When it comes to a car, new technology implementation often gives the vehicle an edge over those of the competitors. This is why it is so important for car companies to be aware of new automotive technology products and implement new technology in car models. Additionally, car dealerships and employees should be aware of such innovative car features, which can really help make or break a car purchase. There are a number of resources from which individuals can learn about new automotive technology research.

New automotive technology research for beginners helps to introduce interested parties to new technology for cars, trucks and other vehicles. Businesses and employees interested in learning more about automotive technology would likely benefit from:

1. Considering the new technology in automotive research as a result of government assistance and aid.

2. Examining the work private researchers are contributing to the industry regarding new automobile technologies.

3. Signing up for magazines and journals specializing in explaining and illustrating innovative auto industry advancements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review automotive technology research supplied and invested in by federal and state governments

Federal and state governments finance a number of large and important projects, not the least of which is with regard to innovative automotive projects. It is important to understand which areas of new automotive technology are being focused upon by government research centers to learn what direction the government believes such an industry should take.

I recommend: USCar.org discusses the research and objectives of the United States Council for Automotive Research. The organization was founded in 1992 and focuses on automotive research and development as a method through which the government can strengthen the technological base of the nation's auto industry. Meanwhile, the EPA has been focusing on research projects designed to achieve extremely low emissions from vehicles which contribute to pollution and increase the efficiency of vehicles when it comes to fuel.

Educate yourself about public and private sectors' new automotive technology research teams

Private sector research organizations for new automotive technology projects are often allowed more expressive and controversial tests for their programs. This is because they are not tied to the same regulations the federal and state governments may be. Many new areas are covered with respect to the industry and between private and public research projects, many advancements can be tackled and understood.

I recommend: ResearchAndMarkets.com offers an overview of North American automotive technologies, providing a detailed list of public and private organizations working on such research projects. Some of the organizations listed include the Argonne National Laboratory, Clemson University, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Analog Devices Inc., ARM, ATX Technologies Inc. and BEI Technologies Inc. Ford.com discusses the work it has been doing on Ford vehicles with respect to new automotive technology implementations and the alliances they have made with Chinese universities in order to promote such research. Watch for the results of the Automotive XPRIZE, a $10 million prize for a car that can run at 100 miles per gallon.

Stay current regarding new automotive technology by subscribing to relevant magazines and journals

New technologies are always evolving and redefining themselves. It is important to stay up to date on automotive technology research to understand trends in the industry and how such trends may affect the population at large. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to sign up for related journals and magazines. Often mailed out on a monthly basis, such reading material can keep employees and businesses aware of new technologies for cars as research projects and conclusions develop

I recommend: Popular Mechanics is probably one of the most well-known automotive technology publications available. Not only does the magazine focus on technological innovations, they also discuss automotive needs, the market for vehicles and home improvement. For specific automotive technology research advancements, one might consider the more technical The Journal of Automobile Engineering, which covers the results of research projects and intended advancements from all over the world, including the United States.

Innovative car research and development is actively pursuing the perfecting of hybrid electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells. They seek innovation and improvements over the present and the past. Product and company research and development consists of creative work undertaken in a consistent manner. It’s original and investigative, and it looks for new discoveries for better products, services and processes. This is how companies can see growth and progress.

This systematic pursuit of finding more fuel efficient and better automotive technology will help our economy and society in the long run, even though up front all R&D efforts are an expense. These pursuits usually involve science and math for improvements that benefit consumers, as well as society and education. Consider the following when thinking about R&D for your business:

1. Use basic research to move society forward.

2. Pursue applied research to improve products and services for consumers.

3. Locate the resources and directories for new automobile technologies.

Action Steps
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Pursue applied research to improve products and services in the innovative automotive industry

Applied research is the kind of research that companies do to improve the bottom line. By doing so, companies grow and progress as they discover and implement improved products.

I recommend: CTE works with fuel cells in their applied research and commercialization projects. EVINFO is an electric vehicle information service for small companies who are doing applied research.

Consider the applications of the latest research findings

'Pure' research, which is less goal-driven than most projects, is most often pursued by government and academia, when it's pursued at all. But true innovation requires careful nurturing, and in the rough-and-tumble, market-driven world of today, that can be hard to come by.

I recommend: Argonne works with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Program. The DOE identified fuel cells as the vehicles of the future. The year 2015 is the target date, which gives Argonne plenty to do. They are working on perfecting Hybrid Electrical, fuel cell and hydrogen. The University of Michigan's Automotive Research Center is also actively pursuing basic research in new automotive technology.

