Because of our manufacturing capabilities (making auto floor mats and clear drawer and shelf liners for the home), we’re now making clear face shields. In developing these shields, we worked directly with MD Anderson Hospitals according to the Johns Hopkins Institute’s exact specifications, and they’ve been widely embraced in customer-facing service / consultant businesses. In addition to schools, churches and childcare, we have served a wide range of businesses: fitness groups, service consultants, professional organizers, dentists and ortho clinics.
LET’S START BY SAYING THIS
We’re quite honest with ourselves. Meaning that, we’re not virus experts.
But we do notice human behavior.
In public, compared to shields, face masks are smaller, cheaper, and seemingly easier to take on the go.
But we’ve been noticing something as we go out and about...
Understandably we feel comfort when we see everyone wearing face masks. And yes - sometimes they're the most appropriate (and maybe the only) option.
But something significant is oddly disappearing... Especially in public spaces...
Eye contact.
Why?
Obviously, avoiding eye contact won't make you any safer from COVID-19...
I feel the answer may be something deeper...
Engagement. Emotion. Empathy. Smiles?
Those get a big boost from the rest of one's face.
And I think when those things are behind a mask, we tend to dismiss the other person — albeit unwittingly. Unintentionally, of course. Or as an orthopedic specialist remarked, “masks can be pretty de-humanizing”.
Is it a coincidence that many Hollywood villains are behind a mask?
That’s not to say that good guys don’t wear masks. But (with few exceptions), it’s usually just around the eyes. Perhaps there’s a reason…
BUT WHAT ABOUT PROTECTION?
Researching online, there’s been plenty of chatter about that, but not much definitive data. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) labels various PPE comparisons as "low-quality evidence”.
The long and the short... (If they aren’t used together):
“From surgical-style disposable masks to washable cotton face coverings to coveted N95 masks, there has been a run on face masks of all kinds since news of the pandemic spread. But one piece of personal protective equipment that has been largely overlooked by the public is the face shield. A simulation shows that exposure can be reduced by 96% when wearing a face shield that covers your eyes, nose and mouth. Plus, they can be easily wiped down and sanitized.”
If you have to choose one by itself, consider the following:
JUST TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR
We’re not saying to ditch face masks. We’re not saying to go against the mandates of your state county and city officials. But it doesn’t hurt to check… one client in Ohio called his local health department and got permission to use a clear shield in lieu of a mask.
Sure we could cite more expert opinions, stats, etc. But this isn’t meant to be a research paper. We still know disturbingly little about COVID-19. If you’re around those in higher risk age groups, or those that might be carriers to higher risk age-groups, the best possible solution is to use both.
But, there are well-documented trade-offs with all single-use PPEs. We’re simply stating that, where human engagement is at a premium – SMILE! There’s a very safe alternative.
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Rob Camper
Chief Brand Officer, Co-owner
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P.S.
Let us know if we can provide more info. We’d be happy to provide references.
We just want to help. And to let people see smiles.
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Consider your kitchen table. You naturally enjoy meals one it or, perhaps, allow the kiddos to do their homework there if they’re really careful.
But you probably don’t want your kids pounding on the table with their forks, writing directly onto the table with a marker, or dumping slime out onto its wood finish (which can peel away your furniture finishes, by the way).
Sure, you can pull a tablecloth out, throw it on the table, and let it take the beating. Or, you could spread out construction paper or newspaper across it to "protect" it. But these aren't really optimal solutions. You still want your kids to have fun, after all!
But what if you could protect any space, from damage and dirt, without those inconveniences? How else might you use the counter, table or otherwise if you knew you could do so without so much as a hint of worry?
Clearspace is an innovation that allows you to get the most from any home or office space without having to deal with eyesores and messy cleanup.
ClearSpace can be safely placed on any work or play surface and protect it, nearly invisibly.
Made of 100% virgin, clear vinyl, this product is about as thick as 20 sheets of paper. It’s super durable, resilient and can be easily wiped off, rolled up, and stored for its next use, making it incredibly portable. But because you can barely see this clear product, you can also just as easily leave it in place to keep protecting all day long.
Here are just a few examples of how ClearSpace is being used by conscientious consumers across North America:
Organizing and Desk Enhancement
Perfect for Pets: With ClearSpace you can protect your floors from and walls from your pet's messes.
At the end of the day, there are hundreds of applications for ClearSpace. We've listed quite a few use-cases, but our customers are always finding new, creative ways to use it! How will you use ClearSpace?
Of course, if you're ever looking for custom sizes, we can help! Just go here to place your custom order:
Here’s to clean, clear protection!
]]>You’re on your way to buy fuel at your favorite gas station and happen to see a tanker truck filling up the storage tanks when you arrive. What should you do?
You’d be wise drive to go to a different station for your fill-up.
When a gasoline tanker is filling a gas station’s storage tank the strong inflow of new fuel churns up any sediments or impurities that may have settled to the bottom of the tank. That means that until the impurities settle again, those suspended contaminants can be pumped into your fuel system along with the fuel.
Fuel systems don’t like “dirty” fuel, so wait a few hours for the sediment to settle if you want to use that particular gas station.
There are two main culprits that degrade your tires; sunlight and ozone.
To better protect the rubber from a slow death, consider using a tire cleaner and protectant to give your tires a little extra TLC.
NOTE: There are different kinds of tire protectants, including versions that make your tires shiny and others that will do the job and keep the tire appearance unaffected.
Washing your car properly means there are a few important things to remember.
One that is often overlooked: if you drop your wet washcloth on the ground while cleaning your car, don't reuse it without properly cleaning it first (rinsing it thoroughly with water).
Have you ever seen fine scratches in your paint but aren’t sure where it came from? Consider that all it takes is a few grains of dirt or sand, stuck in your washcloth or sponge, to begin to penetrate and damage the paint finish and create those unusual swirly scratches you may be seeing.
This tip applies to a dropped drying towel as well. While you won’t want to rinse out your drying towel for obvious reasons, be sure to shake the cloth vigorously before reusing to ensure it isn’t hiding any tine scratch hazards.
Well, that's it for now! Until next time, "take care" and coddle your car!
For more information on ExactMats, please visit www.exactmats.com
But what can you do if the latter two are not in great supply? A lot, actually.
I’ve spent my career growing service and product businesses, small and large.
Having bootstrapped startup businesses, to having the luxury of a $30 million marketing budget, I’ve learned that certain fundamental growth strategies offer far more power than the time and money needed to execute them.
For this post, I’m going to assume you have fewer resources since that’s the reality of most small businesses. In that light, here are five strategies you can consider to get some real traction without breaking the bank, or burning the candle at both ends.
I call them "multipliers".
No, I don’t mean "other peoples’ money". I’m referring to leveraging other peoples’ mouths.
When I ran a regional retail bank, I used to tell my branch managers, “You can either grow your business by talking about our products and services to everyone you meet (known as one-to-one marketing), or you can create a program that encourages others, or even entire organizations, to do the promoting for you (think about it as, “one-to-one-to-many” marketing).
Leveraged marketing is simply the process of creating a system whereby others do much of the work for you, because they see a benefit in doing so.
For example, my bank managers were responsible for growing banking relationships, usually through getting new checking account customers as they walked into a branch. But that’s a very slow way to grow a business.
Instead, OPM means they needed a way to talk to one or two people, who would, in turn, communicate our message to many, many more. So we encouraged them to go to local businesses, and other affinity organizations, and offer to provide something special they could offer to their employees or members (one-to-one-to many), which also made them look good.
