Automobile Retailers

For Scion to put out a limited edition model of something is becoming rather common, as the Toyota car offshoot is certainly expanding their selection. The latest to head into the fray is the Scion Limited Edition xD Release Series 1.0. This car hits markets in June and marks the third limited edition production car for 2008 from Scion.

The car features Hot Lava paint and a DAMD body kit. There is also a rear spoiler, TRD lowering springs, and wheel covers from Release Series. The interior features Hot Lava accented seats and interior trim, as well as a RAZO Release Series shift knob.

An individually numbered badge will come with each vehicle to indicate the uniqueness of the model.

Scion will only build 2000 models of the Limited Edition xD Release Series 1.0, so get one quick before they’re gone. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $14,550 for the manual transmission model. The automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $15,350. There is also a delivery, processing, and handling fee (DPH) for all models of $620. The DPH is not included in the overall MSRP of the car.

Toyota’s funky youth brand has hit it big with this model, in my opinion. The design looks to be captured somewhat from the Toyota Yaris, only it has a bit of a sportier feel. The colour of the car and the way it interacts with the trim and the seats is incredibly fun, too, and should sell well amongst younger drivers and those interested in holding on to their youth in an affordable way.

And of course the price is right, too. Coming in at a very affordable MSRP to the purchaser, the Scion xD Limited Edition Release Series 1.0 is a steal. With only 2000 available for purchase, however, those interested had better get down to their local Scion dealerships and get the scoop in a hurry.

Mike Horn is a South African explorer and motivational conference speaker who is heading out on a four-year expedition around the world. The motto of the expedition is “explore – learn – act.” Horn’s expedition is based around finding solutions for global warming, so he will use his boat (the Pangaea) to serve as a platform for young adults to experience the natural world. By raising awareness about what’s out there, Horn hopes to push awareness for taking care of the planet.

Pangaea is Greek for “all earth.” Because of Horn’s extensive history with exploration, he feels he is the ideal explorer to sail his boat around all five continents.

The boat itself took over 22,000 hours of design time and years of experience. It is a specially-designed craft that integrates the latest technology to be sustainable and safe for its crew at all times in all situations. The boat will also be used for research and will showcase environmental projects from many different ports of call around the world.

The boat was built in an environmentally friendly way, using BlueTec engines, solar panels, a recyclable aluminum hull, and trawling nets that will be used to collect bottles and other trash that has fallen into the sea.

When it came to finding a sponsor for the expedition, Horn wanted to find a company that shared his dedication to the environment. When Mercedes-Benz stepped in, Horn knew he had found the ideal partner.

“Mike Horn and Mercedes-Benz are both pioneers in their fields and they both use their expertise and resources to protect our natural environment and our climate,” explained Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz continues to work towards emissions-free mobility with its “TrueBlueSolutions” wing of operations, an ambitious strategy that has led towards the establishment of new technologies for automobiles.

By partnering with Horn and sponsoring the Pangaea expedition, Mercedes-Benz will continue to raise their exposure as an environmentally friendly car company and a sponsor of environmental exploration the world over.

We all know that lawmakers have made great strides in forcing the auto industry to make their products more efficient. They’ve even encouraged us – the general public – to buy hybrids and other vehicles that get great gas mileage. That’s because they’re all buying in to the idea of global warming supposedly. But how many of them are actually practicing what they preach?

One reporter – KDKA’s Paul Martino – wanted to see if these same lawmakers were setting an example or if they were of the “do as I say, not as I do” idea. It’s probably no surprise what he found.

Congressman Charles Rangle, for instance, was a major offender of driving a gas-guzzler. He is often seen driving to work in a large Cadillac Seville. But that’s not all. The $800 lease and the fuel bill are supplied by the taxpayers – the same taxpayers that he tells to be more responsible. This type of behavior is common in the government offices.

But everybody in Congress isn’t like him. Jason Altmire disagrees with lavishes such as these, especially when they’re charged back to the taxpayer. He tends to care more about the environment and the taxpayers, too. In fact, when he drove to a recent meeting about gas prices, he and two of his aids crammed themselves into a Pontiac G6, one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles because of its small size.

Other congressmen, including Mike Doyle, drive their own car without charging the taxpayers for his fuel bill or anything. Maybe that’s because they have a great, fuel-efficient car that they bought from their nearest Pontiac dealer. You can, too! Visit one today and see why people love their Pontiac vehicles.