The annual Non-prime Automotive Financing Survey indicates that used-vehicle portfolios are outperforming new-vehicle portfolios. Twenty-two companies participated, totaling 2.2 million accounts. The report also showed the repo rate holding steady and average used-vehicle loan term was down slightly.
Navman's Online AVL2 is rapidly gaining telematics system market share because of proven cost savings. Real-time reporting and dispatch reduces fuel and other operating costs as well as improving fleet productivity.
The latest Beige Book shows used-car sales picking up in some regions while new-car sales remain relatively depressed throughout all 12 Federal Reserve districts. Dealers continue to cite limited credit availability for the struggling auto sales.
Both environmental and safety improvement for vehicles are costly to develop and field. With consumers more cost conscious in the present economy and fuel-economy improvements mandated, automakers may be forced to slow implementation of safety features.
New electronic hardware integrated into vehicles and connected to the Internet via phone is poised to offer many new features. These include navigation assistance including display of social networks, traffic routing, entertainment features and remote control of electronic vehicle controls.