Havana is a potent mixture of the old and the new. Modern office buildings punctuate the skyline alongside deteriorating Eastern European residential towers.

Ancient vehicles, some with more rust than paint, share the road with newer, shinier models, while horse-drawn carts mingle with motorcycles. Flea markets display Cuba holiday mementos - wooden models of cars built in the 1950s, which are still seen on Cuban streets.

“Yank tank,” “máquina” “cacharro” ans “bartavia” are all words used to describe the American classic cars in Cuba. It is the only place where history and circumstance have combined to enable a whole society to preserve these amazing vehicles and turn them into a national treasure.

About 150,000 classic cars existed at the time of the 1959 Cuban Revolution when the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba. After this, international trade was made very difficult, so the cars that were present at the time have been nurtured and cared for ever since.

Of the 60,000 classic cars in Cuba, about half are from the 50s, another 25 percent from the 40s and a similar number from the 30s. Brands include Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, Buick, Plymouth, Chrysler, Dodge, Willy’s, Oldsmobile and De Soto – vintage models of all of these can be seen on Cuba’s roads today.

A LUXURY car dealership has said its decision to lay off 38 staff is partly due to the gloomy economic outlook.

Maxwell Motors in Dublin, which held the BMW franchise for 19 years, said yesterday the redundancies were a direct result of its decision not to renew its franchise in the face of the current downturn.

In April, the Blackrock-based company, which has been operating since the 1930s, announced it would not renew the franchise when the current period ends this September. At the time, management hinted that the move could result in lay-offs among its 65 staff.

Yesterday, Blackrock managing director Charlie Day said the decision to overhaul the company’s business model was a reponse to more challenging times. He also blamed conditions laid down by BMW.

“The hardest decision of all has been the making redundant of over half our current staff,” he said.

“Some of this team have 30 years and more service with the company and it is naturally with great sadness that the board made its decision.” The firm plans to operate as an independent dealership focusing on supplying premium new and used cars on an independent basis.

The news came just days after it emerged another Dublin car dealership specialising in high-end vehicles, Orwell Motors, in Rathgar, Dublin, has gone out of business.

The company, whose website slogan is “living the dream since 1981″ is believed to have owed Bank of Scotland over €1m before it went into receivership.

Auctioned

More than 75 used cars, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMWs and Lexus, will be auctioned off from the firm’s showroom within weeks.

But last night Alan Mahon, the director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, insisted there was still plenty of interest in premium cars and low sales in May and June might be due to people putting off a decision on which car to buy in the face of new legislation designed to help the environment.

“Yes, we are going through a challenging year. There has been an obvious downturn in the economy which has coincided with the changes in VRT and road tax but you have to put it in context,” he said.

While annual sales to July were about 15.7pc down on the same period last year, 2007 was the second best year ever. Sales to July for this year had already matched total sales for 2003, he said.

Meanwhile, staff at Wexford-based credit-checking firm Equifax were told that up to 50 redundancies would be made between their base in Drinagh, Wexford town, and their operations in England.

To be honest, I don’t like the fact that most cars of today look the same because I love stylish cars. In my opinion, every car should have an individual personality. The classic American cars certainly have this unique attributes. Pontiac, Cadillac, Chevrolet and the names of other classic cars conjure up an image of speeding down the freeways and neighborhoods.

However, people who are concerned with the environment do not patronize big, brash cars because they tend to be gas-guzzlers. For instance, a Hummer SUV gives a staggering nine miles to the gallon. Since I am also an environment minded person, American cars offer me a conflict of interest.

In the past, we were never too concerned about how many miles we were getting to the gallon. A few decades ago, the government didn’t pile the tax on driving costs because fuel was cheap and there was no welfare state to support. However, the price of gas has steadily increased and more people are now concerned about the impact of American cars on the environment.

European cars, such as Saab and BMW, which are more economical to run, are now becoming more popular. However, some people still consider these cars as American cars because some of them are manufactured in the US. These cars represent a necessary lifestyle change, even if they may not be as much fun.

There are a few American cars that have entered the culture as icons. Some American cars have made a contribution to many movies and TV shows. For example, the cherry red Ford Gran Torino was like another character in the “Starsky and Hutch” series. This car is known affectionately as the striped tomato. It screeched around corners and skidded sideways as the two detectives chased after the bad guys.