In many cases, that single sales interaction resulted in someone else promoting our company to tens, hundreds or even thousands of employees or members.
While design firms are not banks, the rules work the same way.
As a designer, you know people that may be willing to promote your services if you offer something special to their membership, customers, and so on. Think about that for a few minutes, and the lightbulbs will start to go on.
For example, does one of your clients belong to an organization where you can help them feel special to their fellow members by providing a free hour of design consultation?
Ahhh, that could be a door opener, couldn’t it?!
Or maybe there’s a local real estate company with a couple dozen agents who can point to you as a go-to person for their clients in exchange for your referring clients to them.
Or even better, start by offering your time to present “The Latest Trends in Design” at the realty’s weekly sales meeting. And if you get a lead or a job, celebrate it with that group to show your appreciation.
It's just a matter of getting creative with the groups most likely to have an overlapping interest in working with you.
We can get so involved in what we are doing that we don’t realize there are other opportunities to generate new forms of revenue with little or no more effort.
While in banking, I saw the data breach trend mounting, and the identity theft risk to my customers was becoming increasingly real. To make a long story short, my team created a partnership with LifeLock® to become the first bank, anywhere, to sell Lifelock products right on our bank account opening system.
That single collaboration added a new product, that we didn’t have to create, to our revenue stream. It was there waiting to help our customers all along. We simply had to recognize the need and begin offering it.
I brought that model to my current company, ExactMats®, and again saw the potential of offering something to designers, cabinet manufacturers, car dealers, and others who were in a position to promote our products in a way that would genuinely help their clients, without having to develop a new product or service themselves.
Car Dealers
Car dealers knew their clients would dirty or damage their car floors. They also knew that there were protective mats out there to help prevent that from happening, and saw an opportunity to bring that aftermarket revenue into their dealership.
Our product happened to be clear and fit perfectly, and savvy dealers adopted the product as a way to add revenue to each car sale while offering something they knew the customer would genuinely need.
Designers
We’re seeing even more profound results in the design space, particularly when it comes to protecting cabinetry and furniture.
It turns out that the majority of consumers use some kind of protective liner (often kitchen and bath shelves and drawers, desk drawers, on tables, etc.) to keep their vulnerable surfaces from becoming damaged. We knew that if we could get the word out to designers that they could offer clear, made-to-order protection to their clients, we would at least get some nibbles. And here I am doing it again.
So we now have designers across the US and Canada providing our products to their clients, with little or no work on their part. They generate extra income on each design job, because they discovered something new and relevant to offer to their clients.
Do you see your self as a designer, or do you see yourself as a design guru with a unique expertise, skill set or ability?
There are a lot of designers out there, but like any business or artist, those who excel have a reputation for something. Think about it. If you don’t have a reputation for being special in some way, you probably have a reputation for not being very special.
Exactly what you develop a great reputation for isn’t as important as that when your name is mentioned, something specific will come to mind about who or what you are.
Are you known for always keeping your promises, without exception? Or are you known for having a special flare for kitchen ergonomics? Perhaps you are able to get ridiculously good pricing for your clients or have access to products most others don’t. Whatever it might be, select something where you can stand out. That’s your brand we’re talking about.
ExactMats®, for example, is known for making the finest clear, exact-fitting surface protection – with a customer service ethic that’s earned us a five-star Trustpilot score. You can be known for more than one thing, but you must be known for something.
Who do we view as “experts?” Experts are the people who really know their stuff, right? Well, sort of.
Experts are those people we read about, or those we hear speaking, or those who win awards, or those whose name keeps coming up in conversation. Notice I didn’t mention knowledge, because we view people as experts, in a reputation sense, as those who have a platform for recognition.
This is a dynamic you can create by finding opportunities to speak, opportunities to write (if even in social media posts), opportunities to be interviewed by the trade or consumer publications, and opportunities to enter your work into competitions.
Each of us builds our reputation. But hard work, and quality work, are slow-growing snowballs. Instead, getting yourself/your name out there not only provides great exposure; it provides a platform you can use as further credentials that you are considered an “expert.”
When I promoted checking accounts, I would always give customers a free gift. Why did we do that?
Well, without getting into the details, a George Foreman grill or Igloo cooler was a take-home reminder to our customers about the bank each time they look at or use the item.
Really though, try combining this tip with tip #3 and see what happens to your business. For example, perhaps you’re the designer who always ends a project by giving the client an unusual Swarovski crystal sculpture, or a really cute set of dish towels, or a nice vase.
All you need to do is slip in the comment to your client that if anyone asks where you received the item to tell them about you and how wonderful you are. You can do this “tongue-in-cheek” with good humor, appreciation, a wink and a smile.
Whatever it is you leave behind as your signature gift, make sure it’s something that is different.
So there you have it. Start with those five ideas. In fact, start with just one of them if you’d like, and you’ll see each impact your business in ways you could only imagine.
Ken Olan is Cofounder of ExactMats and speaks on growth and innovation strategies across the US and Europe.
For more information on ExactMats, please visit www.exactmats.com
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“High-traffic” areas are any part of your home or office that gets constant or consistent use of any sort. These areas are the most vulnerable to damage because their repeated use simply increases the risk of something happening to them.
High-traffic surfaces include, but is not limited to:
The key to protecting these busy surfaces from damage is to purchase the right kind of protection for each, whether it's a coating, a liner, a mat, or simple furniture polish that rejects moisture. Here are a few tips to protect each kind of surface.
Furniture is made of both soft and hard materials, each requiring a different kind of protective solution.
Rule of thumb: If the surface can be scratched, watermarked, stained or worn down over time, it likely will be. That is, if you don't protect it.
Wooden Furniture
Let's start with wood finishes, which are particularly vulnerable to water damage. One easy way to minimize that risk is to use furniture polish or another approved coating that seals the wood with a fine coating of wax. Applying heavier varnish or lacquer coating will add far more protection, but it will change the appearance of the wood.
If there’s a dining room table you are concerned about, neither polish nor varnish will stop something sharp, like a knife, from scratching it. Instead, consider buying a protective mat, pad, or cover for it. The same applies to end tables, night stands, coffee tables, and so on. If there's any traffic on it, there's bound to be an accident at some point.
Fabric and Leather Furniture
For fabrics or leather furnishings, use a reputable protective coating like Scotchguard™ or Weiman® Leather Wipes. Keep in mind that these forms of protection are only going to be as good as how well you apply them, and how often you apply them. Read the instructions carefully before using.
Pet Owner Tip: If you have pets, make sure his or her nails are clipped. Alternatively, place something on the leather to prevent Fido or Felix from scratching it.
Remember, protection needn’t be ugly or bulky. For example, we, here at ExactMats, are in the business of providing custom-made, nearly invisible protection. Research the possible solutions to decide what is best for your needs, and your tastes.
Every cabinet and shelving surface can be damaged; even if it’s made of stainless steel. Truthfully, all surfaces have some form of "damage adversary", whether it's water, scratches, wear and tear, staining, or other trouble sources.
The cabinet liner industry exists because most Americans use some sort of surface protection in their cabinetry. They may use contact paper, cork, rolled up plastic liners, or other materials, but they all have very specific drawbacks.
In fact, those who do not line their cabinets often cite these as the main reasons for opting out: a) it takes too much time to do the work, b) there are no attractive solutions or c) they don't want to hide the surface beauty.
At ExactMats, we've innovated our liner and mat solutions to eliminate each of those drawbacks. We have created a clear, yet thick, solution that you can see right through.
