States Cut Back on Tax Breaks for Hybrids
As states look for relief from financial crunches, exemptions and credits aimed at putting car buyers in hybrids and high-mileage automobiles are becoming harder to find. Some states still offer incentives for pure electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, but tax exemptions and credits for fuel-efficient cars and hybrids have expired in others. J.D. Power reports hybrids account for about 2.5% of market share this year.
Ford Takes Honors at Texas Truck Rodeo
Ford received top honors at the recent Texas Truck Rodeo sponsored by the Texas Auto Writers Association. None of the Detroit-3 introduced a totally new truck this year. The auto writers named Ford's EcoBoost turbocharged engine the "Outstanding Feature of Texas."
AAA Study: Drivers Still Text but Acknowledge it’s Dangerous
Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia now have anti-texting laws. Most drivers support those laws, but, despite increased awareness about the dangers of texting while driving, some still text and drive. AAA is pushing for all 50 states to adopt texting bans but says public education and enforcement are key in making them work.
Raising Sales Penetration Numbers on Tough Dealer Customers
Three groups of tough car shopping customers are making up to 40% of Safe-Guard's F&I product customers. They are cash buyers, high-mileage used car buyers, and lease customers. Training director Luis Garcia offered tips on raising sales-penetration averages that dig into the intricacies of marketing service plans, finance options, roadside assistance, available credit card purchases, and pay-as-you-go leasing plans.
GM to Offer 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
GM announced its plan to offer a diesel Chevrolet Cruze model in 2013. Details on price, engine specifications, and fuel economy were not provided. The decision to mass-produce a Cruze diesel could further boost the U.S. diesel-car market that represents about 1 percent of total domestic vehicle sales.
