Small car trade-ins will see more than a 30% year-over-year increase, according to Jonathon Banks, senior analyst with NADA Used Car Guide. Strong consumer demand for cars such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla is driving up prices and reflects a shortage of new and used cars entering the market
A survey of 550 energy industry executives indicates that nearly two thirds of the respondents expect oil to hit $121 a barrel this year. At least 17% predicted upwards of $140.
Ford engineers and medical technology companies are developing an application that would allow diabetics to monitor their blood sugar. Ford wants to expand its Sync technology beyond entertainment and hands-free cell phone use to enable people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses to monitor themselves and take preventive action if needed.
A new version of Dealer Direct has been launched by Toyota Financial Services and ADESA. Upgrades include grounding and purchasing on a single website, floorplan financing and 24/7 "Buy Now" feature.
Following this year?s NASA report on unintended acceleration, Toyota just received another favorable decision as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that problems stemming from complaints filed on the 2009 and 2010 Corolla were not caused by electronics-related steering systems. Toyota still needs to get through lawsuits connected to unintended acceleration and its massive recall from last year.