Federal Tax Rebate for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

We are all trying to live a green lifestyle and be as eco-friendly as possible and there's no denying that the all-new Nissan Leaf is changing the way we travel. Check out this recent article posted on Automotive News about a Federal Tax Rebate for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. 

Bill would hike cap on number of EVs eligible for U.S. rebate 

Written by Lauren Abdel-Razzaq of Automotive News

DETROIT -- Two Michigan congressmen want to expand the number of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles eligible for a federal tax rebate, one day after President Obama reiterated his commitment to put 1 million EVs on the road within four years.


U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., proposed legislation in the House today and his brother, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., plans to introduce a similar bill in the Senate that would increase the per-manufacturer cap on the $7,500 tax credit from 200,000 vehicles to 500,000. 


The rebate was started as part of the Recovery Act of February 2009. It is currently available on five vehicles -- the Chevrolet Volt, the Tesla Roadster, the Nissan Leaf, the CODA sedan and the Wheego LiFe. It is phased out after a manufacturer sells 200,000 units. 


General Motors Co. has said the cap could hinder future sales of the Chevrolet Volt, which sells for $41,000, with delivery, before the credit.


To jumpstart EV demand, the White House also wants to change the $7,500 tax incentive currently available for buying an electric car into a rebate that consumers could use at the time of purchase. 


Obama has pledged to expand research and development in batteries and electric drivetrain, technology, including a 30 percent increase in federal grants.


“With more research and incentives, we can break our dependence on oil with biofuels, and become the first country to have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015,” Obama said in his State of the Union Address.


The administration also is extending initiatives to improve electric vehicle infrastructure in U.S. cities. As many as 30 communities across the country would be able to receive grants of up to $10 million each to install public charging stations, electrified parking space access and fleet conversions.


Vice President Joe Biden visited Ener1 Inc., a lithium-ion battery manufacturer in suburban Indianapolis today, to jumpstart the administration's efforts.


Ener1 Inc. won a $118.5 million grant as part of the Recovery Act to expand production of batteries for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.


The grant allowed the supplier to add 120 jobs at its Indianapolis plants in 2010, according to a White House statement.


“Green vehicles represent the vanguard of automotive innovation, but they have to be economical for consumers and profitable for manufacturers,” Sander Levin said today in a statement. “Raising the cap on this credit will help carmakers reach the demand and production scale necessary for long-term viability.”


Read more: Autonews.com/

AIADA says Leaf is The People's Electric, Ready to Claim Power

Check out this recent article posted on AIADA's website.
(American International Automobile Dealers Association)

The People's Electric, Ready to Claim Power

The Nissan Leaf, a mildly futuristic four-door hatchback, arrives as so much a pioneer that the systems necessary to keep it moving down the road are still being put in place. The process is a bit like the progression of the first transcontinental railroad: tracks are being laid as a locomotive sits steaming impatiently behind. According to the New York Times' Jerry Garrett, the Leaf's equivalent of those unfinished tracks is a public charging infrastructure, the lack of which is probably the most serious limitation of all purely electric cars. Fast-charging stations, a necessity for longer treks, are few and far between now, but a network of them are planned to begin operating within the next year or so. At a starting price of $33,630, the Leaf is by far the least expensive battery-electric car produced in significant numbers. Garrett writes that the tendency is to drive it gingerly, but the Leaf can be driven vigorously. Its electric motor - just 107 horsepower, but with 207 pound-feet of torque - accelerates the 3,400-pound car to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds. Click here for a photo gallery of the Leaf. Click here to read Jerry Garrett's in-depth review of the Nissan Leaf at the New York Times.

When the Roads are Rather Frightful...

Let's face it, we all have places that we have to be. Whether you need to go to work, school, or run errands around town, there is a time when you have to venture out into the winter weather. But how do you know if your vehicle can handle the roads and keep your family and yourself safe? I've done some research and have compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts for driving in the winter time. I hope that it will help you to stay safe this season when you are traveling.