Find new automotive technology information about electric vehicles

The age of the lone inventor is mostly past, with the majority of new technological innovations now emerging from labs with corporate sponsors. At the same time, informaion flows far faster than it ever has before, and it is growing ever easier to share everything from lofty ideas to hard data.

I recommend: A wide array of new auto technology information is available through USCAR. The Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington D.C. offers information on electric cars with web links and resources for members, and sells components, tools, batteries and supplies for anyone interested in exploring electric car technology.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Often times, people associate high-tech firms with research and development, but R&D is important for all companies.
• •  Talk to a business management consultant, however, to pinpoint the best percent of your revenue to dedicate to your innovative auto R&D. Most companies average about 5%.

Car insurance in New Jersey, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, New Jersey car insurance isn't just something that drivers in the "Garden State" should have; it's something they must have.

New Jersey auto insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in New Jersey, you need car insurance in New Jersey. Here's what kind and how much, according to New Jersey state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in New Jersey, drivers must purchase property damage liability (PDL), personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage; collision, comprehensive and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. While New Jersey auto insurance is mandatory, state law does not specify minimum coverage. Still, the state recommends PDL coverage of at least $5,000 per accident and PIP coverage of at least $15,000 per person, per accident, up to $250,000 for permanent or significant injury.
3. In New Jersey, auto insurance comes in two types: The “Basic” policy, which includes only the minimum coverage as required by state law, and the “Standard” policy, which includes extra coverage — including bodily injury liability (BIL) — and higher coverage limits.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse NJ auto insurance rates online

If you need New Jersey auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major New Jersey auto insurance companies, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from many a New Jersey auto insurance company at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit NJ car insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in New Jersey and all provide competitive New Jersey car insurance rates.

I recommend: When they’re browsing car insurance companies, New Jersey drivers should start with the largest and most popular, including major providers like AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in New Jersey.

Get car insurance in New Jersey from local and regional companies

In New Jersey, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance, New Jersey drivers should try New Jersey-based companies like IFA Insurance Company, New Jersey Skylands Insurance and New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company. Also consider local programs, such as the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in New Jersey, and the Dollar a Day Auto Insurance Policy, or SAIP.

Use an independent agent to find New Jersey car insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in New Jersey via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in New Jersey, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey.

Choose NJ auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with New Jersey car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on New Jersey car insurance companies. Another good resource is the New Jersey Division of Insurance, which compiles statistics on complaints about New Jersey auto insurance companies on its automobile insurance page.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum New Jersey car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have New Jersey car insurance include driver's license and license plate suspension, cash fines and even jail time.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better New Jersey auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in New Jersey.

As gas prices fluctuate and oil reserves dwindle, car companies have rushed to embrace new technologies to make cars cheaper and more fuel-efficient. There's also been a great deal of research into alternative fuel technologies and components, including hybrid cars, lithium-based batteries and all-electric cars.

Some of these technologies are brand new; others have been around for awhile, but are only now becoming cost-effective and practical enough to consider using on a wide scale basis. Arm yourself with the following new automotive technology research terms and you'll hold your own in any car discussion.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, a combination of carbon fibers and epoxy, is much lighter and stronger than steel. It has been used in aerospace applications for some time, but the high cost of the material has kept it out of most applications. Research has led to lower production costs, however, and it's getting to the point where it may soon be widely used in automobile production.

I recommend: Watch a hands-on carbon fiber demonstration at Google Video.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen fuel cells create electricity and the only by-product is water. Although promising, much research is required before hydrogen fuel cells are practical on a large-scale basis.

I recommend: Learn more about hydrogen fuel cells at the Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program.

Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries, similar to the ones used in laptops and phones, are a promising technology for powering electric cars. Research has greatly increased the capacity of lithium batteries. Most current batteries are lithium ion batteries, but lithium sulphur batteries show promise.

I recommend: Science Daily discusses lithium sulphur batteries.

All-electric vehicles

All-electric vehicles are powered solely by an electric motor that derives its power from batteries. These cars may use a gas or diesel engine to recharge the car's batteries, but only the electric motor and the batteries power the wheels.

I recommend: Check out Tesla Motors for a look at an impressive all-electric vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles

Hybrids, like the super-popular Toyota Prius, use both electric and gasoline motors to turn the car's wheels. In the case of the Prius, the electric motor works alone at low speeds and is only joined by the gasoline motor when the car accelerates or moves at higher speeds.

I recommend: Learn more about Toyota's hybrid technology at Toyota Motor Corporation.

Prototype

A prototype is non-production vehicle designed to test how well a design works and how well it is received by the public.

I recommend: Get more information about automobile prototypes at Conceptcarz.com.