Car shoppers are still very interested in trucks, much more than reported results from the Cash for Clunkers program might have you believe. According to online traffic data from Jumpstart Automotive Media, the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups are among the top brands being searched for by car shoppers in a study of results from online activity by 12 million consumers.
Personal computers that can handle the harsh environment of work sites are proliferating. Fleet maintenance personnel can now complete the same information access and data collection tasks in the field as they could in the shop.
Used car dealers have expressed fears that the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program would rob them of sales. Other than a dip in certified pre-owned sales at franchise dealers, this worry seems to be unfounded. In fact, the shortage of some used vehicles may be driving prices up. And more good news: ADESA's Tom Kontos predicts this trend will continue into 2010.
Cash for Clunkers is the latest example of the Law of Unintended Consequences. While new car dealers are reaping huge benefits as consumers flock to their showrooms, charities, parts retailers and low income Americans are paying the tab. The program is driving up vehicle prices, and car parts from junked cars are now being crushed instead of disassembled, driving up parts prices. All of this is happening at the low end of the market affecting those least able to afford a new car.
Thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of crashes are now attributed to the dangers of distracted driving with texting being the worst form. US DOT is planning a summit to gather expert input into the problem before taking nationwide action.