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Automotive
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Newer stories | Older stories George Spaulding
Latest Automotive HeadlinesLatest HeadlinesNice cars don't even hold valueSaturday, Aug. 30, 2008'I get so frustrated when I hear people try to justify buying an expensive car they really can't afford by saying, 'Well, it'll hold its value.' The truth is, no vehicle holds its value unless it's a classic or rare car." This was the opening paragraph of a column by Michelle Singletary in The Palm Beach Post. The article, sent in by a reader, is undated, but auto-purchasing fundamentals never change. Read story. Alaska gov. wants to tap oil resourcesSaturday, Aug. 16, 2008JUNEAU, ALASKA — Gasoline at $4 a gallon. Not necessary, in the opinion of Alaska's governor. "The federal government needs to unlock our land, allow us to develop the (proven) reserves," asserted Sarah Palin, the popular leader of this state, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Read story. High-tech gadgets on the waySaturday, Aug. 2, 2008As more and more high-tech advances make their way into today's automobiles, more and more owners complain about the complicated devices and diversions. Some luxury models have as many as 80 knobs and switches to improve the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers. Read story. Irritability Index going up over oilSaturday, July 19, 2008Eight months ago, this columnist recorded Spaulding's Irritability Index for the first time. The gist of the article was this nation's failure to address measures to relieve our affinity to foreign petroleum. These included 1) The failure to drill for oil in our own country's oil fields. Read story. This 'rookie' recalls first Buick OpenSaturday, June 28, 2008This week, the Buick Open Golf Tournament is celebrating its 50th anniversary. You will find this difficult to believe, but your columnist worked the first Buick Open as a new employee in the sales department of the Buick Motor Division. Read story. Tucker was innovator in car safetySaturday, June 21, 2008Preston Tucker's "Dream Car" was years ahead of its time. Even though it was referred to as the Tucker Torpedo during its development stages, when it was formally introduced, it was the Tucker '48, a designation of its first model year. Read story. Other costs of traffic accidentsSaturday, June 14, 2008The ultimate cost in traffic accidents, of course, is the 43,000 who die yearly in the United States. In addition to the hundreds of thousands who are injured, there is another staggering cost involved: $164.2 billion a year. That's the cost of automobile and truck crashes each year, according to AAA. Read story. Electric car idea makes a comebackSaturday, June 7, 2008'In the auto industry, some things never change" is a favorite expression of Ben Lever, a retired executive with Ford Motor Co. and currently an executive-in-residence at the College of Charleston's School of Business. A stunning example is the surge in electric cars, a phenomenon first exhibited in the early 1900s. Read story. Reaching home comforting feeling, in baseball or roadSaturday, May 31, 2008Driving is similar to baseball: The key is to get home safely! Please do not get turned off when you suspect today's topic is safety on the highway. I challenge you to read on. The life you save may be one dear to you. Read story. Fight gaining momentum against DUISaturday, May 24, 2008I received a letter from Joel Sawyer, communications director working out of the governor's office, which said, in part, "As you may have seen, just last month the governor signed a new DUI bill, removing loopholes for prosecution and toughening penalties for repeat offenders. Its passage was due in no small part to folks like you, who made your voice heard in a variety of ways, such as with your column(s) in The Post and Courier. Thanks for all that you do." Read story. Marmon innovative carmakerSaturday, May 17, 2008The Marmons are coming! The Marmons are coming! Yes, a fleet of Marmon motorcars, popular in the early years of the automotive industry, is arriving in Charleston. They will be on display 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Boone Hall Plantation. Read story. Some tips for saving cash on gasolineSaturday, May 3, 2008GAS IS STILL CHEAP! Look around. There are plenty of motorists who apparently believe gas prices are no problem: jackrabbit starts from the light, speeding to a red traffic light; weaving in and out of traffic at NASCAR speeds; and more. Read story. Story behind BAT mobileSaturday, April 26, 2008Received a call from longtime friend Pat Miller, a name, perhaps, unfamiliar to you, but her company, Vera Bradley Designs, is a household name to many women. Pat is a co-founder of the highly successful firm, which was created in her basement in Fort Wayne, Ind. The handbag designer is a success story in itself, which could be the subject of free enterprise in America. ... Read story. Cadillac still symbol of luxurySaturday, April 19, 2008Cadillac, General Motors' luxury car provider, has been in business since 1902. The company was first known as the Henry Ford Co. After Ford was succeeded by Henry Leland as chief engineer, the name was changed to honor the founder of Detroit, explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. ... Read story. Readers back tougher rules for driversSaturday, April 12, 2008After Carolyn Matalene's comments in this column on pedestrian rights, all responses received have been supportive. Despite the coverage, there are still too many drivers in the Holy City who appear unaware pedestrians have the right of way on crosswalks. Read story. Newer stories | Older stories |
George Spaulding, a retired automobile industry executive, writes about automotive topics in his weekly column.
