USED CAR DEALER ARRESTED

Police Arrest Dealer for Not Paying Tax A former Florida used-car dealer has been arrested on charges that he stole more than $130,000 in sales tax he collected from customers, but failed to send in to the state. Biel Semexant, Jr., the former owner of Smart Carz, LLC, and Auction Access USA, was arrested by the Broward County Sheriff's Office on Dec. 4 on felony charges relating to theft of state funds, filing a false or fraudulent return, and failure to file six consecutive returns. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, as well as possible repayment of stolen tax, interest, penalty and investigative costs. Semexant's dealerships were located on North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. According to Florida Revenue Department investigators, Semexant collected tax from customers at both of his former dealerships. However, during various periods beginning in 2006 and lasting through periods in 2012, he failed to send in to the state all of the sales taxes that he had collected or file tax returns as required by law. Under state law, sales tax is the property of the state at the moment of collection.

3RD PARTIES INFLUENCE VEHICLE PURCHASE

eNews Frustrated Consumers Turn to Third Party Sites Consumers say they are turning to a variety of online and offline services to help them make their car-buying decisions because industry websites fail to satisfy their needs, a new global survey by Accenture reveals. The survey of 13,000 drivers in 11 countries found that consumers believe the car-buying process would be simpler and quicker if the content on auto industry websites was customized to be more relevant to their specific car-buying preferences and if the industry adopted such online innovations as web chat and mobile-enabled websites, which are used widely in other retailing sectors. Of the survey respondents who say they research their car purchases online before buying a vehicle, 78 percent visit at least six websites or more first, and 15 percent say they need to browse more than 20 websites to get the information they seek. In addition, 75 percent say they still turn to more traditional offline media for the information required to make a car-buying decision. More than three quarters (80 percent) of the respondents would like more intuitive, customized content made available to them, while 75 percent favor a process that will enable them to obtain more simplified information online. Nearly three quarters (73 percent) would like the comparison process simplified, and 68 percent would welcome the ability to chat online with a dealer. According to the survey, most respondents (88 percent) also want easier and clearer pricing to help expedite the car-buying process, while 77 percent want dealers to provide them with a simpler way to configure a vehicle. More than three quarters (76 percent) would like to have the ability to compare additional options with the same automaker's product line and 75 percent would welcome more mobile-enabled websites. Additionally, 74 percent desire better integration between dealer sites and inventory search functions. According to the survey, 82 percent of the respondents believe that better interactive digital marketing is a must for the auto industry, and 83 percent agree that improved digital media would significantly reduce the time needed to purchase a vehicle. In addition, over three quarters of consumers (76 percent) feel that the auto sector significantly lags other retail industries in the use of digital media tools such as video and 360-degree website tours. In terms of the major influencers that impact their car-buying decisions, survey respondents essentially gave equal weight across the board to manufacturer sites (53 percent), the recommendations of friends and colleagues (54 percent), social media (56 percent) and advice from family (59 percent).

BANKCARD CREDIT RATING IMPORTANT##

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a report on the consumer experience with the three largest nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax Information Services, LLC; Experian Information Solutions Inc.; and TransUnion LLC. Among the key takeaways in the report, which is one of the most comprehensive studies of credit reporting to date, are that credit card history dominates the information in consumer reports and that debt collection items generate the highest rate of disputes. The report is the result of the CFPB analyzing U.S. information from 2011, including information submitted by TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Credit reporting companies get their information from a variety of industries but more than half of the account information is supplied by credit card companies. Specifically, 40 percent comes from bank cards, such as general credit cards, and 18 percent comes from retail credit cards. Only 7 percent comes from mortgage lenders or servicers, and only 4 percent comes from auto lenders. In 2011, consumers reached out to the credit reporting companies roughly 8 million times, resulting in disputes of 32 to 38 million items in their credit files. Almost 40 percent of the disputes relate to debt in collections, and debt in collections is five times more likely to be disputed than mortgage information. According to the industry, some of this may have to do with consumers' incentive to dispute any negative information on their reports. The most effective way for consumers to identify errors in their reports is to obtain copies and review them. But only about 44 million consumers per year, or about one in five, obtain copies of their files. Most information contained in credit files comes from a small number of large banks and other financial institutions. In fact, the top 10 data furnishers provide 57 percent of the trade lines coming into the credit reporting companies. The top 50 furnishers provide 72 percent. And the top 100 furnishers provide 76 percent. The credit reporting companies resolve an average of 15 percent of consumer disputed items internally, without getting the data furnishers involved. The remaining 85 percent are passed on to the furnishers. The report, however, found that the documentation consumers mail in to support their cases may not be getting passed on to the data furnishers for them to properly investigate and report back to the credit reporting company. Recent Posts

