Abstract
This paper considers how automobiles indicate the class of someone in society, and concludes that automobiles are not always a good gauge of social class.

From the Paper
"For most Americans automobiles are the second most costly expense of their lives, with housing being the first. Many factors go into the purchase of a car-the style, price, fuel efficiency features, as well as the perception of how others will view the person who owns a particular vehicle. Automobile manufacturers invest considerable sums trying to establish certain images for particular cars and their efforts can be handsomely rewarded. Although all automobiles serve the same purpose-to transport people and goods from one place..."

Tags:automobiles, brand image, social class

Abstract
This paper explains that the reputation of luxury and powerful performance of European automobiles has been built on automobiles, such as BMW and Mercedes; whereas, the reputation of reliability and satisfaction of the Japanese automobiles has been built on automobiles such as Toyota, Nissan, and Honda. The author points out that, in the American market, the European automobiles have been unfavorably compared to the Japanese automobiles in terms of quantity, but the buyers of European automobiles are generally more loyal to their usual brand of vehicle. The paper relates that the Honda, which is a top seller in the United States, is not a luxury automobile of the ranks of BMW, Jaguar, or Lexus, but it is a well-made, reliable vehicle.

From the Paper
"BMW automobiles have been in existence for 75 years. The history of BMW auto manufacturing is varied, with many different types of vehicles offered through the years. The first BMW automobile manufactured was in Berlin in 1929. It featured an all steel body and was developed under the Austin Seven license. The next models were developed in 1932 and 1933, respectively. The BMW 303, sold in 1933, had the trademark kidney front grille, which is still in use today. The first luxury BMW saloon was the 335, which was the last BMW automobile to be manufactured prior to WWII."

Tags:bmw, honda, reliable, luxary, loyal

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of automobiles in the film industry, and how they are impacted by mass media. More specifically, this paper analyzes how mass media influences the use of automobiles and popular culture surrounding their use. The writer explores several books and movies in support of the analysis presented.

From the Paper
"Since the inception of the automobile, significant importance has been placed on its use and look. Young men are conditioned to believe that attracting women is based in part on having the right type of car. Young women are raised to think if a man has a nice car he is a worthwhile pursuit. In addition, media and society have conditioned Americans to place certain values on certain cars. If it's a sedan or a station wagon the owner must be old or boring. If it is sporty or a particular type of car the assumption is made that the owner is modern in thought and action. Autos have importance in all walks of life, including entertainment."

Tags:classic, movies, plot, fads, mindset, advertising, current, issues, trends, clout, promote

Abstract
Despite its many advantages, the automobile has a darker side. Pollution and traffic congestion are concerns, but the greatest problem associated with automobiles is their safety, or lack thereof. This paper shows that car accidents are one of the leading killers in the United States each year, accounting for about 40,000 deaths in the year 2001 alone. The paper argues that lawmakers are neglecting one of the main issues pertaining to road safety, teenage driving. It offers solutions to the problem of the high rate of casualties among teenage drivers and discusses opponents to the laws that restrict teenage driving.

From the Paper
"In summarizing the main reasons behind the increased accidents of teenagers, it can be inferred that a lack of experience is the primary culprit. Therefore, in order to properly address this issue, lawmakers need to find ways to legally require more training and road experience before licensing teenagers. My proposal is that the federal government pass a law (similar in scope to the one passed pertaining to blood alcohol) requiring all drivers to be a minimum age of 18. As the law stands today, there is no federal mandate regarding licensing age minimums. In fact, several states only require individuals to reach the age of 15 to obtain a driver's license (DriveHomeSafe website)."

Tags:NHTSA, accidents

Abstract
This research paper examines why the author likes cars, discusses what he can learn about them and explores the social, technological, cultural, collectible and mechanical aspects of the author's interest in cars.

From the Paper
"Electric Automobiles


At the turn of the century, most U.S. automobiles were electric (McCarty, 1988, p. 160). With improved roads spanning greater distances, however, the range and performance capabilities of the internal combustion engine made the electric vehicles obsolete (McCarty, 1988, p. 160). Now, as the century comes to a close, conditions spawned by the internal combustion engine's widespread use..such as air pollution and the nation's dependence on foreign oil..are forcing an assessment of alternative technologies (McCarty, 1988, p. 160).


In fact, recent legislation passed in California amounts to a directive for the production of electric cars (Stix, 1992, p. 126). As of 1990, the state requires that 2 percent of all new cars sold in 1998 be emission.free (Achille's Axle, 1992, p...."

