Automakers said new safety technology is behind the record low fatality numbers for 2009. The government reported a 10% drop in highway fatalities from 2008 to 2009, and the rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicles is the lowest in U.S. history.
Recent news reports claim that Kelley Blue Book, a family-owned business for nearly 100 years, is up for sale. Increased capital taxes and a decline in web traffic may be playing a role in this decision. Several potential buyers are being cited as interested in the company.
Car-sharing is no longer a green fad. It will stimulate short-term demand for new cars while threatening a proportion of automakers' longer-term sales. There is one way that car-sharing might actually help carmakers, however. The main car-sharing firms are keen to promote electric vehicles, since that fits with their green ethos.
The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150's Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, its comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.
Merchants Leasing announced it has acquired ALD Automotive USA, which is the North American arm of ALD Automotive. ALD Automotive will continue to manage large operations on the American market through a partnership with Wheels Inc.