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Sales of new cars and trucks plunged to their lowest level in more than a decade in June, as high gas prices and a weak economy kept American consumers away from dealer showrooms.

With the drop last month of more than 18 percent, automakers now expect to sell well below 15 million new vehicles this year, far fewer than the norm this decade of more than 16 million vehicles a year.

Detroit automakers were hit hard. Ford Motor was down 28 percent in June, General Motors was off 18 percent, and Chrysler dropped 36 percent.

Despite its sharp decline, G.M’s results were better than expected, which industry analysts attributed to a sales blitz with offers of zero-interest, long-term financing deals. The cut-rate loans helped G.M. retain its historic position as the top-selling United States automaker over Toyota, whose sales fell 21 percent.

While sales had been steadily declining since the spring, the June totals, announced Tuesday, marked a low point in what is shaping up as an abysmal year in the car business. The sales last month were further depressed because there were three fewer days when dealerships were open compared with a year ago.

“We’re looking at an industry sales rate that is the lowest in over a decade, probably in 15 years,” said George Pipas, Ford’s chief market analyst.

Prospects for a turnaround through the rest of the summer are dimming for reasons beyond the soft economy and $4-a-gallon gas.

Even with some factories running at peak capacity, auto companies cannot meet the surging demand for small, fuel-efficient cars. At the same time, manufacturers are slashing production of slow-selling pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

“We’re talking a few months at least before automakers can better match supply with demand,” said Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com, an automotive research Web site.

The drastically lower sales have raised concerns about the financial health of the Detroit automakers, which have relied heavily on sales of pickup and sport utility vehicles for profits in recent years.

Shares in G.M. sank to their lowest level in more than 50 years last week, though they rebounded 2 percent Tuesday. Many investors are questioning whether the poor sales will force a cash crisis at the company.

Officials at G.M., Ford and Chrysler have vigorously denied that they will run out of operating cash in the near future.

“Even in a worst-case scenario, we have enough cash and credit lines to last well through the end of 2009,” said a G.M. spokesman, Tony Cervone.

A Ford spokesman, Mark Truby, said the company is well-financed and nowhere close to a financial disaster, like a bankruptcy filing. “With our liquidity, that’s not a concern,” he said.

Still, industry observers believe the two automakers, as well as their smaller rival Chrysler, may need to raise additional capital to weather the sales downturn.

“The health of the business is based on cash flow, and when the cash goes you are in deep trouble,” said David Cole, executive director of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.

If sales continue to slump, the Detroit companies may be forced to cut more jobs, sell assets, or try to raise more capital by borrowing.

The goal, Mr. Cole said, will be to remain financially solvent until the market rebounds and savings from a new labor contract are realized in 2010.

“There is a tremendous sense of urgency simply to get through this period of turbulence,” he said.

The seismic shift by consumers to small cars from large vehicles has blindsided virtually every automaker. Only Honda Motor, where sales rose 1 percent in June, appears to have been prepared. The Japanese automaker’s Fit subcompact nearly doubled its sales during the month, and its Civic sedan set a June record.

By contrast, Toyota executives said they could not meet demand for its Prius hybrid-electric car or its small, fuel-efficient Corolla and Yaris models.

The consumer shift toward smaller vehicles reflects their broad concerns about gas prices and the overall economy, said James Lentz, Toyota’s top sales executive in the United States.

“There are so many things weighing on the consumer’s mind today,” Mr. Lentz said. “It has driven consumer confidence down to a low we haven’t seen since the oil embargo in 1973.”

The decline in housing construction has crippled sales of pickup trucks, too. Sales of Ford’s F-Series pickup plummeted 40 percent in June, and G.M. reported a 24 percent drop for its Chevrolet Silverado model.

One can’t legally drive on the road without first obtaining car insurance. Drivers might be eager to get on the road and settle with any type of car insurance, but it should be stressed that finding the right price is quite important. Doing so is as easy as remembering a few things to expect from a car insurance agency.

