Ownership costs of traditional versus alternative fuel vehicles

As gas prices remain high, and an increasing number of automakers roll out plug-in hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles, it's becoming easier to be tantalized with the idea of driving right past the gas station and simply "plugging in." The debate ensues when it comes to cost: These alternative fuel vehicles mean a larger outlay of cash at the onset, but the long-term fuel savings could make the purchase worthwhile. To help straighten out this numbers game, we use the Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts. For each scenario, we assumed that our hypothetical owner was able to get the full $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 state tax credit, such as is available in California.

New Mercedes A-Class is “The Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2012″

The new Mercedes A-Class – perhaps set to become Mercedes’ most successful model ever – has been voted the most beautiful car of 2012. Not only that, but the new A-Class looks to be a real challenge to cars like the BMW 1 Series (except for keen drivers) and the new Volvo V40, something the old A-Class wouldn’t have had a prayer of doing, despite being the favourite car for ‘er indoors whose hubby had a big Merc. Now, to add to the accolades the new A-Class has already received from buyers, reviewers and award givers, the 2013 Mercedes A-Class has been voted “The Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2012″ by more than 100,000 car fans across 52 countries.

Jaguar Land Rover say profits up again, but warns on Eurozone

Jaguar Land Rover profites rose by 7 per cent in the quarter to June end, but JLR warns that Europe’s financial woes will impact growth. Rising profits at Jaguar Land Rover are like Team GB Gold Medals – we’re starting to expect more every day. And JLR are still delivering.