6 tools to help parents teach kids about money

Web sites, cards give kids experience while on parents' short leash

By Lisa Rogak

In these economically challenged times, more parents are looking for ways to help teach their kids how to handle money.

Fortunately, there's a wealth of tools -- online and off -- to help them get the job done, regardless of the age of their offspring. From Web sites that teach kids the basics of personal finance and how to deal with debt to prepaid cards that target teens, parents have plenty of options to choose from. Many of them provide minors with real experience with handling money while still allowing parents to keep them on a fairly short leash. We take a look at several of them below.

One caveat, however: As with anything, it's important to check them out before you sign on the dotted line; a free service may be anything but, and there could be hidden fees and charges galore that could quickly eat up the deposit on a prepaid card.

Web sites
BillMyParents.com: This is an online service where teens can use a parent's credit card to shop at hundreds of major online retailers without ever touching it. Before the purchase is finalized, an e-mail is sent to a parent with the details, who can accept or deny the payment. It's best for parents who don't want to give their kids carte blanche by handing over their credit cards to their kids, but it doesn't give kids any experience with handling their own money.

SmartyPig.com: Kids can be co-owners of savings accounts -- after Mom or Dad open the account and then invite the minor to be co-owner -- and add funds anytime at SmartyPig. They can also solicit friends and family members to add to the account. Each account is insured by the FDIC and as of June 2009 pays an interest rate of 3 percent. A number of major retailers have signed on so that any purchases made from the SmartyPig Web site generate discounts that users can have added back into their savings account, take as a price reduction on the purchase or receive as cash back via a gift card.

ChannelOne.com: An online credit card simulator is available at ChannelOne.com, an online news resource for teens. Kids can compare the pros and cons of different cards and automatically calculate the real cost of a purchase when interest charges are added in. "They can go on a virtual shopping trip and then learn how credit cards raise the real cost of items," says senior editor Karen Knapstein. For instance, a digital camera that costs $499 will actually cost $638 if you make the minimum monthly payment at an interest rate of 19.9 percent fixed APR after an introductory rate of 0 percent for six months. Knapstein adds that the simulator has proven to be quite popular.

Prepaid cards
Prepaid cards are similar to debit cards: They're accepted everywhere credit cards are taken -- assuming they're branded with a logo from Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover -- and purchases and ATM withdrawals are deducted from a funded account instead of drawing upon a line of credit. When the money is gone, future purchases are declined until the account is "reloaded" with funds from a bank account or credit card. Most require a parent to sign up for or approve and activate the account if a child is under 18.

Kids are savvier when they know what is going on. If they know what the extra fees will be in advance and realize they're coming out of their pocket, they'll be more likely to manage their money in order to avoid them.

-- Lori Mackey Founder, Prosperity4Kids

The UPside card: Many parents like to pay their kids an allowance with a prepaid card, and a number of companies offer prepaid cards specifically aimed at teens. The UPside Card has several to choose from. The UPside Clear card is a great way to test the prepaid card waters: There's no fee to open an account, the maximum amount funded to the account is $1,000 and ATM withdrawals are not allowed. The UPside Access and UPside Edge cards charge a monthly or annual fee, but higher balances are allowed, as are ATM withdrawals.

Facecard's Prepaid MasterCard: This card was inspired by social media and texting: A teen can check the balance via text message and manage the account on Facebook. Parents can also select a couple of neat built-in security features: They can prohibit the card from being used at specific kinds of businesses and can sign up to receive an e-mail or text message whenever the card is used and see where the card was used as well as how much money was spent.

Payjr: Payjr offers two versions of prepaid cards: one for kids 12 and younger, the other for teens. With Payjr's Chore and Allowance System for younger kids, a parent sets up in advance a list of chores with the amount a child will earn after completing each one. The list is e-mailed to the child, and as each task is finished, the child goes online to check the task off the list. The parent receives an e-mail with the update, and approves the payment which is transferred into the child's account. Also, Payjr's Visa Buxx card for teens allows parent and child to view balances and purchases and transfer money from a bank account. Both teens and parents can receive e-mail or text messages every time the card is used for purchase details and balance notifications.

