Mitsubishi Mirage to Debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show

The redesigned Mitsubishi Mirage will debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show this year. Mitsubishi had originally and specifically designed the Mirage for the Thailand eco car project, and it is the production version of the Global Small Concept shown in Geneva earlier in 2012.

"The power of the mirage lies in its compact dimensions, ease of maneuverability and efficient packing," according to nitrobahn. The hatchback will have a gasoline engine and have a slightly shorter wheel base than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (although it is slightly longer and wider).

Stay tuned for more info! You'll get it when we do :). Have a great weekend Mitsubishi fans!


All information and image via nitrobahn

Mitsubishi Lancer is Most Reliable Car in 15 Years

According to the New York Daily News, combined findings from 15 years of reports that consider automotive reliability suggest that Japanese cars are the most reliable ones out there. The Mitsubishi Lancer is at the very top of that list, for the past 15 years.

The whole list is below, and if you'd like to check out our Mitsubishi Lancer inventory, click here!

The top 10 most reliable cars since 1997

1. Mitsubishi Lancer (2005-2008)
2. Vauxhall/Opel Agila (00-08)
3. Suzuki Alto (97-06)
4. Toyota Aygo (05-)
5. Honda HR-V (98-06)
6. Volvo S40 (96-04)
7. Mazda MX-5 (05-)
8. Mercedes E Class (06-)
9. Toyota Yaris (99-03)
10. Honda Jazz (01-08)

The 10 least reliable cars since 1997

1. Audi RS6 (02-11)
2. BMW M5 (04-11)
3. Mercedes SL (02-)
4. Mercedes V-Class (96-04)
5. Mercedes CL (00-07)
6. Audi A6 Allroad (00-05)
7. Bentley Continental GT (03-)
8. Porsche 911 (996) (01-06)
9. Land Rover Range Rover (02-)
10. Citroen XM (94-00)

All information and image via the New York Daily News

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Unveiled

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander was unveiled at the 2012 LA Auto Show a couple weeks ago. Added features include seven seats, 200lbs weight loss, a reworked 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with CVT; making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the seven-passenger segment, according to Mitsubishi.

Inside the new Outlander there's a heavily-restyled interior with more elegant woodgrain accents and a soft-touch IP. It also has a next-generation navigation system and a power tailgate, which can be opened from the driver's seat. Also included will be new safety technologies such as Lane Departure Warning.

To view the rest of the press release, click here to read the article from Autoblog.


All information and image via Autoblog

Mitsubishi Debuts New 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport

At the LA Auto Show (which began yesterday) Mitsubishi is debuting its 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition. The 2014 Outlander will have a new engine that uses Mitsubishi's advanced MIVEC continuously-variable valve lift timiing system, which is put in place for increased fuel economy.

The 2014 Outlander Preview

It will offer seating for up to seven, has a new interior design as well as new safety technologies. These include forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

When the Outlander is officially unveiled, Mitsubishi will release more details.

The 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition includes blackout side mirrors, a center bumper, wheel arch trim and roof rails, chrome alloy wheels and Limited Edition badging. Also added to this edition is an engine balancer shaft, which lends to smoother shifting. Additional features include a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, aluminum brake and accelerator pedals, a leather parking brake lever and available two-tone grey and black leather seating surfaces.

Sounds good to us! But if you love the original Outlander, be sure to check out our Mitsubishi Outlander inventory here, or view our 2013 Outlander Sport inventory here.

For more information, please visit the 2012 LA Auto Show website.


All information including image via Automotive Fleet

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XI May Go Electric

Car Advice just posted an article regarding the undecided future of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A lot of rumors have been circling about whether or not the Lancer Evo will actually continue to be produced, but at the Sydney Motor Show Mitsubshi Motors Global President Osamu Masuki addressed the issue. In paraphrase, he said that he's considering a next-generation Evolution that will address environmental issues, "hinting" that the Evolution XI may be offered with "some form of electrification," according to Car Advice.

He also spoke a lot about Mitsubishi's involvement in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year, where they entered two Mitsubishi i-MiEVs. They said that they believe in electrified cars for their performance models.

"We wanted to find the limitations of EVs. [We now] have quite a lot of information after doing this," Masuki said.

Good to hear! The Lancer Evo is a great car and making it electric would be beneficial for Mitsubishi and the environment. What do you think? Yes or no to the Mitsu Lancer Evo EV?

