Document 6506736

February 6, 2004
Record-Press
D-4
Automotive/Classified
How to beat
the stressof
renting a car
(ARA) - If you're traveling by and the car you were promised
plane in the coming months, when you made the reservachances are you'll be renting a tion. Ask the agent what to do
car when you land. Driving an if the car breaks down. If
unfamiliar vehicle in an unfa- you're not sure how to get to The 2005 Ford Mustang and the 2005 Nissan 350 are two examples of contemporary concept cars.
miliar city in winter weather your destination, request a
conditions can be stressful. But map and driving directions
with a little foresight, you can from the agent.
be prepared and relaxed.
Once at the car, do a quick
Before You Go
check for any damage; if you
Your safety preparations spot anything significant, call
the distinction of having
should begin when making it to the. attention of the rental (NAPSI)-It's auto show season. introduce styling elements that Las Vegas. Some, like Ford's earned
the
biggest
production rims at
Mustang
GT
and
the
Hummer
might
appear
on
later
models.
That
means
it's
also
time
for
comyour rental reservations. While company before you take the
the
show.
Other
Hummers were
SUT,
were
factory-built
sneak
parison-shopping
if
you're
in
the
Concept
cars
have
changed
you want to get a good deal, car off the lot, so you won't be
you also want a good car. Web penalized for damage you did- market for a new car or truck, or over the years. Many of today's peeks of future models. But oth- so radically low they literally
want to gawk at the latest con- dream cars are thinly disguised ers were grassroots dream scraped the ground.
sites such as that operated by n't cause.
Sports cars more to your taste?
cept
cars from here and abroad.
prototypes of eventual produc- machines based on current proConsumer Reports can provide
Before You Leave the Lot
information on car safety ratFamiliarize yourself with the Concept-car styling exercises tion models. That this new breed duction vehicles. These cars The SEMA Show was full of
ings. "Your insurance company car: be sure you know how to have been stars of the show cir- of concept cars is more "real" is could be built right now, not winged Nissan 35OZs, turmay also have safety statistics work the headlights, turn sig- cuit since the '50s, when GM put both a blessing and a curse. If sometime in the future, using bocharged Mazda Miatas, and a
on various makes and models," nals and interior lights. Check bubble-topped,
jet-fighter- you're really turned on by a pro- performance parts and acces- V-8 powered Ford Focus that previewed an engine conversion kit
says Jeff Beyer, senior vice the windshield wipers to make inspired dream machines in its totype, you may be able to drive sories available today.
president and chief communi- sure they work and that there "Motorama" exhibits. Back then one some day.
For example, American Racing coming next year.
cations officer of Farmers is washer fluid; you don't want some dream cars became real-the
Sport-compact performance is
Well, you don't have to wait. Equipment mounted its newest
Insurance.
to get caught in rain or snow Corvette was a Motorama ear-but There were 1,500 "concept" vehi- wheels-measuring 28 inches in the hottest automotive enthusimore often they were used to cles on display at SEMA Show in diameter-on a Hummer H2 and ast segment going.
Rent a car that is suited to with bad wipers.
your needs. If you are traveling
Adjust the seat and mirrors.
with a family of four and lots of Check the seatbelts; is there
luggage, a compact car may one for every passenger? Are
not have enough room. Also, they easy to latch and unlatch?
make any special requests If you like to listen to the radio
when you arrange your reser- as you drive, tune in a local sta"Quality information that meets their needs and provides
(NAPSI)-A new Web-based help them make more informed
vation. For example, if you tion that meets your tastes tool is helping seniors, people purchase decisions, the GM addresses specific needs, placed a valuable service for seniors,
know you will need a child's before you hit the road.
with disabilities and caregivers Mobility Advisor furthers the in the hands of the consumer, people with disabilities and
car seat for your two-year-old,
Enjoy Your Visit
to more easily identify vehicles company's commitment to cus- wilt allow them to make good caregivers," said Jim Kornas,
be sure to reserve one early -Because rental cars are that can best handle specific tomers with mobility needs. decisions to keep them more director of mobility product
don't expect one to be avail- attractive targets for thieves, mobility needs. Through a This online application helps independent,
mobile and development.
able on the spur of the moment remove all valuables from the series of questions, the tool lets customers select vehicles by active," said Mark Hogan, group
The GM Mobility Advisor was
when you arrive to pick up car when it is parked, if possi- customers choose which vehi- asking them a series of ques- vice
president,
Advanced developed in a combined effort
your car.
ble. If you have to leave your cles are most appropriate for tions about their accessibility Vehicle Development.
between General Motors, iCan,
needs. Based on their responsWhen You Pick Up Your Car luggage or other property in them.
"The information provided AIC and XFI. To learn more,
Check the contract to make the car, lock it in the trunk, out
By guiding customers through es, they are apprised of poten- will enable the customer to visit www.gmmobilityadvisor
sure you're getting the rate of sight.
select a vehicle that better .com or www.gm.com.
an Internet-based process to tial GM vehicle solutions.
Concept cars coming back in style
Internet site can help you find proper vehicle
•MP
Through our dealer trade agreement and auction transactions
we are able to make available 75 factory auction fresh vehicles
up to 6 0 % O F F their original MSRP! Hurry, these vehicles
will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis!
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