As consumers grappled with a credit crunch, high unemployment, and mountains of debt, many were resistant to the idea of buying a new vehicle last year.  This reluctance resulted in one of the worst years for the auto industry.

In 2009, China edged out the United States as the strongest car sales market worldwide.  The year also saw two iconic U.S. car manufacturers, General Motors and Chrysler, file for bankruptcy.

Depending on the sales figures for the month of December, 2009 was either the worst year since 1982 or 1970.

TrueCar analyst Jesse Toprak told FoxNews.com that he expects 2009 will be the worst year since 1970, but he does predict an improvement in 2010.

“I think what we are going to see in 2010 in a nutshell is steady and slow recovery,” Toprak said. “The fundamentals that fuel new car sales are improving, but there is still a lot of skepticism from consumers.”

For many consumers, especially those considering exotic vehicles, this skepticism has led to outside-the-box thinking.  Instead of purchasing a six-figure exotic car, many exotic car enthusiasts choose instead to join exotic car clubs.

Touted as being environmentally responsible, as well as economical, car clubs are a great alternative to owning an exotic vehicle.  Instead of hassling with insurance, maintenance, storage, and other owner concerns, exotic car club members can just sit back and relax.

Members have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  Rather than committing to one car, they can experience the thrill of driving a Lamborghini one week and a Bentley the next.

Other options include exotic car rental and automotive dream tours.  Exotic car rental is great for those who want to have a great time on vacation or impress friends and dates.  It’s also an excellent option for special occasions like class reunions, major birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

Automotive dream tours are the ultimate way to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with driving exotic vehicles.  Over the course of a few hours, participants can sit behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars in Texas.

These and other creative options may be the future of the exotic car world.  Toprak expects that it may take three more years for domestic car sales to return to normal, and it could be even longer for exotic car sales.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

An ailing auto market has had a major impact on the type of vehicle featured at the auto show this year.  While exotic cars like the Rolls-Royce Ghost, which retails for $245,000, still have a place at the show, the focus is obviously on small cars and minivans like the Toyota Sienna.

In fact, many high-end carmakers won’t even be preset at the L.A. Auto Show this year.  After a year of fierce competition and dismal sales, several exotic car manufacturers, including Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, and Lamborghini, will be staying home to lick their wounds.

“We had no North American [product] launch, so we decided not to go,” Ferrari spokesman Matteo Sardi told the L.A. Times. “But we value the show, so we’ll definitely be back.”

In the case of this year’s L.A. Auto Show, the absence of the exotic car manufacturers gives regular car companies a chance to shine.  And according to reviews, the 2011 Toyota Sienna stands out from the rest.

As a nod toward the market’s current values of frugality and fuel economy, Toyota has designed the Sienna with a standard 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder engine.  The V-6 will remain an option for consumers, but this new 4-cylinder offers an improvement in fuel economy at 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

Debuting the redesigned Sienna at the L.A. Auto Show represents an aggressive marketing move for Toyota and draws admiration from some car enthusiasts.

“It’s a very straightforward way of doing things,” Dave Thomas, senior editor at  Cars.com, explained the L.A. Times. “A Toyota Sienna minivan? That’s not the type of thing you would normally debut at the L.A. Auto Show. It’s certainly not a sexy car, but it’s a big deal for Toyota.”

Some exotic car fans may be just a little disappointed at the absence of many of the big names.  Despite exotic car ownership hassles like getting an Azle TX insurance quote or finding secure car storage, we all fantasize about driving a Bentley.  Those who wish to indulge the fantasy can find an excellent exotic car rental directory at http://www.rentexoticcars.net.

Luckily, most exotic car manufacturers are not ruling out their attendance at next year’s auto show.

This year’s L.A. Auto Show runs from December 4 through December 13.

Kate Miller-Wilson is an SEO web writer and a professional freelance writer.  To view more of her work, please visit her website.

David has taken some sensational photos of the 1955 Chevy.

(Photo Credit: Dallas Classic Car Examiner David Graves)

If your garage has gotten too full to store your classic car collection, check out Dallas Car Storage, a Fort Worth TX company that specializes in securely storing antique and collectible cars.