Click to view our online inventory of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.


Images and all information via Car Advice.

10,000 Mile Review of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Inside EVs, a great blog dedicated to everything EV, posted a long-term review of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. One of their writers has driven the i-MiEV for 10,000 miles and he posted his thoughts, so here they are! If you're interested, be sure to check out our online selection of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV after reading.

Our very own Electric Vehicle Consultant, Adam Crowley

"The iMiEV components are laid out in a very straightforward manner, as discrete components in cast aluminum housings with quick-connect cables rather than hardwired and hidden in a sea of black plastic. That really appealed to the shadetree mechanic in me," he wrote.

Adam with another new i-MiEV owner!

Jay Donnaway, the writer/reviewer/driver said that his family had originally planned for the i-MiEV to be their second car and his commuter, but it quickly ended up being their No. 1.

He says the interior is simple and easy to keep clean, the torque is metered out gently but the vehicle has great acceleration and he's actually been able to tow things from a tow hitch he had installed in the back. Mitsubishi has said that it's not recommended for towing purposes (obviously), but Donnaway has towed up to 800 lbs so far with no glitches!

As for snow handling, he took it out in a parking lot full of snow and did whatever he could to make it slide, but he says that the i-MiEV is "idiot proof" and he couldn't make it slide much at all.

The car has made several hundred-mile trips with Donnaway, and when he's solo he said he can fit an abundance of things in the back. When the seats are folded down, the i-MiEV has 50 cubic feet of flat-floored, cubic space.

Donnaway, who has been hesitant about the Nissan LEAF (an i-MiEV competitor) says that unlike the LEAF, which has had many thermal issues, the i-MiEV has none. This is due to the air conditioned battery pack in the i-MiEV, which according to Mitsubishi is expected to last a minimum of 10 years without decline or malfunction.

"All-in-all, after eight months and ten thousand miles, I’m quite pleased with our purchase and expect to hand it over as a very reliable and safe first car for my daughter in ten years when she turns sixteen," he said. Sounds like a great car to me!


Review via Jay Donnaway of Inside EVs

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Details

Mitsubishi just began marketing its new production vehicle; the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It’s based off of the all-new Outlander that was debuted this past summer, but the drivetrain has been created solely in house with direction gleaming from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, according to Mitsubishi.

This is an excited move for Mitsubishi and the auto industry in general! Mitsubishi says that the Outlander PHEV will get roughly 143 MPG (combining hybrid and electric), its range is 547 miles in combined gas and electric mode, but still achieves a range of over 34 miles in electric mode alone.

There are three modes for the Outlander PHEV; EV Drive Mode, Series Hybrid Mode and Parallel Hybrid Mode, all of which the car can automatically select from, depending on the conditions.

EV Drive Mode uses the front and rear electric motors for completely gas-free, electric driving. Series Hybrid Mode uses the gas engine (2.0 L) to power the electric motors. This mode will come into play with the electric motors have reached a certain point or when the vehicle needs more power (faster acceleration, driving up a steep hill). Drivers can also select a Manual Charge Mode, where the engine will charge the battery so the driver can spend more time in EV mode. Parallel Hybrid Mode predominately uses the gas engine; this mode is used at higher speeds.

As far as charging goes, the Outlander PHEV can be charged from zero to capacity in 4.5 hours, or with a higher wattage charger can get an “80 percent quick charge” in just 30 minutes.

Stay tuned for more info about the Outlander PHEV, it’s going on sale in Japan early on in 2013, and should be rolling over to the US shortly thereafter. We’ll keep you updated!

Electric version not for you? Check out our 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander or our 2012 & 2013 Outlander Sport selection by clicking the name of the vehicle! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our very own Certified Electric Vehicle Salesperson, Adam Crowley at (802) 865-4400 ex. 207.

All images and information via Green Car Reports

Meet Adam! Burlington Mitsubishi's Certified Electric Vehicle Consultant

Q&A with Adam Crowley, Sales & Electric Vehicle Consultant

This weekend celebrates National Plug-In Day, which is being honored at multiple places across the state, including Burlington Mitsubishi. In conjunction with this special weekend, we did a Q&A with Adam Crowley, our very own Certified Electric Vehicle Sales Consultant. Check it out below, and be sure to stop by Burlington Mitsubishi tomorrow to test drive and/or hear more info about the 100 percent electric, 112mpg-achieving Mitsubishi i-MiEV. (See question and answer No. 4 for some real details about the cost savings of EVs!)

