Just when you thought the worst was over for automakers, the EPA just made life more complicated. New rules proposed by the EPA would require Congress to regulate green house gases, including carbon dioxide, as harmful to the public. In the cross hairs of the federal government will be motor vehicles, coal-fired power plants, and any other human endeavor that emits carbon dioxide. Congressional Democrats and the Administration are pushing for a cap-and-trade system to regulate emissions.
Year-over-year declines have eased greatly and used car values have improved for five months, says ADESA's Tom Kontos. Widespread gains in March were due largely to more recent year, more expensive models in short supply among franchised dealers.
The March Manheim's Used Vehicle Value Index is down 1.5% from last year but up 0.6% from February. It was the third straight month of improvement, and prices are up 8.3% for the year. Economist Tom Webb says there is a reduced supply due to fewer trade-ins and a strong tax-refund season.
March sales of certified used vehicles are down 12.6% from a strong March 2008. But some automakers saw record sales and others are gaining traction over February.
Carbon Day Automotive set up the first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in Chicago at the city's Department of Fleet Maintenance. It was a focal point of the recent IOC tour on April 5. Carbon Day Automotive is the sole Midwest distributor for Coulomb Technologies ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations.