Growing Inventories of New Large Pickups Could Result in More Incentives

New inventories of large pickups are climbing with some analysts anticipating the ramping up of incentives to move supplies. Chevrolet and GMC are at 122 days inventory while Ford is at 79. 80 days is the ideal while the industry average is currently at 99 days.

Nissan Plans Expanded Market for 2012 Nissan Leaf

Nissan is expanding production and availability of its 2012 Leaf, and sales are expected to grow quickly. The modified version will cost more, however, due to new equipment such as a winter driving package and more powerful quick charger which will be standard features. The 2012 Leaf base model cost will increase by 7.4%.

 

Low Supply Driving Price of Used Vehicles

With 2009 new-vehicle sales representing about 60% of what they were in 2005, up to 40% fewer used cars were being traded in. Those declines have meant there are a lot fewer of the prime, low-mileage, late-model used cars around to sell in dealer lots. In particular, with gasoline prices higher this year, there aren't a lot of late-model small used cars such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus available, and demand for them is up.

 

Toyota, Ford Top Forbes’ List of Best Used Cars on Market

Many consumers have gravitated toward the used-car market in recent times as an alternative to buying new. And while the current supply shortage may limit what a dealership can carry on its lot, there are certain used models that stand out from their peers when it comes to dependability and other aspects that shoppers find important. To shed some light on these standout models, Forbes.com recently released what it believes to be "The Best Used Cars" on the market.

 

DOT Testing New Technologies for Future Regulations

The U.S. Department of Transportation has chosen six locations to test connected-vehicle technologies. The tests, dubbed Driver Acceptance Clinics, will take place in urban, suburban and rural locations around the country to gauge U.S. residents' acceptance of in-car safety technologies.