Abstract In general terms, most Americans agree that the use of bait cars by law enforcement is justified, for they consider it a common sense response by the police to the complexities of reducing car theft. They see it as an effective policy in two ways, for in addition to enabling police to catch car thieves in the commission of a crime, it provides a general deterrent, for active car thieves will be wary of stealing any car because they can never be certain whether a car they are targeting for theft is a bait car. This paper discusses the use of bait cars by police and sheriff's departments in the United States and looks at why, in spite of the many advantages this practice offers, it continues to be a controversial issue in the minds of some people.
Abstract This paper studies muscle cars and their accompanying culture. It details the emergence of muscle cars in the 1960's and how the industry met the public needs, and their fall in the 1970's. It concludes that the enforcement of government emissions standards, combined with the switch to lower octane gasoline eventually lead to the death of the muscle car.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Industry
Individuality
Muscle Cars Emerge
The End of an Era
Conclusion
Interview
From the Paper "Car culture has been around as long as the automobile. For over 100 years the automobile has been an icon in American history and in people's lives. People have a long history of defining themselves by the car they drive, and judging others in this same way. What you drive can mean different things to different people, but it always means something. It reflects financial and social status, as well as personal expression. For people who wanted to be thought of as sexy, bold, and fast"the muscle car was the answer. After the end of World War II, Americans became obsessed with the automobile. Suddenly, cars become more than just tools, more for just transportation"they became identity to some people. People were what they drove. ?It was only natural that such a state of devotion to an inanimate/animate object should lead to a prominent sub-culture of super-fanatics.? (Anselmi, 1984) That love of the automobile became the catalyst for securing its place into pop culture and ultimately what has been the driving force behind the auto industry ever since. The muscle car was conceived by this driving force."
Abstract This paper is on the prospects for the hydrogen powered car, noting the stakeholders involved, some of what they want, and how likely it is that the car will be produced in the near future. The paper indicates that the primary problem may be getting the fuel to the consumer in an economical way, given that the ultimate stakeholder is the consumer, who will be asked to buy these cars and who will want to have a car that performs as well as possible and to be able to refuel easily and economically.
From the Paper "Hydrogen-powered cars operate on energy produced by the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen, with the only by-product being water. Stacy (2003) notes that General Motors is to provide $44 million to build a fleet of 40 hydrogen-fueled cars for use in New York, Washington, Michigan, and California, with another $44 million in matching funds to be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Energy. In addition, Shell Hydrogen LLC is to create five refueling stations in New York, Washington, California, and along the east coast, and this is seen as a major step in the development of hydrogen-fueled cars, given that automakers are reluctant to develop hydrogen cars both because of the cost and because of the current lack of refueling stations (Stacy, 2003, para. 1)."
Abstract This paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of Toyota's product, a hybrid electric car. The car is eco-friendly and it is important that the product is carefully assessed in detail before it is launched in the North American market. The paper also offers some concrete marketing suggestions, which can help the company in successfully introducing the product globally.
Abstract This paper discusses how mass production of cars started at the beginning of the 20th century and grew rapidly and how, since that time, our world has changed virtually beyond recognition. It discusses the changes that this particular technological advance has caused, focusing on changes in mode of production, changes in family life and ecological effects.
Abstract This paper compares car rental company web offers and car rental portals. It specifically focuses on price, location, car classifications, time periods, as well as availability. The paper analyzes the websites of the chosen car rental portals and car rental web offers and presents an interview with an intern of CarDelMar that was conducted via email in order to answer questions that arose from the research. The paper contains numerous graphs and figures.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Used Abbreviations
Introduction
Description of Research
Car Rental Company Web Offers
Car Rental Portals
Places
Car Sizes
Time Period
Methodology
Car Rental Company Web Offers
Small Cars Medium Sized Cars Large Cars Car Rental Portals
Small Cars Medium Sized Cars Large Cars Locations
Small Cars Medium Sized Cars Large Cars Findings
Average Company Prices
Cars Rental Portals vs. Car Rental Web Offers
Average Location Prices
Cars for Rent
Pricing Strategy
Warsaw most expensive Location
Limitations
Different car models for the classes
Different Features of Cars Later Payment
Restricted Amount of Locations
Availability of Cars Conclusion and Recommendation
Conclusion
Strategic Recommendations
Appendix A: Interview
Appendix B: Tables
From the Paper "When searching through the internet or through articles in magazines, only car rental portals are analyzed. However, those ones are just evaluated by e.g. insurance, service and quality of the car. What should be of even more importance are the prices offered by the companies renting out cars. This assignment is to show if car rental portals with a car pool can with compete with companies that offer the rental cars through the world wide web in regard to price. The comparison of prices between car rental portals and car rental web offers is the main focus of this assignment. However, the different prices for the rent of cars in the various cities of chosen European countries might be an interesting discovery as well."
