Car owners and drivers, as well, certainly have felt the effects of the upward movement of gas prices. In fact, many people have opted to use public transportation rather than use their cars and vehicles because of the high amount you have to pay in exchange for a liter or so of gas.

Now, it seems like everybody else is affected. Even the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or much commonly known as NASCAR, have given approval for its arm, the NASCAR Performance Automotive Licensing Program, to join forces with the CCC, or the Car Care Council. Together, the two organizations has done brainstorming sessions and just recently launched a consumer education campaign which they dubbed as the “Be An Angel, Maintain Your Car And Save Some Gas”.

NASCAR and the CCC both maintain that this new campaign of theirs would also work as a call to action for all consumers. The campaign, in fact, even encourages car owners to maintain their vehicles regularly. This is because NASCAR and CCC believe that it is one of the best ways to achieve a better fuel mileage and in the process decreases expenses on gas.

A public service announcement that lasted for thirty seconds was produced by NASCAR. The organization is positing to run the mentioned announcement come the NASCAR programming which will actually launch and run throughout the whole month of July. Aside from this, all the local television stations scattered around the United States would also be receiving a copy of this public service announcement which they would have to run during their air time.

On the end of the Car Care Council, Rich White, its executive director, informs the public, “Higher gas prices are here to stay. But fortunately consumers can take greater control of how much gas their vehicles use by performing simple and inexpensive maintenance.”

NASCAR’s automotive licensing managing director, Odis Lloyd, explains, “The opportunity to help consumers with their car care needs has never been more significant. By using NASCAR’s extensive media assets and partnering with our manufacturing and installer partners, we can help consumers combat rising fuel costs by getting them the necessary vehicle repair information they need to get better fuel economy.”

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Through the first nine months of 2008, Chrysler’s sales are down a full 25%, representing the worst year over year decline by far of any major automaker who sells cars in the US market. At the rate sales are declining, Chrysler will soon forfeit the #4 spot to Honda as the automaker seeks salvage something from what will likely be a historically terrible year for the company.

Soon after September’s sales totals were announced, Chrysler made another announcement, one that has analysts scratching their head in wonder. To the point, Chrysler says that they are raising prices on their 2009 models across the board ? an average of $500 per vehicle ? to keep in line with fast rising labor and material costs. The increase doesn’t reflect a $50 bump up in shipping charges, a separate charge Chrysler plans on passing on to its dealers.

A Shell Game For Chrysler

Odd as it seems to institute an increase right now, most consumers will likely not see any of it, particularly if they opt for one of the company’s many slow selling models which can only be moved if heavy discounts are offered. Though the price increases do not include 2009 models already on dealer lots, they’ll be added to all future deliveries. Still, with truck sales down by 250,000 units year to date, Chrysler will need to keep prices down on every Dodge Ram, Jeep Commander, and other big truck and SUV that they’re trying to sell. Likely, discounts will be made available throughout the next selling year, allowing customers to gains real savings regardless of whatever sticker price is shown.

Looking Ahead To 2010

Last month, Chrysler announced that the company was fast tracking a plan to bring at least one electric vehicle to the market by 2010, as they rolled out electric versions of the Dodge Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, and a sports car that looks similar to the Viper. Chrysler plans on testing these three vehicles over the next year before deciding which one will go into production. General Electric is partnering with Chrysler to develop these cars which will run on a lithium-ion battery.

These are certainly strange times for the auto industry which was hit earlier this year by high fuel prices which resulted in consumer demand shifting almost over night to small cars, a line of vehicles that Chrysler has very few to offer. Then, with the credit industry on the ropes last month, additional sales were lost as customers couldn’t arrange financing. This blow came on top of a hit the company took earlier this summer when they suspended lease options corporate wide.

I have a small collection of diecast Nascar collectible cars all in original packaging, from 1995/96 that I would like to find out the worth of. I went to a couple of websites and ebay but couldn’t find anything for these older ones. I don’t really want to buy a book. Can anyone help?