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Ever imagined reading a book or watching a movie in your car, while your vehicle guides itself through the traffic and navigates on its own? Well, thanks to a new technology called ‘autonomous vehicle navigation’, this could soon be a reality.

If this technology comes into action, it may also see fleets of self-navigating vehicles for the military operating in war zones.

Keeping this in mind, a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contest was conducted, which aimed at spurring the development of such technologies.

The DARPA Urban Challenge was held at a former air force base in Victorville, Calif. in late 2007, and offered a 3.5 million dollars purse to competitors who could design the fastest and safest vehicles that could traverse a 60-mile urban course in moving traffic in less than six hours.

The contestant vehicles were unmanned and had to complete a simulated military supply mission, manoeuvring through a mock city environment, avoiding obstacles, merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, and negotiating intersections-all while conforming to California driving rules.

And out of the 89 international teams participating in the contest, only six could make it to the finish line in the allotted time

It’s looking more and more like there’s a bankruptcy filing in Chrysler’s future-maybe as soon as next week.

White House officials, Chrysler executives, and the banks holding the struggling automaker’s debt all point to a strong likelihood that Chrysler will fail to win the concessions needed from debt holders and auto worker unions by Apr. 30 to merit additional loans from the U.S. Treasury. On Wednesday, Apr. 22, Michael Robinet, head of global forecasting for CSM Worldwide, said he placed a “95% likelihood” on a Chrysler bankruptcy filing.

Behind that hard arithmetic is a calculation by the banks that they would do better selling Chrysler’s assets in bankruptcy court than by taking a $1.5 billion deal being offered by Chrysler owner Cerberus Capital Management and Treasury, say officials close to the negotiations who spoke on background. The banks are led by Citigroup (C), Goldman Sachs (GS), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and Morgan Stanley (MS), with some smaller banks and hedge funds involved as well.

Asset-by-Asset Valuation
There has been some movement in negotiations. On Thursday the Treasury’s auto task force proposed that banks holding $6.9 billion of Chrysler’s secured debt-collateralized by hard assets such as factories, real estate, and brands such as Jeep-accept $1.5 billion and 5% equity in the company, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. But that’s a long way from the $4.5 billion and 40% equity that bankers and private equity firms have been demanding.

Political pressure is being applied to the banks by the White House as well as by officials such as Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and members of Congress. They express outrage that banks that took taxpayer money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program would take such a hard-line position, which would jeopardize the U.S. auto industry and hundreds of supplier companies if Chrysler and/or General Motors (GM) go bankrupt.

So far, the banks are dug in. But it wouldn’t be easy to find buyers for Chrysler’s dented assets if a sale were forced in the current economic climate. Here’s an asset-by-asset valuation of what a broken-up Chrysler might be worth.

Jeep, the Best of the Lot
By most accounts, Chrysler’s Jeep brand is its most valuable asset. Jeeps, after all, are world renowned for their off-road ruggedness. But they’re also gas-thirsty SUVs. Any company taking on Jeep is going to have a hard time meeting tougher fuel-economy and C02 emissions standards in the U.S. and Europe. Last year, Jeep sales in the U.S., the brand’s biggest market by far, dropped 30% from the year before, to 334,000. (Globally, Jeep sold 497,000 vehicles.) Buy Jeep, and you get a sprawling, costly, unionized manufacturing complex in Toledo, Ohio. And customers have gotten used to seeing sales incentives on Jeeps as high as $10,000.

The most likely buyers of Jeep would be Chinese automakers or Indian SUV/pickup maker Mahindra & Mahindra, which is planning to enter the U.S. next year with its own brand in more than 200 dealerships. “There is value there, but making a profitable business model internationally in this environment is going to be tough for a lot of automakers,” says Gary Dilts, senior vice-president for global auto operations at J.D. Power & Associates (a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies (MHP), as is BusinessWeek).

Here’s an excellent method to construct a cheap car: remove the airbags, power steering, collapsible steering, seat belts, anti-lock brakes, and for the most part cylinders, all trappings, and other typical safety tools. If you do so you will get a four-door, four-seater, 33-hp 2-cylinder car which you can put up for sale to a starving market with definitely low prospect for about one lakh rupees ($1,988). Which still seems kind of luxurious while you think about that you be able to buy a new Kia Rio for $10,000?

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You don’t need to get taken for a trip while you purchase a second-hand car. Sequentially to avert that from happening you want to be ready. Everyone elsewhere there selling one can construct it seems like a incredibly high-quality deal. A person would like to get free of it or they actually want the funds. Second-hand car dealerships are for all time trying to construct a put up for sale so they be able to make more income.