Q: What got you interested in selling cars, particularly EVs?
A: I have a passion for cars. Mainly though; I love helping people, and a car purchase is someone second biggest investment. EV, well that’s easy. It's the future! In the years to come it will all be electric cars! I love technology and that’s what EVs are; they are all technology.

Q: What was the certification process like to become a Certified EV Salesperson?
A: To become EV Certified, it was an intense two-day training event. I had to fly down to Philly and sit through five different phases, the last was hands on; we got to drive three different electric vehicles so we could compare with our competition.

Q: Why did you choose to become certified in that area?
A: Mainly because we are in VT, where we are a green state. Vermont is a front runner in clean air, green living, etc. I thought it would be perfect to sell EVs in VT. Especially Burlington!

Q: Do you believe people should generally be switching over to Hybrids and EVs? Why or why not?
A: Oh yes for sure. There are not too many vehicles that will actually pay you back when you drive them. Our Mitsubishi i-MIEV will. You save over $9,800 in five years just from fuel cost, let alone servicing your vehicle. You see our service department once a year! No oil changes, no checking fluids, making sure your exhaust isn’t leaking, etc. Plus when you plug in your car at home, for most people it’s under $3 per month addition on your utility bill! Versus what, $50 a fill up at the gas pump? No brainer!

Q: What are the benefits of driving EVs?
A: No fuel, no maintenance, clean air, interactive driving (driving modes on i-MIEV), Clean world and pay back your bank account!

Q: Why do you like selling EVs?
A: I get to meet really cool people who are all about saving our pretty world. I love it!

Q: Anything else we should know about you?
A: I am avid tennis player - used to play professionally, and still do teach! I am happily resided in Burlington at the moment, not too far from work and I love what I do. Even if you’re not quite ready for an Electric Vehicle, please stop by and see me. You've got to at least check it out! My hours are 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Stop by tomorrow or Sunday for National Plug-In Day, or stop by at any time to see Adam and check out the Mitsubishi i-MiEV!

Test Drive of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Motoring test drove the Mistubishi Lancer Evo X and gave it a great review filled with valuable information. The Lancer Evolution X (ten) has been available in Japan for a decade, but wasn't brought to the US until the 8th generation (in 2003).

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
(blog background picture also of Evo X)

The Evo’s main competitor is the Subaru WRX STI, which is cheaper than the Evo X, but the Evo has more torque, an extremely fast gear shift, four-wheel drive, magnesium paddle shifters and six-speed TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission, similar to the one used by Audi and Volkswagon) or a five-speed manual, making the reviewers believe that it is in fact worth more money than its competition.

The Lancer Evolution is “quite a performer when pushed to its limits,” according to the review. “As in most all-wheel drive performance cars, understeer is always ready and waiting to push the front out wide if driven sloppily, but flick it Scandinavian-style and there’s an impressive amount of drift action to be had.”

The last point made is that the Evo X is most likely the last of its kind, at least for now. There are no plans for an Evo XI just yet, so if you purchase a 2012 you’re not going to regret it in a few months when the 2013s are available. This doesn’t mean that it’s not a car of value, but that Mitsubishi is currently undergoing more projects to become green and environmentally-friendly.

Sound like something you'd be interested in? View our Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution inventory here.


Review by Motoring of South Africa, information on US version of the Evo X from Left Lane
Image via Left Lane

Our Most Popular Posts, Ever!

We thought it'd be fun to go through and see which of our blog posts are the most popular, ever! So if you missed any of them, here are the top five fan favorites:

1. Which Car Can Power Traffic Lights?
2. The Pentagon's Project Avatar
3. The Batmobile Actually Exists in Dubai
4. The Best Way to Organize Your Apps
5. Self-Driving Cars May be in the Nearer-Than-Expected Future

Enjoy!

Will the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Be Imported to the US?

Japanese automakers have been debating whether or not to release this baby hatchback to the United States. The Mitsubishi Mirage is said to be comparable to the Chevy Spark, only with much better gas mileage. Mitsubishi hasn't released an exact MPG number yet, but they're saying the Mirage will get roughly 64 MPG. The best part, however, is that this Mitsu starts at just $12,548 (when converted to dollars).