Car insurance will vary mostly on which plan a driver wants to obtain for their car. Some plans may only cover liability, while more expensive options can cover the entire costs of repairs or even replace the car should it be totaled. It will cost more money for less risk to the driver, but the overall cost has many determinants in addition to plan type.

Just like the coverage type, deductibles have the same relationship among drivers. Deductibles are fees paid when a driver is in an accident. These fees ensure that consumers aren’t taking advantage of the insurance company, and can span anywhere from a few hundred dollars upwards to a thousand or more. Having a smaller deductible will mean higher fees each month, and likewise a larger deductible will save the driver money each month.

Responsible behavior is key in obtaining the best car insurance rates over time. Responsible behavior can be seen by not having any speeding tickets or other offenses with the law in regards to automobiles. Driving while intoxicated, for instance, is a huge offense that many car insurance companies will penalize greatly. Generally, it’s best to follow the law and obey regulations where presented.

Car insurance agencies like to reward certain types of customers. Customers who have done repeat business over the years with the same agency often times get a moderate discount for their loyalty. Car insurance agencies like offering such bonuses so that their customers don’t leave, as other car insurance companies won’t be able to offer such loyalty bonuses to new customers. Even still, switching car insurance agencies isn’t always a bad idea, and well worth a debate.

The best advice in obtaining car insurance is to simply consult multiple agencies so drivers get the best rates possible. Different agencies will also have different bonuses for different things. Where one agency might be geared more towards students, others might give more benefit to the elderly. As a result, it’s considered best to simply and logically pick the best agency for one’s own needs. Checking with online car insurance agencies can also be beneficial to anyone trying to find the best deal.

Closing Comments

Cars may need insurance to be street legal, but they don’t have to warrant high prices and unfair price gouging. Always keep an eye out for competing agencies that may have better deals or terms of agreement. And where possible, try to exhibit the best of behaviors on the road so unfair penalties aren’t applied to one’s monthly bill.

Legislation requiring increased motor vehicle insurance coverage is a reality with last week’s passage of House Bill 1312.

The legislative action will mean increased costs for motorists whose coverage is less than the new minimum level of auto insurance.

State Sen. Troy Hebert, D-Jeanerette, voted for the bill but said this is a horrible time for the House and Senate to increase insurance limits in the midst of all the other rising costs residents are incurring. “I did not think this was a good time, but I knew the bill was going to pass,” Hebert said. “It had a lot of support, and insurance companies have strong lobbyists. The last thing we want to do is raise rates to a point where people can’t afford to have any insurance at all. That would create a much bigger problem then we have now.”

Hebert said he did what he could to make the transition easier on his constituents

“The original bill had the increases going into effect at the end of this year,” he said. “It was my amendment that postponed it until 2010 and made them compromise on the coverage.”

The original bill called for an increase from current minimums of 10/20/10 to 25/50/25. Lawmakers negotiated a compromise for the minimums to be set at 15/30/25. The new minimums mean that an insurance company will pay up to $15,000 for injury or death to any person involved in an accident, $30,000 for all persons injured or killed in an accident and up to $25,000 for property damage.

The new minimums will cost the average motorist approximately $100 more per six-month period, said personal lines manager Michelle Collet, with Dorsey Insurance Agency in New Iberia.

“The 10/20/10 coverage is just not covering anyone’s bills anymore,” she said. “If you have an accident, you have to sue someone individually to be able to cover your damages.”

Affiliated with the local insurance industry for more than 25 years, Sid Mixon said at least 50 percent of the vehicles on the highway are worth more than what the current minimums would cover. “Everybody is conscious of this, especially with gas and food prices and this will be another burden,” Mixon said. “But I really believe it is long overdo.”

Hebert said he believes it was important to strike a balance between increasing the limits and increasing the costs.

Comprehensive car insurance no longer delivers, according to research by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.

Features which are expected to be included, such as third-party liability cover for driving other vehicles, extended cover for trips abroad or courtesy cars are now optional extras.

RAC’s ‘comprehensive’ policy, does not allow a policy holder to drive another car.  Features such as a courtesy car and insurance overseas are classed as optional extras.