Don't forget to read the fine print
In the end, whether you're checking out an online prepaid card for your teen or your child tells you about a great new site, it pays to read the fine print.

The language can be sneaky. For example, the headlines in an ad may blare that there's no annual fee, but a deeper read of the slim disclosure sheet that arrives with a new card may reveal a whole slew of fees written in microscopic type. There, you'll discover that you'll pay a couple of bucks whenever a card is reloaded or when your kid makes an ATM withdrawal. In addition, the number of ATM transactions may be limited to a couple of month or -- guess what? -- more fees.

Fine print matters when it comes to financial statements, as well. Lori Mackey, founder of Prosperity4Kids, a company that produces financial education books and CDs for kids, says the best tool parents can use is to be completely transparent with kids about finances. "Sit down and read the credit card statements, the terms and conditions and list of bank fees together," she says. "Kids are savvier when they know what is going on. If they know what the extra fees will be in advance and realize they're coming out of their pocket, they'll be more likely to manage their money in order to avoid them."

With credit card bills, don't be late, negotiate

Reaching out before the bill's due damages your credit score the least

By Todd Ossenfort

The Credit Guy

The Credit Guy, Todd Ossenfort, is a credit expert and answers readers' questions about credit, counseling and debt issues. Ask a question 'The Credit Guy' archives

Dear Credit Guy,
I have about four major credit cards, and they are all at their limits. I have been keeping up with the payments, but it is getting harder to do so since they raised interest rates -- some up to 32 percent! I have not gone 30 days late yet but may have to this month. I was offered by one credit card company to close the account and make a lower payment with a lower interest rate. How would that affect my credit if I negotiated this with my high balance cards? Thank you -- Debbie

Dear Debbie,
Paying your credit accounts on time and as agreed is very important in maintaining a good credit history. Payment history is calculated as 35 percent of your FICO credit score and 32 percent of your VantageScore. So, if you can work out a repayment program with your creditors before you have any 30-day late payments that would be the best way to keep your score as high as possible.

Many creditors will require that the account be closed when placing you on any type of repayment program that allows concessions on interest rates or minimum payment amounts. The closed accounts may reduce your credit score some, but not nearly as significantly as late payments will.

I recommend that you continue your negotiations with your creditors to ease your monthly payment requirement. Before you do that, you need to know what amount you can afford each month that won't be a stretch for you. The last thing you want is to agree to a repayment plan that you won't be able to complete.

To determine the monthly income that you can put toward your credit card debt, you need to create a bare-bones budget that you will stick to. Notice I said a budget that you will keep. Be realistic with your budgeting amounts because it is likely to take you years, not months, to pay what you owe. I would also like you to include a small amount per month in the budget to begin or add to an emergency savings account. To break the cycle of depending on credit cards for unexpected expenses or "wants," you need to have available cash. A good goal for this type of savings is three to six months of living expenses.

Once you have completed your budget, then you will know how much you can pay each month toward your four credit card accounts. If you are comfortable, contact your other creditors and see if they are willing to work with you to lower your monthly payment. If you would rather not communicate with your creditors yourself, contact a qualified nonprofit credit counseling agency at www.aiccca.org or www.debtadvice.org and a counselor can assist you with getting out of credit card debt. At this point, before you are behind on payments, taking action is the most important thing you can do.

Take care of your credit!

Holden To Take The Lead With New GM Global Hatchback

HOLDEN BOSS Mark Reuss has reportedly confirmed that the Australian automaker will design, develop and build a new small hatchback that will be sold in both Australian and foreign markets, but Holden spokesman Scott Whiffen was keeping things close to his chest when contacted by TMR.

We’ve known for some time now that the Australian-built hatchback would be based on the same Delta II platform as the Cruze, Volt and the latest Opel Astra, but until now it hasn’t been clear what Holden’s intentions for the car were.

After speaking with Drive yesterday, Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said the new car would be an all-Australian affair, and may have significant export potential.

