Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

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History of Ambulance Vehicles

The ambulance is among the most recognizable and unique vehicles on the road. The history of the ambulance is long and developmental, dating to 15th century when in Spain wagons were used for the transporting the wounded. The modern word ambulance derives the French word ambulant. It means “ambulant field hospital” and its first known use was in 1809. Since then, ambulance vehicles have undergone a vast transformation. Ambulances in the Civil War Prior to the 20th century, most emergency transportation was done with horse-drawn carts or wagons. During the American Civil War, these wagons were used to transport wounded soldiers from the battle field. It wasn’t until William A. Hammond took control of the Office of the Surgeon General

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Elio Motors: To reserve or not? Nearly 12,000 say yes

Interest in the yet-unnamed Elio Motors’ $6,800 three-wheel vehicle, scheduled for delivery in 2015, continues to steadily increase. According the the company’s website, nearly 12,000 prospective buyers have paid deposits from $100 to $1,000 and with refundable and non-refundable options. A non-refundable reservation provides customers with an additional discount worth 50 percent of the initial deposit (a $1,000 deposit would receive an additional $500 toward the price of a vehicle at the time of purchase). Although refundable deposits can be made, more than 80 percent of customers have opted for the non-refundable reservation Overall, the reservation options are varied and are offered with and elaborate formula. Here’s the link: Elio Motors Reservations The vehicle, according to the manufacturer, will achieve

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Best tips, strategies for buying a used instead of a new car

Car buyers considering a used instead of a new vehicle can save a lot of money. But buying a pre-owned car not only means a cheaper purchase price, the affiliated expenses — insurance to smaller depreciation — often equate to long-term savings. But while saving money is good, purchasers of used cars can also get peace of mind if they purchase a certified used vehicle that’s been properly inspected and also has a manufacturer’s warranty. There are fees involved, but the car’s mechanical condition is guaranteed. New cars have various warranty terms, but if the vehicle had a bumper-to-bumper warranty of 4 years and 50,000 miles when it was new and you purchase within those parameters, it will likely still

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Massive GM recall oddity: 1.4 million cars still unfixed

The 10-year delay in the massive General Motors ignition switch recall is being investigated by Congress and the Justice Department. But the story has a second oddity. None of the cars among the five brands recalled have been repaired. The cars involved include: Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, Saturn Sky and Ion and Pontiac G5 and Solstice. General Motors said it sent letters to the owners of cars from model years 2005 through 2007 involved in the problem. But owners haven’t been asked to schedule repairs because there aren’t enough parts available to fix all of the 1.4 million vehicles affected. General Motors has reported it will have the parts and will begin repairs in April. The repair will take an

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General Motors raises 2014 Corvette Stingray price

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the car often known as America’s sportswear, just got more expensive. General Motors has announced the base price of the sports car just went up by $2,000, from $51,000 to $53,000. The manufacturer has also increased the price for the Stingray convertible by $2,000. It now costs $58,000. In addition, the price of the Z51 performance option package went up by $1,200. It now costs $4,000. The Z51 package adds larger wheels, performance tires and special aerodynamic features, among other things. “The consumer demand for Stingray has far exceeded our expectations, particularly for the Z51 package,” GM spokesman Monte Doran said. The Corvette was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year and has won a number

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Will the $6,800, 84 mpg Elio change the auto industry?

Paul Elio, founder of Elio Motors, has stressed his soon-to-be manufactured three-wheel Elio priced at $6,800, will change how consumers think about their daily commutes. Speaking at the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition Legislative Breakfast in Phoenix where he lives, Elio said his company will create more than 1,500 American jobs and help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. “Our high-mileage, low-cost vehicle is causing people to rethink how we approach transportation in the United States,” Elio said. “Many consumers buy vehicles based on the premise that they need to haul their entire family around. “But, on a typical commute to work, look at how many big, inefficient vehicles have just one person – the driver –

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Scion FR-S, Ford Fiesta Coolest Cars For Under $25,000

The Scion FR-S has for the second straight year top the list of 10 Coolest New Cars Under $25,000, according to editors of Kelley Blue Book. “Many of us aren’t in the position to run out and purchase a Porsche or Lamborghini, which is why we’ve crafted a list of affordable but fun cars, like two-time winner Scion FR-S,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Truly a driver’s car, the FR-S features a stylish looking exterior and modern updates on the interior.” As in previous years, for 2014 KBB.com editors look for the ever-subjective “cool factor” when rounding up candidates for the annual list, building a lineup of cars that

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Look up in the air! It’s a $94,000 Maverick flying car

The Maverick LSA design, touted with its logo, “Maverick: The Flying Car That Does,” has been developed as an easy-to-operate air and land craft. According, Beyond LLC, which has granted the manufacturing rights, it’s intuitive, safe to fly, drive and easily maintained.  Beyond Roads LLC will facilitate the development of a commercial market for multi-medium transportation vehicle. Here are some basics: Base price $94,000.00. FAA Certified S-LSA (Special – Light Sport Aircraft), E-LSA (Experimental – Light Sport Aircraft or E-AB (Experimental Amateur-Built) 190 horsepower, injected, 2.5-liter Subaru engine Dual Drive – transaxle/propeller. Public road licensable. Robust suspension for “off-roading.” Highway Speed range, 0 to 100 mph. Flies like a car with integrated controls. Airspeed: 40 mph. Wing deployment system. MODEL

