The net present value (NPV) life cycle cost analysis is one of the best financial analysis tools available to fleet managers for deciding whether to repair or replace a vehicle. The NPV shows the total true cost of each alternative. An after-tax NPV life-cycle cost analysis addresses the time value of money and the impact on taxes.
Pricing has been announced for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric, which starts at $39,995 before state and federal incentives. That's $4,795 more than the 2011 Nissan Leaf's MSRP of $35,200, though it will charge up in half the time needed by a Leaf at a 240-volt station.
A study by the American Journal of Health revealed that, due to the design of car safety systems in older cars, women who use seat belts are more likely to be injured in a car accident than men wearing seat belts. Women are usually shorter and lighter, increasing the likelihood of injury from air bags. The study involved cars built between 1998 and 2008.
Steve Rattner, the Obama administration's former top auto official, says the restructuring of GM and Chrysler "is a story with a happy ending." He especially praised Chrysler's turnaround with its recent quarterly profit of $212 million. Rattner says President Obama deserves credit for making the right decisions in the 2009 government GM and Chrysler bailouts.
The 2013 Ford Escape SUV will feature a "gesture-based" tailgate control that allows anyone who has the car keys to kick a foot under the rear bumper to both hoist and close the tailgate. The option will be pitched as the perfect solution to raising and closing the tailgate when both hands are full. Pricing has not been set for the optional technology package.