Volkswagen want to make a significant contribution to the development of the safest car in the world, capable to avoid accidents. Is proved by the latest project presented by Jurgen Leohold, director of Volkswagen Group Research Center.

The official unveiled a concept car that can run semi-automatically, up to a speed of 130 km / h on motorways. The prototype is meant to be a link between current assistance systems and fully automatic driving.

One of the most important functions of the concept is TAP (Temporary Auto Pilot), which includes cruise-control systems and adaptive maintain of the tread, enabling the driver to assist in the running, with the possibility of intervention at any time over steering or braking.

The task the driver is to monitor car functions. TAP is designed to eliminate accidents that occur due to careless drivers. In semi-automatic driving mode, named Pilot Mode, TAP function maintain a proper distance from other cars, running at a speed selected by the driver, slowing down before a curve and keep the car between the two dividing lines.

The system controls stops and getaways in heavy traffic. Even if the systems do all the work, the driver must be alert to intervene in critical situations.

Responding to the needs of businessmen and Heads of State around the world, the protection offered is absolutely peerless and discreet: even to a specialist eye it is almost impossible to distinguish a Maybach Guard from the regular Maybach 62 saloon. When it comes to the performance, the German engineers have surpassed themselves: a special armour – made of highly specialized steel and high-tech Kevlar – is integrated in the body shell and thanks to its lightness, the weight of the vehicle is raised by only 406 kg, with no effects on the handling system.

Maybach Guard - A high level of protection encapsulated in luxurious curves

In fact, since the base of the Maybach Guard was already de-signed for the extra weight of the vehicle, no changes have been made to the drive train, suspension or breaking-system and the car handles effortlessly at all times. Furthermore, the Maybach Guard is the only armoured car in the world able to reach a top speed of 250 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. To guarantee effectiveness the armour is certified by independent state bodies which carry out on-the-spot quality control checks and can immediately revoke their certification.

After the integration of the other special protective features, the vehicle moves onto the standard assembly room in the Sindelfingen production plant, where masters of craftsmanship dedicate all their skills to ensure the highest standard in the individualization process, offering almost the same range of standard and optional features available on the Maybach 62 model, ensuring this way the same luxurious environment that passengers are used to enjoy on a Maybach.

Although the LEAF is rated as achieving 99 miles per gallon by the U.S. government, the fuel economy of the car depends heavily on the status of the battery charge. The Environmental Protection Agency conducted its own test, and concluded that the Nissan LEAF only achieves a combined 73 miles per gallon, which is still impressive compared to other small cars on the market. Nissan has released the LEAF in December 2010 in five states including Washington, Oregon, California, Tennessee and Arizona. Next month, Nissan plans to release the LEAF in Texas and Hawaii, with other states to follow in the upcoming months in 2011.

East Providence Nissan dealer, Inskip Nissan, is excited about the all new Nissan LEAF and can’t wait to see the car up close when it hits the market. Inskip Nissan is one of the leading Providence Nissan Murano dealers, offering many new and used Nissan cars in stock. If you’re looking for a trusted Nissan dealer, stop by Providence Nissan Murano dealer, Inskip Nissan, where you can take one of their new or used Nissan cars for a test drive today.

“People who own Mustangs and classic cars are proud of them for their features, beauty and performance”, says Chuck White, President of the Mustang Club of Charlotte County. “They love showing them and talking with folks about them. You hear visitors saying things like, ‘I remember when …” and “this brings back school memories when we …”.

The Mustang Club of Charlotte County presents a “Show and Shine” for the public and car enthusiasts on Saturday, January 22nd from 9 am to 2 pm at Don Gasgarth’s Charlotte County Ford, 3156 Tamiami, Port Charlotte, Florida.

Mustangs and Fords of any year may participate – from classic antique Mustang introduced in 1964 to the current classy model of 2011. All classes are welcome … whether it’s a daily driver, occasional driver or modified vehicle.

Any Ford owner may enter their vehicle at no charge. Advanced registration is required by going to www.CharlotteCountyFordMustangShow.com or contacting Courtney Courtney@dgccf.com, (941) 625-6141.

The southwest Florida public is invited to “cruise in” and enjoy the free event. They’ll be treated to hot dogs and soda at no cost and a brilliant display of classic and current models. People will enjoy a walk down memory lane as they soak in the beauty and pristine styling of the Mustang’s five generation history.

Confused.com has revealed that the Vauxhall Corsa(1) is the most popular first car for new drivers, in a top 10 entirely dominated by little hatchbacks. The research suggests most new drivers select vehicles of a smaller engine size with 20% choosing a modest 1.2 engine and 75% choosing engines of 1.4 or under.

New drivers tend to buy their first car using their own savings; with 40%(2) of those polled saying this was how they funded their new ride. A worrying 16% admit they took out a personal loan or credit card to afford the vehicle they wanted. A surprising number were sponsored by the Bank of mum & dad with 14% admitting to this method of funding. Ladies had the most generous parents, being 3% more likely to be given a car than men, with spoilt first drivers mainly located in Wales, East Anglia & London.

The choice of vehicle for new drivers suggests awareness that smaller, less powerful cars represent a smaller risk when it comes to car insurance, which is especially pertinent for new drivers who are deemed a much higher, and therefore more expensive, risk when it comes to the premiums they have to pay. A 17 year old girl selecting a first car would do well to note that a 1996 Vauxhall Corsa is more than £10003 cheaper to insure than 2006 VW Golf and almost £200 more could be shaved off by opting for Third Party Fire & Theft cover. Smaller cars are also a lot cheaper to buy, which may also account for some of their popularity.

Will Thomas, head of car insurance quotes says “Corsa may well top the charts due to its status as a popular learner car but parents looking to buy a car for kids flying the nest to go to university this September would do well to remember these tips:

“The best way to keep the costs down is by shopping around for cover, as not all insurance providers rate age the same way and some companies specialise in covering younger drivers. Price comparison is the ideal solution to getting the best price for the most suitable cover.”

CSK’s annual contribution from the sale of these calendars helps BGCA operate more than 4,000 Clubs in the U.S. and on military bases around the world. We also focus contributions in the markets served by Checker, Schuck’s, Kragen and Murray’s stores. Over the years CSK has donated dozens of vans and buses to Boys & Girls Clubs in CSK communities. The vehicles allow the Clubs to expand their reach to young people living beyond their immediate community, many of whom never venture out of their neighborhood, to enjoy enriching opportunities such as college tours, sport tournaments and field trips.

Visit your local Checker, Schuck’s, Kragen, or Murray’s store, and learn why this car calendar has become a collectible by car enthusiasts everywhere. Your purchase will benefit young people who depend on the Boys & Girls Clubs in their towns.