Mark has some beauties in his private car collection. He even has one of the original 1967 Eleanor Mustangs. His is one of 11 that were used in the film. How cool is that?

Anyway, check out David’s article and the great pics of the 1955 Chevy.

Post written by Eric Anderson. Eric’s recent writing projects include content for a Wesley Chapel FL Mortage broker.

Photo taken by Craig Howell of San Carlos, CA. Licensed under Creative Commons. See more of Craig’s beautiful car photos in his Flickr photostream.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 12.  Cars will be arranged on the lawn at Nash Farm, a historic site in Grapevine.  Owners will be present to discuss their automobiles, and it promises to be an exciting event for exotic car fans.

Attending exotic car festivals is a great way to experience the beauty of these vehicles up close.  While you can’t have the thrill of driving these gorgeous Italian cars, you can still appreciate how the sun glints off the sparkling exteriors.

For those more interested in driving than looking, a great option is exotic car rental.  You can rent a bright yellow 2005 Ferrari F430 F1 to get a real taste for Italian craftsmanship.  This car boasts 490 horsepower and will turn heads wherever it goes.

Ferrari image courtesy of DFW Elite Auto Rental in Fort Worth, TX.

Another option is joining an exotic car club.  You and other members of the club will have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other impressive exotic vehicles.

“You don’t have to own an exotic car to experience the fun of driving it,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.  “Renting an exotic car is also a great way to try it out before committing to buy.”

There’s no denying that owning an exotic car is an expensive hobby.  There’s the high MSRP, $235,000 in the case of a Ferrari F430 F1, and then there’s maintenance, security, and insurance.  For many of us, the dream seems out of reach, but that’s not true, according to Sturgeon.

“It really is the ultimate way to enjoy a car,” he says.

The ItalianCarFest promises to be a good time.  There will be Italian sandwiches and ice cream available for purchase, along with wine and soft drinks.  You also can’t beat the free parking and free admission.

For a list of the vehicles on display at the festival, check out the official festival website.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, who enjoys writing about exotic cars, crafts, parenting, genealogy, and a variety of other topics.  Contact her via her website for more information.

For many Dallas visitors, a great weekend is topped off with an exotic car rental.  Dallas is a fun town to explore, especially when you drive a Lamborghini.  Many visitors like to rent a convertible or other exotic car for their fun weekend in Dallas.

“The Taste of Dallas festival is a great event, and it’s for an awesome cause,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.

This year’s festival will benefit the North Texas Food Bank.  The North Texas Food Bank is committed to ending hunger in North Texas.  Concerned citizens can help in many ways, including volunteering and donating food and money.

The Taste of Dallas festival will feature foods prepared by local restaurants, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities.  There will also be live entertainment and displays by local artists.  It promises to be a very exciting weekend activity for Dallas visitors.

“It’s a fun event every year,” says Sturgeon.  “It’s great when there’s an event like this that is a good time for the whole family.”

After checking out the Taste of Dallas, some families may want some other fun Dallas activities to keep them occupied.  The DFW Elite Toy Museum is a great way for kids to check out the automotive toys of the past and spend quality time with the family.

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s more to do in Dallas than enjoy the festival.  Why not rent an exotic vehicle to explore the city.  Exotic car rental makes an excellent alternative to owning an exotic vehicle.  It allows regular people to drive a Bentley or other exotic car.

The Taste of Dallas 2009 kicks off Friday and continues through Sunday evening.  Entry to the festival is free, but visitors should bring cash to buy food and drinks while there.  There are fun carnival rides for the kids, and tickets can be purchased at various ticket stands.

Hours for the Taste of Dallas 2009 are as follows:

Friday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

Why not use your father’s hobbies as a clue?  Is he an exotic car enthusiast?  Does he dream of driving a Lamborghini?  If so, exotic car rental might be the perfect Father’s Day gift.