Abstract
This paper discusses the problem of automobile emissions and asserts that they are the biggest pollution problem as they are responsible for greenhouse warming and cause many diseases in humans such as heart disease and respiratory problems

From the Paper
"The fact that almost everyone in North America drives a car which is gasoline-based is an example of how people are ignorant to this problem. Although methods to halt the automobile pollution problem should have already been implemented, the world still has time to switch from fossil fuel engines to cleaner sources of energy."

Tags:american, auto, automobiles, cars, energy, fuel, fossil, engine, environment, global, greenpeace, hydrogen, gasoline, industry, pollution, ozone, warming

Abstract
The paper argues that the natural gas vehicle is actually better than the electric automobile - chiefly because it remains somewhat more convenient to re-fuel, and because the long-term durability of the EV remains in doubt. The paper notes that both types of vehicles have their advantages, and the paper outlines the strengths of each. The paper concludes that while this writer gives a slight advantage to a natural gas-propelled vehicle, purchasing either type will turn out to be a judicious choice.

From the Paper
"The following paper will argue that the natural gas vehicle is actually better than the electric automobile - chiefly because it remains somewhat more convenient to re-fuel, and because the long-term durability of the EV remains in doubt. Be that as it may, both types of vehicles have their advantages, and the next several pages will outline the strengths of each. In the final analysis, while this writer gives a slight advantage to a natural gas-propelled vehicle, purchasing either type will turn out to be a judicious choice. To begin with, it is simply inaccurate to suggest that gas automobiles are..."

Tags:gas, electric, automobiles

Abstract
This paper discusses the challenges faced by the U.S. automobile industry in adopting a competitive green market strategy. The author discusses the disconnect between consumers who claim to be concerned about the environment but who do not appear to be willing to change their life style to tackle these issues. Under current circumstances of increased pollution and increased crude oil prices, greening is a certainty in the future, but the dilemmas facing the car manufacturers are whether they should wait and green their strategy slowly or reap the stewardship advantages, while paying the attached premium costs; and whether they should use their green actions as part of their company advertising or adopt a green modesty attitude as this would deflect attention from past or current environmental mistakes. This paper contains figures.

Outline:
The Domestic Automobile Industry
Reasons to Green the Marketing Strategy
Consumer Attitudes and Behaviors
Stakeholder and Institutional Pressures
Collective Action Dilemmas
Green Marketing Myopia
Consumer Value Positioning
Calibration of Consumer Knowledge
Credibility of Product Claims
Green Marketing Mistakes
Keep It Real
Clean Up From Top Down
Be Transparent
Stay Humble
Challenges for the Automobile Industry - Summary

From the Paper
"In the automobile industry, consumer attitudes and behaviors are not at all congruent. Although many consumers acknowledge that traditional automobiles are responsible for a large part of pollution, the vast majority is not willing to change their lifestyle to reduce the negative impact on the environment. This happens for reasons, such as: comfort (e.g. the hybrid's need for constant recharging and the reduced number of recharging locations versus the traditional gas bomb high density), perceived lower performance (e.g. diesel engines are perceived as being able to deliver a better automobile performance in terms of speed) and costs (the vast majority of used cars in US are based on gas, which leaves little choice for second-hand buyers in terms of hybrid products)."

Tags:ecology, environmentalist, Wal-Mart, Ford, AAA, Toyota, responsibility, ethical

Abstract
An examination of 20 sites of automobile manufacturers seeking to understand how car manufacturers use marketing strategies to attract customers. The investigation also reveals the best and worst Internet sites that the industry has to offer. The websites of various manufacturers and dealers allow the consumer to see the makes and models available and the retail price of the car. This leads to a well-informed consumer that will not be taken advantage of when they arrive at the dealership. The marketing strategies that the automobile industry uses include price comparisons, online quotes, online financing, brochures, customization, pictures and video of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. All of these strategies create a confident and well-informed consumer.

From the Paper
"Honda manufactures automobiles under the brand name Honda and Acura. Hondacars.com provides consumers with a very simple black and white home page and allows viewers to locate a dealer, view models, and a page for owners that provides information about vehicle maintenance and parts and services. The site provides 360 view of new vehicles through the use of photos and videos. This allows the consumer to view the interior and exterior of the vehicle with a few clicks of the mouse. The site also allows the consumer to customize a vehicle and view the MSRP. The Honda site is well designed and provides the consumer with relevant information. The simple design of the site provides for easy navigation and easy access to information that matters."

Tags:internet, car, marketing, website, dealer, online, consumer, brand