Podcasting Like We're Inside the Comedians Camaro

Car sales for June were strong and leasing has been making a comeback with buyers, dealers and auto makers as values help drive down the cost compared with purchasing.

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Batmobile documentary

One company that isn't offering many deals is Hyundai, which is just about turning buyers away because they are limiting production.

The Volt may have had a slow start in the market, but it's catching on, with nearly 100 million miles driven by all Volts almost two-thirds are battery powered.

Technology is catching up with dealers as well, as one Audi shop putting in a fancy immersive system to drive sales. Drivers are also getting better gizmos, with a new device from Parrot that promises to be an in-car concierge.

OnStar is now helping RelayRides, a car-sharing service, make it easier to offer it's service. It's just one example of how location-based technology and apps are improving transportation.

The cure for car apathy among kids? Lego cars.

Finally, two new car-related shows: A Batmobile documentary and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, look interesting.

ZipCar Gets Ready to Go Public; High Gas Prices Mean Good Timing?

Car-sharing service ZipCar is set to launch it's initial public stock offering later this week and it might be a case of great timing.

High prices of gasoline have pushed drivers and car owners to change their habits, whether it's looking at commuting alternatives or purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles.

A successful IPO also has the potential to boost other car-sharing services like RelayRides or Seattle's Zebigo.

While I initially thought these car-ownership alternatives would enjoy only limited demand, I'm starting to change my opinion. As the American population gets older, and in many cases moves to more urban settings as they downsize, more people will be looking to reduce their personal fleet. That, coupled with the increasing pervasiveness of smartphones and Web access which make these services more efficient for drivers, will probably increase demand.

What do you think? Are you buying ZipCar stock or reducing your vehicle fleet and using a car-sharing service?