With the new model-year lineups arriving on dealership lots, September used-vehicle prices have softened, albeit modestly, according to NADA Used Car Guide. While this month typically marks the start of the end-of-year used-value slowdown, the usual September-through-December softening won't be as dramatic this year.
SmartAuction heard dealers clamoring for change through its own research, advisory panels and communication during the online arbitration process. The company decided something needed to be done to offset costs for transportation when a vehicle buyback occurred. As a result earlier this month, SmartAuction made the change to its terms of use policy, and now buying dealers are reimbursed for reasonable transportation costs if an arbitration ruling stipulates a buyback is necessary
A less than double-digit drop of new-vehicle sales, August to September, acts as a positive indicator of relative stability, says TrueCar's industry analyst Jesse Toprak. New-car sales may even move ahead, up 28 percent over September, 2009.
An algae biofuel producer delivered 20,000 gallons of algae-based shipboard fuel, and will be delivering 150,000 gallons of algae-derived advanced biofuel by 2011 to the Dept. of Defense by 2011. The decisions tie in well with a 2009 Center for Naval Analyses-issued report signed by 12 former U.S. generals and admirals stating dependence on foreign oil is jeopardizing national security.