This is not to state that receiving a used car is not a high-quality plan. Mainly the representations out there are very spacious. They are also good looking cars that you can be vain to drive. You be capable to select a tiny used car by means of two doors or a bigger one that seating either five or six people in it. All of the main auto manufacturers out there make cars due to the fame of them. In reality you will come across that most of these corporation offers some different mold that they will attempt to attract you to endow in.

Your car will serve you well, and cost effectively, if you take the time to learn a few basic maintenance skills. Ready to start? Let’s go.

There are many areas where you can save real money when running your car. Some of these are:
- Actual running expenses
- Minimizing serving costs
- Reducing the slide in value as it gets older

Let’s look at each of these areas in turn.

Actual Running Expenses - save on day-to-day running costs

a) Go easy on the throttle and the brake pedals. If you anticipate the traffic and road conditions a little more, you can save fuel and brake pad wear. Don’t be in such a hurry, go easy on the car controls.
b) Keep the tires at the correct pressure. If they look to be wearing unevenly, get them checked. Get a wheel alignment done at least once a year.
c) Shop around for the best fuel deal. Use coupons or dockets always.
d) When it’s time for new tires, shop around. Don’t be afraid to ask “What is your best price?” Compare prices and brands. Get to know the most suitable tire for your type of driving needs. Play off one retailer against another. The same goes for brake pads. Don’t just accept any quote.

Minimizing Service Costs - keep these to a minimum

a) Learn to do your own oil change and greasing. This is not a very arduous job. I actually enjoy the time under the car. Changing the oil, oil filter and greasing only needs to take less than 1/2 an hour altogether, but can save you a substantial amount of money. Just be sure doing this does not void your warranty. You can also easily change the air filter saving you even more money.
b) Get to know the normal noises your car makes. If at any time these change, see if you can work where the noise is coming from. That way when you go to your mechanic you won’t have to say “Just fix it”, you will be able to offer some ideas as to the cause of the problem.
c) Keep an eye out for loss of any fluids. This is often a cause of large maintenance costs. Check regularly to ensure the radiator water level, engine oil level, brake fluid level, automatic gearbox oil level, power steering oil and/or clutch fluid levels are all close to, or at, the “full” mark.
d) Look at the garage floor. Has oil been dropped on it recently? Was it from the back or the front of the car? Don’t let oil leaks go checked. Get them looked at right away.
e) If you choose to do your oil changes, shop around for the best price on good oil and filters.
f) If your car requires some specialized servicing or repair, shop around. Get competing quotes. Play off one repairer with another to get the best price.

Minimizing the Value Slide - get the most for your car when you sell

a) Keep the car clean inside and out.
b) Keep the car polished at least once a year. Twice a year is better. Use a good brand of polish
c) Use floor mats always. Keep them clean. Keep the carpets vacuumed regularly.
d) Keep a log book of all monies spent on the car and at what mileage/kilometers they were done. Keep the receipts. This will help you get the best price when you sell if prospective buyers can see you looked after the car well.
e) Use a good quality vinyl or leather protector on your dash, seats and door trims to save them from cracking and discoloration, as they get older.
f) Look for rust spots. These can occur around the windscreen, under the doors, in the door sills and other parts of the body. If you notice any, treat them immediately with a good brand rust killer. If you feel unqualified, get a specialist to fix it right away.
g) If you see stone chips, treat them right away. These can turn into rust spots if not cared for. You could either use a auto paint spray can of the same color or touch it up with a small paint brush and touch up paint.
h) The value of your car will be enhanced at sale time if you keep it as close to original condition as possible. Try to look after the car and keep it looking like it would have been when it was new.

These are just some ways you can minimize your car ownership costs and maximize the amount you receive when you go to sell the car.

Japanese automaker Subaru now releases the details of its new model that will enter the super mini segment in the European market. Equipped with a wide range of features, high performance and fuel efficient powertrain, the Subaru’s super mini model called the Justy will roll out in European dealerships carrying a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of only 8,495 British Pounds.

The Subaru Justy super mini features a three-cylinder 1.0 litre twin-overhead camshaft petrol engine under its hood. This power unit is capable of pumping out 69.3 PS at 6,000 rpm and 69.3 lb ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, allowing the super mini to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 13.5 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 100 mph. The 1.0 litre engine offers an impressive fuel economy for consumers, as it achieves 64.2 mpg Extra Urban. In addition, the Subaru Justy’s engine offers very low harmful exhaust emissions of only 118 grams per kilometer. European consumers can also enjoy numerous benefits with this new super mini model like the five-year/60,000 mile warranty backed by five-years’ UK and European roadside assistance.

Lawrence Good, Subaru (UK) Limited Managing Director said: “Everyone is very enthusiastic about the new Justy as it is will appeal to environmentally-conscious motorists and those seeking ultra-low running costs. Subaru dealers enjoy strong customer loyalty and the new Justy gives them a much-needed entry-level car to sell to both existing customers and new prospects.”