Hayley Parsons, chief executive of comparison sire gocompare.com, said: “The importance of comparison sites has meant it is key for insurers to get near the top of the rankings on price and they can do that by sliming down the cover.”

Graeme Trudgill of the British Insurers Brokers’ Association said: “All the advertising is about price.  It’s no longer focused on providing the right financial protection for the motorist.”

The research suggests it might be worth going through a broker rather than the insurance company directly.  For example, Norwich Union offers driving for other cars through a broker, but not when you apply direct.

Hungary is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cutting edge green vehicles, yet. If the creators of the Antro Solo have their way, the country will be synonymous with green machines by 2012. The Antro Solo is a solar, human and gas-electric hybrid vehicle. It looks like nothing else out there, and has a fuel efficiency of more than 150 miles per gallon!

 The Antro Solo is a three seat gas-electric hybrid prototype made entirely out of carbon fiber. This material choice allowed the graphic designers to lower the weight of the vehicle to a measly 270kg. This also allowed them to achieve phenomenal fuel efficiency and a pretty decent top speed of 87mph. All of this is impressive enough, but the Solo’s designers were not content to stop there.

In order to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle, the designers installed solar panels on the roof. These solar panels store energy in the car’s batteries which can be used for short 15-25km trips. If there hasn’t been enough sun to power the batteries, each passenger’s seat comes equipped with pedals that can power the vehicles generator. If you are by yourself, or everyone gets tired, the car can switch to its small combustion engine that is capable of running on petrol or ethanol.

The prototype was shown at the Budapest Museum of Transport. It is set to go into production in 2012, and expected to cost around $20,000 dollars.

Antique cars conjuring nostagic images of everything from zoot suits to disco balls — not to mention lower gas prices — will be cruising the streets of Saskatoon this weekend.

From June 26 to 29, the Saskatoon Antique Auto Club (SAAC) plays host to the 47th annual international antique auto rally, Running Great in ‘08.

The convention is held in different Canadian cities every year. Saskatoon last hosted the event in 1999.

Cars will be coming from across the province, Alberta, British Columbia and several Northern states including Montana and Washington.

Antique autos are classified as vehicles produced during the 1910s into the 1970s. Though some of the cars are close to a century old, such as a 1915 Ford Model T making an appearance this year, most are in full working order.

“People take the time and effort to make sure these cars are in good condition, so they’ll be nice and shiny and working,” said Lorne Mysko, promotions co-ordinator for the SAAC.

Mysko says the highlight of the event is Friday night’s Antique Auto Display on 21st, on the north side of the Delta Bessborough Hotel.

Car lovers will be able to walk through and examine the automobiles and talk to the owners about the work they’ve put into the cars, he said.

Luc Vangool, registrar for the event, says there is a total of 120 vehicles set to make an appearance at the rally.

Four cars are from the 1910s, four from the 1920s, 13 from the 1930s, and 50 from the 1940s and 50s. There will also be some cars from the 1960s, 70s and even the 1980s.

“I’m getting really excited to see some of the cars, especially these really old ones,” said Vangool.

Vangool will also be showing off one of his own antiques, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, made when some windshields were made partly of plexi-glass.

Though he is happy with the registration numbers, Vangool says they are down from the 1999 event, and that’s a “sign of the times.”

Most of these cars will be driving to the rally, and that can get expensive when you’re only getting eight miles to the gallon.

“Old cars are not exactly exceptional for gas mileage,” he joked.

Police say a 41-year-old Anchorage man has died in a motorcycle accident.

Police say John C. Wiles was killed Monday night in Eagle River.

Police say Wiles was negotiating a curve, but drove off the road and struck several trees.

He was transported to an Anchorage hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Police say he was wearing a helmet, but it might have come off in the crash.

At least two people were taken to hospital late Tuesday night following a serious collision involving a motorcycle and another vehicle in LaSalle.

Emergency crews were called to the 8500 block of Broderick Road at around 9:30 p.m. for the reported head-on collision.