#VETERAN CARSALESMEN MAKE MORE

Despite the fact that the new generation carsalesperson has access to social media more computer literate and better educated the old school method of carsales seem to equate to higher commissions. NADA University, the education and training arm of the National Automobile Dealers Association, has unveiled an all-new industry report covering car and truck dealership employee compensation, benefits, retention and turnover, and hours of operation and work schedules. The study included some findings about the used-car department. One is that there is a positive connection between years of tenure and increased new- and used-vehicle sales. Also, increasing dealership used-vehicle sales has a smaller impact on compensation than increasing new-vehicle sales. The new report presents an overall analysis of 2012 Dealership Workforce Study results with data for all regions of the U.S. The study, based on 350,000 payroll records submitted by nearly 2,500 dealerships, vastly improves and expands the former NADA biennial Compensation Study in a variety of ways, including: capturing enhanced and more timely data and trends on an annual basis; compiling data nationally, regionally and statewide; simplifying participation through a web-based portal; and offering separate individualized reports to participating dealerships so they can compare their numbers against data aggregated on a regional and national basis, as well as by state/metro area and franchise. Among other key findings in the Industry Report, based on 2011 data: Most key dealership positions emphasized in the report had higher individual average salaries than the median household income in their regions, and all exceeded the national average individual wage index. Job retention, turnover, and tenure were more favorable than the national norms in most key job categories analyzed. Turnover rates for sales consultants in a number of regions were close to, or exceeded, the average of 39.9 percent for all industries. Tenure for sales consultants is below the national job average of 5.1 years in all regions. Tenure for F&I directors/managers, sales managers, and service advisors is below national levels in some regions. There appears to be a strong correlation between dealership sales hours and new-unit sales. Recent Posts

USED CAR SCAMS

You need a used car so you start surfing Craigslist, Ebay and all of the other classified local and national sites for an afforable used car. Bam you found it right price right year you are ready to write the check. Review the following guidelines it might save you a few thousand dollars. Recently, I received a phone call from an individual that had just purchased what he described as a collectable Mercedes which supposeingly was being stored at my used car lot. The true story was that the previous owner had abandoned the vehicle on my lot as it would not run but took a picture of the car waited a couple of years and posted it on Ebay using my address as the pickup point. The guy lost about 3,000. I would never pay for a car online until I had phycially seen the car and looked at the title prior to sale. The 300. airline tickent might save you a few thousand. You buy the car: I will get you the title in 10 days: Bad Idea only pay for the car when you can look at the title and have the title in hand: and Verify that the vin number is the same as on the title. The car has never been wrecked: Take car to body shop put it on a rack and also run a carfax. This is the actually mileage: Even in this electronic age there is a device called the black box that can be pluged into a car computer and run the miles back most states reguire dealers to provide previous owners name address and phone number. Cocked Eyed 6's: On older cars if the 6's are out of line the miles have been shorn something about lining up 6's is hard to master.

ONLINE SCAM TARGETING CANADA

Online Scam Targets Canada from Oklahoma OMVIC, the regulator of motor vehicle sales in Ontario, has been alerted by the Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission (UMVPC), of a potential online scam specifically targeting Canadian car buyers. UMVPC alleges Ambient Auto Center of Oklahoma City advertises on the Canadian sites of Autotrader, Wheels, E-bay, Craigslist, Kijiji and Autocatch: their ads offer high-end late model vehicles at prices that may be too good to be true'. UMVPC said Ambient's website became active in October and yet they are not a licensed dealer. A review of Ambient Auto Center's website finds claims of "hundreds of used exotic vehicles" for sale and "award-winning service", and they offer to "ship world wide." The dealership has no physical presence and the advertised address is, in fact, an empty cornfield next to a warehouse owned by the State of Oklahoma.

