Now, to be honest, these are very subjective questions that do not have a clear cut answer. Since it is too broad a question, let us try and analyze the available yardsticks that can help us decide or know about the possible direction that the automotive industry is taking for the immediate future.

To begin with, I cannot stop discussing Toyota because if the recalls did not happen the statistics for the automotive industry would have been somewhat better than they have been. So, Toyota’s recalls did dent new sales and deprive a true measure of the success of auto industry. This is especially true for the UK and US markets.

If you have access to the February Sales figures for major countries, then we can talk about an improved performance for all the automotive manufacturing companies, albeit a few that fell on the way because of snags, glitches and recalls (read Toyota). Automakers in the US have reported increase in sales for the month of February and the overall increase has been 13% over last February. All manufacturers, with the exception of Toyota reported increase in Sales with Ford reporting a 24% increase to topple General Motors as the number one maker in the US.

In UK, the automakers have reported a 26% increase in sales, thus making it another positive development. Surprisingly, Toyota has managed an increase of 15% over last February sales. Canada has reported a 25% increase in February sales over the same period last year. Interestingly, Toyota Canada has reported a 25% increase despite all the hue and cry on the recalls.

So, now we head over to the other part of the world. Australia has reported a 17% increase in new car sales with Toyota coming trumps with a 17.8% increase in the sales of new cars for the month of February.

India has reported an increase of 30% in auto sales for the month of February with each manufacturer clocking massive gains. This includes Ford, General Motors and Suzuki. Japan has already declared that the sales of cars, autos and trucks have increased by 35% in February, thus making it one of the healthiest months for automakers.

In China, General Motors has reported a 51% increase in Sales while Ford has reported a 37.5% increase in sales for the month of February.

Now, if you were to get the conclusion from these numbers then we have some sort of good news emerging. Each automaker has reported an increase in new vehicle sales. And the trend is Global in nature from Asia to Europe to the US. Be it Ford or General Motors, things are looking up for all of them. Even Toyota has been able to post a handsome increase in many countries and the impact of recalls is being felt more in the UK and the US.

The increase in Sales is a testimony to the fact that we may not be out of the Recession completely, but we are getting there. And I would say that the trend is likely to sustain over the entire year and that too across the Globe. By the end of the year, if the automotive sector does not look green, then at least the next year will be greener.

Rob May looks to cover interesting topics related to automotive industry. In this article, he presents his views on current status of auto industry. From fuel standpoint, he recommends using fleet cards. A fleet card from Shell or Esso is the right way to manage company fuel requirements.

For these drivers, the temptation to not get any further coverage may be especially strong. However, while it might be true that for a few drivers it is probably not worth the extra expense to purchase such a warranty, it makes sense for most to make this investment. It is all about peace of mind and not wanting to be shocked by a car repair bill out of the blue.

You certainly need to do research when looking for an auto repair warranty. There are many companies on the market and you must be sure of the reputation of the company before making a decision. Checking the online Better Business Bureau is a good start.

One of the main reasons to get an extended auto repair warranty is to cover repair costs for problems that are not caused by accidents. Accidents are rare, and most repairs are for things that wear out as your car ages. For example, you may need to replace your alternator, or a battery, or get new brake pads. Unless you have a super-reliable and brand new car that is unlikely to need frequent repairs, you will probably save money in the long run by purchasing a warranty, and you will certainly gain more peace of mind.

Cars are using more sophisticated technology these days, and the more options a car has, the more likely it is that something will break. Most modern cars have a long list of available options, such as heated seats, traction control, and power windows while minivans and SUVs include many more. Having a lot of these options is nice, but it does make your average repair cost increase significantly. For example, fixing a seat heater can cost $300 or more. So the more options you have, the more sense it makes to get an extended warranty.

You should definitely consider an extended auto repair warranty if you have a car whose parts are expensive. Find out if your car is one of these. Cars with expensive parts include most luxury cars such as Lexus and Cadillac and some non-luxury models such as Volkswagen and Acura.

The main approach for all purchasers is to do their own research. It is possible to get free no obligation quotes for an auto repair warranty to help with research and make sure no money is wasted.

If you by an aftermarket auto repair warranty rather than one offered by the manufacturer, it will be likely to be less expensive. Other ways to lower the cost include agreeing to a maintenance schedule, and making the deductible higher. If you do some careful comparison shopping, a 36-month auto repair warranty can end up costing you as little as $15 per month.