Imagine saving that much money in gas for only $12 thousand? If you drive 50 miles per week, with gas at $3.57, not only would you use less than a gallon each week, but it'd only cost you $11 a month in gas! Now that's crazy.

So what do you think? Should the Mirage make its way to the US? If it does, we'll keep you posted!


Image and info via Motor Trend

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is Hitting Dealerships

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has shifted to America for production and will be available in dealerships very soon! The exterior of the new Outlander will have an updated grille, bumper, 18-inch wheels and black side skirts, as well as fresh color choices, chrome accents and an AWD control button. Starting price for the 2013 Outlander Sport is $19,170, just $375 more than the previous model year.

You may remember a blog post from earlier showcasing the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV, which is still unavailable in the U.S. but our fingers are crossed that with U.S. production of the Outlander Sport, there will be U.S. production of the Plug-In Hybrid as well.

We'll keep you updated on the arrival, but for now check out our 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport inventory or our used Outlander inventory here.


Image and information via AutoGuide

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV Soon to Hit European Market

(Image of 2012 Outlander)

The future Outlander, also known as the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid EV, will use two motors alongside an engine that work both as one and separately to fuel the vehicle. The Outlander is designed for long trips and low emissions, traveling 500 miles in one charge and holding a CO2 target of 50g/km (the European target numbers).

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid will be retailed in Europe throughout 2013, so let's hope it makes its way over here soon after! And of course you'll be the first to know when it does!

Information via Digital Journal

2012 Editions to the Mitsubishi Lineup

2012 Mitsubishi vehicles are now in stock, so we'd like to give you some information on which vehicles received major changes for the 2012 year. Check it out! And please click any of the model names to be taken to our online inventory of that model. Unfortunately, we currently don't have any of the 2012 Eclipse models in stock, our apologies. But click through and enjoy the rest of our new Mitsubishi inventory!


There are only a few, very minor changes to the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It receives a darker wheel finish and a side mirror housing color to match its black roof.

The 2012 Lancer is being released by Mitsubishi with a focus on more wintery states. The SE comes with all-wheel drive, all-wheel control, 16-inch alloy wheels, 2.4L four-cylinder engine and heated seats.

The Lancer Sportback is given a Ralliart-type front fascia and 18-inch wheels. The door trim is treated with an upgraded soft-touch material, while improved trim and sear fabric adjust the interior of the vehicle. In the Touring package there is an available auto-dimming rearview mirror and back-up camera.

On the 2012 Outlander model, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and back-up camera have been added to the SE Premium package and GT Touring package. ES models receive an updated 16-inch wheel cover design and all models receive an ECO indicator light on the instrumental panel.

The Outlander Sport received an updated CVT and 2.0L engine (both to improve acceleration and responsiveness). It has 16-inch covers for the base model and 18-inch alloys for the SE model. The SE Premium package is equipped with an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rear view camera.

Google Maps Adds Current In-Traffic Time to Directions

Google has just announced a new edition to their pre-existing driving directions via Google Maps; real-time traffic updates. Now instead of just looking up directions, users can choose the best route to travel based on traffic conditions at their current travel time. Google also estimates how long it will take the driver to get through the allotted traffic.

This is great! Although it won't be overly helpful for us Vermonters, it's extremely useful for those in metropolitan areas, or to those who are traveling in busier cities. Even though traffic is often inevitable, at least this gives drivers a way to coordinate another route or plan ahead for a long and potentially crowded trip. Click the Digital Trends link below for more information on the app.


Information via Digital Trends.
Image via Traffic to a Website.

Driving Guidelines Have Changed

Image via Lifehacker

As has driving, and many people still drive the way they were taught in Driver's Ed. It makes sense, when someone more learned than you teaches you how to do what they're good at, you typically continue doing it their way unless taught differently at a later date.

This is the same with driving - we've all heard of the "10 and 2" position on the steering wheel because that's what we were taught. Turns out those lessons are a little behind the times. AAA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and driving teachers today teach that 9 and 3, or even 8 and 4 are your safest bets. This change comes with two major reasons; 1. That if your airbag goes off you're less likely to get injured, and 2. That from the lower position you have more control and therefore room for reaction in the case of an accident.