A good Father’s Day gift helps you show your father how much you love him and appreciate him as a parent.  One of the best ways to do that is to show him that you listen to him and know him well.  If your dad spends a lot of time talking about exotic vehicles, your best choice could be exotic car rental.

Other great Father’s Day gift ideas include the following:

• Father’s Day Gift Idea #1:  A fun gadget like a GPS navigator, cell phone, or MP3 player. If your dad is a technology geek, he’ll love something along those lines.  Take stock of what he has and ask around for ideas about what kind of gadget he might need.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #2:  A gift certificate for a nice dinner. This could be a great idea for the dad who loves to cook and loves good food.  There are lots of great Dallas restaurants, but it’s a good idea to make a reservation as soon as possible.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #3:  An automotive dream tour. Dream tours are perfect for dads who love exotic cars and would enjoy driving several cars in one day.  If your dad enjoys exotic car rental, this could be the ultimate Father’s Day gift.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #4:  Gear for his favorite hobby. This could be a special fishing pole, some disc golf equipment, or whatever supplies your dad could use to participate in his favorite hobby.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #5:  Grilling equipment. A lot of dads love to grill.  Why not encourage your dad to make an even better hamburger with a new grilling cookbook or grill tools.

Whatever you choose as a Father’s Day gift, make sure it represents what you dad really enjoys.  Father’s Day is June 21, so there are only a few more shopping days left!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

(Photo courtesy of Adam Hicks – Fort Worth, TX. All rights reserved.)

Renting an exotic car gives you a chance to show your date a really good time.  After all, it’s not everyone who picks up a date in a Lamborghini.  If your date is an exotic car enthusiast, exotic car rental will ensure that you show off your good taste and fabulous style.

Exotic car rental is easy.  Your chosen vehicle can even be dropped off at DFW International Airport or your hotel room.  And exotic car rental is a great way to add a little something extra to an already wonderful evening.

For dinner, many Dallas residents recommend Louie’s.  Louie’s is well known for its thin crust pizza, which is topped with a variety of meats and vegetables and Louie’s famous pizza sauce.  You can also get drinks here, although there are no beers on tap.

Locals recommend the meatballs as a starter.  Noted for their excellent flavor and dense texture, the meatballs are served with marinara sauce.  Family-style salads are also a great pick.

Louie’s is a local favorite and has been featured on the Food Network as well.  Dallas residents report that it makes a great first date restaurant, especially if you’re going for a casual, comfortable atmosphere.

What if renting a Lamborghini isn’t your style?  Lamborghini rental isn’t the only way to go.  You can also rent a luxury car like a Mercedes S550.  There’s even a Bentley Continental available for rent!  Finding the right car is almost as important as finding the right date.

So you’ve go your dream date, and your driving your dream car.  You’ve had pizza at Louie’s.  Now you’re off to a great start and can take your date to a movie, a show, or any of the great cultural events happening in Dallas.

Just remember that if you’re going to Louie’s, you need to bring cash.  The restaurant doesn’t accept Visa and Mastercard, and there’s nothing more embarrassing than having to dash out to an ATM in the middle of dinner!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

(Shelby image from AutoFiends.)

The car is one of only six made that year and was built by Carroll Shelby in order to provide competition to the Ferrari in the GT race class.  On July 4, 1965, that goal was achieved when the car won the 1965 FIA World Manufacturer’s Championship for Shelby American.  The car was driven that day by Bob Bondurant, and the race took place in Reims, France.

Exotic car enthusiasts are closely watching the auction of the car, which is expected to fetch something in the neighborhood of $15 million.  The vehicle, which has the best racing record of all Shelby Daytona Coupes, is a highly-prized part of American automotive history.  Mecum Auctions declares that the exotic car embodies the “American competitive spirit of victory against overwhelming odds.”

Owning a piece of racing history may not be a reality for most of us, but we can still drive an exotic vehicle.  Renting an exotic car is a fun and easy way to experience the thrill of the road without the hassle and expense of ownership.  You can rent a convertible in Dallas, drive a Lamborghini in Fort Worth, or just explore West Texas in a luxury car.

