The RVI Group is forecasting used-car prices will climb 5% in 2010 and continue showing growth over four years. Peak year-over-year swing could reach 13% in 2012. Luxury midsize sedans are expected to see one of the largest price hikes.
Last year was tough for producers of biodiesel, especially as 2009 ended with expiration on a federal tax credit of $1 per gallon produced. When diesel prices dropped 18%, sales were hurt, and the European Union's decision to place a tariff on imported biodiesel further hurt the industry.
Garmin, maker of GPS devices, now has a device called ecoRoute hd, which plugs into a car's OBDII diagnostic port and then syncs with an additional Garmin nuvi GPS device. It rates your driving based on how efficient your right foot is. The system monitors engine load, RPM, average speed, acceleration, and all things that factor into fuel efficiency.
For the 33rd year in a row, Ford's F-Series is America's best-selling truck with 2009 sales of 413,625. F-series outsold its nearest truck rival by more than 97,000 units, the largest margin in three years. In addition, for the 28th consecutive year, F-Series is once again America's best-selling vehicle of any type - car, crossover, SUV, truck or van.
Ford and MIT's AgeLab have undertaken a six-month study to determine driver reactions to stressful situations and evaluate technology to reduce stress levels and improve driver attention and safety.