ADESA's Tom Kontos sees promising outlook for late-model used units (especially certified pre-owned) with an overall July average wholesale price of $10,060, slightly up over 2009 but down from June and expected similar pattern in August. AutoRemarketing, August 16, 2010
The OPENLANE wholesale market index for July was 115, dropping from 118 in June and 119 in May. Even though prices dropped, they still represent year-over-year gains in all categories except trucks.
The California Energy Commission released its proposal for distributing $19 million in grants for green car manufacturing projects. The company earning the highest score in rankings, Green Vehicles Inc., aims to build 3-wheeled, 2-seat electric vehicles for a relatively tiny and unproven segment of the plug-in vehicle market. The score suggests the need for more scrutiny in gauging project sustainability.
U.S. electric utility companies are investing heavily in smart grid projects to upgrade a very old infrastructure and increase energy efficiency. It's not going as planned for some of the utilities - projects will cost more and deciding who will pay for them need to be resolved. The electric vehicle sector is carefully watching these developments.
The 2011 GM heavy-duty pickups get a new Duramax 6.6L diesel engine, upgraded frame and front axle increasing cargo capacity, towing capacity and fuel economy.