While based on the Cruze’s underpinnings, steering and suspension hardware would be tuned by Holden’s engineers for a more refined, upmarket feel. Holden won’t be drawn on what powertrain configurations will be offered, but current speculation says the turbocharged 1.4 litre engine used by the Opel Astra is on the shortlist.

Holden also declined to comment on whether the car’s engines would be built in Australia, however it appears production is slated for the third quarter of 2010.

At this stage, the car’s styling is still a mystery. However, don’t bank on it being a clone of the 2010 Opel Astra or a be-hatched Cruze - word on the street is that it will bear a strong family resemblence to the VE Commodore.

With Opel on the verge of exiting the GM empire, a new export market for Holden may be created by the withdrawl of the Opel-sourced Astra from Vauxhall’s UK lineup.

Importing cars from Holden may be an enticing prospect for GM’s UK subsidiary, and if the end product is indeed as refined as Mark Reuss says it will be, it may be an attractive alternative to GM’s Korean offerings.

When will we hear more about Holden’s upcoming hatchback? We’re not sure. Holden is understandably remaining cagey about the project, and isn’t keen to spill any more beans. We’ll keep pumping them for info, but for the time being Holden is keeping its cards close to its chest.

“We’re going to have to remain mysterious about the hatch for the time being,” Holden spokesman Scott Whiffin told TMR.

“We’re really excited about the future car, but right now we’re focused on launching the sedan version of the Cruze into the market.”

Toyota To Lease Out 500 Plug-In Priuses By End Of 2009

THE CHEVY VOLT isn’t too far away from the showroom and Volvo has just announced that it’ll be bringing out its own plug-in hybrid in 2012. They’re not alone either, as Volkswagen is already trialing its plug-in tech and high consumer interest in plug-in hybrids has prompted Honda to revise its no plug-in stance.

Not to be outdone, Toyota has announced that it will begin leasing out 500 examples of the long-awaited Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) before the end of this year.

The cars will be be used to trial the real-world performance of not only the plug-in charging system, but also the new lithium-ion battery packs that will replace the nickel-metal hydride batteries currently used in the third-generation Prius.

“Future customers will have high expectations for these emerging technologies. This Prius PHV fleet program is a key first step in confirming how and when we might bring large numbers of plug-in hybrids to global markets,” Irv Miller, Group Vice President of Environmental and Public Affairs said earlier this year.

Of the 500 Prius PHVs, 150 are destined for the USA, 150 for Europe and the remaining 200 for Japan. The cars will largely be used in fleet-lease arrangements by government bodies, and won’t be available for purchase.

Considering Toyota’s just-released third-gen Prius is going gangbusters in Japanese showrooms and is expected to sell like the proverbial hotcakes in the USA, we can only imagine the buyer response that would be generated by a plug-in Prius.

However, Toyota had better get moving quick: with a number of its competitors with their own PHVs in the works, consumers may be spoilt for choice by the time a charge-it-yourself Toyota lands in showrooms.

Jaguar C-Type To Make A Return?

Jaguar's XK Convertible.

REPORTS OUT OF EUROPE today suggest that Jaguar is considering a Porsche Boxster-rivalling convertible, harking back to the legendary Jaguar C-Type built in a limited run of just 52 examples between 1951 and 1953.

According to the sleuths at British automotive mag Auto Express, the C-Type would draw on the styling of the Ian Callum penned Jaguar XK and would be powered by either a 175kW 3.0 litre V6, or an autobahn-storming 285kW 5.0 litre V8.

The C-Type’s powerful engines would be paired with Jaguar’s six-speed automatic gearbox, with wheel-mounted gear paddles.

Auto Express says that, like the Jaguar XK, the strictly two-seater C-Type would feature an aluminium monocoque body with extruded panels for optimum weight-saving and rigidity, including an electric-folding soft-top to avoid the weight of a folding hardtop.

With that light body, Auto Express reckons the 3.0 litre V6 C-Type would hit 100km/h in just over seven seconds, while the 5.0 litre V8 would knock over the ton in around five seconds.

With the Tata-owned Jaguar currently trying to secure financial aid from the UK Government, it remains to be seen how much stock one can put into talk of a new Boxster-rivalling Jaguar.