AUTO LOAN MODIFICATIONS RIPOFF'S

The Federal Trade Commission put a stop to a California-based auto loan modification operation that settled the regulator's charges after allegedly deceiving consumers with false promises that it could get auto loans modified and stop cars from being repossessed. Patrick Freeman, the sole owner of the Hope for Car Owners operation, has agreed to a settlement with the FTC that bans him from marketing auto loan modifications and any other debt relief services. Freeman's company is in default. In April 2012, the FTC alleged that Hope for Car Owners, LLC and Freeman charged hundreds of dollars in up-front fees, based on bogus promises that they could reduce consumers' monthly car loan payments and help avoid repossession of their vehicles. The agency alleged that the defendants' websites and telemarketers promised consumers substantially lower monthly payments. According to the FTC, the defendants collected hundreds of dollars in up-front fees and told the consumers to stop paying their auto lenders, which often left them in worse shape than when they began, and increased the risk that their vehicles would be repossessed. The FTC also alleged that once the up-front fees were collected, the defendants did nothing to obtain the promised loan modifications, and consumers who tried to get refunds were denied. In one case, for instance, Hope for Car Owners took $400 from a consumer and told her not to make any more payments on her vehicle, according to the FTC. The consumer followed the defendants' instructions, and her lender soon informed her that her vehicle was going to be repossessed. Under the settlement order, Freeman is prohibited from making misrepresentations about financial products and any other product or service. He also is required to back up any claims about the benefits, performance, or efficacy of any product or service, and to destroy customer information obtained by the loan modification scheme within 30 days after the settlement order takes effect. The settlement also imposes a $362,388 judgment, which will be suspended due to Freeman's inability to pay. If it is later determined that the financial information Freeman provided to the FTC was false, the full amount of the judgment will become due. The FTC has a new video warning car ownersto avoid businesses that charge a fee in exchange for a promise to lower car monthly car payments, and in some cases, help stop repossession. As the video points out, consumers who have trouble making their monthly car payments should contact their lenders directly. Consumers also can read "Ads for Auto Loan Modifications: You May Be Able to Drive a Better Deal with Your Lender."

SANDY: DRIVES USED CAR PRICES HIGHER

Edmunds.com the car-buying guide predicts hkes of as much as $700. to $1,000 on some makes and models of used cars, trucks, and suv's. Considering that most new and used car dealers make the bulk of their profits from January-May when tax refund checks arrive in the mail now is the time of year they are searching for inventory. Flooding, and other damages from the massive weather system destroyed approximately 100,000 vehicles according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. Fewer, cars on the road means fewer cars to be traded in for a newer model. Sandy's supply squeeze comes at a time when most used car prices have been rising by at least 20% over the past (3) years according to the NADA. Consumers have been holding on to their vehicles partly because of tough economic conditions and partly because of stiff credit requirements that often times will not allow their loans to be approved due to length of time on the job past credit problems. It used to be the average family traded cars every 3. to 5 years. Currently, families often wait 4 to 7 years and the trade'in has very little or no value. The forces the dealership to allow very little trade'in allowance forceing the consumer to borrow more money and have a higher monthly payment. It seems like the perfect storm for used car dealers based on supply and demand but even dealers are having a tough time finding excellent low mileage vehicles for resale. Stephen C. Webb owner of Stevescars.com owns a small used car lot in Paducah, Kentucky. He has resorted to combing police impound auctions seeking vehicles that have been impounded by law enforement agencies and reselling them on his lot of 15 years. He recommends when purchaseing a used vehicle spend the 45.00 and order a vehicle history report to check for flood damaged vehicles. Finally, some used car analysts recommend this could be the time to buy new. The difference in the monthly payment not to mention a new car warranty often times make the savvy consumer to purchase a more up-to-date vehicle with all of the new gadgets and toys installed.

WHOLESALE PRICES RISING ON USED CARS

Average wholesale used vehicle prices reversed the general softening they have shown since spring and rose significantly In October. When looked at on a weekly basis during the month of October, prices were actually declining during the first half of the month, but more than made up for lost ground during the second half of the month, according to ADESA Analytical Services. According to ADESA Analytical Services' monthly analysis of wholesale used vehicle prices by vehicle model class, wholesale used vehicle prices in October averaged $9,742 - up 2 percent compared to September and down 1.4 percent compared to October 2011. Prices for trucks were up more than those for crossovers and cars, as they have already taken a hit from higher gas prices over the past few years. The Openlane U.S. market index, which is based on data from the ADESA Openlane online marketplace, also rose by 2 percent month-over-month. Prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers fell by 0.2 percent month-over-month in October, but were up 2.2 percent year-over-year. Fleet-lease consignors experienced a 2.6 percent decrease in October, leaving prices down 0.7 percent year-over-year. Dealer consignors saw a 0.5 percent average price increase versus September, resulting in prices being down 0.9 percent versus October 2011.

