Car companies do badly in major ‘brand’ study

So, with all that money spent on ‘the brand’, all that advertising and football sponsorship, all those millions ensuring that dealers have the right corporate type fonts and colour palettes, why do car company brands do so rubbish in the latest global BrandZ study?

This is a survey, done by Millward Brown Optimor, part of ad giant WPP, that calculates the world’s top brands. It is based on ‘brand equity data’ and interviews with more than ‘1.5 million consumers and professionals across 31 countries to compare more than 50,000 brands’.

BMW and Toyota on top – but slipping

The top car brand, BMW, is way back in 22nd place. The only other car brands in the top 100 are Toyota (23rd), Honda (49th), Mercedes (53rd), Porsche (65th) and Nissan (84th). All six went backwards in the past year. Car brands dipped more than any other sector in 2010 (although they slipped even more the year before).

A few observations and what’s gone wrong?

1) The top car brands are all German or Japanese. Twenty years ago, if a BrandZ study had been done, Ford and GM nameplates would surely have figured prominently. (Ford and Volkswagen, although outside the top 100, both grew in the past year – deservedly.)

2) Car companies have had a tough few years. Plus Toyota and BMW have had their own unique problems (Toyota’s quality slump and BMW’s silly ‘Joy’ ad campaign and grating new 5-series GT and X6).

3) Despite all the brand managers, car companies are still generally poor at looking after their reputations and images  – inconsistent products, discrepant dealerships, confusing ad campaigns and dysfunctional large corporate structures don’t help.

4) Car companies aren’t ‘cool’. Mind you, neither are Marlboro and McDonald’s and they were both in the top 10.

5) Technology, rather than marketing, is the defining quality of seven of the top 10 brands (hooray!) – including Apple, General Electric and IBM. Car companies have not done a good job at promoting their technical excellence.

6) Great brands differentiate. There is still a perception that all car companies are much the same.

7) A company that really understands its brand doesn’t need brand police. The brand should be a natural extension of the corporate and product ethos, not a quality dictated by marketing ‘experts’. The more a company talks about its brand, perhaps the less it truly understands it.

Further to the final point: The top name in this year’s BrandZ study was Google. They don’t have any brand managers.

BMW Electric Car coming in 2013

German luxury automaker BMW has announced that they plan to launch an electric version of their car by 2013.

The company was earlier expected to launch their first electric car only by around 2015.

Looks like the growing popularity of hybrids and the increasing number of electric cars coming in the near future have managed to advance their plans.

The company said that this electric vehicle would be an all-electric urban vehicle designed for metropolitan areas around the world.

Rival companies Daimler and Volkswagen are already ahead with their plans and are expected to launch electric cars within this year!

Why you should buy a used car ?

• You’ll save money on insurance.
• Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used car shopper.
• Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
• Some used cars are still under the factory warranty.
• Most new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
• The history of a used car can easily be traced using the vehicle identification number (VIN).
• If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.
• Used cars are less priced.
• You can have two used cars for the price of one new car.
• If you change your car often.
• If you are a car expert and can deal with successfully.

The next step for buying a used is to chose the right used car -

Will this car fit into my monthly budget? Have you been looking for this kind of car ? Will it serves the purpose of buying it ? The value of a used car is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Is the car in functional working condition? Know about people’s reviews about the particular car. Find info about customer’s reviews. Is it within the warranty period ?

The next step is Affordability . How are you going to pay for the car.

Monthly payment — If you are going to take out a loan, how much can you afford to pay each month?

Down payment — How much cash can you put down to reduce your monthly payments?

Purchase price of the car — Answering the first two questions will help you determine a realistic price range for your used car.

Once you’ve determined how much you can spend for a down payment, a monthly payment and the purchase price of the car, print out these figures. Later, when you are negotiating for a used car, you might need to check this information to bring yourself back to earth.

You have three ways to pay for your used car:

Cash. Need we say more? Money talks — you-know-what walks.

Financing through a bank, online lender or credit union — We highly recommend this route because it will usually save money and give you the most control over the transaction.

Financing through the dealer — This can work for some people depending on their credit scores and the interest rates offered. Also, by prearranging financing through an independent source, the dealer may then try to beat the rate with a low-interest loan.

Financing through an independent source (online lender, bank or credit union) offers several advantages:

• Keeps negotiations simple in the dealership
• Allows you to shop competitive interest rates ahead of time
• Removes dependency on dealership financing
• Encourages you to stick to your budgeted amount
• Low-interest loan

The next step for buying a used car  is to Test Drive the used car

Test-driving a used car helps you decide if it is the right car for you and also if this particular car is in good condition. Once you get behind the wheel, ask yourself if it is a good fit. Does it offer enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently positioned?

Try to arrange your test-drive so that you start the engine when it is completely cold. Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when doing so, will reveal chronic problems. Turn off the radio before you begin driving — you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.

On the test-drive, evaluate these additional points:

• Acceleration from a stop
• Visibility (Check for blind spots)
• Engine noise
• Passing acceleration (Does it downshift quickly and smoothly?)
• Hill-climbing power
• Braking
• Cornering
• Suspension (How does it ride?)
• Rattles and squeaks
• Cargo space

Take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, be sure to go on the highway and take the car up to 65 mph. If you go into the mountains, test the car on a steep slope. You don’t want to find out — after you’ve bought the car — that it doesn’t perform as needed.