Our products are ready to install when they arrive, eliminating the cutting work. No glues or adhesives; gravity is all they need to lay flat and stay in place.
Regardless of what you decide to use, one thing is certain. Over time, some form of wear, tear, or damage is likely to occur, so safeguarding your high traffic cabinetry areas is just plain smart!
Just as furniture can be made of both soft and hard materials, so can floors. High-traffic carpeted areas can stain or wear down over time. Wood flooring inevitably scratches, and tile floors can be chipped. There is no perfect floor.
Carpets and Rugs
If you have high-traffic carpeted floor areas, you can consider spraying them with a protective product like Scotchguard™. But even Scotchguard™ is no match for daily tracking and trodding (even more so if you have pets or children).
Over time, the dirt works its way into the carpet fibers. So for high-traffic carpeting, consider buying a floor runner. They come in many colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. Our floor runners are, of course, clear.
Additionally, your vehicle also has carpet, so we also make mats for these high traffic areas, too! You can find your vehicle here.
Wood Floors
For wood flooring, your best defense is to buy a harder wood and keep it sealed properly. Always use a hardwood cleaner/conditioner, like Bona®, to clean the floor and avoid using water or floor detergents on wood. They ruin wood floors over time. Of course, a floor runner is still the ultimate defense in floor protection.
Ours, again, are clear so that you can see through to the beautiful carpet you purchased so purposefully.
Tile
For tile, buy a hard grade of tile or stone. These generally run from a hardness of 1 (which easily chips) to a 5, which is super hard. You should also consider sealing the grout to keep stains from soaking in. And just like wood floors, putting an attractive floor runner on the tile will protect it and guard it against bigger threats, like dropping something hard enough that it damages your floor.
When it comes down to it, whether you're protecting your floors, countertops, shelving, cabinetry, desks, or any other easily damaged surface, you want to be sure to protect it. At the end of the day, you probably paid a pretty penny for many of the items that make your home or office unique to you, so it only makes sense to safeguard your investments from damage.
For more information on ExactMats, please visit www.exactmats.com
To purchase ExactMats Home & Office products, please visit ExactMats Home & Office
Today, it is our pleasure to announce that 2020 Spaces, a leading design software firm, and ExactMats, have partnered up to offer customers the first product of its kind: nearly invisible, ready-to-install, virgin vinyl, FDA-compliant liners and mats for homes and offices of any kind.
Through this partnership, we also bring you our newly released catalog, containing ExactMats products for commercial and residential uses.
2020 Spaces provides end-to-end, streamlined solutions for professional designers, creators, and furniture manufacturers.
Through elegant, state-of-the-art software applications, they are able to help businesses, large and small, with design creation, operations, and even inspiration. We're proud ExactMats was recognized as an innovator in the space.
Along with ExactMats, you can expect to find new catalogs for companies like Staples and Fleetwood Group Furniture.
If you are an existing 2020 Spaces customer, you can get your catalog access directly through their software. When you open the software, you can create your custom order file, for upload to ExactMats.
Not sure how to use ExactMats? Check out these common uses:
Want more information or not a 2020 Spaces customer?
We welcome you to reach out to us for more information on becoming a dealer. We can be reached at 1.888.395.6004 or support@exactmats.com.
For more information on ExactMats, please visit www.exactmats.com
Today's total solar eclipse is a historic event.
Solar eclipses are pretty rare. In fact, it's likely that this is the first time most of our readers are seeing this stunning, natural phenomenon.
An eclipse occurs when one celestial body crosses in front of another and blocks part, or all of, what is behind it.
When a “totality” occurs, such as it will today across the USA, one body (the moon) will cross in front of the other (the sun) and completely cover it for about two minutes.
Two minutes from any point within the path of the total eclipse is, indeed, a short amount of time.
Scientists who are in the zone of the totality will be able to look at just the sun’s aura, allowing them to study it to better understand “solar weather.”
Of course, scientists would love to study the sun every day.
They’d love to be able to look directly at it, but the sun is so bright that looking directly at it with the naked eye is not feasible (or safe).
At ExactMats®, the eclipse concept was part of our product development strategy back when we opened for business in 1997.
Our founders wanted to protect car floors from damage with total, precise coverage -- just like the moon will cover the sun today -- but like the scientists who study the sun and ideally want to see it, we knew that our customers wouldn’t want to block out the view of their entire car floor.
They'd want to see it, every day!
That’s why ExactMats® are clear.
So, while other floor liners on the market create a permanent “blackout” of your car floors so that you can never see it, ExactMats® provides you with the exact coverage you need to protect your floor from damage, with the added ability to enjoy a full view of your factory mats -- all day, every day.
We think that’s pretty cool, and so do our loyal customers.
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Protect your vehicles, home, and offices today with ExactMats®
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If you haven’t, consider yourself in the minority and learn from it!
Have you ever:
Our very educated guess is that you’ve experienced at least one of those scenarios, or certainly understand the risk each present.
- Anonymous
Nobody wants to ruin furniture, cabinetry, their car floor, or other pristine surfaces, and we certainly don’t want to constantly see the reminder of the damage we did every time we look at that scuffed table, ink-stained drawer, or worn carpeting up by the gas peddle.
The good news is, just like Mother Nature, you can prevent most of that damage from happening in the first place!
Here are few quick tips to help you have one or two fewer things to be concerned about in today’s hectic world.
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Everyone has tried a car wash fundraiser at one time or another for one simple reason: they work! But what if there was a way to supercharge that car wash and raise even more funds for your organization?
When planning a car wash fundraiser, you typically have to consider two important factors: 1) how can you attract the highest number of patrons, and 2) how do you maximize profit for your organization from the patrons you are able to attract.
Obviously, the more people you can attract to your car wash, the better, but what if you were able to offer more to customers than just a wash and a quick wheel wax? What if there was an additional fundraising opportunity that would offer your patrons long-term protection, and your organization maximum profit?
You already know that car wash customers care about keeping their car clean, they wouldn't have stopped for a wash if they didn't! But while the next rainfall can affect the exterior, the interior is different. It represents the environment the driver steps into and lives in each day.
This is why ExactMats has partnered with Fundraising.com to bring your organization the best idea for fundraising. Our precision-fit mats will keep your patrons' car interiors clean for a long time while maximizing the dollars your organization collects from its fundraiser. It’s one of the newest and most profitable fundraising ideas because ExactMats can be added to each vehicle, creating a completely new income stream with minimal effort. And with this product, you don’t handle any inventory, just take the order on site and the product is delivered directly to the buyer in a few days.
ExactMats are clear, overlay mats that perfectly protect your carpeted mats. In fact, ExactMats are the exact size and shape of each vehicle’s factory carpeted mats, by make, model and year. A perfect fit, literally and figuratively, to your car wash fundraising efforts.
ExactMats are made of 100% clear virgin vinyl – the clearest there is. And unlike heavy, clunky rubber mats, they are super strong, while lighter in weight and nearly invisible, so they allow the intended design of the floor to show through. This amazing fundraising idea is the perfect solution to keep floors clean and add significant profit to each car you wash. Simply display a set at your event and take orders from patrons.
Once your supporters see what ExactMats look like and how well they work, they’ll want to have a set of their own and you’ll earn about $20 -$44 in profit per order.
To learn more about how to turn this product into big profit click here or dial 1.888.395.6004 to chat with a fundraising consultant and learn how easy it is to add this income enhancer to your event. The potential is clear.
