Can sales to car rental agencies save the US Automakers if they were to restock their fleets? Well that is not likely unless the US Automakers can sell them high-mileage cars, which is what most customers are asking for these days. In fact it use to be that the car rental agencies gave discounts for smaller cars and now they may have to rethink that. Does it makes sense for US Automakers to offer deep incentives and financing to car rental corporations to sell more cars for 2006 to help them get back on their feet?

Well today the big three US Automakers have been divesting their associations with the rental car world. As the Ford grandson said recently on national TV “We are divesting our selves of all non-core businesses” in 2001. Some of the top car rental car companies are franchised; Budget and Avis. Budget has both company owned units and in smaller markets franchisees and most airport locations are owned by the company and most non-airport agencies are actually franchisees.

This can cause problems for the customer who wishes to return a car in another location, which was rented from a franchisee. But all in all it works well. Avis has franchisees and company owned units, which operate in a similar status. Budget has a rent-a-truck division too, most of which are franchisees. Remember Budget was once affiliated with Sears and Ford. Now it stands alone.

Ford once owned shares of Hertz. Why is this important? Well most franchisees will have their choice in which cars they buy, so it will be more difficult for Auto Makers to make large across the board incentives, although they would be well advised to try and thus help revive the US Automakers and bring some of those 60,000 laid off workers back to work. Consider all this in 2006.

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Who should I contact to make that perfect night just a little better? We all have those occasions for which we just want the best. I know I look back on my wedding day, prom night, and anniversaries and think about how perfect I wanted those nights to be. There is one great addition to any day or night of celebration is a luxury ride that can only come from a limo. Very few of us would consider buying one, so renting is really the only option. A good limousine service will be able to provide you the luxury transportation that will make your special night perfect.

Your quest for the limousine service that will work best for you should be something you take seriously. Limousine selection and prices can vary greatly, and only be checking out several limousine services in your area can you find the right one for you. Start with your yellow pages either print version or online to find some phone numbers of local limo rental services. The second place to check would be on a search engine online. Many limousine services have websites that will give you a lot of information.

Once you have put together a list of limousine service phone numbers and or websites, it is time to start researching your options. Like most of us, you will probably want to check prices first. Most limousine services will charge you by either the hour, but others may go by the day or the mile. You may even find some that go by a combination of those pricing factors. Find out how each company charges and estimate how your charge will come out based on what you plan on doing.

The second factor that will affect both the price and your selection of a limousine service is what type of limo you rent. Today, there are any number of limos available for rent depending on where you go. You can find SUV limos, traditional town car limos, and even pickup truck limos. Each, as you can imagine, usually carries its own price tag, so once again that is something you will need to take into account when it comes to deciding on a limousine service.

Now that you are aware of the different types of limos available, and that each has its own price, you can begin figuring out what you want to rent. Aside from your budget, you should also consider practicality and fun of what you get. Think about how many people will be riding in the limo, where you will be going, what the weather is like, and who is going to be with you to decide what will work best. If you are in a warm weather climate or month, you might consider asking your limousine service if they offer a car with a convertible top or even one with a hot tub in the back. If you are with a group that enjoys off road vehicles, check to see if you can get an SUV limo. Just do your homework so that you can figure out what will work best for you.

If you are planning a special occasion or celebration, there is no reason not to take it to the next level. You can contact a limousine service to put that added luxury or fun touch on your night. Make sure you do your homework by finding out where the limousine services in your area are, what they charge, and what types of limos they have. Get those steps taken care of and you will be on your way to great night.

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Whether you crave a holiday full of outdoor adventure or a relaxing vacation sampling gourmet cuisine and award winning wines, New Zealand has something for everyone. And, there is no better way to explore this highly diverse country than to rent a New Zealand motor home. With many tourist destinations within a few hours of each other and a well-maintained network of roads and highways, renting a motor home or camper van in New Zealand provides travelers the freedom and flexibility to experience all of the sites and attractions while enjoying all of the comforts of a home on wheels.

With many companies specialising in renting motor homes in New Zealand, it’s helpful to compare prices and availability on the internet. Rates tend to be higher during the summer months of December through February, and the best deals are to be had from May through September. Reputable rental companies will offer comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, and 24-hour customer service. Other features that are also frequently offered when renting a camper van in New Zealand include itinerary planning, kitchen utensils, linens, unlimited mileage, ferry booking assistance, airport pickup, and luggage storage.

Camp ground facilities throughout New Zealand are generally very well maintained and in convenient, and often times, scenic locations. Along with BBQs, kitchen facilities, restrooms and showers, most campgrounds have laundry rooms and playgrounds. It’s always a good idea to reserve space at a campground prior to arrival, especially during the peak season of summer. Although most New Zealand motor homes and camper vans have a shower and toilet on board, it is illegal to discharge this waste into anything other than an approved dump station. Keep New Zealand clean and green. Should you dump the waste elsewhere it will end up in out pristine waterways.
The main pick up and drop off cities for a New Zealand motor home or a New Zealand camper van are Auckland and Christchurch, although some companies have an office in Wellington, Picton or Queenstown. One way hires have a minimum hire period. It is also legal to park motor homes in New Zealand on national park land as long as there is not a “Parking Prohibited” sign posted.

Most first time visitors of New Zealand visit both the North and South islands to experience the vastly different landscapes. Camper vans and motor homes can be conveniently driven onto the Interislander ferry for the three hour journey between the islands. Most rental companies will gladly book reservations for the ferry and provide you with all of the information that you will need prior to setting sail.

When touring the stunning beauty of the South Island, it’s especially important to be aware of the weather. Snow frequently falls in the winter months, and chains are required on some roads. The speed limit on New Zealand open roads is 100 km or about 62 miles per hour. To have a safe motoring holiday, it’s essential to stay within the speed limit and to obey all of the traffic signs. Many of the roads, while well paved and signed, are somewhat narrow and often slick from rain or ice. Photo radar is used throughout the country to enforce the speed limits, and there are strict laws forbidding drinking and driving.

New Zealand is an amazing country with plenty to offer every traveler, and motor homes and camper vans allow the convenience, comfort, and flexibility to make the most of your holiday. Without wasting time checking into hotels or unpacking and packing up cars and suitcases, you can spend your time enjoying the sites and relaxing in your home on wheels. Happy Motoring!

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