While many add-on purchases for automobiles are quite popular, the most significant addition for any vehicle is a security car alarm. With more than a million vehicles stolen each year, taking proactive steps to work against the possibility of theft is just common sense for all car owners. It stands to reason that a car owner will want to protect such a huge financial investment. Other than your home, your car is probably the most expensive thing you own. Doesn’t it make sense to take care of it? Taking care of your car goes beyond changing the oil and keeping it clean. Really taking care of your car involves doing everything you can to keep it from being stolen.

Security car alarms serve as an affordable and effective way to keep you and your car from becoming the next car theft victims.

As a car owner, it is in your best interest to investigate security car alarms to find the best protection system for both your vehicle and your budget. If you think you can’t afford a car alarm system, ask yourself if you can afford for your car to be stolen. That important question can put the minimal cost of a good alarm system in perspective.

What Are The Options?

There is a tremendous variety of choices when it comes to choosing a great car alarm. There are many different manufacturers, models and technological features for security car alarms. Virtually any budget can be accomodated with a security car alarm. The most economical model is not always the best choice for your vehicle’s protection, though. Often just investing a few more dollars to get a higher quality system can have a huge impact on the overall effectiveness of the security car alarm system you choose.

Directed Electronics is an Industry Leader

Directed Electronics is one of the most established and best known names in security car alarms. This highly regarded and respected company is responsible for the two top security alarm brands, Python and Viper. The company’s product mix also includes products from other major brands that have become a part of their organization, including Avital, Clifford, Autostart and AutoCommand. With more than twenty years in the security car alarm industry, the company’s experience is clearly depicted by its impressive portfolio of vehicle security products.

Choose a Top Brand

Whether you choose a Directed Electronics product, or one from a different firm, it is a good idea to choose your unit from among the industry’s top brands. Working with industry leaders helps to ensure the highest quality and most advanced electronics technologies for your security car alarm. You only want to buy a car alarm from a reputable company that specializes in vehicle security to ensure that your system has the latest technology. Developing the ability to discern the major brands of vehicle security products can help you make the best possible choices in automotive protection.

One of the most highly regarded security car alarm brands is Viper. Viper tends to be the system of choice for discerning expert drivers. Such discriminating consumers understand the value of a top notch alarm system because of the superior technologies employed to keep your vehicle constantly protected. Python is another great name in car security alarms, well-known for its unique technologies that include recognized names like Revenger, Failsafe, Stinger, Starter Kill and DoubleGuard. Both the Phython and Viper security alarm systems are focused on user convenience paired with extreme vehicle protection systems. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Clifford is another respected brand. It has been protecting vehicles for more than twenty years, and has kept up with with technological advances like the MATRIX and G5 Technologies. These systems have the ability to instantly intimidate potential car thieves, which is crucial for maximum protection of our car.

Avital has also been around more than two decades with security car alarm products that are trusted by many, many consumers. Avital has a reputation for providing both outstanding security and remote starter systems.

These are not the only top notch choices for alarm systems. There are number of other reputable products that can meet your needs. Other top brands for security car alarms include Hornet, Valet, Ready Remote and AutoCommand, Astroflex, Automate Securit, and Autostart. Also, Merlin systems is a strong choice for motorcycle protection options. The benefits of security car alarm systems are greatly enhanced when you select yous from among these leading industry brands. It only makes sense to stick with recognized experts in security when protecting your own vehicle. The experience and expertise of top brand car alarm systems is the best tool for keeping your vehicle best protected against the threat of robbery.

Carl and Shayne Patterson are in the market for a brand new truck. It’s a decision fewer and fewer Americans seem to be doing during these days of high gas prices.

“I have to haul a boat and I need a truck to haul but if it wasn’t for that I’d buy a hybrid,” says Carl Patterson.

The couple is considering buying a Toyota Tundra. But they’re not the only ones feeling the pinch of high gas prices. car dealerships are seeing a decline in truck sales as many consumers are trading in those gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles.