But according to Auto Express, Jaguar is looking long and hard at the idea, with a potential 2012 production date on the cards.

F1: Toyota Prepared To Commit Until 2012

TOYOTA MOTORSPORT PRESIDENT John Howett has revealed the manufacturer is prepared to commit to Formula 1 until 2012 if the FIA scraps its plan to introduce a budget cap next year.

As Vice-President of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), Howett has been vocal in his opposition against the proposed changes to the 2010 regulations, stating Toyota will quit unless the FIA backs down.

Howett said: “We have consistently said we want to continue to participate in Formula 1 and if our conditional entry is accepted we will commit to the sport until at least the end of the 2012 season.

“If and when that happens, the unfounded rumours surrounding our future should stop.”

The nine FOTA teams submitted a block entry for the 2010 season last week on the proviso that the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) sign a new Concorde Agreement by June 12, and carry over the 2009 Formula 1 guidelines to next year.

FOTA claims it will then use those rules as a basis for constructing any cost-cutting measures, while reportedly supplying technical assistance to newcomers to the sport.

Howett said measures to encourage new entries to Formula 1 form a critical element of FOTA’s plans to reduce expenditure.

“We are happy to see new teams but we made it clear from the start that everybody has to compete under the same rules,” he said.

“Cost reduction was one of FOTA’s founding principles and we have reduced the costs of leasing engines and transmissions by over 50%, with further significant savings contained within our proposed 2010 regulations.

“These include limits on aerodynamic development, restrictions on the use of exotic materials and prohibition of some costly technical activities, such as wheel rim heating, which don’t add to the spectacle of Formula 1.

“We have proposed many effective measures to reduce the cost of entry to, and participation in, Formula 1.”

But despite FOTA’s assurances it has the future of the sport in its best interests, FIA President Max Mosley issued a stern warning to the teams, saying its demands are “unrealistic.”

Speaking to Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell, Mosley said the FIA will not back down from its plan to introduce a budget cap, issuing an inflammatory statement.

“We make the rules. We have done it for 60 years and we are going to continue to do it. It seems rather obvious that they (the existing teams) have been trying to make it difficult for the new teams,” he said.

Peugeot Open To Alliance With Other Manufacturers

EUROPE’S SECOND-LARGEST car manufacturer, PSA Peugeot Citroen, is open to forging a deal with another carmaker, but only on the condition that the Peugeot family retains majority control of the company.

Chairman Thierry Peugeot, a sixth-generation descendant of one of Peugeot’s founding brothers, told French newspaper Les Echos that Peugeot would consider all options for an alliance or share partnership.

Under former Chief Executive Christian Streiff, Peugeot’s previous strategy for continued profitability revolved around cost-cutting. However, with the recent dismissal of Streiff, it appears the French carmaker has had a change of course.

The Peugeot family owns nearly 21 percent of PSA Peugeot Citroen, and according to Streiff while he was in office, the family is determined to ensure that the carmaker remains among the leaders in the industry.

Fiat stands out as a potential partner for Peugeot, with the two companies already in a long-term partnership on the design and manufacturer of light commercial vehicles.

Toyota US Increases Production In Anticipation Of Sales Rebound

IT MAY BE dark times for the likes of Chrysler and GM, but Toyota US is expecting new car sales to boom there in the near future. Accordingly, the manufacturer will be ramping up production of its most popular models, with the Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Tacoma, Tundra and Sienna at the top of the list.

Total US production will increase by 65,000 vehicles over the next three months, which Toyota hopes will be enough to take advantage of a resurgence in new car sales.

The marque sold 21 percent more cars in May than it did in April this year, and while May’s total was 39.5 percent under that of May 2008, the improvement in month-by-month sales indicates buyers are slowly trickling back into showrooms.

But what of those huge inventories of unsold vehicles that were said to be clogging storage yards across North America? Well, according to Toyota USA General Manager Bob Carter, total supply of inventoried stock has fallen from 62 days to 41 days in the space of a month.

“We see a turnaround coming. We may be witnessing a slight rebound in the industry,” Mr Carter said.