FEW BUYING INCENTIVES FOR CAR PURCHASE

Automotive incentives shrank again in October, even as dealerships continue to ring up healthy sales numbers. According to Edmunds.com's True Cost of Incentives report, the auto industry spent $2,124 per vehicle in October, down 3.3 percent from September and down 1.4 percent from October 2011. Edmunds.com reported in September that incentives fell for the first time in five months, even as the auto industry produced its best monthly SAAR of the year. Just last week, Edmunds.com projected that October will deliver the second-highest monthly SAAR of the year at 14.8 million light vehicles, a figure that ultimately may be affected slightly by the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy along the Mid-Atlantic seaboard. Ford was the only manufacturer out of the top six auto companies to increase its month-to-month incentive spending in October. The Detroit automaker's incentive spending climbed 2.7 percent from September to $2,788 per vehicle. Honda's incentive spending fell the most of any major automaker, sliding 15.6 percent from September.

WHAT COLOR OF CAR SHOULD YOU BUY

PPG Industries reports that the top color of choice for cars is white. According to PPG's annual survey of global color popularity, white ranked first (22 percent) and silver was second (20 percent). They were followed by black (19 percent), gray (12 percent), red (9 percent), natural (8 percent), blue (7 percent), green (2 percent) and other colors (1 percent). PPG's annual automotive color popularity and trend data also forecasts that the overall use of color is on the rise. "Our consumer research has clearly shown that color is critically important to car buyers," said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive OEM coatings. A 2011 survey of automotive consumers by PPG revealed that: 77 percent of respondents said exterior color was a factor in their automotive purchase decision; owners of large luxury cars, sporty cars and large premium SUVs place the most value on getting the color of their choice; and 45 percent of respondents said they would prefer a wider range of color choices. In addition to color trend forecasting, PPG continues to develop paint technologies that offer automotive design options for enhancing appearance and helping automobile manufacturers differentiate their brands, according to Harrington. "For example, metallic flake effects have become increasingly popular. A classic color such as blue can be updated with a high-sparkle glass flake or a fine bright aluminum to create more of a liquid or silk appearance." Regional details regarding PPG's 2012 automotive color popularity data show that in North America, white ranks first (21 percent), followed by black (19 percent), silver and gray (16 percent each), red (10 percent), blue (8 percent), natural (7 percent) and green (3 percent). Other Top NewsNow Stories Company Reveals Online Shopping Trends Sonic Reaffirms Full Year Guidance

MORE CAR SHOPPERS USE MOBILE DEVICES

The Old days of combing newspaper ads and spending the weekends traveling from dealership to dealership are completely over. The new consumer uses smartphones, tablets, and websites to compare prices, warranty information and rebates to vehicle buyers. The majority of buyers shop from home and buy within one week of online shopping. The digital experience and dealer interaction is very important and general speaking dealers with out of date websites and slow moving websites are going to miss the boat in sales and and customer satisfaction. Inventory selection, brand and model selection all play into the overall end of the month tally as to whether your lot makes the sale or the guy 25 miles down the road gets the business. Digital presence and price seem to be the big big concerns of the new car buyer. Manufacturer websites rank higher than the local new dealership.

WHOLESALE CAR PRICES FLAT

WHOLESALE CAR PRICES FLAT USED CAR NEWS the leading publication that used and new car dealers live and die by report that used car wholesale prices remainded flat for the month of August and September. Segments with significantly higher prices in September versus August were full-size cars, and full size vans, full size SUV's and luxury SUV's and luxury cars. The average price for a used car for the month of August was $9550.00. The question is with this aveage price for a used car what do people unemployed with bad credit do for a vehicle. Buy Here Pay here car lots, take a taxi, or ride a bus???? In 1929 more cadillac's were sold than any year in history. The above information only reconfirms the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer.

