Jonathan Banks: Used Car Prices Continue to Climb

Speaking at the NADA-ATD Conference in Las Vegas, NADA Used Car Guide executive automotive analyst Jonathan Banks said increasing demand and a drop in the supply of used vehicles will lead to higher used vehicles prices this year. "The slowing rate of depreciation over the course of the year will lead to even stronger trade-in values and enhance the equity that a consumer has in their vehicle," Banks added.

 

Flying Cars Closer to Reality

Flying cars may now be a bit closer to reality. The Skycar 100 LS and Skycar 200 LS are designed to take off like a helicopter, fly like a plane and be street-legal for short-distance driving. The Terrafugia Transition will fly at 93 knots and, upon landing, fold up its wings and get 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Terrafugia hopes to deliver its first plane by the end of the year, but challenges remain.

 

Growing Market for High-End Pickup Trucks

Ford, Chrysler, and GM are adding more luxury touches to their high-end pickups in response to growing demand. Buyers of high-end trucks are generally more wealthy and credit-worthy. In 2011, 13% of pickups cost more than $40,000, and the market is expected to only get better as buyers load up their trucks with options and extras.

 

Choosing the Toughest 2012 Pickup Trucks

Using a variety of sources and criteria, Forbes searched through data on 2012 pickup trucks to determine which are the year's toughest. Models making the list include the Honda Ridgeline, consistently rated high for reliability and durability, Toyota Tundra with its payload, towing capacity, and interior space, and Ford F-150 with the strongest frame and wider choice of engines.

 

Natural Gas Could be a Win-Win Situation

President Obama says he is committed to making natural gas a positive alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel to power the nation's long-haul trucking fleet. Subsidies and tax breaks would hasten the creation of a network of natural gas filling stations. Energy companies have reduced natural gas drilling to remove excess supply from the market, but converting the U.S. trucking fleet would benefit many companies if natural gas prices recovered.