HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2017 -- Houston-based TAXA Outdoors Inc, the leading manufacturer of alternative RVs prized by outdoor enthusiasts, is unveiling an 18-foot travel trailer called Mantis at RV Open House, Sept. 18-22 near Elkhart, Indiana.

The Mantis is a rugged 18-foot-long camping trailer that comfortably sleeps 4 adults, weighs under 2,300 pounds and can be stored in a standard length and height garage. Along with Taxa's NASA inspired design and integrated plumbing and electrical systems, it has all the necessities needed for your outdoor adventure lifestyle.

The basic Camp Mantis is entirely run on two 12-volt, deep-cycle batteries stowed in the kitchen area or shore power with a 110-volt inverter, either of which can power the 12-volt refrigerator. The enhanced Trek Mantis also is plumbed for propane, which can be used for the two-burner stove, water heater and propane-powered refrigerator, with an optional Truma Combi furnace for year round use. Air conditioning is optional on either model.

CENTREVILLE, Va., Sept. 13, 2017 -- New research from Carfax suggests that drivers may be behind the wheel of more than 325,000 previously flooded vehicles. That number is a 20% increase from 2016 and a stark reminder to consumers to do their due diligence when used car shopping.

Vehicles reported as flood damaged by a state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), insurance companies and more have washed up in every state, and these ten states have the most:

1. Texas – 51,000
2. Louisiana – 29,000
3. Pennsylvania – 20,000
4. Florida – 19,000
5. Kentucky – 16,000 
6. Illinois – 15,000
7. South Carolina – 13,000
8. Virginia – 13,000
9. North Carolina – 13,000
10. Michigan – 11,000

Slow sales, good performance in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings and significant incentives make these cars, trucks and SUVs smart buys this September.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2017 -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today unveiled September's list of the Best Cars to Buy Now. To make U.S. News' monthly list, a car has to meet three criteria: declining sales, strong manufacturer incentives and excellent scores in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings.

"Consumers are not only in a strong negotiating position with these vehicles, but they can also take advantage of some great incentives," says Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "Every vehicle on the list also has great reviews from the automotive press, hitting the sweet spot of quality and value that makes a new car a smart choice."

This month, U.S. News Best Cars has identified 8 cars, SUVs and trucks that are sure to fit any lifestyle. Consumers can expect significant savings on everything from fuel-sipping hybrids, rugged trucks, sports cars and family SUVs.

TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 12, 2017 -- In a recently released study about autonomous vehicles, automotive marketing consulting firm AutoPacific found that 54% of vehicle owners think that self-driving vehicles are a "good idea" and 23% are interested in owning one. The study contains results from over 900 vehicle owners who were asked about various aspects of self-driving vehicles, and also explores consumer opinions, expectations and the role of semi-autonomous features. "The automobile is moving toward increasingly autonomous technology, from lane departure warning systems to cars that can completely drive themselves," says AutoPacific president George Peterson. "AutoPacific set out to explore consumer opinions to help auto manufacturers navigate the best path to maximum customer acceptance."

Consumers interested in autonomy find the ability to relax or be more productive during their drive appealing, yet are also interested in being able to be in a more comfortable seating position. Interest, however, doesn't come without concerns. Rejectors and acceptors alike share concerns over vehicle hacking and still want the ability to take over controls if needed.

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2017 -- If you missed out on Labor Day deals, don't worry, many of them are still available through the end of the month. In fact, the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book have compiled a list of their top 10 lease, financing and cash back deals for new models available through September, including four offers of more than $4,000 cash back and several leases under $200 per month.

"This month's list of good deals on good cars features some of the biggest savings we've seen all year," said Jason Allan, managing editor for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "With a $199 per month lease on our Mid-Size Car Best Buy of 2017 and $7,500 cash back on a family-size SUV, September's collection boasts a compelling collection of deals on a wide variety of vehicles."

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