Abstract This paper explains that, on the whole, Japanese automakers have the edge over their European counterparts. The author points out that the primary reasons are that Japanese cars are typically considered to be safer and much more reliable than European cars, which are paramount criteria when purchasing a car. The paper relates that Japanese cars can be quite affordable in terms of start-up fees and insurance costs. The author stresses that the Japanese cars, depending on the brand, also score high in performance and environmental friendliness. The paper concludes that Japanese subcompact cars are typically cheap, reliable, comfortable, environmentally friendly and highly fuel efficient.
Table of Contents:
General Framework
Environmental Friendliness
European Cars Japanese Cars Performance
European Cars Japanese Cars Reliability and Safety
European Cars Japanese Cars Costs
European Cars Japanese cars A Specific Focus
From the Paper "Japanese car makers also agreed to the same CO2 emission decrease as specified by the European Union-Kyoto Protocol arrangement and, like the European cars, are not in-line to reach their target. Japanese brands performed poorly across the board under the T&E investigation. Three of the worst performing cars out of tested popular brands were Japanese: the Nissan, Suzuki and the Mazda (only 20%, 22% and 27% of the CO2 emission reduction target achieved, respectively). Arguably, the biggest Japanese brand name, Toyota, poorly scored seventh on the survey, reaching 76% of the target. However, other research shows that Japanese cars may be "greener" than the T&E research indicates."
Abstract This paper studies the way to transform showroom visitors into customers when selling American used cars in Saudi Arabia. It reports that the methodology included personal in-depth interviews using two sets of survey questions created to compliment this study and secondary data from previous published articles. The paper relates that, while deeming potential used car buyers to be hesitant "one chance customers", when a seller gains insight into buyers' habits, he/she enhances the understanding of a customer which amplifies positive customer engagement, and in turn, increases the likelihood that a showroom visitor will become a satisfied customer. The paper includes questionnaires and color illustrations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
American Used Cars Aims and Objectives
Background and Overview:
Literature Review
Finding and Filling Used Car Buyers' Needs
Domain of Customer Behavior
Customer Roles
1998-2007 Forecast U.S. Arab Market Losses (U.S. $Billion) by Export Category
Reasons to Buy a Used Car More Competition for Sellers of American and Other Countries' Used Cars Car Buyers and the Internet
Another Manufacturer's Promotion PESTLE
Selling American Used Cars in Saudi Arabia - PEST(LE) Analysis
SWOT
Methodology
Personal and Private, Yet, Public Sales' Persuasions
Questionnaire for Buyers
Interview Questions for Sellers
Customer Satisfaction Survey
Reflections and Limitations
Difficult, yet Simple Significant Details
Conclusion/Summery
Today and Tomorrow's Timeless Truths
Aims and Objectives
From the Paper "Customers invest effort and time when searching to select a used car dealer, just as sellers invest time to secure customers. "Word of mouth" communication, the report a customer verbalizes to his/her family and friends is one particularly, potent "tool" regularly used to gain new customers. A seller does not have to invest substantial funds, market his product, or invest special sales' resources, as the customer. The way a customer perceives the seller, however, determines whether "word of mouth" communication will prove to be positive of negative."
Abstract This paper documents a young persons search for the "best car around". It provides a look at advertising and marketing ploys, salesmen talk and other "useful" information that may cloud a person's judgement. The author decides that the best way to test a car is to drive it.
From the paper:
"What is the best sports car for the 2002 model year? This question, which this paper attempts to answer, is not as simple as it might seem to be at first because "the best" can be very ambiguous. This is why every single car ad that you ever see on television or that you ever see in a magazine can claim that it is in fact the best without the manufacturers? being accused of false advertising, since every car is probably the best for someone. For example, if you have a family with eight children in it, the best car for you will be a really big van that every can fit in at the same time. If you use a wheelchair to get around, then the best car for you is one that a disabled person can use."
Abstract This essay explores the social symbolism that is involved with cars and argues that cars are used by many individuals as status symbols. More specifically, the paper asserts that cars are used to convey a wide range of information about the identity and position in society of the person driving the car. The paper maintains that cars are not just vehicles, they are status symbols. They actually represent two different things. On a very general level they represent economic wealth. On a second level they represent masculinity, power and vitality. The writer concludes that cars, like many aspects of material culture, are used to create identities.
From the Paper "What this means is that we often use products to create identities for ourselves. For example, someone wishing to be thought of as a sports fanatic will buy clothing based on sports teams. This means that consumer products become symbols for who we think we are or at the very least who we want people to think we are.
"The question that must be asked at this point is how do cars fit into this symbolic framework? Cars require a large number of resources to operate. A whole range of lifestyles and industries have developed that are directly connected to cars. Probably one of the most important developments has been the creation of suburbs."