US Air Force Exploring New Recruitment Methods With Pair Of Crazy Concepts

WITH US MILITARY recruitment hitting an all-time low, the US Air Force is exploring new ways to draw interest from potential recruits. One such strategy involved building two very crazy concepts based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Ford Mustang.

Teaming up with California-based Galpin Auto Sport, the USAF transformed the Challenger into a Mad Max like ‘Vapor’ post-apocalyptic stealth war machine, while the Mustang became the very polished and sharp ‘X-1’ concept.

Satin black and glossy white paint, scissor doors, carbon fibre and custom wheels are the name of the game on the outside, while the interior of the X-1 Mustang brings a decidedly jet fighter vibe to the party.

Inside the Vapor lies a slightly more traditional two-seater configuration, except that – like a military cargo plane – both the… pilot and co-pilot… get a steering wheel (rudder?).

Developed as part of the US Air Force’s 2009 Super Car Tour, the two concepts will visit high schools across the US, along with tuning shows such as the DUB magazine auto show, Hot Import Nights, and Formula Drift races.

Hummer Expects Alternative-Fuel Model To Surface Within 5 Years

CRISIS, AS THEY SAY, is the perfect catalyst for change. GM offshoot Hummer has long been seen as a dinosaur in an increasingly eco-conscious automotive world, however the recently announced agreement to sell the brand to Chinese industrial manufacturing company Sichuan Tengzhou could be just the shot in the arm the marque needs.

Specifically, the deal could open up a wealth of alternative-fuel possibilities for Hummer.

It’s no secret that Hummer’s top brass intends to capitalise on its change of owner by upping development of a fuel-sipping luxury SUV, but it appears that such a machine may be closer to market than we think.

Speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Hummer CEO James Taylor said in response to the question of alt-fuel Hummers:

“It’s a big number to take on, a ground-up hybrid or electric vehicle, but it’d make a lot of sense for the Hummer brand,” he said.

When probed on whether such a vehicle would appear in five years time, Taylor responded:

“I think five years out, excellent, assured. It’s 100%. It’s a choice, then, of which one makes the most sense.”

Hummer has already begun to dabble in diesel engines, however emissions standards in the USA means its marketability is limited and that the brand may be better served by focusing its efforts toward hybrid, all-electric or, at the very least, flex-fuel models like the HX concept (pictured).

Will such tree-hugging technology alienate existing hummer fans, or will it reap thousands more sales for the company that’s become one of the most favourite punching-bags of environmentalists? We’ll have to wait and see.

Taylor also said that while the brand will be owned by a foreign company with no experience in car making, Tengzhou is comfortable with letting Hummer’s existing management team run the company without interference, while it merely funds the operation.

“Their desire is to be very hands-off, let me run it how we want to do it, but they supply the cash,” he said.

“They aren’t in the car business, so they won’t come and pretend they’re smarter than us, which is the risk when you’re acquired by another car company.”

F1 Brawling Continues: Mosley Challenges Teams To Form Own Series

FIA PRESIDENT MAX MOSLEY has challenged the Formula One Teams Association to form its own breakaway series if it disapproves of planned rule changes for next season.

While the teams have threatened to withdraw as a block unless the FIA meets its demands, Mosley remains unmoved, stating he will not back down from his decision to introduce a budget cap.

He told Swiss weekly Motorsport Aktuell. “I say (to them), if you want to formulate your own rules, then you can organise your own championship - assuming the rules satisfy the safety requirements. But we have the Formula One world championship and we make the rules for that.

“We’ve been doing it for 60 years and we’ll continue to do it in the future. Now we have a dispute and we’ll see who prevails.”

BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen however downplayed Mosley’s claims, saying FOTA doesn’t want to form its own series and remains keen to negotiate a solution with the FIA.

“We are now really committed to find a solution with the FIA to go forward together. That is all I want to say at this point of time,” he said.

Theissen revealed though that the decision to submit a conditional entry by May 29 was actually suggested by Mosley.

“When we had the meeting with Max in Monaco, it was his idea to put in a conditional entry,” he said.

With FOTA’s June 12 deadline fast approaching, the sport is in a race against time to secure an agreement or face the biggest crisis in its history.

