The Woodward Dream Cruise isn’t until August 16th, but down in Milan this Saturday, August 2nd, the Backstreet Cruizers will hold their annual Carfest at Wilson Park. There will be food, a DJ, and of course, cars! Awards will be handed out for Best of Show, People’s Choice, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears,” and a Sponsor’s Trophy. The Cruizers also hold Lakeside Cruises Thursday evenings during the summer, and the cruises continue until August 21!

Monday July 7, 2008: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The story of Chrysler Corporation is an epic story of bold, ambitious men, horrible mismanagement, bad luck, gritty perseverance and the will to never say die.

Local car historian Bob Elton presents a fascinating introduction to this once great auto empire. This lecture holds particular relevance, considering the current economic outlook facing automakers today.

This event is held in conjunction with the Main Street Area Association’s July 11 Rolling Sculpture Car Show and cosponsored by the Main Street Area Association. Mr. Elton is one of the founders of the Rolling Sculpture Car Show. Check that out this Friday to see some amazing automobiles.

If Duff, from Jeanne DuPrau’s Car Trouble, had come to Malletts Creek on Tuesday, May 13 (7-8 pm) and heard auto technology instructor Paul Kruthaup share his knowledge about buying your first car and keeping it in great condition, it probably would have not been much of a story.

But instead, Duff goes out unprepared and buys a used car. It runs ok but the dash lights don’t work. Duff thinks it’s no big deal since he plans to do all of his cross-country drive in daylight and can easily read the speedometer and gas gauge. But that is no help for the engine trouble lights. Three hours into his trip he has no way to know he has low oil and eventually throws a rod. Don’t be a Duff. Join us May 13.

Thinking of buying a car? Have one, but it’s a junker? Let auto technology instructor Paul Kruthaup clue you in with tips on how to pick out a car, keep it running, and find reliable repair service.

Join us at Malletts Creek, Tuesday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Chrysler logo

With DaimlerChrysler's recent sale of the Chrysler Group to Cerberus Capital Management, you may have been left with the same question I was: who on earth is Cerberus Capital Management?

Fortunately, AADL's fearless research databases (available on the research page) can help us out. The Business and Company Resource Center provides quick access to summaries, financial data, management information, and articles on thousands of companies, including Cerberus Capital Management. Check it out!

With a 9 percent rise in its 4th quarter earnings last year, Toyota is continuing its meteoric rise in size and influence. Many analysts forecast that Toyota is poised to overtake General Motors as the largest automaker in the world.

How did the automobile industry get here? And what does it mean for Michigan? There are plenty of opinions on these questions. But what about those of us who live here in GM's backyard? What do you think? Click "Add a new comment" and tell us!

The flowers are sprouting! Spring is here! And now that the ice has melted, Michigan's potholes are also once again in full bloom…and along with the potholes come the sounds of spring: thumping, squeaking, and knocking from someplace inside my (and probably your) car.

If you're more competent than I am and you're looking for a repair guide to help you dis-thump, un-squeak, or de-knock, try using the Chilton Library Auto Repair database on the AADL's Research Databases Page. You'll find repair guides for cars and even lists of manufacturer bulletins to see if you can get that leaky sunroof fixed for free.