Long-Term Gains for Ford, Kia, Hyundai in ALG PQS Study

ALG's latest Perceived Quality Study shows Ford, Kia, and Hyundai have the biggest long-term gains in improved brand perception, and Toyota's quality score rose more than two percent over the last six months. The complete list with scores and details is available at: https://www.alg.com/pdf/pqs_fall_2011.pdf.

 

IIHS Awards Top Safety Pick to Five Minivans

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recognized five minivan models with its 2011 Top Safety Pick award. The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Volkswagen Routan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna were selected for their superior protection in rollover crashes. Vehicles must have the highest rating of good for frontal, side, rollover, and rear crash protection and must have electronic stability control (ESC) to qualify.

 

Analysts Say 2012 May See Record High Gas Prices

Analysts say growing global demand and rising U.S. fuel exports could send gasoline prices to record highs in 2012 as oil prices move toward $100/barrel. Demand for gasoline in the U.S. is down, but growing demand in Latin and South America is driving record U.S. exports of fuel to those areas, particularly diesel.

 

Consumer Complaints Result in Upgrades to MyFord Touch System

Ford will upgrade its MyFord Touch system in response to consumer complaints that the telematics system is too complicated. Set to debut on the 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus, the upgrade provides simpler graphics, faster touch-screen response and easier-to-use controls. The system upgrade will be available for vehicles already equipped with MyFord Touch when thumb drives are mailed to eligible customers next year.

 

Budget Benefits of Using NPV Life Cycle Cost Analysis

The net present value (NPV) life cycle cost analysis is one of the best financial analysis tools available to fleet managers for deciding whether to repair or replace a vehicle. The NPV shows the total true cost of each alternative. An after-tax NPV life-cycle cost analysis addresses the time value of money and the impact on taxes.