For thousands of the nation's new-car and truck dealers, the upcoming NADA Convention & Expo in San Francisco is a rare opportunity early in the year to meet with auto industry leaders in person to discuss a wide array of key business issues. In all, 24 dealer franchise meetings are scheduled in just two days at the NADA convention.
Despite customer reluctance to buy them when gas is cheap, small cars were most prominent at the Detroit Auto Show. Automakers have to meet stricter fuel economy standards, so expect more emphasis on them.
CNW Research?s Art Spinella has good news about used car sales over the past year. More than 1.95 million used vehicles are expected to be sold in the US this year, up 3.4% from January 2010. CNW Research also finds that social networks have helped increase Web sales of used-car inventory.
Jonathan Banks, NADA Used Car Guide analyst, says rising fuel prices won't have a "catastrophic" impact on used-vehicles prices as in 2008. But as fuel creeps over the $3 mark, fuel-sensitive segments could fluctuate.
Audi, its Electronics Research Laboratory, and four major universities are working together to research and develop technology aimed at easing the congestion, dangers, and inconveniences confronting drivers navigating through the world?s mega cities. "Audi Urban Intelligent Assist" is aimed at taking connected car, driver assistance, and infrastructure electronics to the next level.