Let's Start with the Don'ts of Traveling in Inclement Weather:

• Don't drive when you are fatigued. Make sure you are fully rested and alert when you get behind the wheel, or try carpooling with a friend. 
• Don't let your gas tank get below half-full. A low tank can lead to the gas line freeze-up, so make sure you make a stop at the gas station before parking your car overnight.
• Avoid using cruise control. It can be dangerous to use this feature on wet, icy, and sandy surfaces. 
• Don't warm up your vehicle in a garage or enclosed area.
• Don't stop on a hill. It is difficult to start going on a sloped surface, especially when it is icy. Also, avoid stopping in most situations. Determine if it is possible to safely coast forward as you wait for the light to change without having to fully stop.
• Don't spin your wheels if you get stuck in the snow--it will dig your vehicle deeper into the snow. 
• Don't leave your car unless you know where you are (if you get stranded). You are more likely to be found on the side of the road than if you are walking through a storm in an unknown area. 
• Don't feel pressured to always keep up with the speed limit. Use your own judgement and go slower if the weather is harsh. Police are likely to pull an aggressive driver over in the winter time, even if he is driving at the speed limit or below.

Now, the Do's:

• Make sure your car is in good working condition. Get a tuneup, check the tires, brakes, battery, coolant, and wipers.
• Always carry supplies for emergencies: flashlight and batteries, non-perishable foods, tire chains, cell phone, compass, first aid kit, ice scraper, matches, reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth to attract attention. 
• Clean off your car fully before driving anywhere. Make sure your lights are uncovered and you have full use of your windshields and mirrors. 
• Carry sandbags in the back of your car for added weight.
• Accelerate and Decelerate slowly. Rushing is very dangerous this time of year--watch out for black ice and out-of-control drivers. Don't try to speed up a hill either. 
• Always look ahead. Be aware of other drivers and of upcoming traffic signals. 
• Always, always, always buckle up! Although it is state law to wear a seat belt, it is even more important to do so in the winter time. You may be the safest winter driver in the world--but there are others on the road, too. This is an easy way to keep you and your family safe.
• Slow down before turning or going on curves. Sure, your car may do fine on that curvy mountain road on a sunny day in May, but it can be very hazardous in the winter. Slow down, make sure no other vehicles are coming your way, and proceed with caution.
• Keep both hands on the wheel, preferably at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. 
• Though the normal following distance is 3-4 seconds, this should be increased to 8-10 seconds in the winter to ensure that you have ample space to stop. 
• Be aware of your location and have specific directions when traveling in the snow. 
• Stay home if at all possible and use caution when traveling.

Enjoy the beautiful snow and have a happy, safe remainder of the winter.

Please comment with any additional Winter Driving suggestions that you may have!

Check out these links for additional tips:

Weather.com        AAA      CarTalk.com      The Chicago Tribune

Snow, Snow, Snow..

With the weather warming up outside for so long, I almost believed the winter to be over. Now, the forecast calls for a snow storm lasting the rest of the week! These zero golf ball days are hard, but they are impossible without a Four Wheel or All Wheel Drive vehicle. With a set of studded snow tires and a 4x4, even a Boone Blizzard can't stop me! I love being able to shop, go to the slopes, and run errands even when the weather outside is.. well, let's just say it's not too pretty. 

Having a 4 Wheel Drive allows me to spend more time with my family because we have the opportunity to get out of the house and have fun and then return home later safely and cozy up by the fire. I don't know what we would do without a reliable vehicle when we live and work in these beautiful, though sometimes treacherous, mountains. 

I love living here--the people are so kind and polite, the scenery is breathtaking, and the atmosphere is great for my family--but having a vehicle that you can depend on is essential for thriving in these winter months. At University Nissan we have a great selection of New and Used vehicles that are great for the winter. Especially since, as we have to admit, it is far from over. Come in and speak with our friendly sales staff, or bring your own vehicle in for some easy winter additions in our Service Department. Remember, we service all makes and models. 

I hope that you had a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. Best wishes for 2011, and we hope to see you here at University Nissan.