Beggs Defines Used-Car Market Rise in Price Adjustments

During his weekly online video series, Black Book?s Ricky Beggs analyzed the data showing last week?s average daily adjustment level was the highest in 13 weeks, saying the market required a higher umber of vehicles to be adjusted due to more buyers and sellers returning to the market after Thanksgiving, giving a 29 percent increase in values over 17 percent for the previous week ? good signs as the used car market forges into December and year-end sales.

 

Frito-Lay ‘Goes Green’ with Electric Delivery Trucks

Frito-Lay says it will cut fuel consumption by 500,000 gallons annually once it deploys 176 electric trucks this year in the U.S. and Canada, making Frito-Lay the largest commercial fleet of all-electric trucks in North America. Designed by Smith Electric Vehicles, the trucks generate zero tailpipe emissions and operate for up to 100 miles on a single charge.

 

Cars of the Future Could be Driverless

Projects to develop driverless cars are under way at BMW, GM, Volkswagen, and research labs worldwide. The current technology can navigate roadways and recognize obstacles, but it needs some refinement before it is street-safe. Turning the wheel over to computers could lead to less traffic, fewer collisions, and more transportation options.

KBB Expects Used Car Prices to Increase after Holidays

Car shoppers are encouraged to buy their next used vehicle before the end of the year. Values are expected to increase 4% to 6% percent in early 2012, according to Kelley Blue Book. Now that new-vehicle inventory levels have started to return to normal and fuel prices have dropped, the car market has experienced a substantial cooling.

 

Diesels Could Grab Larger Share of U.S. Market

While sales of diesel cars are at only 3% of the U.S. market, buyers and automakers could be taking a second look. Government regulators are pushing for higher fuel economy standards, and gas prices continue to fluctuate. Although more expensive than gas engines, diesels are more durable and deliver on average 20 to 30 percent better fuel efficiency.