinch their pennies to enjoy their summers, we are issuing a call for unity in the fight to gain our Energy Independence. First, let’s talk about renewable energy and bio-fuels. Last year, just seven percent of the U.S. energy supply was from clean and renewable domestic sources such as solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, biofuels and wind energy. Just seven percent? That doesn’t seem like much does it? Now, what can you do to help? Next time you go to buy a car, truck or SUV, consider buying a hybrid or flex-fuel vehicle. You can also practice fuel conservation. Here are some suggestions:

Add it all up, and our country could fuel itself from January 1, 2009, until July 4, 2009 — more than half the year. With all this talk about dependence on foreign oil, isn’t it nice to know that we could potentially fuel our own country for seven months! And with advancements and current research in the renewable fuels arena that number could expand much further. Want to do you part in fighting foreign oil? Sign the online petition in support of declaring our Energy independence today.

Increasing Focus Of Oems On Used Car Segment Is Driving The Market In India

Used Car Market in India 2010
 
 Demand for used cars is rising with the middle income group aspiring to own cars. This has lead many OEMs to enter the used car market, giving it an organized outlook. Many luxury car manufacturers are also entering the market while existing players in the market are expanding their number of used car outlets. The middle income group aspiring to possess a car along with the entry of OEM in used car market has lead to a huge demand for used cars. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=134457&rt=Used-Car-Market-in-India-2010.html )
 
 The report begins with an insight into the sales of used cars (in volumes) and its growth, comparison of ratio of used car sales to new cars in India and the rest of the world and the sales of new cars vs. old cars through the years. This is followed by a description and the share of the various segments in the market.
 
 An analysis of the drivers highlights growth factors such as growth of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in used car market, favourable demographics, changing lifestyles and consumer preferences, easier availability of loans and online portals increasing awareness among consumers. The key challenges identified include the launch of less costly cars in new car segment, limited choice and used car buyers incurring extra costs and hassle of checking various documents.
 
 Competition section provides a snapshot of the players in the market including information regarding their launch, business highlights and financials, expansion plans providing an idea of the existing competitive scenario.
 
 To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit : http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=134457&rt=Used-Car-Market-in-India-2010.html
 
 Or
 
 Contact us at :
 
 Bharat Book Bureau
 Tel: +91 22 27578668
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10 Important Things About Repossessed (Repo) Car Auctions You Must Know !

Question: Are Repossessed Car Auctions a new thing ?

Repossessed or Repo Car Auctions have been in existence for some time. It is only since the internet has become popular, that ordinary people are finding out about them.

Question: How did it come about ?

Seized Vehicles are now a fact of life. A company may default on its Fleet lease payments; an individual may be unable to maintain monthly payments; Government Agencies may seize vehicles purchased with proceeds of crime, etc. These Organizations reclaim the vehicles then sell them to help recover the debt.

Question: Do many people know about Repossessed Car Auctions ?

Dealers have known about this lucrative source of cheap vehicles for some time. Some have formed close relationships with those organizations that repossess the vehicles and can enable a quick sale. The general public is slowly becoming aware.

Question: How do you find out about them ?

Sometimes the schedule of events are published in the newspaper, usually under the Public Notices section. Some are promoted to Licensed Dealers only. The internet is also a good source.

Question: Why don?€™t those that seize the vehicles offer them directly to the public ?

Those that seize vehicles are not car Dealers and do not have the infrastructure in place to handle the sales. Just the cost of storage can be very high. Auction Car Sale outlets have systems in place to handle the volumes.

Question: Do the autos come with a Warranty ?

Usually the vehicles are sold on an “As Inspected” basis. Some outlets do offer warranties or inspections for a fee.

Question: Can I take the Car for a test drive ?

The cars can be inspected prior to the auction and it is best to take someone to do this with you, if you are not qualified. They do not allow test drives but the vehicles can usually be started up.

Question: What costs are involved ?

Usually the final sale price and small registration fee, plus any warranty you may choose.

Question: Do I need to physically be there ?

Not always. A number of Repossessed Car Auction outlets provide a facility where you can bid remotely or advise the maximum you wish to go to.

Question: Why aren’t more people using Auctions to buy an auto ?

The majority of car buyers find it hard to change their buying habits. Provided you do your homework and research well you will get a great deal.

Happy Motoring..!!

More coming soon from the Auto Auctions Guy…