The stepping shift away from pickup trucks and sport-utility automobiles power-driven by eight-cylinder engines is a little bit hard one for U.S. auto manufacturers, but a trend in buyers insist, is assisting them gets improved pricing on the smaller automobiles they recently put up for sale.

Small-vehicle shoppers, who are selecting for gas-sipping four-cylinder vehicles along with record-high fuel costs, aren't economical when it comes to expensive car comforts such as leather seats, sunroofs, navigation systems and new state-of-the-art automotive machinery. Therefore, purchase prices on most small cars are really increasing by $2,000 to $3,000 as downsizing affluent clientele as well as tech-savvy newbie shoppers are joining up rich choices packages through their smaller options.

The usnews.rankingsandreviews.com made reviews and ranked the most affordable cars and top of the list is the 2008 Honda Civic that holds up in a sibling competition with the model of 2008 Honda Fit. The Civic embraces an edge in security, safety plus exterior appearance, as the same time the Honda Fit designs adaptable cabin gets a better option for some consumers.  A few has modified in the Civic for 2008. 

Mr. De La Garza, Marketing Director of Ford Focus recommends a features on most of their small cars now that they rarely, if ever presented in the past years. He also said that the auto manufacturer estimated 20% of Ford Focus sales in 2008 to be high-end reproductions that put up for sale going almost $ 17,000 and now coming to 30%.

Presently, Ford has on mind to increase its existence in the high-end small-car section by presenting a deluxe, SEL package. It will mark exterior chrome, leather, Sync technology, 16-inch wheels and ambient lights. The value is $17,750. There are also small cars that increase their prices like the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Malibu, and other models of Mercedes Benz.

Amidst the prevalent effects of climate change in the entire planet, Asian automakers continue to prove its commitment to help save the environment by producing environment-friendly cars. 

Aside from the popular green car Prius made by Japanese automaker Toyota, the 2008 Sonata, produced by Korean automaker Hyundai, has recently been recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as one of the "Greener Choices for 2008."

According to AutoChannel, the 2008 Hyundai Sonata got a green score of 39 out of 100 based form test results on fuel economy and emissions, provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency along with the California Air Resources Board and from reports made by automakers.  This declared  the Sonata as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), a title given to vehicles that deliver up to 30 mpg.   

According to Hyundai Motor America Vice President of Strategic Planning and Product Development John Krafcik, they consider the award as a recognition of Hyundai's environmental commitment.  He added that Hyundai's environmental sensitivity, together with its cutting-edge quality and safety, is  already a convincing argument that wins the consumers' choice.   

The Hyundai Sonata ranked 6th among the 12 vehicles that reached ACEE's' green scores.  On top of the Greener Choices 2008 list was the Toyota Prius, followed by the Honda Civic Hybrid, Smart Fortwo Convertible and Coupe, Honda Fit, as well as the Ford Hybrid. The Subaru Outback Wagon, Nissan Rogue,  Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sienna, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid C1500 and the Nissan Frontier also made it to the list which will be published in the ACEEE's Green Book Online, which serves as guide to consumers in buying eco-friendly vehicles. 

ACEEE is a non-profit organization advocating energy-efficiency through promoton of economic prosperity and environmental protection.

I bet no one would dare argue with me that A in AAA Michigan could possibly mean triple A-ssistance (just  a wild guess, actually).  AAA stands for the American Automobile Association, a federation of automobile clubs aimed at providing emergency road services such as auto buying, repair and others. They receive about 2, 624 calls requesting for, you said it right, assistance - particularly from stranded motorists.

So yesterday, at Autochannel, AAA gave some tips to car owners on how to keep their vehicles on the road amidst the cold weather.  First, AAA advised that the car battery's strength must be checked because faulty batteries are a major cause of car starting problems.  Second, they suggest that cars be parked in the garage to protect it from strong winds.  A tarp or plastic trash bag can be good alternatives too. 

Also, it would be best if the fuel tank be kept at least half-full to prevent fuel-line from solidifying.  In addition, nothing beats being prepared, so buy a lubricant in any auto supply stores to evade frozen door locks.  In case it does, heat the key using a pocket lighter or hold a jug containing hot water against the door panel. 

Finally, AAA reminded stranded motorists to stay with their vehicles since it makes a good shelter from the cold (As if you have a choice).

"Starting the engine can help to keep warm and make sure the exhaust pipe is snow free," AAA said. 

For easy location, it is imperative that cellphones be brought always in the car along with emergency supplies like boots, hats, blankets and other equipment need to fight the cold.

By following these tips from AAA, you're simply applying the concept, "Expect the best but prepare for the worst."

I bet, you agree with me.

Amid the economic crisis it's going through from the previous year up until now, the Ford Motor Company never ceases to share its blessings with those whom the company believes are more broke than they are.  

Reports from The Auto Channel said that through the Ford Motor Company Fund as lead sponsor for the Annual Dinner of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of the 39 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the United States that is committed to a cancer-free future, the Institute was able to raise about $930,400 that helped support 6,000 new cancer patients who live with an annual budget of $216 million.  

"We are pleased to continue Ford's legacy of partnering with the Karmanos Cancer Institute in helping to provide needed care for cancer patients and their families.  It's through partnerships like this that we're able to help make our communities better places to work and live," said Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services President Jim Vella.  

Among Ford's community initiatives are the Silk Road Project, Ford Education center at Gettysburg, Habitat for Humanity, Volvo Encourages Student Leaders, Addressing HIV/AIDS and others.  

This year's dinner, the 26th since the Institute's foundation in 1982, will be held on May 17.   

Ford, the world's third largest automaker, next to General Motors and Toyota reported a net loss of $2.75 billion last year while restructuring its operations to regain profits in the auto market.  

According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 40,910 Americans died of breast cancer last year while there are about 180,510 new cases that occurred on the same year. Breast cancer is the cancer that develops in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts and lobules.  It is the fifth most common cancer death worldwide.  According to wikipedia, women in the US have a 1 in 33 chance of breast cancer causing their death.  

Motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of death for teenagers ranging from ages 15 to 21 in the United States. But someone has stepped up to reduce these types of cases and save lives through his ground-breaking driver's education program! Jeff Payne, a Las Vegas native, educates youth how to prevent vehicle collisions and drive carefully. The program is called "Driver's Edge," which effectively kept thousands of young adults unharmed on the streets. Today, Jeff Payne has been recognized as one of the country's top 40 heroes and is a great contender to win "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards

"My goal for Driver's Edge is to continue expanding and teaching teenagers' life-saving driving techniques, but Edge is not about individual achievement. Edge is a team effort; our success simply wouldn't be possible without the help of our dedicated professional instructors, our partners and sponsors, and the willingness of young adults and parents nationwide to take a stand against the number one killer of America's youth. A Volvo for life Award would give the program an incredible boost and opportunity to reach our goal," says Jeff Payne.