We all know it is wrong to drive drunk, but sleep impaired or tired driving can be the equivalent. According to the National Sleep Foundation 60% of Americans have driven while being tired or sleepy. Manufacturers and entrepreneurs are developing electronic aids to prevent accidents by sleep deprived drivers. Mercedes has an Attention Assist system while Saab is installing a Driver Attention Warning System. Maybe the most interesting product is a portable, battery-powered, dash mounted device called ASP or Anti-Sleep Pilot. Only available in Scandinavia, currently ASP uses questions and behavior measurements to warn a driver to stop driving.
The commercial truck sector begins preparing for the first effort to limit fuel use and carbon emissions at one time. Commercial vehicles will become cleaner, more fuel-efficient - and more expensive - when fuel economy and carbon emission standards that the federal government proposed in October begin to take effect.
Chrysler wants to improve the resale value of its products to increase lease revenue and improve company image. The new Grand Cherokee exemplifies the new strategy with improved features and different pricing. ALG says residual value went from 35% to 45% in the 3rd quarter.
The wholesale arena is looking good, says Ricky Beggs, managing editor of Black Book, with the degree of change in wholesale prices staying fairly level. The real strength is in the truck segments, says Beggs, with an average change of +$8.
Jonathan Banks, automotive analyst for NADA Used Car Guide, says older vehicle models are growing in value, due to ever-improving quality, plus advancements in vehicle history reports, and are a growing opportunity for auto dealers.