Auto repair warranty contracts are a speciality of John M.Patterson who has had years of experience helping people get the best extended auto warranty and finances deals in the market via his website at http://www.autowarranty-quotes.com.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, these reactions are completely normal. Most of us generally accept what entices our minds without giving it a second thought. It all comes down to the fact that color, (yes color) affects us a lot more than we think. In fact, the way we view colors psychologically triggers how we feel and think.

A marketing study dubbed “Color for Impact” reported that “a color ad will be read up to 40% more than a black and white one.” Another study concluded that nearly 80% of first impressions are based solely on reaction to color.

What does all of this mean to you? Think of your car in the same sense as a mood ring. Color might be more significant than just an outer coat of paint. Would you change the color of your car if you knew it meant you were less likely to get a speeding ticket? Or have fewer accidents?

Let’s look in detail at the significance of each car color choice:

Yellow – is said to excite the eyes and stimulate the brain. Pro: A yellow car will likely draw the most attention. Con: Yellow can be distracting. Too much can irritate some.

Blue – is said to cool or calm the senses. Pro: It is also associated with trust and stability (mainly in men). Con: Some blues are associated with sadness.

Green - is said to have strong emotional correspondence with safety. Pro: Some claim that during the period of owning a green car, they never had an accident. Con: Too much green can be unpleasant to some.

Silver/Grey – is considered the safest and most neutral of vehicle colors. Pro: it can catch your eye from anywhere on a sunny day (especially with a metallic finish). Con: in drab weather, you may blend in with the pavement and sky lowering your visibility.

White – is mostly associated with safety and purity. Pro: It is said to be the most widely accepted of car colors. Con: Many people believe that white cars will need to become dirty faster than cars of other colors, although this is disputed.

Red - is associated with aggressive energy. Pro: Red is a vibrant color that catches attention. Con: It has been generally associated with speed and recklessness.

Orange - has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch attention. Pro: Like yellow it excites the mind and has the energy of red. Con: Also like yellow, orange can be overwhelming. Also, it is among the least popular vehicle colors.

Black – is said to be mysterious and sleek. Black complements the night. Pro: Black is associated with elegance and style. Con: Black has low visibility and the highest crash rating of all colors.

Purple – is said to have the stability of blue with the energy of red. This attracts the mind. Pro: It is said that purple represents independence and adventure. Con: In some cultures, purple is associated with femininity and may not be a popular choice for men.

In addition, a study conducted by The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) reported that white cars were statistically significant in having the lowest crash risk in any condition. Black cars had a 12% higher crash risk then white. Silver cars had an 11% higher crash risk. Lastly red and blue cars rated a 7% higher crash risk than white cars by the MUARC.

Color affects us on a conscious and sub-conscious level everyday in almost everyway. From the color of clothes we wear to the color of cars we drive, we are perpetually and usually inadvertently flooding unknown signals into our everyday environments. Maybe next time you purchase a vehicle, you’ll think twice about the color.

Rusty Shakelford works as a freelance writer and marketer for companies like http://www.CarLocate.com , a web portal listing new and used cars. When he is off the clock, Rusty writes, stays up on the latest marketing innovations, and follows the latest on the automotvie industry and cars.

For many of us, the point of purchasing an old bike has a lot to do with nostalgia. A chance to relive the glory days when rock ruled the airwaves and roll ruled the tarmac. And it therefore becomes necessary for us to recreate that experience as authentically as possible.

It’s all about style

So we buy the right jacket, boots, and even some leather gloves - after all, you wouldn’t want to turn up to a rally wearing a white tuxedo - and then we start to consider the headwear.

There are many options available to us here: full face or open face; visor, sunglasses or goggles. But for those of us who want to go the whole hog then there really is no other choice than to opt for the latter. It’s an image which is synonymous with riding a classic bike: a rider with a pair of leather goggles up over their helmet or covering their eyes. An image so iconic, that recently it even looked at home on the catwalk.

It’s not all about style

But wearing goggles goes beyond the aesthetic. Wearing goggles is about the feeling you get when you are wearing them. The feeling of the frame pushing up against your face. The feeling of being exposed to the elements. Or simply feeling like you’re a classic motorcyclist. So that when you’re out riding, with the wind rushing against your cheeks, the years are blown back and you’re reminded of the thrill you got out of riding these beautiful machines all those years ago.

It’s a matter of choice

Of course, there are a few downsides to wearing goggles. Your face is less protected; they can be difficult to clear when it’s raining; and some riders experience problems with them misting up until they get moving in those conditions. But when you’re cruising down an old country lane on a warm summer’s day and all you’re worried about is a bit of dust and debris, then the alternatives can feel like overkill (or underkill in the case of sunglasses which can allow grit to get into the eyes). And why would you be out on your bike in the beautiful countryside when it’s pouring down with rain anyhow?