TEN THINGS TO CHECK ON YOUR CAR FOR WINTER

TEN THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE WINTER ON YOUR CAR Many times we put off the important things to check on our vehicle and one cold morning it will not start and you are out big bucks for a repair bill or tow bill. Check these things while the sun is out and the weather is warm. (1) Wipers when the rain is coming down and the snow flakes are falling you want wipers that work and do not scratch your windshield (2) Anti freeze have your mechanic check levels and what add more if needed to prevent freeze plug damage or engine block damage. (3) Battery a battery that works fine in 90 degree weather might not work if the weather is below zero replace now and not worry about Black Friday Shopping and now way to get there. (4) Tires- If the tread is worn especially you will not get traction on ice or snow, buy new tires or rotate the present tires. (5) Wax - If you have an older car that does not have a never wax finish get a nice thick coat hand wax job to protect your finish agains salt, slush, and the elements of winter. (6) Start Fluid Keep a can of start fluid in your trunk to use in event of a freeze up many times this will get you rolling without calling road service. (7) Blankets Keep a nice warm blanket in your trunk in case you get stranded along the road and cannot get immediate attention. (8) If you are in a climate that would cause you to need chains get them now and store them away. When the snow comes down auto parts stores sell out quick. (9) Brakes have you brakes checked before winter have the shoes replaced now and if necessary have the rotars turned to prevent accidents. (10) Headlights Check headlights for burned out fuses and keep extra fuses in your glove box.

FEDS WARN OF FAKE AIRBAGS

FEDS WARN OF FAKE AIRBAGS THE U. S. Department of Transportation has issued a consumer safety alert regarding the dangers of having nonprofessional auto repairs shops install new airbags to a vehicle that has been damaged in an accident. The cost for airbag replacement can be in excess of $1000. and the counterfeit airbags look identical with the identical markings of the original equipment. Only cars that have had airbags replaced in the last three years are at risk.

LUXURY VEHICLES SEE PRICE DECLINE

Despite the fact we keep hearing that the economic recovery is ontrack but just a little slower than expected and that the economic stimulus money is just now kicking in even the rich are watching their money. Used Car News just reported that The Kelley Blue Book which is the New and Used Car Dealer's Bible of car prices states that last month their was a steep decline in the price of luxury vehicles. In August, values of used luxury vehicles declined by 1.7 to 2.5 per cent slightly more than the industry average. Compared to this time last year prices are 7-10% lower on average. Consumers considering a 2009 model year luxury car can find vehicles selling 57 per cent of orginal MSRP, which is far below the industry average. Taking in consideration that gas prices often times effect luxury car prices but the big item is the unstable economy. Keep that Honda and Toyota it will probably be worth more than the cadillac, lexus, or bmw.

HOW MUCH IS THAT NEW CAR GOING TO COST

The price of a new car has risen to $30,369.00 from $29,882 in 2011. Hundreds and thousands of dollars or often added into the purchase price even after you have come to an agreed price. This practice enables the dealer to enhance his profit on each unit. The extra features might be worth it in some cases but many first time new car buyers want the new 30.000 investment to last a long time and will pay for many unneeded over priced options Checkout the below examples NITROGEN TIRE FILL FOR 4 TIRES $245.00 REGULAR AIR IS ALL YOU NEED TIRES HAVE USED REGULAR AIR FOR 75 YEARS RIP OFF UNDER COATING $1500.00 ALL NEW CARS COME WITH A FACTORY UNDER COAT THAT PROTECTS CARS NOT NEEDED ELECTRONIC FILING AND TRANSFER $50.00 GO TO DMV WITH THE FORMS AND DO IT YOURSELF TITLE AND REG FEES $150.00 DO IT YOURSELF GO TO DMV CAR SERVICE $250.00 YOUR INSURANCE AND AAA CAR CLUB WILL COVER EVERYTHING YOU NEED THE DEALER GETS 1/2 OF THIS FEE IN COMMISSION LOAN ORGINATION FEE $295.00 GO TO YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION AND ARRANGE FINANCING YOURSELF DESTINATION CHARGE $795.00 WHY SHOULD YOU PAY FOR THE DEALER TO TRANSPORT A CAR TO HIS LOT: DOES WALMART CHARGE YOU FOR THE TRANSPORT OF MILK AND FOOD EXTENDED WARRANTY $3500.00 MOST NEW CARS HAVE A FACTORY 50,000 MILE WARRANTY IN PLACE The country is in an economic depression the new car dealers seem to want to pass on their losses to the few people that can afford a new car by these add'ons. If you have a good credit score you will be able to get many of these extra's removed from the purchase price if you haggle.

