States have been increasingly allowing low-speed, neighborhood vehicles and off-road mini-trucks on public roads since 2007. These vehicles don't meet safety standards of standard cars and trucks and are dangerous to occupants.
Auto Remarketing is now accepting nominations for its July 15 edition, which will feature a special section highlighting "Who's Who in The Remarketing Industry: Banks, Captives, Finance, Credit Unions, Fleet, Lease, Rental and OEMs."
Ford is releasing an all new more fuel-efficient Explorer based on a Taurus chassis but still to be marketed as a SUV. It remains to be seen if consumers are ready to re-embrace the sport utility vehicle in significant numbers.
Smart phones and other hand-held devices connect drivers and vehicle occupants to the world via the Internet but they cause serious safety problems by creating distractions to driving. Some believe that people will continue to undertake this risky behavior until technology gives them a safe solution in the form of fully-integrated systems on-board designed to minimize the distractions.
The U.S. government fleet grew 7.6% from fiscal year 2008 to 2009 with increases coming in the departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security, State and Justice to a total of 652K. Only the Air Force and Postal Service cut their fleets significantly. The number of alternative fuel and sport utility vehicles increased 14% and 7.4% respectively.