Teaser:

Washington, March 4: The auto manufacturers continue to struggle as recession deepens and customers trim their expenditures. The discounts offered, along with low-interest loans, by the Detroit’s Big Three to entice customers have proved to be an exercise in futility.

Teaser:
In a previous column, we pointed out several reasons to consider buying a used car instead of a new one. For many Fools, used cars are a tremendous value purchase. But there certainly are benefits to buying new, benefits that go well beyond that new-car smell.

Teaser:
The National Insurance Crime Bureau's list of most frequently stolen cars in 2007 was released this week, and, once again, I feel robbed.

EDINBURGH, Scotland -- A space-age parking garage in Edinburgh, Scotland, has gone unused since the company that owned it went bankrupt four years ago.

Story:

The "Sky Park" was in operation for only two years, The Scotsman reported. The robotic systems were reportedly so expensive to operate that they drove the owner into receivership.

Sky Park cost 5 million pounds (more than $10 million) before it opened in 2001. The system used electronic sensors to move cars to empty spaces using a system of elevators, turntables and similar moving equipment.

Drivers picking up cars could stick tickets in a scanning machine and get their vehicles back within three minutes.

The receiver says an overseas company has expressed interest in buying Sky Park and reopening it. That would be an expensive proposition since the machinery has been sitting idle for four years and probably needs extensive repairs, the newspaper said.

Good engine oil is paramount in the working and maintenance of the car. The engine oil lubricates all the moving parts of the car. It reduces the friction between the parts and subsequently prevents the wear and tear.

No vehicle can be put on the road without an insurance policy. Penalties range from a fine to impoundment of the vehicle.

The market for pickup trucks in the U.S. is beginning to get even more crowded. The competitive edge in this market has gone even finer; thanks to the newer models from American automobile giants Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC set to roll out soon.

What if I told you that by buying a used car, you would be buying an appreciable asset? I am not talking fancy antiques, but good old Chevys, Hondas, and the like.

Asheboro, N.C -- Randolph Community College in North Carolina has founded the "Richard Petty Education Center."

Story:

The 20,000-square-foot building, located in Asheboro is named after the legendary NASCAR driver.

The modified U-shape building will house the school's Autobody Repair and Automotive Systems Programs.

It contains nearly 15,000 square feet of new space, which provides 10 work stations and state-of-the-arts paint booth and additional work space.

"Randolph County, N.C. is home so this is really means a lot to the Petty family," Petty said in a statement. "Anytime you are honored by your hometown friends and family it's special. I'm excited that they will have a new education center to turn out quality automotive specialists because it is an important industry for North Carolina."