]]>Time management is key when you have to be back in your coffin before daybreak, so the convenience of grabbing a bite en route between point A and B is a huge draw. If you have ever eaten in the car you know the feeling when a french fry drops between the seats, but just imagine if instead of a french fry it was warm, sticky ooze (while appetizing) running down your leather seats and onto the floor where it will surely be ingrained in your car carpet for all eternity. As a vampire there isn’t much to be a afraid of, but this sight induces nightmares. The worst part about it is that it is not just a single situation, but happens again and again so even the thought of having a nice meal loses its appeal. Centuries of cleaning products, and let’s be honest none of them really do the job when it comes to blood stains. A baking soda mixture and elbow grease will only leave you with a sore arm and smeared, worn carpet at the end of the day. There is nothing more frustrating than spending time and energy to fix something and it only turning out worse than where you started. So what is a vampire supposed to do to be able have its cake and eat it too?
One day in exchange for skipping a meal (because you become desperate when there is a vintage car in the mix), I was offered a revolutionary product. The mats were made custom to the Bugatti flooring and they completely opened up the possibilities of eating on the go, easy clean up, and actually having extra time in the evening to “hang” out with the other vampires around town which was a novelty before ExactMats. Not having to spend the better half of the night scrubbing and cleaning was a huge feat. With a few simple wipes my cleanup was complete. From that point forward, keeping a clean car was no longer a constant battle which spread like wildfire across the vampire community.
Texas Renaissance Festival - All Hallows Eve (October 29th & 30th) 9 am - 8 pm
Get a taste of the Renaissance era at the nation's largest Renaissance-themed festival. Enjoy 55-acres of fun that includes mouthwatering pasties and the largest turkey legs you’ll ever find, unique handcrafted goods, live entertainment, and amazingly good actors who make you feel like you were born in the 14th century. Established in 1974, The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) has grown to attract over 600,000 people and holds eight themed weekends from October 8th through November 27th. TRF features kids free Sundays and TRF After Dark, a 21 and older majestic night celebration under an exotic tented pavilion. The Texas Renaissance Festival is fit for any age and is the best ghouly experience for your Halloween weekend adventures. For more information head to texrenfrest.com.
ScreamWorld - (October 28th - 31st) Fri. & Sat. 8 - 12 pm/ Sun. 7:30- 10 pm
Voted #1 in Houston by the Houston Chronicle and Houston Press, ScreamWorld is the longest-running haunted attraction in Houston. With 4.5 acres, the fright fest takes pride in scaring the socks off each of their 30,000+ attendees. ScreamWorld Owner, Jim Fetterly, maximizes the fright factor by paying attention to every terrifying detail using Houston’s best actors and make-up artists. Feel the exhilaration of fear run through your veins as you experience each of ScreamWorld’s 5 haunted attractions (Jake’s Slaughterhouse, Zombie Graveyard, The Swamp, Edge of Darkness, and Asylum Maze). Also, set your eyes on a family of circus-style entertainers, The Braggart Family Freak Show. Watch the family wow the crowd during their sword swallowing, knife juggling, fire-breathing tricks and more on Friday and Saturday nights in October. For more information visit screamworld.com.
Creepy Hollow Haunted House - Fri. & Sat. 7- 12 pm/ Sun. 7- 10 pm
Voted Houston’s Scariest Haunted Attraction and the #1 Haunted House of Texas in 2015 by The Haunted Attractions Association, Creepy Hallow is sure to fill you with a lifetime of nightmares. Once a facility meant to experiment on feral hogs, the attraction gives you a bone-chilling, heart-stopping experience that you’re craving for this Halloween. Come rain or shine infectious zombies, insanely creepy scientists, and flesh eating vagrants wait to send you running for the hills. If you dare to enter, Creepy Hollow Haunted House features three exhibits that include 288 Scare Factory, Haunted Woods, and Pitch Black for only $30. For more information visit creepyhollowhauntedhouse.com.
Houston Scream Fest - Fri. & Sat. & Mon. (Oct. 31st) 8- 10:30pm/ Sun. 8- 10:30 pm
Tired of waiting in long, never ending lines just to experience only but 5 minutes of gruesome, adrenaline pumping horror? Houston Scream Fest is the perfect attraction to experience a night long of Halloween fun. Voted #1 by your one and only local Houstonians, Houston Scream Fest holds ten attractions for one unbelievably affordable price. Spend the night shooting flesh-eating zombies at each of Scream Fest’s two paintball arenas or enter one of the 7 haunted houses that will have you screaming until your eyes turn red. Enjoy the spooky night with an unlimited access to Midway games, concerts, food, and horror movies that is guaranteed to cater to all ages. No matter what you choose this Halloween will be a night to remember. For more information visit hauntedhouses.com.
Scream on the Green (Discovery Green) - October 28th 6- 10pm
Let the ghoul time roll as you spend the evening with family at Houston’s ninth annual citywide Halloween costume contest. Enjoy the night filled of prizes, Halloween spectacle, movies, music by DJ Astra and more as you make unforgettable family memories. Come dressed in your scariest Halloween costume as prizes will be awarded to the top 3 contestants in the following categories: infant- 8 years, 9- 17 years, best male 18+, best female 18+, best family, and best dog. For more information visit discoverygreen.com/scream-on-the-green.
Corn Maze & Punkin Hollar (Drewberry Farm) - Be ah-maized by Drewberry Farm’s uniquely designed corn maze of Presidential Candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Inspired by the upcoming election, the farm allows you to navigate through the eight acres of corny fun. Bring friends and family to help you solve the “CORNundrums” before reaching the end of the maze. If you think the maze is jaw dropping, wait until get a look at over 500 hand-carved pumpkins at Punkin Hollar. Be delighted by the coolest pumpkins you’ll ever see, from SpongeBob to Spiderman and even Betty Boop, a variety of artists have come together to display their artistic talents. For more information visit dewberryfarm.com/farm-fun/.
We hope we’ve helped you come up with fun, unique ideas to add to your Halloween schedule. So start your car and don’t forget your ExactMats to help with the effortless cleanup, no matter what adventure you choose to experience!
]]>Unfortunately, for some us you can tell that much of our life takes place in the car. A combination of old coffee cups, that water bottle you opened, took two sips of and forgot about, this week’s dry cleaning, last week’s dry cleaning, and those work heels that you can’t bear to wear while driving scattered throughout your car interior has you pegged as the Queen of one very unkempt car. A title you are not particularly fond of.
We are all guilty of tossing some trash on to the floor of the car from time to time. It’s inevitable. You’re a lady on the go and it’s all too often that you are pulling out of the coffee shop drive-thru when you look down and realize that you have nowhere to put your piping hot latte. Your nightmare has come to fruition, once again. The cupholders are all occupied. As you have grown accustomed in your busy life, you are called to make a swift decision - hold on to your latte and risk spilling it on your sleek ensemble or simply make room. Now for most of us, making room for your daily dose of caffeine means tossing yesterday’s empty latte cup on to the passenger side floor to join its companions - an array of empty water bottles, soda cans and straw wrappers. Now it’s OK, it’s OK, we all do it. And let’s be honest, the make room option is the only answer when your outfit is at risk.
Here is the caveat, your outfit may be saved but those day old latte cups are surely dripping sticky residue onto your car floor and carpets. This is all easily overlooked until the moment when your friend, or mom, or boyfriend are about to get into your car. That’s when the reality of operating your car as your personal trashcan sets in and you move fully into a frenzied cleaning mode to avoid the shame of being labeled as a “Car Slob.” After all, it’s one thing to be a slob, but it’s another to have other people know about it. The bottles and cups are easy enough to scoop up in a hurry before anyone can see, but what’s left behind is the overheated smell of latte goop that is at this point well embedded into your carpet. And as an added bonus, you can’t hide from the unsightly and sticky stains either.
