This is quite possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen – and that’s what makes it so brilliant!!! The inventor, Shaun Kruse, created the MY CAR PET carpet creature by accident. Shaun was walking to his car after a long day of work while reading a coupon book. Upon glancing at an ad for a carpet cleaning service, Shaun was confused as read their website’s address realcleancarpets.com. As he broke the words down in his mind, he read “real” “clean” “car” “pets.” After laughing and realizing that the word “carpet” is spelled “car pet,” it occurred to Shaun that it would be funny to make a pet for your car out of carpet. It was at that moment that the idea behind My-Car-Pet.com was born.

I met Shaun at an eWomen networking event, and I thought his idea was hillarious.  And, he’ll probably make millions!  (Remember the “pet rock” – the most popular gag gift of 1975?  That guy made millions, too!)  Unlike the pet rock, My Car Pet is available in a variety of color combinations to match your favorite sporting team (My Car Pets love to watch sports), your home decor or your business branding. 

The Women’s Automotive Solutions Car Pet, which we named Harriett, has become a valuable member of our team.  She jumped in right away and quickly learned the Women’s Automotive Solutions business processes.  Harriett is now busy finding cars, negotiating with dealers and helping women through the car buying process.  She is a model employee, and our clients love her!  In her spare time, Harriett enjoys hanging out with our Mini Cooper, Maggie.  The two have become fast friends.

 If you would like a My Car Pet of your own, just go to http://www.My-Car-Pet.com to order one or two in your favorite colors.  Each one is individually hand crafted and signed by the whacky inventor himself!  They are fun, inexpensive and make for loyal companions and employees. 

And, remember Shaun’s motto – “When life gives you carpet, make Car Pets!”  (Now, you’ve seen it all!)

Fort Mill, SC–Women’s Automotive Solutions, a national automotive consulting firm and car buying service, opened their new corporate headquarters in the vibrant, residential-commercial community of Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC.

Owners and “car chicks”, Michelle Lundy and LeeAnn Shattuck, moved from Charlotte, NC to Fort Mill, SC for its charm and lower tax rates.  This tax savings helps Women’s Automotive Solutions offer low-cost automotive consulting services to their clients and licensees nationwide. 

Women’s Automotive Solutions is a totally unique car buying service.  It helps women find and buy the car they want while saving hundreds to thousands of dollars.  The company saves women valuable time and takes the hassle out of buying both new and used cars.  Interesting, half of their clients are men!

The company’s new address is 1701 First Baxter Xing., Suite 201, Fort Mill, SC 29708.  The telephone number, 704-248-8706, and website http://www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions remain the same.

Is it an SUV or a wagon?  Yes… sort of.  The new Toyota Venza is a new breed of vehicle – a true crossover between an SUV and a wagon.  (On Toyota’s website, it is classified as a car.)  The brand new, five passenger Venza falls somewhere between the Camry and the Highlander in size and shares mechanical components from both.  The Venza is based on the Camry platform, but it is nearly 6 inches taller than the sedan and boasts slightly more interior room.   The Venza shares the width and ride height of the Highlander, but lacks the third row seating and extensive cargo capacity of the SUV.  

The Venza also shares the Highlander’s 2.7 liter 4 cylinder and 3.5 liter V6 engines, although with slightly less horsepower (182 hp for the 4 cylinder and 268 hp for the V6.)  Both engines are married to a six-speed automatic transmission, and front- and all-wheel drive models are available.  Fuel economy falls nicely between the Camry and the Highlander at 21/29 mpg for the smaller engine and 19/26 mpg for the V6.  (All-wheel drive yields 1 mpg less on both.)

The 2009 Venza is available in just two trim levels, which correspond to the two engine sizes.  The four cylinder Venza starts at $26,695 and features standard 19 inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, a power driver seat, a 60/40 split rear seat (that reclines!), a universal garage door opener, cruise control with trip computer, and a six-speaker stereo system with six CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.  The V6 Venza starts at $28,520 and adds 20 inch alloy wheels.  A fully loaded, all-wheel drive model will set you back about 40 grand.

Most options on the Venza are grouped into packages and vary slightly by region.  Premium Package 1 includes the “Smart Key” system with push button start, a power closing rear door, chrome-accented door handles, HID headlights with automatic high beam, leather trimmed seats, shift knob and steering wheel, mahogany wood grain-style interior trim, 4-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support, anti-theft alarm, engine immobilizer and a rear backup camera.  Premium Package 2 adds multi-level heated front seats, heated power exterior mirrors and a windshield de-icer.  Other options include a panoramic sunroof, JBL premium stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, DVD-based navigation and a rear entertainment system.

The best thing about the new Venza is its interior design and upgraded materials.  The ergonomic center console features a high-mounted shifter, which frees up space for a series of nifty storage bins designed to hold everything from Big Gulps to Blackberries.  The rear cargo space can hold up to 70 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down (nearly 35 with them up).   The Venza’s driving experience is far from sporty, but it is quite comfortable and responsive.  And, for a vehicle its size, the Venza is relatively easy to maneuver through a grocery store parking lot.  Families looking for a stylish, versatile alternative to the tired old SUV, Minivan or wagon may find a perfect fit with the new Venza.