Broderick is a straight two-lane road with a speed limit of 60 km/h.

Debris was strewn across the road  and an SUV-like vehicle sat by the ditch on the east side.

The driver of the motorcycle, said to be around 60 years old, was reported to have signs of facial trauma, injuries to the right side of his chest and an unstable pelvis when paramedics were transporting him to a nearby hospital.

Paramedics said the motorcycle driver had been wearing a helmet and was “alert” in the ambulance.

A 17-year-old passenger of the motorbike was also taken to hospital with injuries to the lower back, according to reports.

The condition of the automobile driver was not known late Tuesday.

LaSalle police blocked off Broderick Road between Huron Church Line and Kelly Road as they investigated the scene.

An accident reconstruction unit was called to the scene.

Police at the scene would not provide any information.

Some distraught family members of one of the victims were at the scene but were not speaking to the media.

When George Terrazas was mugged at gunpoint in this Mexican border city several months ago, he vowed never to return.

That, however, was before gasoline hit $4 a gallon in his hometown, El Paso, just across the border.

On Saturday, Mr. Terrazas was back in Ciudad Juarez, wooed by its irresistibly low-priced gasoline — around $2.66 a gallon — even if not quite unfazed by the indiscriminate gunfire from dueling drug cartels that has contributed to a 2008 average of three killings a day in the city.

“I don’t feel comfortable here,” he said, “but I can’t even fill the tank on the U.S. side.”

Mr. Terrazas, a 48-year-old maintenance worker, is among a flow of American “gas tourists” who, Mexican service stations near the border with El Paso estimate, account for a 50 percent surge in gasoline sales here over the last several months. (Similar increases are reported along the border all the way to Tijuana.) Even the Mexico Tourism Board is promoting the journey.

At the Servicio Herrera service station here, the manager, Jorge Salinas, estimated that Americans were now 30 percent of his customers. They arrive at all hours, Mr. Salinas said, from 6 a.m. to midnight.

On his visit Saturday, Mr. Terrazas saved about $20 filling his 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. He said that when he returned to El Paso, he would monitor the bridge traffic from his house, and that once it waned, he would come back to fill his other vehicle, an S.U.V., for an even bigger saving.

And while here he would pick up six-packs of Tecate beer and produce like passion fruit, and even visit an orthodontist. In all, he expected to save $200. The border, he said, flashing a mouthful of braces, is “our advantage.”

The low gasoline and diesel prices that draw Americans here are a result of subsidies provided by the Mexican government to curb inflation and make fuel affordable to the poor.

The moment may not last. Severe gasoline and diesel shortages, caused by the increased demand from Americans and delivery problems as well, have been reported from here to Mexico’s border with California. (On Friday the government-owned monopoly oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, said that it would provide a one-time allotment of an extra 300,000 barrels of diesel fuel to meet increased demand along the border.)

Moreover, experts question how long the government can continue providing gasoline subsidies, which will amount to more than $20 billion this year.

For now, though, many South Texans are buying all the fuel they can south of the border, and little wonder. Four of the seven poorest urbanized counties in the United States are along the Texas border, including El Paso, according to a 2006 Census Bureau report.

El Pasoan desperation shows in the leathery face of Jimmy Gann, 57. Mr. Gann’s employer, a family trucking business, is on the verge of bankruptcy, he said, and to help the owners stay afloat, he makes three 32-mile round-trip sprints across the border each day. Once here, he fills a 100-gallon tank with diesel — which is going for $2.20 a gallon on this side, compared with $4.55 on the other — then returns north, unloads the tank at his employer’s business and does it all over again.

One Texan in the trucking industry, who declined to give his name for fear of being prosecuted for tax evasion, said he saved $12,000 a month by fueling his four-truck fleet in Mexico.

On the El Paso side, service station employees say business is down about 40 percent, even at a Chevron station that may have the best deal in town: gasoline at $3.89 a gallon. Just two months ago, stations on the Texas side attracted many Mexicans, who crossed to buy what they considered higher-quality gasoline that was more expensive but still affordable.