You shouldn’t have to worry about the consequences of those last drips from yesterday’s coffee seeping their way onto your car floor. This is where ExactMats comes in as your silent savior in your time of need. ExactMats produces floor mats for your car’s interior that are specifically designed to protect the carpets without being bulky, invasive or an eyesore. Custom to your car make and model, the mats will precisely fit to the floor of your car. This means that you don’t even have to be (immediately) concerned about that rogue cup that rolled into the backseat last week. It also means that you do not have to be a car savant to figure out what mats are best for your car. Simply search for your car, order, and they ship for free directly to you. From that point onward all it takes is a quick wipe of your clear, sleek mats and you are own your way with your next passenger none the wiser.
When you’re focused on portraying a clean and organized personal image, your car should be right in line with that standard. We know that maintaining a squeaky clean car one hundred percent of the time may not always be attainable, but shouldn’t you at least have the option? You deserve it, and so does your car. Life can get a little messy and ExactMats provides you with an easy clean up solution so that you’re the only one that has too see that things get a little out of order every now and then.
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The Things You Carry
If you’re a city mouse, you may be the one your friends call to help move out of their old apartment. Chances are, the number of truck owners around you may be slightly lower if you live in a big city. This means that you’re the go-to friend, family member, or co-worker when someone needs big boxes moved or a new couch delivered. But living in the country it’s a whole different story. Your transportation services could be distinctive to how you live your life. Maybe you have to transport a trailer or lug around heavy machinery. Your F-150 is your food on the table, the way you do your job, and how your family gets to school.
The People You Give Rides To
Flannel shirts, work boots, and Levis jeans. These are your people. They know when to work hard and when to crack open a drink and relax. Grab your friends and shuffle in on the bench before going to your favorite local place for a drink. Your truck is a handout, transportation, and a place to chill out. If you live in the city, your Dodge Ram might be occupied by your dinner date or your next big client. The messes you clean up may not be as extreme as your country counterpart, but the look and feel of your truck is even more important. ExactMats has you covered whether you’re using them to protect your car from your friends, or impress them. With the clearest mats in the industry, you can keep your car spotless without losing the original look and feel of your favorite truck. Keep it clean but stylish and enjoy the ExactMats lifetime warranty that they will never rip or tear.
The Hobbies You Have
Ever tried to go off-roading in the middle of Manhattan? The country truck owners might find a few more uses for their trucks when it comes to the hobbies they have. In Texas, hunting and fishing is more than just a hobby. It’s a way of life. Not only does your truck make hunting and fishing easier, it makes it possible. When you enjoy your annual surf fishing trip you need the four-wheel drive to keep you from getting stuck in the sand. Bringing your boat to the coast? Connect the trailer to the hitch and you’re on your way to a weekend in paradise. Of course when hunting season comes around that four-wheel drive will come in handy. And when it’s time to head back home with your weekend winnings, the truck bed will be full with more than just your yeti cooler.
Just because you live in a metropolitan area doesn’t mean you use your truck purely for morning commutes. When you want to hit the best riding trails, your truck carries your bike in the back, and carries you to where you need to go. If water’s more your thing, grab your surfboard, find the best surf spot and enjoy an early morning of riding the waves.
The Sports You Watch
This might be the only area where country and city truck owners can agree. There’s nothing better than pulling all your buddies’ trucks together, popping a cooler in the back, and tailgating your favorite team. Whether that’s taking place in your neighbor’s multi acre backyard or the parking lot of your favorite barbecue restaurant, cold beer and touchdowns will be the topic of conversation. Having a big truck bed is the perfect companion for a tailgate with the friends you love. There’s room for footballs, dirty shoes, a six pack, and all of the rest of your sports gear. Your friends will be glad you and your truck are around no matter what part of the US you’re in.
Whether you’re a country or a city person, ExactMats is your best bet for keeping your truck clean and reliable. Find your exact truck in the vehicle finder above and you’ll be on your way to making your truck as happy as it makes you.
]]>They’re stylish.
Their sleek look and design are hard to pass up, not to mention their seemingly perfect size- not too big and not too small. You won’t stick out if you have to park in a small restaurant parking lot but you can effortlessly handle rougher streets and rocky parking spots. With new and trendy SUVs rolling out every year, sometimes you want one just because you like the way it looks. We don’t blame you! At ExactMats we value perfection from the exterior details of your car down to the floor mats in your trunk.
They’re spacious.
Whether you are carrying lots of people or just lots of stuff, SUVs are there to provide the space in your life for the things that matter most. Overpackers can breathe easily with the type of room SUVs allow. Event planner hauling flowers and linens? Field salesperson living on the road? SUVs make your life a little easier. Never utter the words “Sorry, no room!” again. And when you spot the perfect piece of furniture at a garage sale, you never have to figure out a stressful game plan to get it home. When you drive an SUV, you learn to love all of the extra room it opens up for your life to fill.
They’re ready for adventure.
Like all good friends, SUVs are down for anything. When you have a vehicle that can handle the mileage, baggage, and roads, you are free to take on the world as you please. Spontaneous group outings suddenly become more inclusive. Extravagant romantic picnics come to life with the opening of the trunk and then you can stargaze from your very own front row seat. And of course when less than opportune roads pop up in your path, you can move forward with confidence instead of having to turn back.
They’re adaptable.
Nothing’s better than the kind of friend you can have fun with either sitting at home and watching a movie, or getting out and taking a trip to an exotic location. No matter the scenery, your SUV brings you where you need to go with ease and adaptability. Unlike a large truck or a small sedan, SUVs fit in with a more diverse set of surroundings. Your SUV may be your BFF because it can roll with you to yoga class, a business presentation, and on a mountain adventure without skipping a beat.
They always have your back.
With the ability to tow and handle off roading, many SUVs can step in in a crisis. They literally have your back! Not only that, but they help you to be a better friend to the people you care about. Friend’s car stuck in the mud? Tie some rope up and pull them to safety. Making a last minute cross country move? Attach your storage pod and get ready to conquer a new city. Not only do SUVs give you the muscle but they also give you the visibility. Nothing beats the height and clarity of the driver’s seat in an SUV. Feel like master of the road with your vehicle.
SUVs suit you and your lifestyle better than any other vehicle on the market. With their ability to tow, spacious cargo space, capacity to carry around lots of people, and off road settings, they have so much to offer. Your vehicle deserves to be taken care of as much as it take care of you. Reward your SUV with the gift of ExactMats. Like your SUV, ExactMats are unique. Custom-fit and the clearest mats in the industry, you’ll never worry about helping your car keep up. Protect the inside of your vehicle as you ride off into the sunset (or rush hour traffic).
]]>You are constantly looking for the perfect solution to help you keep your car clean as you carry on with your busy life. You need something that can keep up with your fast-paced schedule and life’s unpredictable moments. Something that saves you time. Something that doesn’t take away from the style of your car. You need ExactMats. The stylish and smart way to keep your car clean.
ExactMats don’t follow the normal “one size fits all” rule, so every pattern in their inventory is hand-measured and tailored to fit your specific year, make and model. You’ll get that flawless fit that you not only want but need. Their “stay-put” heavy duty grippers make sure to keep them anchored in place ensuring a skid-resistant surface for the best protection possible. No matter what car you drive, from a stylish Honda Accord to a Luxury S-Class Mercedes Sedan, there are mats for you.