Just one more update - the "proper", well, safe, way to turn the wheel is now a "push-pull", where you push the wheel with the top hand and pull with the bottom (as opposed to the cross over taught in the past).

Well we've seen cars evolve dramatically over the last few years, so it only makes sense that driving does too! Always better to be safe than sorry.

Information and image via Lifehacker.

The Future of Grocery Stores

Toshiba has just developed a scanner for grocery stores that will recognize the actual food product as opposed to the bar code label on it. This is generally to make grocery lines run smoothly and quickly as cashiers will have no need to look up items.



Is it necessary? Probably not at all. Just an interesting look into what the future is holding for us, not just in groceries of course, but with technology in general. It seems as though in ten years life will almost be too easy! Can't complain about that though, can we?

Check out the full article on Gizmodo.

Craziest Looking Car, Ever.

Check out this EV that was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. It has to be the strangest thing I've ever seen. Not much information on the vehicle quite yet, but I'll be sure to post more when there is. You just have to see it to believe it for now!

Image and info via jalopnik.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Debut

Mitsubishi has just revealed the 2013 Mitsu Outlander at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Mitsubishi has described the all-new Outlander as "solid, safe and simple". It seats five, but has a third row that can manage seven passengers comfortably. It will also come with Super-HiD headlights that are roughly 1.4 times more powerful than regular HiD bulbs. This vehicle will evolve into a plug-in hybrid over the next year or so.

We won't get them in until later on this year, but if you're itching to check out a Mitsubishi, or just nicely curious - check out our new and used inventory online today!

Check out the full article on nitrobahn here.

Image via The Truth About Cars.

Do it Yourself Hand Warmers

Now that we finally have some snow, we may have some use for hand warmers up here in VT. Here's a quick way to make hand warmers at home with just one quick trip to the hardware store.

All you need:

1 small Ziploc bag
1 large Ziploc bag
A little water
Calcium chloride ice-melt pellets

Fill the smaller bag about halfway with water, then fill the larger back about a quarter of the way with the ice-melt pellets. Put the smaller bag in the larger bag, seal tightly while pressing down to remove air, then squeeze the smaller bag until in breaks open and the water mixes with the ice-melt pellets. This should create a warm bag that will last between 20 minutes to an hour depending on how many pellets you use. Enjoy!

For the full article, click here.

Image 1 via theangelforever.com*
Image 2 via papergoods.com*
Image 3 via dartsp.com*
*All edited in house.

Self-Driving Cars May Be in the Nearer-Than-Expected Future

Companies such as BMW and Google are heading the way towards fully-automatic vehicles. And I don't mean automatic transmissions, but vehicles that 100 percent drive themselves.

BMW Engineer Werner Huber thinks that in about 10-15 years there could be a whole other world of driving. BMW has a technology called CDC (ConnectedDrive Connect) that already maneuvers itself seamlessly through traffic, holding its ground while self-driving on Germany's notorious Autobahn. The plan is for these vehicles to have the fully-autonomous option as well as an option for the driver to drive themselves if they so please - so don't worry about handing your control completely to your vehicle just yet.

The hurdle between creating these cars and actually getting them into production is less so the technology involved and mostly the cost to do it. Automakers are already beginning to master the technology, but it takes a huge budget, which is why it's exclusively available in luxury cars thus far. There's a hindrance from legal issues too; what would happen if the computer of the car crashed? Many injuries could be sustained to the driver, passenger, pedestrians or any other fellow drivers.


Well, Mitsubishi won't have any of these in stock for a while, but we'll let you know in 10-15 when they are available. In the meantime, head to our website to check out our stock of new and used driver-driving vehicles.


Click here to view the full article on Digital Trends.

Image 1 via Digital Trends.
Image 2 via pcworld.com

Pentagon's Project Avatar

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has just invested $7 million on a project called Avatar. If you're thinking they can't possibly have humans with huge blue surrogates on another planet - you're mostly right. However, they are working on robot surrogates that will be controlled by the mind of a soldier, much like Avatars are in the Blockbuster film.

The robots will be linked to one specific human partner, who will potentially be able to control their technical counterpart by mind power alone. DARPA has also constructed the AlphaDog, which is designed to interact with humans the way an actual dog would, and was created to lug gear during combat. Check out the newly-released video of AlphaDog below (also the picture on the left).