After the test-drive, ask the owner for the service records. See if the car has had the scheduled maintenance performed on time. Avoid buying a car that has been in a serious accident or has had major repairs such as transmission rebuilds, valve jobs or engine overhauls.

If you like the way the car drives, you should still take it to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. A private party will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. But at a dealership, it might be more difficult. If it is a certified used car, there is no reason to take it to a mechanic.

Negotiating Price for the used car and closing the deal

Follow these guidelines when negotiating:

• Only enter into negotiations with a salesperson with whom you feel comfortable.
• Make an opening offer that is low, but in the ballpark.
• Decide ahead of time how high you will go and leave when your limit’s reached.
• Walk out — this is your strongest negotiating tool.
• Be patient — plan to spend an hour negotiating in a dealership, less for private parties.
• Leave the dealership if you get tired or hungry.
• Don’t be distracted by pitches for related items such as extended warranties or anti-theft devices.
• A “closer” (a high-pressure salesman) may try to improve the deal before you reach a final price.

Once you have a deal, make sure the transaction is completed properly.

Once the contract is ready, review it thoroughly. In most states, it will contain the cost of the vehicle, a documentation fee, a smog fee, a small charge for a smog certificate, sales tax and license fees (also known as DMV fees). Make sure you understand the charges and question the appearance of any significant, sudden additions to the contract.

Once all of the paperwork is complete, it is finally time to relax and begin enjoying your new purchase: a good used car.

Here are few steps that would help you pack all your luggage efficiently into your car without making compromise with comfort :

1. Ask your expert friend to help you with packing. By working together, packing would be fun and easy.

2. Use blanket and covers to protect your expensive, breakable luggage.

3. Keep the heavier luggage first in the car and then the lighter items.

4. Use smaller spaces and gaps to fill them with lighter goods and make sure you use all spaces without discomfort.

5. Use CarTop roof luggage carrier, cargo carriers to load extra luggage.

6. Make sure everything is placed safely and neatly.

car luggage packing tips

Have fun! Happy Journey! Happy Drive!

A Luggage Car is -

– a truck.

- a mini bus.

- a baggage car.

- a passenger car.

- a luggage van.

- a family car.

- a big car.

- a luxurious spacious car.

- a long journey car , a car for picnic and party, a car for group tourism.

- a car which has enough space to accommodate ample luggage and groups of people, friends and family.

- a mini automobile which is used for carrying luggage.

- By Joe Dilly

Fiberglass body all around this car.
Steel roll bars up on top.
Chrome bumpers at the front and back.
And a muffler that goes pop.
A single seat, with lead weights underneath.
A gas and a brake at the front.
Four wheels, with tires, on the outside
When you push this you may grunt
“What is this fine car?” You may ask.
But then you’ll realize.
“It’s a quarter midget! Why didn’t I know?”
“The best sight to have met my eyes!”

Tata Nano – the Car for All!

- By Dr John Celes

A car quite big and yet so small!
A car that’s meant for people all;
More than a two-wheeler in cost,
The Tata Nano is quite fast.

A magic car that’s safe on road;
A car that all can well afford;
Small family norm car today,
The Tata Nano’s on its way!

A car that’s caught the eyes of all;
A car that none could ever stall;
A car that’s found a place in hearts;
A car that easily too starts!

A beauty that all wish to drive,
The little car has come alive;
The Tata Nano is famous,
And modern car for all of us!

Dream-car of many that’s come true;
The car for young, old, me and you;
The car that could be number one,
The Tata Nano is great fun!

Tinkle ,Tinkle Little Car – car poetry

- ByL. Goodbody
Tinkle, Tinkle little car
How I wonder what you are.

Leaking oil every day
Having it your own way.

Going up hills real slow
I don’t want you any mo’.

Tinkle, Tinkle little car
Boy, what a lemon you are.

Junky Car – A car poem

-By Mercedes Zoller

What smoke, that is choking us
The people ask, nobody knows what it is
An old car that is honking
With tricycle tires and a motor that is backwards
I wait in the corner
Like always his faithful girlfriend
My friends are laughing
Whispering things about him

Old car, step by step
Don’t stop coming
Old car, little by little
Don’t you leave us
Old car, step by step
Don’t stop coming
Old car, little by little
Don’t you leave us

Look girls, I’m not sorry
And I’m not ashamed of my man
Even though he is poor and has an old car
He treats me like a queen, a man of truth
And even though he has an old car
What’s important is that I’m going with him
He isn’t the most handsome
But he’s my faithful boyfriend

Old car, step by step
Don’t stop coming
Old car, little by little
Don’t you leave us
Old car, step by step
Don’t stop coming
Old car, little by little
Don’t you leave us.

I’m a happy dog in a car – funny car poems

- By Flying Lemming.