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Peugeot unveils hybrid air engine with 125 mpg

It’s not the first time the idea of a modern car running on compressed air has emerged.  But it’s a recent first and this time it’s Peugeot. The french automaker has introduced a concept car that features a new Hybrid Air engine system which combines both a traditional petrol engine with compressed air. The new engine system is capable of running only on air for 80 percent of its driving time. As a result, fuel economy is estimated at 125 miles per gallon. The Hybrid Air system is expected to be installed into some existing models like the Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3, available only in Europe. According to a Peugeot press release, this is how the compressed air system

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Apple in your navigation system? Call it CarPlay

Apple has introduced CarPlay, which the manufacturer claims is an “incredibly intuitive way for iPhone users to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch.” CarPlay allows users to easily control the car’s native interface or push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate the Siri voice command without distraction. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will premiere CarPlay to their drivers this week. BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp., will also feature CarPlay soon. Once iPhone is connected to a vehicle with CarPlay integration, Siri will allow

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First Corvette swallowed by sinkhole emerges, drives

The first of eight Corvettes swallowed by a sinkhole in the National Corvette Museum has been removed by construction crews and was driven about 20 feet after its emergence. With visitors, staff, media at the museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and an international audience watching via a live stream, the 2009 “Blue Devil” ZR1 was rescued. The car was in good shape and started after a few attempts. “It’s wonderful… just seven more to go,” said Mike Murphy, construction manager for the project. “That’s a GM product for you. They take a licking and keep on ticking.” The crews have been working six days a week since the Feb. 12 sinkhole incident that swallowed eight Corvettes in the National Corvette

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The $6,800 Elio 3-wheeler will have a hitch — a traveler

The anticipated arrival of the Elio three-wheel vehicle with a nearly 700-mile range and an estimated 84 mpg, has created vast public interest. With a top speed of more than 100 mph and its innovative styling, it’s no wonder why more than 10,000 pending buyers have placed deposits ranging from $100 to $1,500. According to the manufacturer, Elio Motors, based in Phoenix, Ariz., the Elio will feature an eight-gallon gas tank and will be made with 95 percent American parts and by an American labor force. Interest in vehicle has resulted various pending owners’ websites and forums. One of the most discussed topics of Elio forums is the availability of a trailer hitch. Several options are in discussion, including the

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Coming soon, 3-wheel Elio: $6,800, 84 mpg, 100 mph

If Paul Elio’s plans materialize, his company, Elio Motors, will introduce in early 2015 a three-wheel vehicle, the Elio. It will cost $6,800 and achieve 84 mpg. The vehicle (it’s not a car) will feature an eight-gallon gas tank that will take the vehicle 672 miles and have a top speed of more than 100 mph. The company plans to use 95 percent American parts and American labor. The Elio will be built in the abandoned Shreveport Louisiana assembly plant. It will be sold at specialized retail centers in the top 60 markets across the United States and will be available in eight colors. Elio standard equipment will include: a reinforced roll cage and airbags for safety, radio, air conditioning

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2014 Tesla Model S innovation detailed in video

The 2014 Tesla Model S and its older siblings have been bombarded with awards. In its latest honor, The Tesla was Consumer Reports’ top pick overall among 10 categories of cars, light trucks, and SUVs. The top-10 list was selected from more than 260 vehicles the organization has recently tested. The magazine considers the Model S a “technological tour de force, while pricey, is brimming with innovation.” Consumer Reports rated the Model S with a score of 99 out of 100, becoming the magazine’s best car ever tested. “If it (the Tesla) could recharge in any gas station in three minutes, this car would score about 110,” said Jake Fisher, head of auto testing for Consumer Reports. Fisher called the

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General Motors recall lapse could cost carmaker millions

General Motors could face millions of dollars in civil penalties as the aftermath of publicly apologizing for responding quickly enough to a safety issue linked to 13 deaths and 31 accidents. The financial ramifications could occur if the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines the automaker neglected to inform regulators. The NHTSA is also facing criticism for not demanding GM act more quickly to recall more than 1.6 million vehicles, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The recall is linked to the cars’ ignition switches, which GM says can be accidentally turned from the “run” position to the “accessory” position while the car is being driven. When this happens, the engine shuts off and safety systems

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PERK Vent Wraps make your car smell good

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PERK for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. PERK Vent Wrap air fresheners are a novel idea. The approximately two-inch wrap fits discreetly on automobile and truck air vents — or anywhere else — and provides a fresh scent for 60 days. With the sub-title “Wake Up Your Space,” the wrap grips the vent tightly with a slight push. And unless you know it’s there, you’d never know it was there. If truth in advertising counts, the PERK Vent Wrap vent air freshener marketing folks are spot-on. The wraps are advertised with the statements: “Fragrance you’ll notice, an air freshener you won’t,” and “It’s virtually invisible and won’t block

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