On the other technical side, the new Subaru Justy is equipped with a European-tuned chassis including a long suspension-travel for a smooth ride. Anti-roll bars are also included to provide agile handling for the vehicle. These roll bars are located at the front and rear of the vehicle combined with firm damping. The front suspensions are made of MacPherson struts while the rear suspension features a torsion bar with separate coil springs. Other technical feats and systems include power steering, advanced braking system featuring anti-lock ventilated front discs, rear drums (ABS), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This optimises the braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.

Other highlights of the Subaru Justy include driver and passenger front and rear curtain airbags, side and front and rear curtain airbags, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, four electric windows, reversing sensors, remote central-locking with alarm and ISOFIX child seat mountings, and 225 litres of luggage space. This model is also equipped with antenna (like Acura car antenna) for radio/CD player.

Taxi drivers in the UK must fill in a self assessment tax return if they have worked as a self employed taxi driver at anytime during the financial tax year. Self assessment tax returns should be filed by 30th September each year although the final deadline is the following 31st January. Failing to file the taxi accounts by 31st January attracts a 100 pounds late filing penalty with interest being charged on any tax not paid by this date.

The simplest solution to preparing the taxi driver accounts is to collect all the taxi receipts and expenses together, hand them over to an accountant who will prepare your self assessment tax return and might charge between 150 to 450 pounds for the privilege. That is taxing. Taxi driver accounts does not have to be that taxing. You can prepare your taxi driver accounts and self assessment tax return yourself but do something.

These taxi driver notes in preparing the taxi driver accounts and completing the self assessment tax return are to assist that process.

Mileage Allowances

Taxi drivers can claim as an alternative to vehicle running costs mileage allowances of 40p for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter. You may not claim mileage allowance and vehicle running costs. Should you choose to claim the mileage allowance then keep good records of mileage covered, purpose of journey. The DIY Accounting taxi accounting software automates this mileage allowance calculation.

Taxi Capital Allowances

If you bought a vehicle in the financial year 2007-08 and used the vehicle as a taxi you can claim a first year writing down tax allowance of 25% of the cost of the taxi, restricted to 3,000 pounds for vehicles costing over 12,000 pounds. On vehicles purchased in previous tax years you can claim 25% writing down allowance on the balance not yet claimed. If you have bought and sold a vehicle used as a taxi during the financial year the tax allowance is restricted to any loss made on resale and any profit made over the written down value is taxable as a balancing charge. First year allowance on non vehicle assets in the current tax year 2007-08 is 50% for small businesses.

Taxis bought on Hire Purchase

Claim capital allowances on the original cost of the vehicle, interest and other charges count as business expenses and go in the self assessment tax return box 3.61 Other Finance Charges

Taxi Running Costs

When completing the self assessment tax return taxi drivers should enter fuel costs in box 3.46 cost of sales not motoring expenses. Do not claim fuel expenses in the taxi accounts when you are on holiday, the revenue will check should they inquire into your self assessment tax return. Taxi running costs also include repairs, servicing and parts including tyres, road tax, taxi insurance and AA/RAC membership. Include radio hire and taxi office costs in general administrative expenses.

Household expenses

If you run your taxi business from home you can claim a proportion of household expenses as business expenses in the taxi accounts. Household expenses are likely to be disallowed unless they are either specific to the business or a specific area of your home is devoted entirely to your taxi business. Using part of a room part time would not be sufficient to include the household expenses in the taxi driver accounts.

Spouse Costs

You can claim expenses for partners who work for your taxi business and payments up to 100 pounds per week would not attract income tax or national insurance however any payments claimed in the taxi driver accounts must be real payments for real work done. The Revenue naturally adopt a strict view on taxi expenses claimed for partner work as it is an area some people might use to reduce the tax liability. Care is required to justify the partner as an expense.

Other Expenses

Enter all business expenses in a named expense box on the self assessment tax return. Avoid entries in box 3.63 Other Expenses if possible as any significant amounts in this box may give rise to an Revenue enquiry into the self assessment tax return.

The best method of ensuring the taxi drivers tax bill is as low as possible in the future is undoubtedly to meticulously maintain good records of all taxi receipts and expenses and mileage covered which offers the opportunity for taxi drivers to compare the taxi running costs against mileage allowances and choose the most tax efficient option. Generally if the taxi cab capital allowances are high vehicle running costs will be the best option and if taxi cab capital allowances are low then mileage allowances may well legally increase the costs you can claim and save you money.

The DIY Accounting taxi accounting software automates the comparison of taxi mileage allowances with taxi running costs doing the taxi accountants work for you.