The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance happens every year on the third Sunday in August, blending automotive design, craftsmanship and history. And the best news of all, with the $1 million-plus they raised for their charities this year, the Pebble Beach Concours has now contributed well over $11 million during the event's 58 year history. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about the fabulous best of show car and others.

Jody Victor: Sunday, August 17, began as a typically foggy morning on the Monterey Peninsula, and the day proved unseasonably cold. But for Jon and Mary Shirley of Medina, Wash., the day could not have been brighter as they took Best of Show honors with their 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B touring Berlinetta at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours, the annual collector car show and competition held on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B was a prestigious grand touring car in the 1930s, and the Shirley's car is one of only six privately commissioned Berlinettas. Finished in a deep dark blue, the sleek Alfa Romeo coupe is built for speed with louvers in the hood that extend into the cowl, cooling slots in the rear fender skirts, and a powerful supercharged straight-8 engine that also powered Alfa Romeo Grand Prix race cars at the time.

The Best of Show trophy at Pebble Beach is the prize most coveted by the heavy hitters of the car collecting hobby. Second only to Best of Show are the Elegance Awards, presented to the most elegant car from four different categories.

The 1934 Packard 1108 LeBaron Sport Phaeton was recognized as the most elegant open-top car.

A 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS Pinin Farina Cabriolet, earned the Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible Award.

The Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car Trophy was bestowed upon a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT.

Thanks, Jody! What an impressive list!

Joe Victor

With the rising cost of fuel, consumers are looking at other transportation options to ease the burden on their wallets. I'm sure you've noticed, like I have, the increased number of motorcycles on the road - not just on the weekends but all week long. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about this trend and what it means for all of us.

Jody Victor: Motorcycles and scooters offer increased fuel economy over traditional vehicles, ranging anywhere from manufacturer claims of 40 to more than 100 mpg depending on the engine size, vehicle weight, and passenger size, which can mean significant savings over most cars.

While the fuel benefits are alluring to buyers, there are some compromises - one is the limitation from driving in all seasons and the second is safety. Scooters and motorcycles are not good year-round transportation if you live in the Snow Belt. Even in southern states, summer heat and the rainy season can limit time for safe, enjoyable riding. So in many areas, riders need a traditional vehicle for certain seasons, inclement weather, carrying cargo, and for family travel.

Safety, as we all know, is a big factor- motorcycles are far more dangerous than cars and can be quite deadly. As the number of motorcycles and scooters on the road increase, so do the fatalities. I won't bore you with the statistics or try to spoil your fun - but there are things you can do to make riding a motorcycle or scooter safer.

First of all, be sure to get your license and take the recommended safety course. Keep your ride in good working condition. Wear a DOT approved helmet - head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Currently, only 20 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico have helmet laws - so it is your choice in the rest of the states. Remember that motorcycles and scooters aren't as stable or visible as cars - be more watchful when riding and wear protective clothing that has reflective qualities built in. Alcohol and motorcycles don't mix - enough said. Have fun when you ride but be safe.

Thanks, Jody! Good advice for all.

Joe Victor

Are you torn between the cost of those pricey hybrids and wanting to get better fuel economy? Agonize no more. I asked Jody Victor to give us some suggestions of cars that won't break the bank while still providing safe, economical transportation.

Jody Victor: As a car buyer, you, like many others, are drawn to more fuel-efficient cars in these high-priced-gas times. But there is a challenge - how to get the most gas mileage for the money. Hybrids, for example, typically deliver the best fuel economy in their respective classes, but they are pricey. So, is it better for your finances to buy a small, less-expensive non-hybrid that still provides good, if not great, fuel economy? Let's see.

If your goal in getting better fuel economy is to make every dollar count, these are some of today's best buys. According to ConsumerReports.org, there are 10 cars that provide the best combination of low purchase price and high fuel economy. Since gas mileage isn't everything, they recommended only cars that meet their criteria in performance, reliability, safety and excellent owner-cost rating.

In the $16,000 range with fuel economy in the low-to-mid 30's, both versions of the Honda Fit topped the list. If you want a roomier car, try compacts like the Mazda3, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.  Despite their higher cost, 3 hybrids will fill the bill - the base Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius Touring, and the Honda Civic Hybrid. Other cars on the list include Nissan Versa 1.8 SL and Scion tC.

So with these vehicles in mind you have a starting point if you're shopping for a good car for the price as well as decent mpg. 

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check them out!

Joe Victor

China is now one of the fastest growing automotive markets. As a result, the Beijing Motor Show has become one of the most important International shows in the world - right up there with Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Detroit. I asked Jody Victor to give us some highlights from that event.

Jody Victor: More than 60 different car companies from Europe, Asia and America had vehicles on dislpay, many of which were shown for the first time anywhere. Two of the vehicles will be coming to the US - the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Geely GT Concept - Some may recognize Geely as one of the few Chinese car companies that have presented vehicles at the North American International Auto Show. But Geely never brought anything to Detroit like the Geely Tiger (GT). Still just a concept, the GT features a bold grille, long sweeping lines and a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration expected in a grand touring coupe. The low roofline and muscular rear design emphasizes power to the rear wheels.

Oulim Motors Spirra - The Spirra S is a hand-built mid-engine sports car with sleek lines and a wide stance. Clearly visible through the Plexiglas engine cover is a supercharged 2.7-liter V6 that produces an estimated 400 horsepower. The Spirra's space frame and carbon-fiber body make it light and stiff, two hallmarks of a true sports car.