I’m a happy dog in a car
Hope we’re not going far
I walk up and down the back seat
At each corner I’m rocked off my feet
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
Zooming down miles of tar
Sniffing around everywhere
I know where we are by scents in the air
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
I’m feeling well above par
On the window I’m sniffing near
My nose leaves a slimy wet smear
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
We’re on our way, hurrah
Happy thoughts run through my mind
As I stare and wag at the car behind
I’m a happy dog in a car

I’m a happy dog in a car
And going slightly gaga
Too excited to lay down and nap
I’ll look out the window and let my ears flap
I’m a happy dog in a car.

New Car – Poems on car

- By Melanie Harris

I go and get my new car today, boy I’m so excited
I chose it yesterday, I can’t wait to be reunited
It’s shiny and black with alloy wheels and a spoiler on the back.

I go and get my new car today, boy I just can’t wait
I said I’d be back at four today, I don’t want to be late
It’s got leather trim on the inside and clips for a roof rack.

I go and get my new car today, boy I’m all jumbly inside
I know it runs well because I took it for a drive
It’s got electric headlamps and the interior is black.

I go and get my new car today, boy it’s nearly time
only thirty minutes left to go before that car is mine
It’s fast and tricky to steer but I’ll soon get the knack.

I go and get my new car today, boy it’s really great
I just can’t wait to show it to my mate
It’s just the best car ever on my toy racing track!

bagge car

A special type of baggage car came equipped with doors on one end to facilitate transport of large pieces of equipment and scenery for Broadway shows and other productions. These “theatrical” baggage cars were assigned theatrical names (i.e. Romeo and Juliet), and were similar to the “horse cars” that were used to transport racehorses.

Each year the railroads carry hundreds of thousands of trunks and other hundreds of thousands of pieces of hand luggage for the convenience of their passengers. The baggage car is also used for the transportation of dogs, cats, birds in cages, and other pets accompanying their owners.
In every large railway station there is a baggage room where baggage is received and checked for forwarding by train or for delivery to passengers or their agents. A baggage agent or baggage master is in charge of the handling and storing of baggage. Baggage which is to be forwarded by train is loaded on electrically operated trucks or on trailers drawn by electric trucks and hauled to the proper train for loading. At small stations, baggage and express parcels are loaded on a platform truck and pulled by hand to the baggage car door by the baggage agent, or the station agent, or one of the station assistants. Incoming baggage is handled in the same manner, except that the movement is reversed.
The baggage car is usually located in the train just behind the express and mail cars and ahead of the passenger carrying cars. It has small windows, large doors and lots of storage space. It is in fact the storeroom for the passenger train.
The railroad employee in charge of the car is called the baggageman. In addition to looking after the passengers’ baggage, the baggageman sometimes receives and distributes newspapers in bundles. He also receives, sorts and distributes the railroad company’s business mail passing between railway officers and agents. Railroad business mail handled in the baggage car does not pass through government post offices.
While the train is speeding along between stations, the baggageman arranges the baggage, mail and newspapers in convenient piles, ready to be put off at the proper stations. The baggageman examines each piece of baggage to see that it is properly wrapped, locked, tagged and addressed. He keeps a record of what he takes on and puts off at each station.
For each piece of baggage received, the baggage agent or his assistant uses two checks, each bearing identical numbers, one of which is attached to the baggage, and the other of which is given to the owner of the baggage as a receipt. The baggage is reclaimed by the owner upon presentation of the duplicate check.
Many years ago baggage could not be checked over two or more railroads. But the railroads worked out a plan whereby a passenger can now check baggage from any city or town in the country to any other city or town reached by a railroad-in fact, to any point provided for in the railway ticket, regardless of the number of railroads the passenger travels over.
For the further convenience of passengers, the railroads have arrangements with local transfer companies in many cities to call at the passenger’s home hotel or dormitory for baggage and check it through to any street address at destination.

car top carrier

Not everyone has a big car or passenger van or say baggage car, spacious enough to accommodate all luggage along with people and comfort. You have a nice compact car which is not big but small or medium sized, you want to push all your people into the car without discomfort but what about your luggage ? Where would you place your luggage ? – In the car – no , of course not, you do not want to compromise with traveling comfort especially when you go with your family or friends on long journey or for any kind of picnic or party.

What are Car Top Luggage Carrier and why do you need it ?

- A car top luggage carrier is a prerequisite for a hassle free vacation.
- You can load the top of your car with any appliance that is either personal or professional like television and computer since these luggage carriers are water proof. So you can make more room for you and your family.
- These luggage carriers are well tested and treated to resist the UV rays, which usually have a damaging affect on the bags.
- A car top luggage carrier is a boon for small car because you need not limit anything that you wish to transport.
- A car can be modified completely by installing a luggage carrier on top and it makes incredible space for people and not for bags anymore.
- The soft and sleek variety of the car top luggage carrier available in the market is easy to fold and store. Hence both packing and transporting becomes quite handy with a car top luggage carrier.

Above all, these car top luggage carriers are specially designed to save fuel.
These carriers are of great variery with cargo carriers, car rack luggage carriers, etc.

After researching a lot into car accessories market, we have collected few efficient car top luggage carriers which are durable, reliable enough to promise you with comfortable and hassle free journey.

Buy these Car Top Luggage Carrier