Pedestrian fatalities increased in the first 6 months of 2010. Although difficult to analyze an increase in walkers at this time, more driving distractions and use of intoxicants are leading causes of the increase. Solutions will be found by making pedestrian safety a priority, analysis of crash data, improved engineering, better laws and enforcement as well as education.
CNW Research says subprime auto loans totaled just under $9B in 2010, marking a comeback from $8.3B in 2009. The company says about 1.27 units were financed with subprime loans, representing about 7.6% of the used-car market.
The telematics industry is developing a number of applications to assist drivers in greening their vehicles. These apps generally fall into two categories: changing fuel-wasting driver behavior, such as accelerating too quickly, or finding the best route to reduce unnecessary mileage and idling in traffic.
A coalition of major Japanese automakers and energy companies have joined forces to bring fuel cell vehicles and a fueling network throughout the country's four largest markets by 2015. The coalition includes Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and several oil and gas companies. The coalition plans to approach local governments and other concerned parties to discuss strategies for creating initial consumer demand for FCVs.