The Marquette Journal

Cars.

It is merely a simple four letter word, yet one that literally keeps the world going every second.

And now, it is the subject of the Marquette Journal’s newest weekly column, “Drive Time.”  In the weeks and months to come, Danny Fink and yours truly, Tony DiZinno, will examine the automobile industry in several different areas.

“Drive Time” will run weekly online at marquettejournal.org, with Danny and I alternating weeks writing.

Danny’s always been one to get ridiculously pumped out of his mind – and let’s be honest, he’s not the only one – when a new and sleek Ferrari, Mercedes, Jaguar, Mustang or Corvette rolls up.

So he decided, what the heck, why not cover it? Fink’s going to look at supercars, exotics, auto shows, and the general fun side of cars. Nice work if you can get it.  Still, we all can dream, and now you can read what the man has to say.

While Fink will cover the sexy side of speed, my bi-weekly column takes a look at the bottom line. I’ll examine the finances of the auto industry, with an eye on business transactions, the economy, and the innovations coming out of auto racing to the showrooms. 

When you think about it, we all care how it affects us in the wallet.  And as far as auto racing, there is an old adage that says “race on Sunday, sell on Monday.” In our case, it’s “read our column on Saturday.”

I don’t know if we truly realize how big a role automobiles play in our lives.  I think we take them for granted. 

We dodge them every day on the way to class, crossing Wisconsin Avenue.

We love the history of cars, from ’67 Shelby GT Cobras to the eye-popping Enzo Ferrari. 

We are examining the future of cars, focusing on the new technologies emerging such as hybrids and alternative fuels, while trying to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

We also collectively roll our eyes when some poser in a ’92 Integra rolls up with side skirts, a modified nose and rear end, and most of all, a ridiculous rear wing.  You know you’ve laughed at them at some point in your life too.

So that’s the plan.  Call it a synopsis of speed as Danny and I throw schedules out the window. Strap in and sit down because now, you’re on Drive Time.

Tags: autos, Cars, Drive Time, economy

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 10th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Blogs, Drive Time, Online Exclusives. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.