Ford’s Redesigned Escape SUV Due Next Spring

Ford unveiled its new redesigned Ford Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show and expects sales to begin next spring. The five-passenger SUV will feature improved power and fuel economy with the new look of a sloping crossover with a hint of a minivan. Ford says pricing will be similar to that of the current model.

 

Adding Used Cars to Holiday Shopping List

CarGurus is urging used car shoppers to visit dealer lots and shop for good deals now instead of putting it off. CarGurus analysts expect prices on used cars will bottom out by Jan. 8, 2012, at 4.6% below their August peak, with the most dramatic dip (2%) occurring between Thanksgiving and the first week of January.

 

Nissan Says Electric Cars Remain Popular

Nissan says it is seeing continuing demand for its limited-production Leaf electric vehicle in spite of rumors that consumer fascination with battery-powered cars is declining. The automaker reports that owners say the car they bought as a second car is actually being used by drivers as their family’s number one vehicle. The nationwide rollout of Leaf availability is continuing with anticipated delivery of another 10,000 to consumers in 2012.

 

Charging Station Tax Incentive Ending Dec. 31

Expiration of electric car charging station tax credits at the end of this year will be disappointing for green car shoppers, but it's a good way to get the attention of anyone willing to act now and avoid the deadline. Currently individuals can take 30% of the home charging station installation costs off their income taxes, up to a maximum of $1,000.

 

Not Everyone is Happy with New 54.5 MPG Fuel Standard

If the new 54.5 mpg fleet fuel economy standard is implemented, cars in 2025 will go twice as far on a gallon of gas as they do today. Not everyone is happy about the fuel economy hikes, however. The NADA is concerned that this measure could price more Americans out of car purchases by adding about $3,000 to the average cost of a car. Some opponents to the 54.5 mpg CAFE standard view small cars as unsafe.