Have you heard enough about recession and economic downturn? It seems that there is very little to get excited about these days, especially if you’re within the automotive industry. But survival may soon be a fight to the finish and that fight could be, frankly, really exciting for all of us to witness.

Many analysts are predicting that there could be one car company to emerge out of this wreckage with actual sales, positive numbers, and *gasp* profits! The idea comes as foreign investment agencies line up to see which of the American car companies will collapse and who will win this proverbial race to the bottom of the pile. Foreign investment teams have a lot to work with, as the failure of the Big Three certainly guarantees at least some opening in the markets.

With this opening in the markets, an opportunity for a foreign car company arrives and someone will step through that rabbit hole. Many are asserting that it will be a car company with big brass ones like Nissan or Toyota. Regardless of what will occur, you can bank on the fact that every single company in the industry will be doing whatever it takes to survive.

Whether you’re into Nissan cars or Ford trucks, you can bet that it will be one hell of a fight to the finish.

But wait!

The 2009 Maxima isn’t your father’s car. It isn’t  your mother’s car. It isn’t even crazy Uncle Larry’s car. It’s your car, doggone it!

The 2009 Nissan Maxima has a new look that will pull people to the windows and have them breathing all over the glass before you can say “I told you so!” The ’09 Maxima is so styling and so cool that it was enough for Nissan to add it to their brand spanking new lineup of slick new updates for 2009. With the popular 350Z on its way and a whole fleet of sweet, sweet magic from Nissan filling car dealer lots. It really was only a matter of time before Nissan got a big style upgrade for the Maxima.

So unless you like being way, way behind on the trends, you’ll need to book your test drive for the new-look Maxima today. Don’t delay.

Road trips can be straining on your vehicle if you’re not prepared. A long drive, combined with the often severe conditions of the environment at many popular summer road trip destinations can create a number of problems for your car.

Some of the most basic things you can do to prepare your 2008 Nissan Altima for your road trip are the basic sorts of maintenance tasks you normally do anyway. Making sure that your oil is changed, that your tires are inflated properly, and that your coolant system is working as it should are all part of preparing your Altima for that road trip.

In addition, your choice of destination and route also determine the kinds of preparations you should make. For example, if you’re going to go to the beach, you’ll want to wash your Altima and wax it with a protective wax. Clean your car’s inside with a UV protector to help keep your vinyl and your plastic surfaces safe from the rays of the sun. These measures help protect your car from the salty air of the sea, as well as the sun itself.

If you will be driving your Nissan Altima through the mountains, there are some different things you should do to prepare. You can check your brakes, and make sure you replace worn pads. Have your drive train checked, to make sure that it is functioning correctly. Inspect your wiper blades, and check your battery for corrosion.

Desert driving has its own unique preparations, as well. When getting ready to drive through the desert, check your coolant system. Make sure your serpentine belt isn’t cracked. Test your Air Conditioning, or even have it professionally tested. Check your tire treads, and replace them if necessary.

Wherever you take your 2008 Nissan Altima on a road trip, make sure you take the time to prepare your car in order to have a safe and worry-free trip.

Cape May County Airport is build on the site of a World War II Naval Air Base. Here, young pilots trained to fly the SB2C “Helldiver.” The Helldiver is an interesting and quirky piece of aircraft history. It’s been called “the worst airplane ever built” by pilots. Only the most brave pilots flew the Helldiver. The Helldiver sank more ships than any other plane during World War 2. On this site, they dive-bombed rivers and farm fields as they trained for the war.

The Aviation Museum isn’t only about the Helldiver, though. At Naval Air Station Wildwood, you can see a UH-1 Huey, a T-33 Thunderbird, an F14 Tomcat, and even a Coast Guard rescue helicopter. In addition to the actual aircraft, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum features a large collection of aircraft engines, aviation artifacts, and military memorabilia.

Be sure to pack your camera in your Nissan Altima when you head toward the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. There are plenty of interesting opportunities for photographs, and you’ll wish you’d brought it if you don’t. In addition, this museum actually encourages you to touch the aircraft they display, so bring a sense of curiosity, as well.

The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is open year-round. You can visit their web site for more information, to see pictures of some of their collection, and to find out what their hours are. You can also learn about how you can personally help the museum with your donation.