With your busy schedule, you feel like there is just not enough time in the day to do the things you need to get done, much less keep your car looking flawless. ExactMats allow you to zip around town in your car while they work hard protecting your car from dirt & grime, stains, wear & tear, mud, burns, moisture, and whatever else you want to throw at it. With ExactMats you can keep your car clean with half the effort, allowing you to spend more time on what really matters to you. Their industrial strength surface wipes clean with everyday household cleaners or even just simple soap and water, perfect for your busy life. Giving you the freedom to live your life and to be a little more carefree.
Speaking of carefree, those days of worrying about inclement weather and it's tendency to turn the world (and your car!) into one giant mud trap, are over. ExactMats provide the ultimate protection. You can keep your floor mats clean as ever, even if it does decide to rain on your parade.
Not only do they offer protection, but clarity. ExactMats are made out of 100% virgin vinyl material, with no additional additives or dyes, leaving you with only the highest quality, American made, car mats. They are the clearest mats in the industry, allowing you to keep your car spotless, without losing the original look and feel of your car. ExactMats allow you to drive in style but still get the job done with their 80 mil thick vinyl, giving them a lifetime warranty that they will never rip or tear. The best part is that because of the quality of material, you never have to worry about the unpleasant odor of a car mat again.
ExactMats’ sleek style gives you the confidence to be the first to offer up your car for the next office outing to lunch, not just because it’s your turn, but because you want to show off your immaculately clean car. They also give you confidence in your floor mats, allowing you to have a better relationship with your car, instead of the hateful feelings you once had towards your car’s interior, because you know they have got your back. They will help you to not focus so much on the little things, like the fact that chances are some of the lunch food will inevitably end up on your floor mats, but to just have fun.
Drive an older car model? No worries, you don’t have to drive a new car to receive all of these benefits. ExactMats are made for older cars too, and if they don’t have a pattern for your specific make, year and model, they can make custom ones. Now you can put a pause on the aging process of any car by keeping it protected from further wear and tear. It’s kind of like a face lift for your car. Not only will this help your car look better, but it can also help the car from losing value, what more could you ask for?
Whether your car is luxurious or sporty, old or new, a sedan or a coupe, ExactMats have got you covered. So if you think they are the perfect addition to your car, you are exactly right. With their pristine clarity, exceptional protection and impeccable precision, they are hard to beat.
]]>First impressions mean a lot, especially in business. For people working in a field with frequent client interactions like real estate or business development, it’s even more important to have a neat and clean appearance. While you may be constantly doing things to enhance your personal appearance and upkeep, are you doing the same for your car?
Your car plays a big role in your day to day life. Hosting you and your clients as you drive to and from conference rooms, lunch meetings, and airport drop offs. Most of the time you see it more in a day than you see yourself through a reflection in a mirror or window. As a young professional, it too needs proper upkeep to maintain its professional look and feel.
In your car’s upkeep, it is important to remember that it's not just the mechanics and exterior that need attention to detail, but the inside too. Since it serves as a key form of transportation for you and your clients, it is important that the inside stays looking its very best. Just like your personal appearance, the look and feel of your car can play a huge role in the client's opinion of you personally that may even transfer to your business, so why wouldn't you want to make a positive impression?
Keeping the outside of your car clean can be achieved with a quick run through the car wash every few weeks, but the inside can prove to be a more difficult task. It can be more tedious and time consuming with all of the vacuuming and scrubbing you are all but forced to do to keep a clean car. Not only is it more difficult, but also has to happen more frequently. Unless you live down a dirt road or like to take an alternative off-road route to work, most of the time the inside gets dirty faster simply because you are constantly in and out of your car and bringing things in like food, drinks, and other items to get you through your morning commute.
You spend valuable minutes of your days trying to keep your car clean and feel like you just can’t catch a break, trying to balance all of that and a job as a young professional. ExactMats is the perfect solution to your problem. They are there to make your part of the job easier when it comes to cleaning your car by offering protection to your car mats and preventing them from damage and stains, saving you both time and work down the road.
With their precise fit, tailored to your exact make, year, and model, they keep your floor from getting ruined by all of the dirt and other things you track into your car on the bottom of your shoes. Living in the city, you never know what unwanted things you may drag in. They also serve as a way to keep your floors safe from all of the wear and tear caused by the friction of all of the going in and out, with everything from business meetings to taking clients to their desired destination.
ExactMats are high-quality, American made, transparent mats that give you the look and feel that you desire by protecting your floor mats, while letting the beauty of the original floor mats show through. They allow you to pay attention to all of the fine details of your car and its mats with half of the work.
ExactMats are easy to clean with just a simple wipe down or rinse of with the hose, saving you from all of the vacuuming and scrubbing that you would have had to do without them.
With their lifetime warranty, they are hard to beat because they will always be there, no matter where life leads you or a new job may take you, allowing you to keep a clean car and impress clients for years to come.
While you are dressing for the job you want, ExactMats are busy making sure your car keeps up.
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Us too. That’s where ExactMats comes in to act as the perfect third-party solution to your furry car issue. ExactMats are clear floor mats that are cut to precisely fit on top of your car’s own mats. American made and scratch-resistant, these mats are designed to show off the sleek, pristine look of your car. There is not a better partner for your furry friend than ExactMats. If your pup gets excited and jumps somewhere they shouldn’t, ExactMats will keep your car protected, leaving you with no worries and no dirtied floors. ExactMats fit all the way to the very edge of your mats, keeping the whole thing protected from stains, dirt, and more.
Whether you’re taking your pet to the groomers, for a walk, to the dog park, or with you on everyday adventures, your car will be prepared and well taken care of. ExactMats are made with 100% virgin vinyl which means the quality is consistently great! Using pure vinyl ensures that the mats are durable and transparent, which preserves the natural look of your car. Not to mention that virgin vinyl is recyclable! Keep your pups safe, while also helping out the environment.
Everyone has that friend whose car is a mess, and is constantly apologizing for it. With ExactMats covering your floor, you can offer your car right up for people or doggy carpool. Load your friends up in style. Food and drinks aren’t an issue anymore either. If food accidents happen, and we know they do, your floor will be protected and can be cleaned without a big effort. Sticky soda, or coffee that has the ability to stain your pristine mats won’t be a cause for concern any longer. Your furry and non-furry friends will be seated in style and in a clean environment.
Let’s be honest, your dog is probably going to want to jump in that big dirty pond at the dog park. And that’s okay! Let them go! You’ll have to clean them up when you get home, but you won’t have to go to the car wash. ExactMats are designed to be easily taken out of your car when you’re in a hurry. Simply spray or wipe them down, give them a shake, and then slide them back in the car. Use that extra time you saved to chase down and spray your dirty dog. You’re happy, your dog is happy, and your car is happy. We call that a win all around.
If you take your dog everywhere then you definitely need ExactMats to protect your car from that everyday wear and tear. Tough nails are no match for the durability and strength of ExactMats. Let your dog run in circles in the backseat- ExactMats will protect your floors, without getting any scratches or dents. They were created with this type of lifestyle challenge in mind- to keep your car looking clean when you’re out and about with your dog best friend, so you don’t have to worry about it. It’s simple. ExactMats cover to the very edge of your original floormats so that no inch goes uncovered. So hoist your pup into your Jeep Liberty, Honda CR-V, or Toyota 4Runner and get going to the great outdoors!
