Verizon Connect Debuts New Technology Solutions for Fleet Safety and Compliance
Verizon Connect announced the launch of two advanced solutions designed to enhance fleet safety, driver performance, and operational efficiency.
The new Extended View Cameras deliver near-360-degree visibility with rear, side, and cargo cameras; while the customizable Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) simplifies compliance and maintenance through Verizon Connect’s Reveal platform.
The solutions are now available to new and existing Verizon Connect Reveal customers. The Extended View Cameras are available in the U.S., while the DVIR is available in the U.S. and Canada.
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Off-Lease Cars: Which Is Better?
Certified pre-owned (CPO) and off-lease vehicles both have benefits and drawbacks. As prices for new cars remain high, these used car buying options are often more affordable without sacrificing quality. However, there are other pros and cons to consider.
Do you want a newer vehicle? An off-lease car may be a better choice since most leases are for new vehicles and only last two to three years. Some CPO vehicles can be several years old.
The average CPO car is under five years old, but some manufacturers certify vehicles up to 10 years old. Older CPOs will generally be more affordable than newer, off-lease vehicles, so this might be the better option if your budget is tight.
US Court Throws Out Biden-Era Rules Designed to Protect Car Buyers
A U.S. appeals court on Monday threw out consumer protection rules adopted by the Biden administration to ban bait-and-switch tactics and prohibit auto dealers charging for add-on costs that do not benefit new car buyers.
The rule required up-front pricing in dealers' advertising and sales discussions and informed consent from consumers before charging for any item.
The FTC had said the new rules would bar junk fees like a service contract for an oil change for an electric vehicle or a duplicative warranty and estimated it would save consumers more than $3.4 billion and 72 million hours annually shopping for vehicles.
Rapid Response: Impact Analysis of US Automotive Trade/Tariff Actions
By S & P Global Mobility
US President Donald Trump is assessing a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico. While this would impact all industries, S&P Global Mobility looks at the specific impact on vehicle assembly.
Regardless of timing, these blanket tariffs would have a massive impact on the auto industry. It is also likely that Canada and Mexico will reciprocate through an equal or 'representative' tariff.
Vehicles at significant exposure risk are those built in Canada or Mexico, particularly high-volume products where automakers have little opportunity for re-sourcing. Among the vehicles in that category are full-size pick-up trucks from GM and Stellantis, as well as the Toyota RAV4.
New-Vehicle Retail Sales Expected to Rise 4.8% While Consumer Spending Expected to Set a Record for January
Total new-vehicle sales for January 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,105,900, a 4.4% increase from January 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.
The average retail transaction price for new vehicles is trending toward $44,636, down $238 (0.5%) from January 2024. The combination means that buyers are on track to spend nearly $38.5 billion on new vehicles this month—5.3% higher than January 2024, and the highest January on record.
Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power: “December’s strong sales pace was fueled by manufacturer incentives aimed at clearing 2024 model-year inventory. Additionally, speculation on changes to the availability of government rebates for electric vehicles encouraged many EV purchases that would otherwise have occurred at some point in 2025."