The things you can do with technology these days. What I'm wondering - is if these robots can be controlled solely by the human mind, will it not take away from the physical training and fitness a soldier has to undergo to prepare themselves for war? And talk about how mentally tough you have to be - will that decrease if your robotic other half is fighting for you? My guess, which would eliminate the downfalls of my questions, is that only the most elite of the military will be the ones with the bots.



Check out the full article here.
Image 1 via picktainment
Image 2 via Grind365

Which Car Can Power Traffic Lights?

The Mitsubishi i, of course. It hasn't been attempted here in the U.S., but in Japan a group of Mitsubishi engineers alongside the National Police Agency decided to conduct an experiment where they hooked up a fully-charged Mitsu i to a portable emergency power inverter - and let there be light! The i independently ran 20 sets of stop lights in downtown Tokyo for two hours.



Did I mention it won Greenest Car of the Year?




To see the full article, click here.


Image 1 via freeclipartnow.com
Image 2 via About.com.

Electromagnetic Roads Will Charge Your Car While You're Driving

Stanford University researchers are currently developing a wireless system that will magnetically charge your electric vehicle while you're driving.

Some EVs are limited to only 100 miles of driving before they need to be charged for ten hours to gain another 100. Stanford researchers wanted to fix this downfall by creating a way to "charge-as-you-drive". It will work by embedding copper coils underneath the EV as well as under the roadway, which will continuously give your battery charge - potentially leaving you with more stored energy at the end of your trip than you had when you started.

How long until we see these changes? Not for a few years - but this would certainly be a huge perk to owning an electric vehicle (other than you know, almost never buying gas and getting 112 miles per gallon like the Mitsu i).

To check out the full article, click here.

Information & photo courtesy of Digital Trends.

Greenest Car of the Year

For the first time in eight years, the Honda Civic Natural Gas is not the greenest car in America - and for the first time in 12 years, an electric vehicle takes the cake.

The Mitsubishi i, Mitsubishi's first electric vehicle beat out the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius and CNG Civic. "To calculate their ratings, the ACEEE took into account manufacturing and recycling processes in addition to fuel economy and tailpipe emissions," according to the press release.

Go Mitsubishi! Not only for being socially responsible, but also because winning the Greenest Car is not easy these days. It's probably (or should be) the most competed-for spot.

For the full press release, click here.

Information and photo courtesy of autobloggreen.

The Best Way to Organize Your Apps

Here's a new way to organize your apps on your phone that will make your home screen more user friendly, for you.

I just read through an article that suggest that you organize your app folders by action instead of just labeling them. Meaning, instead of labeling a folder food try eat, and instead of music try listen. This will help your brain organize your folders more clearly and better help you to navigate through your phone.

I just went to switch my folders over to test this out, and already got fumbled with how I was going to reorganize everything into actions. Seeing as how my folders are completely jumbled into categories that kind of make sense, though, I think this may not be a bad idea.

Image and all information via Lifehacker

January's Best Apps for iPhone, Android and iPad

Gizmodo updated their list of the apps they think are the most essential to have. Whether they're fun, practical, or entertaining - they've got a list of what they think you'll love. Everything from sports apps, agendas, photo enhancers, fitness... See what the best apps are (so far) for 2012.

Startup Vermont Launch, Announced Today

Vermont entrepreneurs alongside Vermont Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lawrence Miller announced the launch of Startup Vermont earlier today. Startup Vermont is an initiative by VT entrepreneurs that will exist to open doors to people who are looking to start up new businesses.

"It will work to promote entrepreneurship, to support high growth startups, and to integrate and enhance Vermont’s ecosystem for the benefit of the state’s entrepreneurs," according to the press release. Mostly, it will work to get Vermonters more jobs, and help potential business owners to begin living out their goals.

Startup Vermont is in conjunction with Startup America, and is one of seven states who are joining the Startup initiative as of January 2012 (others are Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Virginia and the District of Columbia), while Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas are already participating.

Check out this video marking the anniversary of Startup America.

To see the full press release, click here.

Information courtesy of vtdigger.com. Picture 1 via Startup America, picture 2 via Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

The Batmobile Actually Exists in Dubai

This is really someone's personal vehicle that they drive daily. An excellent replica of Tim Burton's Batmobile (unless it's actually the real thing). Dubai has a few things to brag about; palm tree shaped land, ridiculously expensive condos, thriving businesses and now, they're the proud owners of the Batmobile. I'm not being sarcastic either - Dubai is really, really cool.