Price

The MSRP for the Nissan Alitma is right around $18,000 for the base model. Depending on the package and options you choose, the Altima can be as much $30,000.

Trim Levels

The 2008 Nissan Altima comes in four trim levels: 2.5, 2.5S, 3.5SE, and 3.5SL. The base 2.5 model is generally only available via special order, and it includes cruise control and keyless entry as standard features. The 2.5S adds air conditioning and an MP3 player input jack. The 3.5SE adds wood toned accents in the interior and a leather wrapped steering wheel. At the top of the heap is the 3.5SL. It has a Bose audio system, heated seats, leather seating, moonroof, and Bluetooth connectivity.  There are, of course, packages you can add to these trim levels.

Safety Features

All Nissan Altima models have six airbags, standard. The 2.5 models have antilock brakes as optional equipment, and the 3.5 models have them as standard. The 2008 Altima received a five star rating for front impact crash safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Interior

The bench back seat makes the Nissan Altima sedan ideal for a family with children. The interior design is stylish, and has some especially attractive accents.

Performance

The 2008 Nissan Altima comes in a four cylinder or a six cylinder option. Steering is excellent, and it handles well. Buyers can get an optional six-speed manual transmission, too.

Overall, the Nissan Altima is an excellent value for the money. If you’re looking for a sporty car for the family, or for a coupe that has plenty of room and trunk space, the 2008 Nissan Altima is the car for you. Visit your Nissan dealer today and give one a look.

Check your fluids. Change your oil before you leave for your trip. Remember that oils get thinner the hotter it is outside, and this can keep your engine from being lubricated properly. Consider a thicker oil if you’re going to be putting a lot of miles on your Nissan Altima.

Put together an emergency kit. If you don’t already have an emergency kit in your 2008 Nissan Altima, you need one. It should include, at a minimum, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and basic tools. Other things you might add would include a mat to lay on the ground if you have to change a tire, paper towels, extra clothes, gloves, extra windshield wiper fluid, and nonperishable food.

Load your Altima carefully. Don’t pack your car so high that you can’t see out of your back windows. Also, don’t bury important items that you might need to get to when you stop, such as medications. And, while it’s not likely to happen on a family trip, don’t exceed your car’s payload limit.

Avoid fatigued driving. One of the leading causes of highway accidents is drowsy or fatigued driving. Make sure you get enough sleep at night. Be careful of using caffeine to keep yourself alert, because you can wind up with a long period of drowsiness once it wears off. If you feel drowsy, switch drivers. If you can’t, pull over somewhere safe and rest for a few minutes.

Enjoy your trip. Consider taking some time off the highway for a while to take in some of the countryside. If your Nissan Altima has a GPS or navigation system, be a little adventurous and see how far you can go without having to get back on the highway. Visit some local shops or restaurants along the way, and soak in some of the local culture.

Unfortunately, summer will come to an end. However, following these tips can help make sure your memories of the summer trip in your 2008 Nissan Altima are good ones. Don’t have a Nissan Altima? Schedule a test drive today.

Nissan’s own hybrid system will first appear on a RWD Infinity, probably the G model. This system uses a parallel system that has one electric motor but two clutches that will allow both the gasoline engine as well as the electric motor to be able to power the vehicle at the same time. In addition, Nissan’s own hybrid will use lithium-ion batteries, which are smaller and more efficient than the nickel-metal hydride batteries that are currently being used in most hybrids.

The two-clutch configuration works in an interesting way. During idling and when it’s stopped, the batter powers the motor. During regular driving, the engine powers the motor and it regenerates the battery. When the car is accelerating, the engine as well as the batter work together to make for a much smoother acceleration. During deceleration, energy from the brakes is conserved and is used to help regenerate the car’s battery.

These new batteries based on lithium-ion technology are also to be used in Nissan’s all-electric vehicle. This motor will be installed in a brand new Nissan model that has its own unique styling. It is expected that Nissan will release the all-electric vehicle in Japan in 2010, and that the vehicle will be available worldwide by 2012.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) is a part of Nissan’s R&D programs that are designed around vehicles with zero emissions. This vehicle will offer front-wheel drive, and will use the new motor. One of the more interesting things about this vehicle is that the lithium-on batteries will be installed underneath the floor of the car, so as not to lose cargo space or cabin space.