So when you purchase a pair of motorcycle goggles you know that you’ll be buying into an equal share of style and substance. You’ll be giving yourself the opportunity to experience classic motorcycle riding in its purest form. And when you’re chatting with your mates outside the Ace Caf? with your goggles perched up over your helmet, you might even feel a little like Geoff Duke once again.

Halcyon Classic Parts Halcyon Classic Motorcycle Goggles

1. Scooter Mirrors

Synonymous with classic scooters is the iconic image of an old Vespa or Lambretta loaded up – almost precariously so – with enough mirrors to fill a medium-sized house. Legshield mirrors and handlebar mirrors are the most common types.

2. Racks/Carriers

This should perhaps appear at the top of this list as they are essential for proving mirrors and additional lights with something to latch onto. But they are also very useful as a means of carrying luggage or a spare wheel.

3. Seats

One of the most popular modifications made to these bikes – particularly Lambretta’s, as their originals were so ugly – is the seat. It’s common for scooterists to want to give their ride a more racey look and feel, and the Ancillotti slope-back seats are often the most logical choice in achieving this goal.

4. Flyscreens

Protect yourself from flies and other airborne debris with a stylish-looking Vespa or Lambretta flyscreen. They are available in a range of colours and different model-type fittings.

5. Goggles

Complimenting or an alternative to flyscreens – and not a modification as such – are vintage scooter goggles, which can also be worn up over the helmet. Full classic-style goggles or the more minimal sunglass-type are available. They protect your eyes from flying debris and look stylish to boot scoot!

6. Bumper bars

Chrome-plated front bumper bars give your scooter that little bit of added protection – and that’s something which my mum always used to say: “make sure you always use protection” – so they must be good!

7. Crashbars

Front crashbars, side crashbars and rear crashbars make sure that your scooter is covered from tip to toe. They can also be used to provide additional places on which to attach yet more mirrors and lights.

8. Trim

The essential embellishment: emphasising the lines and shape of the scooter, chrome scooter trim can really put the finishing touches on a classic Vespa or Lambretta. Double legshield trim is the common type.

9. Stickers

Stick them on and *bang* you’ve transformed the identity of your bike – just like that! OK maybe that’s a little too dramatic(!), but scooterists love customising the look and feel of their vehicles and stickers are an inexpensive way of doing so.

10. Badges

Just like stickers for your scooter, badges are another great way to customise your scooter clothing and other scooter apparel at minimal cost. There are all kinds available, but the most popular are Lambretta or Vespa branded.

So there we have it, the top ten Lambretta and Vespa classic scooter modifications. Of course there are many more mods which can be made, such as adding mudflaps, competition numbers or chrome wheel trim, but this list should get you well on your way to modding the perfect scooter!

Lambretta & Vespa Scooter Accessories Vespa Seat

Yamaha has for a long time been the motorcycle production leader and have seemed to keep replacement parts below what other manufacturer’s have. I would never consider owning or financing any other bike than a Yamaha. Yamaha is truly the leader in sportbikes and parts.

Yamaha is one of the leading producers of motorcycles, and musical instruments. They are actually seperate entities but they share the name and many technologies are also shared. When you think musical instruments they first thing that comes to mind is Yamaha. I like yamaha products and have never heard anyone complain about the quality of their products or seen someone change from Yamaha because of the sound quality or function of their equipment.

The Yamaha Credit program for the 2010 R6 is one of the most competitive in the market. Yamaha has continued to strive to produce the strongest credit terms to help them maintain high prices.

The R6 by Yamaha can be bought on credit and is one of the highest rated motorcycles in the world. I read an article about what is their favorite or dream bike and the r6 was one of the leaders across the board. Take this bike for a test ride and before you know it you will be riding a new yamaha motorcycle using Yamaha credit. They are amazingly fast, nimble and in 2010 have updated the chassis for handling performance and have also added a new engine with some fancy term but basically an increased power engine with better mid range torque.

They also make many models that can be brought home with Yamaha credit. The R1 is there powerhouse bike and many more models that do not fall into the superbike category.

Close competitors are under the name Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki for motorcycles and for musical instruments it would definitely be yamaha, singer, bose and many others.

In closing I will say the products are amazing and easily achievable but make sure you know the ups and downs of applying for credit on a bike or high end musical instrument

So when you think credit think Yamaha Credit

I am a full time writer for Yamaha Credit