“We do get a lot of domestic pickups and SUV’s being traded in on sedans,” says Robert Derrick, internet sales manager with Dick Dyer Toyota.

He says the dealership has seen an increase in small car sales. “The family, they’re looking at their dollar, their pocket as you definitely have a spike as far as the sedans. And better gas mileage,” says Derrick.

And while Toyota and other import dealers are feeling the pain from the pump, domestic dealers aren’t fairing any better. Jeremy Carter, internet sales manager with Love Chevrolet says his car dealership may have more to lose.

“It’s definitely hurt our market especially Chevrolet and most American car companies. Our trucks and SUV’s are much bigger sellers than our cars. We’re trying to push and get all the cars we can and stay away from the trucks which is the complete opposite of what we would have done 2 years ago,” says Carter.

But he says the push toward smaller cars is not coming easy for some of their loyal truck customers. “We’ve heard a lot of, man I love my truck, but I just don’t know if I can drive it anymore,” says Carter.

Meanwhile the Pattersons say if they do decide to purchase a new pickup, they’ll be driving it as a last resort. “I’ll probably still drive my old truck that gets good gas mileage and just leave this one for hauling the boats and campers and stuff like that,” says Patterson.

As much as auto critics love to wring their hands over GM’s and Ford’s misfortunes the two automakers are locked in a perpetual battle for the coveted big pickup truck category. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series continue to duke it out for the number one spot. There is more at stake here than meets the eye…and just what would that be?

For 28 years running the top selling vehicle in the US has not been a car, rather a pick up truck. That’s right, America’s love of pick ups extends to the point where the Ford F Series traditionally outsells the bestselling car by a factor of nearly 2 to 1 [the Toyota Camry is the best selling car, FYI]. Indeed, the second best selling truck for most of that time has been the Chevy Silverado, nemesis of the Ford.

If you are a GM fan, your immediate thought is to cry “foul” over the whole matter. In reality, Chevrolet’s parent company — General Motors — sells more full size pick up trucks than Ford year in and year out. However “the general” markets its truck under two different nameplates: Chevrolet and GMC. So, what appears to be a long running streak for Ford is just not that. At least according to GM fans.

Beyond the pick up truck sales, the matter of who is number one is a source of pride for the big automakers as they have been beaten and bruised over the years by increased competition. Asian automakers continue to take away sales, as even Toyota and Nissan are now building full sized pick up trucks. Dodge, too, has grown in size and influence ever since its redone Rams hit the market in the early 1990s. So, the last area of dominance for Ford and GM is also being chipped away and no one wants to be the first to admit defeat.

If you want to influence the battle, you have only one month to make a difference. Both manufacturers are certain to have amazing end of the year clearances, so shop smartly and you will come out as a winner no matter whose product you choose.

Countryside buys longtime Verona dealership

John Erickson is selling his Chevrolet dealership in Verona to a duo who own dealerships in Columbus and Beaver Dam. Terms were not disclosed.

“I’m looking forward to retirement,” said Erickson, 77, who bought the dealership at 513 W. Verona Ave. from Ed Harrington three decades ago. “It’s been good. I’ve made lots of good friends and sold a lot of cars.”

Buyers Keith Ghanian and Dan Fox started with Countryside Ford Mercury in Columbus in 2000. In 2003, they purchased a Pontiac GMC Oldsmobile dealership in Beaver Dam, then added a Chevrolet Buick dealership there the next year. The combined lines became Countryside GM Auto Group at a new building that opened in 2005 in Beaver Dam.

“I live in Oregon so I commute about 65 miles every day so I did have my eyes open for a GM dealership in the Madison area,” Ghanian said.

The deal, which was signed about three weeks ago, requires the approval of General Motors but both sides don’t see that as an obstacle since Ghanian and Fox already are GM dealers.

Ghanian said he hopes the Verona dealership will become Countryside Chevrolet in early March.

“My goal is to meet with every individual employee by the end of this month and the goal is to make sure everyone stays on board,” he said. Erickson has about 30 employees.

“In terms of plans,” Ghanian added, “the very first thing we would like to do is get involved in the community — helping local hospitals, schools, the fire department, the police department. That’s my No. 1 goal. We’ll have an active ownership and be available to our customers. The goal is to improve on every aspect of the operation.”

