First Nissan Leaf Delivered Today.

Sometime today, a car dealer in Petaluma, California, will hand Mr. Chalouhi ( remember?) the keys to his new Nissan Leaf, and the young Silicon Valley tech-exec will drive off the lot and into our collective auto future.
His new car is the first all-electric Nissan Leaf sold — and delivered — in the United States.
It’s not, of course, the first EV on the streets.
The Tesla Roadster has been out for some time. And there are other limited production EVs around. What makes this different is the numbers. By the end of 2011, Nissan plans on putting 50,000 Leafs on the American road. Another number: including rebates and tax credits, the basic Leaf costs just $20,280.
Investors hope that this kind of large scale roll-out for an affordable all-electric vehicle will make a C-change (c = charging station) in the automotive world. Having test-driven the Leaf (next week I’ll get behind the wheel of a Tesla Roadster), I’d have to agree. It may not be able to beat the Tesla’s zero-to-sixty time (a phenomenal 3.7 seconds) but it’s a practical, well-handling, fun-to-drive family car.
And — drum-roll, please — it doesn’t use gasoline.
When Chalouhi leaves the dealership he may not notice a familiar building on the corner to the west. Then again, it won’t matter to him. It’s a Chevron station. You know, a “gas station.” The kind of place Chalouhi may never have to visit again.

Source: http://www.blogs.forbes.com/
Written by Osha Gray Davidson

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Eco-Friendly Cars.

         If you’ve spent the last several years riding a bike, taking public transportation, and getting by like the Flintstones (with the courtesy of your two feet), then perhaps you’ll be happy to hear that there are a number of environmentally (and economically) sound options when it comes to purchasing a personal vehicle. And unless you enjoy playing the guessing game when it comes to the sticky substance you just sat in on the bus, or fending off crazies and panhandlers on the subway, you may be thanking your lucky stars that there are now affordable options when it comes to hybrid and electric vehicles. Here are just a few that you may want to check out if you’re looking to do your part for the planet but you’re fed up with alternate forms of transportation.

1.Honda Insight. Slightly smaller and less expensive than the Civic hybrid, this vehicle is a wallet-friendly option for the couple (or single) looking to go green with their mode of transportation. With mileage coming in at a respectable 40 mpg city and 43 highway and a base price of around $20,000, this could just be one of the best deals on a new hybrid you’re bound to find.

2.Toyota Prius. Now in its third generation, one of the cars that kicked off the hybrid craze is better than ever after a very embarrassing couple of years for the company that produces it. With superb fuel economy (around 50 mpg), a truly affordable price (starting at $22,000), and an almost certain guarantee of safety (here’s hoping Toyota won’t repeat their past mistakes), you really can’t go wrong with this well-received vehicle.

3.Ford Escape Hybrid. We can’t all drive economy-size cars. For those of us with kids, dogs, and a bag full of soccer balls there’s another option. This hybrid SUV won’t give you the same fuel economy of smaller cars, but it delivers a decent leg up on the regular fare with 34 mpg city. And since it’s priced at just over $30,000 starting, it’s not beyond the means of anyone who was considering an SUV anyway.

4.Lexus HS. Lexus is a brand that has become synonymous with luxury, style, and safety, so it’s no surprise that their next step forward would be one of social consciousness. The hybrid engine gets 35 mpg, which is pretty good for a sedan (and makes it the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle currently on the market). It’s also ridiculously smooth, so even at a higher price point than some, it’s worth every penny.

5.Chevrolet Volt 230. There’s no doubt that this car is the culmination of many years of trials and tribulations by hybrid car makers. It can travel 40 miles on electricity alone and it gets an incredible 230 mpg elsewhere. Hard to believe, but that is their claim. It will cost you in the neighborhood of $40,000, but considering how much you’ll save on gas, it may be worth it.

BONUS: Tesla Roadster 2.5. Sadly, this gorgeous vehicle is out of the price range for most of us (starting at just over $100,000). But for those who can swing it, this may be the best fully electric vehicle on the market. With an estimated range of 245 per charge, you could just about make it from L.A. to Vegas without stopping (you’d miss it by about 25 miles). And it doesn’t hurt that speed tests clock this car’s 0-60 at 3.7 seconds. Beyond that, it’s just your average, run-of-the-mill sports car (as if anyone believes that!). But if you’re looking for a supremely stylish way to go green, Tesla delivers in spades.

Sarah Danielson writes for Cheaper Car Insurance where you can compare rates and the find the best deals on auto insurance.

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Mercedes Benz

Dealer's Rep wanted.
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