Via Jalopnik.com

Why the apocalypse will not be happening in 2012

If you're nervous about the world ending in December, here's a video that may ease your anxiety. The guy who does these videos (C.G.P. Grey) is either a genius or an amazing researcher (or both), because his entire YouTube channel is a slew of videos that explain, well, everything - and do it in fine detail.

He has quite the variety, too; from how caucuses and primaries work, to what the difference is between Great Britain and England (I pretended to know this for a long time until I watched the video and now, thankfully, know the truth). Check out his video that explains the foundation behind our near-future "apocalypse" and how it's unlikely that it will really happen - at least in December of 2012.

Image courtesy of islandcrisis.net

The Five Hardest Jobs to Fill in 2012

2012 is going to be a big year for start-up companies - as it was in 2011. Here is a list of the five most competitive jobs that are both highest in demand, and most difficult to fill:

1. Software Engineers and Web Developers

There is a huge need for this position and not near enough the people to fill the positions available. Companies are struggling finding a good amount of technological engineers.

2. Creative Design and User Experience

This is extremely important to companies because they're trying to encompass a user experience that's effective and inviting to potential customers.

3. Product Management

Since companies (especially new ones) are getting more technologically complex, it's difficult for them to find people who have relative experience with their product.

4. Marketing

The new-age marketing is much different from the marketing we've known up until recently. Now, there is a high demand for marketers who fluently understand (and know how to effectively use) social media, content development and viral web traffic.

5. Analytics

Since there are plentiful ways to measure customer's experiences and practices online; there are plenty of stats to show a company what methods they use actually work. People who can analyze this data and use it to benefit the company are extremely valuable.

If you're interested in reading the full article, go to Inc.com

If you're talented in one of these fields, go to Craigslist

Five Most Common Engine Light Causes

Believe it or not - I got this information from an article on Lifehacker. But don't worry, they're wise people over there and they do know what they're talking about. Here is a list of the five most common reasons why your engine light will turn on, and what to do about it.

1. Replace Oxygen Sensor

What it is: This is the part of your vehicle that helps monitor how much fuel is burned; "Over time, the sensor gets covered in oil ash and it reduces the sensors ability to change the oxygen and fuel mixture. A faulty sensor not only reduces gas mileage, it also increase emissions.

How to fix it: This is something that needs to be taken care of right away, but you can do it yourself to avoid extra costs (taking it to a shop can cost you about $200). Check out your owner's menu, which should show you how to unclip it and replace it with a new one. For a video on how to do it yourself, click here.

2. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap

What it is: When your gas cap is loose or cracked, it causes fuel vapors to leak out.

How to fix it: As long as your car isn't feeling jerky and is seemingly running smoothly, this is the first thing you should check. Pull over and tighten it, and if that doesn't solve your engine light problem, you can purchase a new gas cap for about $3 - just take the old one off, and put the new one one.

3. Replace Catalytic Converter

What it is: Your catalytic converter's job is to reduce exhaust gases, so when it's faulty you may notice a decrease in gas mileage, or your car will fail to accelerate when you push the gas pedal.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, this isn't really a do it yourself option, and can be very pricey (up to $2,000). Ultimately if it fails completely your car will stop running. And until it's fixed your gas mileage will suffer immensely.

4. Replace Mass Airflow Sensor

What it is: Based on the air coming through the engine, the mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper appropriate of fuel. Problems occur when your air filter is installed improperly, or badly needs a change.

How to fix it: You can drive with this issue without real risk, but your gas mileage will decrease and your vehicle will stall frequently. This typically costs about $200-$300, and while it's possible to do on your own, it's better to have it done by a mechanic so as to not run into the issue again.

5. Replace Spark Plugs and Wires

What it is: Your spark plugs and wires should be replaced about every 25,000-30,000 miles, and never more than 100,000 miles. "The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gab for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine. When the plugs are failing, the spark plugs misfire. You'll feel a little jolt in your car's acceleration when this happens."

How to fix it: This is a simple enough fix to do on your own, and should be done immediately for the betterment of your vehicle. Watch the video below for how to do it yourself.

To read the full article, click here to go to Lifehacker.