Ghanian said Countryside would honor deals Erickson made, such as lifetime free oil changes for new car buyers.

Before the changeover, Erickson is holding a going-out-of-business sale.

Ghanian said the deal was the “easiest transaction I’ve ever made,” with no brokers involved — just a direct deal with Erickson.

Erickson had put the word out that he was interested in selling and the Countryside owners contacted him about four months ago after hearing about it from a vendor.

“They have the small-town inclination for business and Verona’s a small town,” Erickson said. “And I felt it would be a good fit for my employees — that they would treat them fairly and wouldn’t run over them and bring in a lot of outside people and let them go.”

Verona’s booming growth and the changes at GM bode well for his dealership’s future, Erickson said.

“I think it’s an opportune time,” he said.

Erickson, who started selling cars more than 50 years ago at what would become Thorstad Chevrolet in Madison, was known for his TV ads that featured his horse, Bo, who he said is doing fine at age 33.

“I take good care of him,” he said. “He’s got the best of everything.”

Erickson’s retirement plans include traveling with his wife, enjoying life and spending more time on hobbies such as gardening.

Ghanian is excited about the changes at Chevrolet, including the new Malibu, the new Camaro and ZR-1 Corvette that are coming, and the Chevrolet Volt that will be GM’s first plug-in hybrid when it debuts in a few years.

“I think Chevrolet is the most exciting line at GM and that was part of the reasoning behind this deal,” he said. “Chevrolet is spearheading the new products coming into the GM pipeline.”

The Erickson acquisition might not be Countryside’s last.

“I’m not putting any limits on myself,” Ghanian said, noting that he’s just 46. “If the proper opportunities present themselves I’m definitely open-minded.”

The Opel Antara’s adaptability and functionality will be put to the test once again in January 2008. For the second year in a row, an Antara with Balázs Szalay and his ‘Szalay Dakar Team’ at the wheel will take on the Lisbon-Dakar rally – the longest and most difficult cross-country rally competition in the world.

With expert assistance from GM Racing and sponsorship from General Motors/Opel Hungary, the private team’s brand new car – an Opel Antara RR – has been specially adapted to the harsh conditions and includes the latest GM race engine. In its first desert test at the UAE Desert Challenge in November 2007, the new Antara RR performed sensationally, helping the team to 8th place overall.

Balazs Szalay has been rallying Opel cars since 2003, and 2008 will be his 10th Dakar race. And with the versatile, dynamic Opel Antara, Balazs has the best chances of a top-place finish. Boasting a robust design, distinctive lines and a powerful stance, the Opel crossover is sure to cut a fine figure as it battles through the sand dunes and challenging conditions toward Dakar. The team will be assisted throughout by Gregory Prior and Ross O’Blenes, two GM Motorsport engineers who participated in the engine development for the Dakar Antara and spent time in Hungary fine-tuning the car. “The GM Racing engineers will be a great help when it comes to the technical side of the rally, and give us the assistance we need to pose a greater challenge to the other professional drivers in the race,” says Balázs Szalay.

The 9723-kilometer Lisbon-Dakar rally begins in Lisbon/Portugal on January 5 and ends in Dakar/Senegal on January 20, 2008. To date, 580 vehicles have signed up for the 2008 rally, which promises to be the toughest in the event’s 30-year history.

The new Saskatchewan government has eliminated the provincial sales tax on used cars and trucks.

The change came into effect Monday. Rod Gantefoer, finance minister for the Saskatchewan Party, says those who have paid the PST since Nov. 8 can apply for a refund.

Used vehicles that are eligible include all cars, all sport-utility vehicles, all light passenger and cargo vans and all light trucks.

Every night, columns of hulking blue and red freight trucks invade China’s major cities with a reverberating roar of engines and dark clouds of diesel exhaust so thick it dims headlights.

By daybreak in this sprawling metropolis in southeastern China, residents near thoroughfares who leave their windows open overnight find their faces stiff with a dark layer of diesel soot.

After Mary Leung opens her tiny open-air shop along a major road soon after dawn, she must wipe the soot off her countertops and tables; the tiny yellow-and-olive bird that has kept her company is harder to clean.