Abstract This paper first describes what it is that buyers find so attractive in sports cars and then talks about what a buyer must consider when purchasing a sports car. The paper then goes on to explain that the superior engineering, design, reliability, and innovation of German sports cars makes them superior to Italian sports cars.
From the Paper "Since the invention of the automobile, cars have taken an important role in our society. Once they were available only to the wealthy few that could afford them as a luxury in life. However, today cars have become a necessity for everyone. Everyone needs to commute to work, get to school, or go to the store; roads are filled curb to curb with traffic and cars of all sorts. However, that social status experienced by those wealthy enough to afford an early automobile can still be felt today by owning a sports car. ?Sports cars are for the individual who relishes a thrilling drive and a bolder visual statement with a hint of exclusivity. All style AND substance.... Power and speed, looks to die for and a throaty roar ? once you have driven a sports car then you never want to drive anything else.? (Sports Cars...) Like the change from riding a horse to driving a car, the difference between a standard family car and a speed-filled sports vehicle can be the boost to make life exciting again. Purchasing a sports car is a fun and exciting event, but one must remember that it is a very serious investment to make. Car lovers must consider many things when deciding upon a sports car, many things that do not necessarily go into the purchasing of a mini van for the kids."
This paper discusses how "green" cars are designed to reduce emissions, thereby lessening problems of ever-increasing air pollution, which causes asthma and lung cancer.
Abstract This paper explains that "green" cars are vehicles that drive just like any other vehicle, except they are at least 90% cleaner-burning than the standard vehicle on the road, thereby emitting a lower amount of pollutants into the air. The author points out that the most popular models, which are mass-produced on the market right now, are called 'hybrids' because these vehicles have hybrid motors that use a mix of a gasoline engine and electric motor with a large battery that keeps energy flowing to the electric motor with no need to "plug" it in to recharge; when the cars get to "cruising" speed, they switch to the electric motor, letting it do most of the work. The paper stresses the financial benefits, which add to the environmental and health reasons to buying a "green" car; the actual purchase price does not vary too much from the regular gas-burning model, and the savings annually in gas can be tremendous. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Current Quality of the Air We Breathe
Health Consequences of the Deteriorating Environment
Explaining the Need
Future Predictions of our Environmental Destruction
Identifying Those at Risk
"Green" Cars What They Are
How These Vehicles Can Help "Clear the Air"
Financial Benefits from These Vehicles
Where Can They Be Found
Different Makes and Models Available
Concept Cars on the Way
Other Solutions
From the Paper "While companies like Honda and Toyota are more aggressively bringing hybrids to market, GM decided last year to focus its most advanced hybrid technology on its largest, least-fuel-efficient, high-volume vehicles models. It plans for them to reach showrooms in 2007. The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrids have been rated at averaging 60 miles per gallon, which has captured the attention of many producers, designers, engineers and consumers. This is encouraging because automakers are taking notice of the problems with our environment and actually coming up with ways to help fight for the cause."
Abstract The paper discusses how, in an era when oil prices are rising rapidly and the public is especially concerned about the added cost this imposes on the family budget, the hybrid car is getting a new impetus in the marketplace. The paper examines how the hybrid car offers the unified features of the gasoline-powered engine and the electric car, without the added problem the electric car brings of a limited range, while at the same time cutting down on the use of gasoline. The paper explores how the hybrid engine is being promoted both as a cost-saving device and as a more environmentally-friendly type of automobile.
From the Paper "The electric car offers advantages but also has certain disadvantages. Still, some form of electric car might become accepted and would help reduce reliance on oil and help with environmental problems at the same time. The target market will grow exponentially once the electric car has a longer range, but for the time being the commuter market is quite large and ready to be drawn into a vehicle that can be shown to be economical, non-polluting, safe, and relatively inexpensive."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the electric car and why the electric car should become our first choice of vehicle to use. It describes the importance of the electric car in terms of global warming, rising gasoline prices and America's dependency on foreign oil. The paper then describes how the hybrid car works and why it is a good compromise between the combustion engine and the electric car. The paper presents the writer's personal reflections on the issues raised.
From the Paper "Global warming is all around us. Our glaciers are melting; there are more severe temperatures around the globe, not to mention natural disasters on a scale never seen before. There are several alternative sources of energy, from something as simple as harvesting the sun's energy, to something as complex as building a huge "exhaust system" out of our factories. The most damaging to our atmosphere is the combustion engine vehicle. Because we have the technology to make better cars, I made this the topic of my research paper. We, as a population, should do everything in our power to make sure that these dinosaurs of cars be put into extinction. They are literally killing our planet, and it is something that can be, and should be avoided. In the following paper, I will give facts to the testament of the electric car, and why it should be our new form of transportation."