“We keep saying, ‘Have you seen so-and-so?’ and the answer is always no,” said Rocio Salazar, 30, a station attendant in El Paso. “It used to be like rush hour on the freeway in here.”

The drop in business has made all the worse along the Texas border what were already hard times for many owners of American service stations. The spike in gasoline’s price has caused many customers to cut back, and that, coupled with increased fees of credit card companies, has “put an increasing number of retailers on the brink of bankruptcy,” says the National Association of Convenience Stores, which represents convenience and petroleum retailers in the United States.

Jose Alfredo has worked at a Chevron station in El Paso for 18 years. With no convenience store to cushion a 50 percent drop in business, the station has laid off five of its eight employees.

“Everyone knows Mexican gas is watered down, but customers don’t care anymore,” Mr. Alfredo said with a shrug.

Managers of Mexican stations deny that accusation. They also say that most of the gasoline they sell is refined in the United States. But one American oil executive noted that the sulfur content allowed in gasoline by the Mexican government was higher than what is allowed in the United States, and said that over time, the higher level could compromise vehicle emissions systems. In addition, Mexican refineries lack a capacity to produce low-sulfur diesel, which is standard in the United States.

The Mexican diesel is “not a good thing for the air, but it’s a good thing for people who want to save money,” said Tom Kloza, a chief analyst at Oil Price Information Service.

Edith Marquez is one American who has so far resisted buying Mexican gasoline, citing quality concerns. But she visits Juarez every Saturday for the $15 saving at a weight control doctor, whose office is attached to a Pemex station. “I’m afraid for my car, but I’ll let the doctor here put vitamins in me,” Ms. Marquez said with a laugh.

For gas station attendants in Mexico, who earn $100 a week, the surge in sales has meant extra money to tuck into the pockets of their olive green overalls. To tip attendants is the custom here, and one of them, Alejandro Jurado, flashing a brick-size wad of pesos and dollars, said, “Americans tip better.”

Riding a motor scooter with a “Carpe Diem” sticker, Wan Lee is on a trip of a lifetime through the United States at 30 mph.

The 26-year-old native of South Korea has traveled 16,000 miles through 28 states in the past eight months, including a pit stop in Niagara Falls on Wednesday afternoon before heading to New York City.

“I’ve always dreamed about taking this kind of trip,” Lee said. “I wanted to see the (U.S.) and I like meeting new people.”

After flying from Seoul, South Korea, to his aunt’s house in Fayetteville, N.C., Lee purchased a Honda Ruckus 50CC motor scooter for $2,000 and set off on his trip Oct. 22. He averages 150 miles a day at about 30 mph — only stopping to rest, eat and visit certain attractions, such as Yellowstone National Park.

Lee went on the Maid of the Mist during his afternoon visit to Niagara Falls before spending the night in Buffalo.

His journey, which has gone through such states as Georgia, Texas, Arizona and California, is being documented on totalruckus.com, a Web site dedicated to the scooters’ owners. Those posting messages on the site have not only offered Lee a place to stay when he arrives in their town, but have also donated money to pay some of his expenses.

Currently, raffle tickets are being sold for his scooter when he’s done, with all of the money going to the Make a Wish Foundation, said fellow Honda Ruckus owner Donny Orr of Hamilton, Ont.

Lee, a college student and chef, travels with a few large bags on his bike that hold clothes, a tent, portable stove and an extra gas tank among other things. He said he’s spent just over $500 in gas during his entire trip.

Orr and Paul Penney drove their scooters across the border to meet up with Lee on Wednesday and show him the local sights.

“Everyone has been coaching him on the Web site,” Orr said. “What he’s doing is really exciting.”

Lee will leave for New York City today and eventually make his way to Washington, D.C. before heading back to North Carolina. He’s scheduled to board a plane back to Korea on July 15 — taking with him a lifetime of memories and American souvenirs, including 3,500 digital photos, a miniature alligator’s head from Florida, a novelty pirate’s skull and 120 bottle caps from different brands of beer he’s sampled.