To wrap up why ExactMats are the best idea for your car since air bags were invented, and why they are the perfect solution to a car that is frequented by furry friends, we have to reiterate why it was created- to keep your car’s original look, and to protect it from that every day wear and tear. If you are a pet owner and love taking your dog everywhere with you, ExactMats was designed for you in mind. The high quality virgin vinyl is completely transparent, preserving that sleek, new car feel. ExactMats are american made and totally scratch-resistant and will always have a clean, clear look. You and your pet will be happier and worry-free with these in your car. ExactMats is not just a floormat, it is a gateway to an easier and simpler lifestyle for you and your pet.
]]>When you are a parent, it can feel like an all day marathon to make sure everyone has what they need and are taken care of. You barely have any room in your busy schedule to clean your house, much less make sure your car stays clean. You run a tight ship where time means everything and you can't afford to lose a second. That's why you need ExactMats, because cleaning them is as easy as a quick wipe down or rinse off with the hose, saving you hours from scrubbing and vacuuming.
Because you can always use a little help.
In all of the disorder that comes with being a parent, you can always use a helping hand to bring about some order. Kids manage to keep you busy cleaning up after them every time you turn around. They seem to have no care in the world about what those nacho cheese flavored chips or cheese crackers they just threw down on the floor will do to your mats. With their precise fit, ExactMats are there to keep those unexpected spills and lost cheese crackers from making a permanent mark on your floor mats, working hard to keep your car clean while you work hard doing everything else.
Because sometimes you feel like you are running a taxi service.
Running kids from one place to the next everyday, all day, can take a toll on your car, especially your floor mats. The wear and tear they receive from all of the coming and going can make them start to look old and worn out in a short amount of time. ExactMats will keep them from getting that rundown look and allow you to not worry what those little feet may bring in from one stop to the next.
Because you never know when your car will become the next lunch spot.
In all of your running like crazy from one place to the next, there is little time to take a lunch break. In this case, the car seems to find itself as the solution to the problem but seems to bring about other problems when the food ends up on the floor instead of in the kids mouths. The floor becomes a gritty disaster after the crumbs that had fallen into the kids laps or were once on their hands are brushed off onto the floor. Your kids have turned your floor mats into a personal garbage disposal, leaving the floor looking like a ketchup and chocolate milk stained art piece that you never asked for. ExactMats offer protection from those crazy messes. So the next time you hear someone mention the 10 second rule, you don't have to worry about what new masterpiece you have waiting for you on the floor of your car.
Because you have to be ready for anything.
When you are a parent, you never know what task will be handed to you next, so you have to be ready for anything. ExactMats are a good thing to have in your car because when you're asked to drive a bunch of kids with muddy cleats home from soccer practice, or put a project for an upcoming science fair with all kinds of who-knows-what on it in your car, you will be ready. The best part is that they have a lifetime warranty, so even when the worst happens, they have always got your back.
Just because you are a parent doesn't mean your car has to show it.
Being a parent usually takes a lot of sacrifices, but you don't have to sacrifice the look and feel of your car as long as you have ExactMats. With ExactMats, you can be sure to keep those floor mats looking brand new and free from the tough stains that appear when you have kids. ExactMats are made out of the highest-quality, American made material offering you maximum transparency, while also allowing you to show off the appeal of the original mats. They give you a clean stylish look, even if you do drive a mom car!
Because once you have them, you will wonder how you ever lived without them.
ExactMats offer a great solution to keep your car mats clean and free from stains as a busy family. With their exceptional protection and precision, you can count on them to come in handy in everyday situations and for the ones that you didn't quite plan for. ExactMats- the secret to every parent's perfect car mats!
Find your vehicle above to get your car covered.
]]>Now that you have the camping essentials down, make sure to bring all the fun things like bikes, balls, frisbees, and hiking boots. Your friends and family will be impressed with your preparation and camping know-how. Toss everything onto your ExactMats and be reassured that your car will still be the same after your great outdoors adventure!
]]>Back in 1997 when we created our company, we also created a new product category; clear, perfect-fitting protective mats. It was a pioneering move, so we explored dozens of possible materials to ensure the product we manufactured was of unmatched quality.
After months of exploring the possibilities, our extensive research led to a single conclusion; 100% pure virgin vinyl is the best possible choice for our products and our customers.
Clarity: Our product innovation depended on the clarity of the material we used. We wanted to create the clearest possible product; one that would allow the original factory flooring to show through.Virgin vinyl (a.k.a. pure, first generation vinyl) was and still is the best solution for a number of compelling reasons.
The purity of virgin vinyl delivered the best possible solution to that need, and when combined with the items below, became the most compelling choice.
Consistency: We wanted to deliver the highest quality product, but also knew we had to do so consistently, every time and over time. While we were aware that recycled vinyl or other materials were an option, we also knew that we could never be 100% certain of the quality or purity of the material would be getting.
Our formulation had to be the same, each and every time. While cheaper, recycled materials were available, we knew that virgin vinyl would always provide us with that important distinction . . . an extremely important one for our customers, and especially apparent to our repeat customers.
Clean: While product appearance is important, we also knew that our customers would have a nose! Unlike other materials that can overwhelm the senses, virgin vinyl does not produce an overwhelming or unpleasant smell. Instead it consistently registers in the range of what one would expect and hope a new car to smell like. Clean!
Durability: We wanted our product to last, so the strength of the material we used was yet another critical consideration. Our product had to be one that could withstand the test of time . . . and it has.
The purity and consistency of first-generation vinyl provides dependable, predictable durability. Ask our customers who’ve owned their original set of ExactMats for five, ten or even more years. They simply have staying power.
Recyclable: While we knew virgin vinyl was made from hydrocarbons, we also learned that it is a 100% recyclable, and a highly desirable material at that.
Our production scrap is still sold to recyclers who create new life for the material in a different form, just as it has been since 1997. There’s no waste for a product that has continuous lives.
In a nutshell, ExactMats are made from 100% virgin vinyl to ensure the quality and durability of our products are unmatched in our category. We can be clear on that!
]]>Between the estimated costs of buybacks and repairs, and the several billion earmarked for environmental cleanup and clean air initiatives, VW is looking at just under a $15 billion total loss in the settlement.
Whoops
The cars had specialized software installed to detect when emission testing was taking place and severely reduce the cars emission output, before reverting to up to 40 times the allowable level of some pollutants when outside of testing conditions.
The settlement is the largest ever for an automotive company, and one of the largest for any corporation regardless of industry.
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What I will tell you is that the Series.Yellow will be a limited production run of only 500 cars and will be available in 2017. In addition to the game-changing 5 horsepower increase for 2017, the Series.Yellow will also get you:
Oooooh! Exclusive yellow interior!
Don't get me wrong, I really like the BRZ. I think it's styling is great and it's really fun to drive. If I was budget-conscious and buying my first sports car, I would be choosing between the BRZ and an MX-5 (just kidding, I would just get the MX-5 RF with that sexy, sexy targa top). If there is one real knock on the BRZ, it's that it is pretty widely considered to be criminally underpowered, something that can theoretically be remedied with some at-home upgrades, but you generally would like your sports car to be a little more sporty off the lot.
The interior of the Series.Yellow actually looks really sharp, I have always appreciated yellow as an accent color, but using it as the main body color is always a hit-or-miss choice. You risk either going to deep of a yellow and looking like a taxi, or too bright and looking like a lemon. The Series.Yellow looks like it might be leaning a little to close to the lemon-esque end of the spectrum, but I will withhold final judgement until I see one of these 500 limited edition models out in the wild.