Audi Q5 - Making its world debut in Beijing, the Q5 is Audi's first entry into the growing luxury crossover market. The Q5 has a sporty appearance with a wide stance, bold fender flares and available 20-inch wheels. The clamshell cargo hatch is similar to the styling of the larger Q7, providing both a wide opening for easy loading while needing little space behind the vehicle to raise the hatch. Split taillights, like those on the Q7, leave lights visible even with the hatch open. Inside is a large cargo area that can be expanded by either sliding the rear seats forward or folding them flat. While a number of different engine options are available for the European and Asian market, the Q5 will be available exclusively with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 when it goes on sale in North America early in 2009. Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system will be standard on al Q5s.

Mercedes-Benz GLK - The German car company has had great success building luxury SUVs, and early next year it will take on the luxury compact SUV market with the all-new GLK. Making its world debut in Beijing, the GLK features a more chiseled, angular style somewhat reminiscent of the first Mercedes SUV, the G-Class. For the US market the new model will be sold as the GLK350, sporting a 3.5-liter V6 engine putting out 268 horsepower. Available with two- or four-wheel drive, the GLK comes with a slew of standard features, including 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple airbags. A rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player will also be available. The GLK350 is expected to arrive stateside in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Dongfeng Mengshi - Tucked away in a corner of the Beijing Motor show was a very familiar-looking heavy-duty SUV. Although it looks almost exactly like a Hummer H1, this is actually the Dongfeng Mengshi - Mengshi is Chinese for "Warrior." Not sure as to the relationship with Hummer and General Motors, but spokespersons for Dongfeng have said the vehicle is based directly on the Hummer, and that it would first be built for military use and eventually become available as a civilian vehicle. Sounds familiar!

Thanks, Jody! For more info on these vehicles and others at the Beijing Motor Show go to www.msn.com.

Joe Victor

America has been sideswiped by the $4 gallon of gas, and experts believe the higher gas prices are permanent, not just a temporary shift or spike. Companies have been reconfiguring their lineups accordingly - stepping up hybrid releases - slowing or ceasing production of trucks. But what can we do in the meantime? I asked Jody Victor to tells us about the most fuel-efficient vehicles available now.

Jody Victor: Hybrid technology and low mass are the most cost-effective strategies to better fuel economy, and the bulk of this list of vehicles utilize one or both. They are ranked according to their EPA fuel-economy ratings.

1. 2008 Toyota Prius - The Toyota Prius, the gold standard for fuel economy, is a bit like steamed broccoli: unusual but wholesome just the same. Popularity was guaranteed when Hollywood types with air-conditioned mega-mansions started driving them. They have unveatable fuel economy, an impressively low price, and the unique, futuristic lines house a large amount of usable space. Stay tuned for the next-generation Prius and a plug-in version, which will further increase fuel economy, in 2011. City: 48 mpg. Hwy: 45 mpg.

2. 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - In rendering the hybrid more aerodynamic, Honda also made it one of the better-looking Civic offerings, more likely to appeal to those who don't need to wear their environmentalism on their lapel. The Civic Hybrid drives more like a regular car than the competition, is a more responsive handler and is a touch less sluggish.  City: 40 mpg. Hwy: 45 mpg.

3. 2008 Smart Fortwo - The Smart Fortwo delivers colidly on its niche-market promise. It's the ultimate urban vehicular solution - excellent fuel economy - and by being the smallest also great in the parking wars. City: 33 mpg. Hwy: 41 mpg.

4. 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid - The Toyota Camry Hybrid is good at moving passengers economically and without drama. Hybridization did nothing to impact the virtues that make the Camry an award-winning, family-hauling appliance. Stepping up to the hybrid also begets stability control and the top-of-the-line XLE interior package, minus leather seats. City: 33 mpg. Hwy: 34 mpg.

5. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Refreshed for 2009, the Escape addresses many of the issues that made it an almost unacceptable compromise, including the anemic performance, punishing ride and poor brake feel. The Escape is a hybrid SUV with solid moves at an affordable price for which no excuses need be make.  City: 34 mpg. Hwy: 30 mpg.

6. 2008 Toyota Yaris - It's a happy day for consumers when one of the most-fuel-efficient vehicles sold is also one of the cheapest. The Yaris isn't even too much of a slowpoke, scampering to 60 mph in fewer than nine seconds. Despite a short wheelbase, the Yaris can transport deceptively large quantities of cargo. City: 29 mpg. Hwy: 36 mpg.

7. 2008 MINI Cooper/Clubman - Thanks to a recent redesign, a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder, slightly smaller dimensions and anew six-speed transmission all produce good fuel efficiency, particularly on the highway, where an extra cog makes all the difference. The MINI Cooper and the slightly longer Clubman get the same fuel economy, so there's no penalty for the latter other than greater expense and a reduced number of parking opportunities. City: 28 mpg. Hwy: 37 mpg.

8. 2008 Honda Fit - Mini-minivan styling might not seduce the vain, but the odd proportions lend oodles of usable space. You'll need to get the five-speed manual transmission with the Fit's 1.5-liter engine for the best mileage. In Sport form, the Fit serves up similar fun and more passenger and cargo room than either the MINI Cooper or Clubman, for almost $4000 less. City: 28 mpg. Hwy: 34 mpg.

Thanks, Jody! We'll check 'em out!

Joe Victor