NEW CAR PRICES SURGE USED CARS LOWER

The Wall Street Journal reported on September 9, 2012 the summer rally for new cars is on track. New Car sales well above projections are soaring. The question one must ask yourself is? Are people buying out of neccessity or buying because of incentives from GM, Ford and Chrysler. Today, it was noted that GM loses 49,000 per volt that is sold. How, can you repay bailout money losing 49,000 per unit you tell me. Toyota is noteing a slowdown in the sell of the Hybrid Prisus. Manheim Auction and Marketing reported a decline in the wholesale price of used cars. The Used Car Value Index droped 120.7 or 2.4 per cent. The index adjusts prices for mix mileage and seasonality. This is the 5th straight month of decline. August's month was substantially less than what occured in each of the prior three months. The average auction price for rental cars and risk units slipped again in August. End -of -service units saw lower than expected sales price nationwide.

HOT CARS, BABES, AND BOOZE

Thousands of people natiowide flock to antique car auctions, annual vintage car shows and events every weekend in America. The annual "HOT AUGUST NIGHT" annual event in Reno, Nevada brings out not only gamblers but low riders, rat rod owners, car collectors as well as baby boomers that would like to relive their past love for cars, trucks, and vintage motorcycles. The hot babes of the bay area and the cheap booze brings out the best in everyone. The never ending old school car culture could be traced back to George Lucas's early film "American Graffiti filmed mostly in the small Northern California town of Petaluma, California. The old school cars with their huge sharklike fins, spinner hubcabs and big V8 engines were as a part of our American Culture as Elvis, Apple Pie and Ice Cream, and Du Wope Music. Pebble Beach's annual Concours d'Elegance brings historic, collectable cars, investment grade cars, and high end elegent cars to the 18th fairway. The people come to Pebble Beach from all over the world for this event from vintage car owners, vehicle investors and the general public that love cars and stuff. Although the recession has taken the wind out of vintage and collectable automobile prices there is still a following for these vehicles. GOODGUYS sponsor nationwide old school car events every weekend. The events include car shows, vintage car auctions, car and part swap meets and meetups with gearheads and baby boomers who love cars. The old school cars with big sharklike fins, bright colors, fender skirts, and loud Hollywood glass pack mufflers brings one back to an er that we will never see again. Most people would not believe that we paid $.35 per gallon for gasoline a sixteen year old boy could find a used model T for $25.00 sand it down paint it with a spray can of primer paint and be the coolest guy in school. My first car was a 1963 Chevy Impala 2 door convertible.












< Let PaydayLoanToday.com help you meet your short term financial needs from $150 to $500. If you haven't applied with us before, we would like to earn your business. We would like to offer you a NO FEE LOAN upto $200.00 for 30 days. Just type in the offer code "200 fee free" in the comments area of the application and borrow $200 to $500 with NO FEES for the first $200!!! To take out a loan, simply apply here. Once your loan request has been processed the money will be posted to your account the next business day. A few short easy prompts and your done! NOTE: We are the only Payday Loan Company that after 6 months drastically works closely with our customers to pay back the principal of their loan and reduce our fee structure.

THE DESIGNER SECRET OF TOYOTA HYBRID

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a member of the design team that actually designed the toyota camry.  He was the guy that actually took the blueprints of the car reviewed and changed a few items and spearheaded the team that brought this car to reality.   I drive a San Francisco Taxicab and drive a 2994 Toyota Camry Hybrid daily approximately 200 miles.  The secret about this car is:  THAT IT IS DESIGNED TO NEVER WEAR OUT.  The Japanese wanted to prove to the world that a battery powered car could be invented to compete with the U. S. gas compact car market and they have.  The vehicle will easily hold 5 people and has enough room in the trunk to haul 5 suitcases and extra's.  I  deduct fuel cost every year from my income tax and discovered my fuel cost for one year had went from 5200.  to 2300.  The vehicle cut my fuel cost in half.  To date the vehicle has in excess of 150.000 and is driven 20 per day on the steep hills of San Francisco is has had very little  mechanical problems.  stevescars.com