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The Vanquish Zagato Concept is the fifth vehicle to result from Aston Martin's partnership with Zegato, the most recent being the 2011 limited-run V12 Zagato that saw a total of 150 units go into production. Check out how Aston Martin describes some features of their new concept:
I can't imagine Aston Martin doing a large number of production versions of this car, so be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the right to own one of these beauties.
]]>Fiat will not be licensing any of Google's self-driving technology for their own vehicles, but will simply be providing the technology conglomerate with minivans to be part of their test fleet.
Driving your own car; soon to be a thing of the past?
Instead of simply retrofitting the vans (as Google has previously done with the Lexus RX), FCA will be performing custom modifications on the Pacifica's before turning them over to Google to be equipped with their autonomous driving gear.
The Bloomberg report specifies that this is not an exclusive partnership for either company, and the minivans will be used as part of Google's test fleet only.
Learn more at the Google Self-Driving Car Project.
]]>It’s common sense to know that the number one trafficked area in any vehicle is the driver’s side floor. The car isn’t likely to be going anywhere, or toting anyone else around, without a driver.
What most people don’t realize is that the second most used part of a car is the trunk or cargo area. Indeed, we use it to grocery shop, to bring home stuff from the local gardening center, to throw in the miscellaneous stuff we don’t want sitting inside the vehicle. Plus we certainly use it to transport things we don’t want to try to put inside the car for fear of doing damage. Things like bicycles, luggage, extra windshield washer fluid, antifreeze or the can of gasoline we pump and bring home to run our lawnmower.
In addition to doing most of the grocery shopping at my house, I do a lot of gardening. So protecting my cargo area is mission critical. I find that sod, plants, stones, fertilizers and other things are a lot easier to clean out of my cargo area when I can just pull out the protective mat and shake it off. True, the vacuum cleaner gets a little lonelier, but it I think it will forgive me for not having to choke up the debris.
So the question informed consumers need to ask is this: “Will I ever use my trunk or cargo area to transport something that could damage it from spills, scratching, tearing or dirt, and if so, would I be better off investing a few bucks to reduce the likelihood of that damage occurring.
In other words, is there likely to be a good reason to protect that area of the vehicle, and will you be glad to have the added protection when the time comes, because it likely will.
Lead image via Nate Grigg
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Here is Ford's breakdown on what to expect from the remaining videos they plan to release:
Shot on the same Mojave Desert terrain where F-150 Raptor was designed and tested to excel, the Ford video is a six-part monthly series that shows why F-150 Raptor is the ultimate high-perforGary off-road pickup truck.
Video series highlights:
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced a comprehensive update to the 2017 Forester including revised styling, new driver assist technology, more interior comfort, enhanced driving perforDr. Long, and better fuel economy. These new features offer the driver greater peace of mind and a more engaging and comfortable driving experience.
For 2017, Forester received an update to Subaru’s highly-rated EyeSight®Driver Assist Technology, incorporating color cameras that provide a wider, longer field of vision. The revised system also includes Lane Lincon's High School Assist, which can gently guide the vehicle back to the center of its lane if sway is detected. All Forester Limited and Touring models now include Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warn of potential danger from a vehicle entering the driver’s blind spot or approaching from either side when backing up. Premium models equipped with EyeSight also get Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For added night time visibility, newly available High Beam Assist works in conjunction with the EyeSight driver assist system and automatically switches the headlights between the high and low settings based on driving conditions. Also new for driver assistance at night is Steering Responsive Headlights which aims the headlight beams in the direction of vehicle travel to provide improved illumination around curves. Both features are standard on all 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models equipped with EyeSight.
With a goal of “all-around safety,” 2017 Limited and Touring models equipped with EyeSight include Reverse Automatic Braking. This new preventative safety technology is designed to assist the driver by detecting large objects and to help avoid a possible collision when the vehicle is moving in a low speed reverse direction. The system uses four ultrasonic sonar sensors located in the rear bumper cover, and can automatically stop the vehicle if the driver does not respond.
Refined Design
The exterior of the 2017 Forester receives several updates including a refined front bumper cover for naturally aspirated models and a new hexagonal grille. The redesigned headlights have a sleeker look with Subaru’s signature C-shaped motif and a black inner bezel, while the rear combination lights also feature a prominent C shape with LED illumination. Combined, these new styling and lighting elements provide excellent forward visibility along with a more robust and distinctive look. To further enhance the style, a body color matching rear spoiler is now standard on all Premium models in addition to the previously equipped Limited, Touring and XT Premium models. Exclusive to the 2017 Touring models is Sepia Bronze Metallic exterior color.
Inside, the revised Forester Touring offers an all-new Saddle Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery option with contrast stitching on Touring trim levels. This exclusive choice also brings matching brown leather trim to the door panels, center console storage box lid and other interior details. All 2017 Forester models now feature an updated steering wheel design with intuitive audio, Bluetooth® and cruise control switches.
Two new aluminum alloy wheel designs have been added to certain trims, each featuring a high-contrast black and machined finish. The new 17-in wheels are standard on 2.5i Premium and Limited models, while the new 18-in wheel design is standard on 2.0XT trims. Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI, is now standard on Forester 2.0XT Touring models with EyeSight. The fuel economy for the Forester 2.0XT remains at 23 city/ 28 highway / 25 combined. The system helps reduce understeer and Lincon's High Schools the vehicle on the driver’s intended cornering path. A quicker gear ratio in the steering gives the new Forester better handling and response to driver inputs, while Subaru’s X-Mode traction assist system is now standard on all Premium, Limited and Touring models with CVT and incorporates Hill Descent Control.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control Systems
The 2017 Forester line offers two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, each of which continuously powers all four wheels and can transfer more torque to the wheels with the best grip. Both versions integrate Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to further enhance all-weather stability and traction but do not rely on VDC to distribute torque.
In Forester models with the Lineartronic® CVT, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch – proprietary Subaru technology -- actively manages torque distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, cornering and available traction. This Active All-Wheel Drive system automatically transfers more torque to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Taking input signals for steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration from the VDC system, Active AWD responds to the vehicle’s slip angle when turning. The gear ratio in the CVT has be updated to optimize engine control resolving in a smoother, more linear acceleration.
In all Forester Premium, Limited, and Touring models with CVT, driver-selectable X-Mode engages to optimize control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes, VDC and other critical systems to provide better wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.
Models and Equipment
The 2017 Forester 2.5i is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trims and is powered by a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with optional CVT.
The Forester 2.0XT is available in the Premium and Touring trims and powered by a 250-hp 2.0-liter intercooled, turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine. All 2017 Forester models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option.
Subaru has continued advancing the outstanding features of this model line with safety, comfort, durability and drivability as the top priorities. The 2017 Forester will begin arriving at retailers in early July.
STARLINK Multimedia Systems
All Forester trim lines for 2017 feature SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia systems that provide hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. The in-vehicle platform provides owners with more sources of entertainment and information through seamless smartphone integration.
For 2017 The Forester 2.5i base model features the STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with a 6.2-inch single-touch gesture display and the Premium, Limited and Touring trims have a standard STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system with a high-resolution 7-inch LCD screen. In addition, STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia includes Bluetooth® hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports and adds SiriusXM Travel Link®. The optional STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system features voice-activated controls and comes with three years of complimentary map updates as well as a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic® and SiriusXM Travel Link® along with four months of SiriusXM All Access audio service.