It is believed the FIA’s decision to stall proceedings has been motivated by the existing contractual arrangements likely to force Ferrari to compete next season.

However, any delays in finalising 2010 entries may prove detrimental to the prospects of any new entries, given there are only nine months remaining until the next Australian Grand Prix.

2009 Renault Megane Estate On Sale In Europe In June; Coming To Aus?

RENAULT HAS ANNOUNCED that the stylish all-new 2009 Renault Megane Estate will hit European showrooms this month, offering a range of petrol and diesel engines.

The Renault Megane Estate, which shares its face with the regular Megane (due in Australia in 2010), adds a longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang and sporty wagon styling, while the profile has been modified to suit the wagon shape.

The Megane Estate in European trim will offer both petrol and diesel options.

On the petrol front, the choice begins with the entry level 1.4 litre TCe 130 engine, which Renault describes as an economical engine that offers the torque of a 2.0 litre and the power of a 1.8 litre, with CO2 emissions lower than a 1.6 litre engine.

Beyond the 1.6 litre, a 1.6 litre engine is available in two variants, developing 75kW and 82kW respectively, and mated to a manual transmission. A 2.0 litre petrol engine is also available, paired with an automatic transmission.

For buyers with a diesel leaning, the Megane Estate can be had with two diesel engines. The 1.5 litre dCi diesel engine is offered in three variants: the dCi 86, dCi 106 and dCi 110 FAP. The 2.0 litre dCi is also available with a choice of power outputs, from 104kW to 120kW.

The question for Aussie families is, of course, will we see it in Australia? With the all-new Megane arriving down under next year, it’s possible.

Other similar Renault models such as the the larger New Laguna Estate can be had for $43,990 (recommended price before dealer and on-road costs), while the Koleos SUV starts at $30,990 (again, before costs).

If the new Megane starts at a price similar to the current model’s $25,490 base, and the Estate kept under $33,000, it could prove to be a genuine success for Renault in Australia.

Volkswagen Reveals All-New Pickup To Be Named Amarok

VOLKSWAGEN CAUSED a bit of a stir when it unveiled the masculine-looking Pickup Concept (pictured) last year, and for good reason.

The first of its kind from a European manufacturer, the Pickup represented a new direction for the company and showed that, on paper at least, VW could make a product capable of mixing it with the best utilities from Japan and the USA.

And now that product has a name. Volkswagen revealed today that its pickup will go to market wearing the ‘Amarok’ badge, a word that means “Wolf” in Inuit and “he loves stones” in some South American languages. We’re not so sure about the last one, but we can certainly dig Wolf.

The Amarok will make its debut in the fourth quarter of this year, with its first market launch to take place in South America and Central America in early 2010.

The European market will follow midway through next year, while Africa and Australia will being receiving their Amaroks in the second half of 2010.

It’s the first truly clean-slate design from VW in a long time, and the Amarok is built to be as tough as it name suggests. To be assembled at VW’s Argentinean plant, the Amarok will be available at launch as a 4×4 dual-cab. A single-cab version is planned to surface later.

High-efficiency turbodiesels will be the engines of choice, however exactly which engines will be chosen isn’t immediately apparent.

At this stage it’s unclear whether a 2×4 RWD version will be offered, but given the Amarok is designed to go head-to-head against the most popular one-tonners from Japan, it’s likely such a configuration will become available.

2010 Lotus Evora Australian Details And Pricing Revealed

WE FIRST SAW the 2010 Lotus Evora on Australian shores at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show back in February, and now Lotus has released details of its all-new supercar’s launch into Aussie showrooms.

The Evora is powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.5 litre V6 developing 206kW and 341Nm of torque, channelled through a six-speed manual transmission and rocketing to 100km in just over five seconds.

The Evora, which offers seating for either two or four occupants in a choice of two-seater or 2+2 formats, achieves a fuel economy of 8.7 l/100km on the combined highway/urban cycle, emitting just 205g/km CO2.

Inside, the Evora features leather trim and blue LED-lit instruments. Recaro front seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and climate control are also included as part of the standard package.