(Dallas Bentley rental photo courtesy of DFW Elite Auto Rental. Photo by Josh Davis of Fort Worth, TX. All rights reserved.)

Another great option for exotic car fans is joining an exotic car club.  Rather than buying an exotic car that you only drive occasionally, you can have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  If you need to drive a Mercedes to impress a client but want to drive a Bentley Continental for the weekend, an exotic car sharing club might be the perfect option for you.

Besides making automotive history, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe was featured in the Howard Hawkes movies “Redline 7000.”  The car has been fully restored and is decked out in its Reims livery, all set to be the showpiece of some lucky (and wealthy) person’s exotic car collection.

If you’re going to be in Indianapolis this week, the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe goes up for auction at 8:05 pm on Friday.  HT to the guys at AutoFiends.com.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance web content writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

For the record, two time winner Helio Castroneves has the pole for this year’s Indy 500 race. This year’s Indy pace car will be a 2010 Chevy Camaro.

(Indy Pace Car Photo via Autoblog.)

If you’re not going to make it to the Indy 500 to be a part of the festivities, you can still get out on the open road and experience the best exotic car driving experience in Texas!

Where else can you unleash a 520 HP Lamborghini Gallardo on long stretches of gloriously deserted Texas roadway!

The half-day DFW Drive Your Dream tour will put you at the controls of this low slung Lamborghini Coupe, a Ferrari 360, a Dodge Viper SRT-10 and a bright red 2009 Audi R8…

Just like this one.

(Audi R8 photo by Josh Davis of Fort Worth-based Josh Davis Photography. All rights reserved.)

Just kidding fellas – actually it is this one!

If you’ve always wanted to check out the R8, why not drive it and five other performance cars as part of a 2000HP Supercar DrivingTour!

If you and Pops share an affinity for cars, do it together and save 20% on the second ticket. Tour dates are available in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Tickets for the driving experience cost only $695.00.

It’s a DFW Father’s Day gift he’ll never forget and never stop talking about and thanking you for. Call 214.247.4700 make an exotic car driving tour reservation.

Post written by exotic car driving fan Eric Anderson. Eric’s recent projects have included content for a Tampa English Tutor blog and a Dallas TX supercar rental website a

(Photo Credit World First Racing)

They’ve managed to build a Formula 3 race car that runs on chocolate. “The dark chocolate is way better than milk chocolate as a fuel. But you have to be really careful not to accidentally use Hershey with almonds,” said a source close to the project.

(Ferrari F430 photo by Josh Davis, Fort Worth exotic car photographer. All rights reserved.)

“We had mishap with Hershey with almonds that ruined the fuel injection system on the racer and set us back several months,” stated the eco-racer’s design chief. Damn the interns.

Exotic Car in Chocolate Makes UK Sun

According to the U.K. Sun, the car has a steering wheel made of carrot fibers, a body made of potatoes and seat foam made of soybeans. Supposedly, it’s very healthy to drive. The chocolate exhaust fumes are not only carbon neutral but they also leave a deliciously tasty scent behind. The car can do 145 miles per hour and the developers would like to see their eco-friendly car and some of its technologies adopted by leading racing teams such as Ferrari and McLaren. I think they might have better luck looking for sponsors at Droste or Mars or Hershey or even Haagen-Dasz.

If you’ve been good and eaten all your vegetables, why not reward yourself with something a bit more sensible? How about renting something capable of 145 miles per hour that isn’t made out of your favorite characters from the Veggie Tales…

Dallas Exotic Car Rental: A Reward for Eating All Your Veggies

Check out a bevy of mouthwatering performance rentals from Platinum Exotics, a terrific Dallas, TX supercar rental company…  Sure you can’t eat carbon fiber side blades, but renting an red Audi R8 in Dallas TX is a hellava lot more appetizing that a spin in the latest eco racer…

This post written by web content writer Eric Anderson. See more of this web writer’s work at PDQWebCopywriting.com. Eric’s recent web writing projects include content for a Montana custom vehicle wraps company and a Tampa mortgage broker and a web page about Dallas Ferrari rentals.