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Automotive Online
Wm. Lucas Gladding
December 23, 2000
The Internet is an excellent source of information from around the world. Since the publication of news articles to the Internet is both simple and inexpensive, information is kept up-to-the-minute. This timeliness greatly benefits anyone wishing to stay up-to-date with information about a particular industry. One such industry that catches my interest is the automotive industry.
Bookstores often carry several automotive magazines. These magazines contain news, previews, reviews, and other sections, most of which can be found online. Unlike the magazines, however, the web sites often include a buyers' guide to assist anyone buying a new car.
The guide featured on the Automobile Magazine's official site (http://www.automobilemag.com), allows the user to search by make, model, and price range. The search results link to a brief product description and technical data. Additional vehicles can be added, allowing for a side-by-side comparison of the vehicles.
If magazine sites do not have the information you desire, manufacturers usually have detailed coverage of their vehicles. Colour choices, configuration options, as well as photos can be found on most manufacturers' sites. Virtual reality technologies are used to allow the user to look around the interior of the vehicle or walk around the exterior.
Request forms are also available on most sites. Upon request, most companies will mail brochures and other product information to your home address. In case you have trouble finding the address of a particular manufacturer, Automobile Magazine's "Links" page contains links to the sites of all major manufacturers.
While information about existing products has real-world uses, some sites specialize in rumors and spy reports. Two such sites, Automedia (http://www.automedia-online.com) and Car Connection (http://www.thecarconnection.com), have some very rare photographs of upcoming vehicles. On Automedia, choose "English" then "Spy Photos" to see hundreds of unreleased vehicles. Through Car Connection, follow the "Photo Gallery" link and then click on "Caught In The Web."
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