To ensure your Evora is uniquely yours, Lotus offers a selection of 18-inch front and 19-inch rear cast and forged alloy wheels in silver, grey and gloss anthracite finishes.

Completing the look, buyers can also add bi-xenon headlamps, body coloured door handles and folding exterior mirrors.

The entry-level Lotus Evora 2+0 (which uses the rear space as luggage storage) will be priced at $149,990 (RRP before statutory and delivery charges), while the Lotus Evora 2+2 will be priced at $156,990 (RRP before statutory and delivery charges).

The Lotus Evora will be available in Europe first, while for Australian buyers deliveries are expected in the third quarter this year. Both variants can be ordered now through the Lotus dealer network in Australia.

FUEL Racing Video Game Features Nearly 9000 Square Kilometres Of Driveable Terrain

CODEMASTERS, publishers of the popular Colin McRae Rally franchise along with DiRT and Racedriver Grid, have been working hard on FUEL, a new arcade-style racer that features locations from across the western half of the continental United States.

Adding up to a total driveable terrain of 5560 square miles (or 8947 sq. km), FUEL offers not only the largest useable area in any game, but it’s also set a new Guinness World Record in the process.

The courses in FUEL include well-known locations and cities – arid and urban alike - from around the western United States, along with a variety of climates and weather conditions.

The range of vehicles on offer in FUEL include all types of racing cars and motorbikes (road and dirt, even four-wheelers). None of the cars in the game are licenced, however, so like Burnout and Ridge Racer, you can expect to see some crazy make-believe car design.

May Sales: Some Big Shifts In The Light Car Segment

THE VFACTS FIGURES for May show that there are some interesting things happening in the light car segment – besides the scratching and biting for top-dog honours.

There is a shift occurring that the month-on-month results do not fully expose. Yaris is still number one in the segment with 7904 sales year-to-date and Getz is second, with 7263 sales.

But Yaris is down 27.7 percent against its 10,934 sales in 2008 YTD, while Getz is up 3.8 percent and closing fast.

Have a guess then who is heading to top spot. (Hellooo Getz…)

One rung down, you can throw a hanky over the next five: but three are going down like the spuds at an Irish breakfast, one is holding station and another is on an unstoppable rise.

Two more months of those trends and the segment will look a whole lot different.

In third spot, but going down, is the Mazda2, with 5262 sales YTD, down 16.0 percent for the year.

In fourth place, down 15.3 percent YTD with 4697 sales, is the Suzuki Swift. While in fifth place is the unlikely Holden Barina, with 4303 sales YTD, but down 18.8 percent.

Something has spooked Mazda2, Swift and Barina; all three are on significant declines and losing ground ahead of the total market. Who would ever have thought that?

Honda’s Jazz, meanwhile, is holding station with 4189 sales YTD; down slightly, but just 3.5 percent off last year’s sales.

The real attack though is coming from below. Bolting up the ladder is Ford’s Fiesta. It is now repeating in this market what it has been doing in Europe – eating the opposition alive. Its sales are up 31 percent for the month of May and up 9.0 percent with 3599 sales YTD.

Its YTD figures would be even stronger but for the fact it was launched for sale late in January (Australia Day), with no auto initially and hamstrung for supplies in its first few months.

The Fiesta is on the rise with a silver bullet. If it can maintain its current momentum in the market, it will soon be brushing aside those middle players in the segment.

The biggest surprise of all though is the poorly performing Mitsubishi Colt. Compared to the top half-dozen, it barely disturbs the scorer. (And is so far off the pace it is running in glue.)

In May, just 145 Colts exited Mitsubishi dealerships; a decline of 56.8 percent for the month. Only 978 have been sold this year, a decline of 36.1 percent over last year.

But the Colt’s not a bad car. Certainly better than those figures would suggest; but for some reason, it just hasn’t caught on. Markets are funny things.

Sometimes there is neither rhyme nor reason as to why some are anointed winners and others losers.

But if you were selling them and you were looking at a Fiesta or a Getz in your dealership right now, you’d be a grinner. (And you would have to spare a thought for the poor sod trying to sell a Colt.)