Driver assist technology is finding its way into the mainstream. Competitors in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge produced fully autonomous vehicles that point the way to even better safety features.
In its November Monthly Market Report KBB cites consumers are more interested in saving money, will most likely purchase a used vehicle if they must purchase at all. Many say they will keep current car for next 6 years or longer.
KidsAndCars.org wants NHTSA to further regulate power windows requiring an auto-reverse feature on all of them. Instead, NHTSA is leaning toward only requiring the feature on auto-up windows but is still debating whether to adopt the European standard or impose a tougher, more costly US standard.
Many consumers have legitimate needs for full-size pickups and SUVs, but high fuel prices and the economy have suppressed the demand. Many new and used light-truck sales have increased 10-20% since a year ago and prices are climbing.