This step represents an important move as Nissan positions itself to be a major contender in the electric and hybrid vehicle markets.

For a new Nissan hybrid, 2009 Nissan Maxima, or any other Nissan vehicle, please visit the Classic Nissan showroom.

Rancocas

State parks are a wonderful place to drive your family in your 2009 Nissan Maxima on a sunny summer afternoon. Whether you enjoy swimming, hiking, sightseeing, or camping, there are plenty of things for you to do in the 42 state parks, 3 recreation areas and 11 forests of the New Jersey State Park system.

One of the best-kept secrets when it comes to New Jersey parks is Rancocas State Park. The Rancocas state park is situated along the Rancocas Creek, and is an ideal setting for casual picnicking, hiking, and the observation of nature. The park encompasses 1,252 acres, and boasts several interesting features, including the Powhatan Indian Museum and the Rancocas Nature Center. Rancocas State Park is located just east of Camden, NJ.

Powhatan Indian Museum

The Powhatan Indians lease a portion of Rancocas State Park. They have constructed a replica of an Indian village from the 15th century at the park. Every year, there is an annual Powhatan Indian festival, which includes performances, music, and traditional crafts. This is called the Juried American Indian Arts Festival. For more information about the Powhatan Indian festival, call (856)261-4747.

Rancocas Nature Center

The New Jersey Audubon Society manages this feature of the Rancocas State Park. The center has a number of different programs throughout the year, featuring wildlife programs as well as nature walks. There are a number of self-guided nature trails maintained by the Nature Center, taking hikers and bird watchers through wetlands, woods and even meadows. There is a book and gift store, a classroom that’s available for parties and presentations. The Center also features Summertime day camps.

Rancocas Nature Center Museum

One feature of the Rancocas Nature Center that you just can’t miss is the museum. The museum includes a variety of live native reptiles, an area where you can view wildlife, a host of educational materials, and even a touch table. For more information about the Museum or the Nature Center in general, call the Rancocas Nature Center at 609-261-2495.

There is plenty of parking for your Nissan cars at the Park. Come check out this hidden gem today.

Plan ahead. Be realistic about what to expect from yourself and your family. Don’t expect that you’re going to be able to drive for 10 to 12 hours each day if you have toddlers. You’re probably not going to be able to get more than 6 hours at a time. If you have a toddler, you should consider making your trip somewhere closer to home, or breaking up your travel over several days.

Pack effectively. You should probably start packing your 2008 Nissan Altima a few days before you leave. At the very least, you should put together a packing list for each member of the family. Work with your kids on the packing process. This helps in a couple of ways. First, you can be sure they get everything packed. Second, when the time comes for them to get something out of their suitcase, they may remember exactly where they packed it.

Bring the right gear. Make sure you’ve got safety equipment. If you’re going to the beach, make sure you’ve got sunscreen, beach chairs, towels and swimsuits. Wherever it is you’re going, make sure you’ve got all of the things that you’re going to need.

Bring something for the kids to do. Car games like “I Spy” can get very old, very fast. Consider bringing some portable or travel games for the family to enjoy during the trip.

Bring snacks and drinks. Buying beverages and food at gas stations can become expensive very quickly. Bring your own snacks and drinks in order to save a few dollars along the way.

1.    Set an appropriate pace. Children, especially the younger ones, have a limited attention span. There is only so much “I spy” you can play before they get bored. A good pattern is two hours of driving your new Nissan car and then a brief stop for gas or snacks.

2.    Many new Nissan minivans have an available entertainment package as an option. Consider having a DVD player installed to keep the kids entertained on long trips.

3.    Make sure to pack some car-friendly activities to keep your kids occupied. Crayons and notebooks are small and easy to pack but can entertain children for hours. Allow your kids some say over what is being packed, but make sure to include a few surpises that will delight them when they get bored with crayons.

4.    New Nissan cars come standard with CD players. Make sure to bring music your kids will enjoy, but make sure to bring some music for yourself as well. You want to keep your kids calm and entertained, but you don’t want to get into an accident because you have listened to “Barney’s Greatest Hits” one too many times.

5.    Be aware when your children are getting tired. Letting your children sleep in the car is a great way to kill some time, but it is difficult to wak them from a deep sleep because you’ve reached your destination.
Wherever you are going, have a great summer and enjoy your vacation.