Soaring Used-Car Prices Let Some Drive for Free
Used cars are retaining more of their original value, and some popular small cars that get great gas mileage are actually increasing in value. Experts cite low new-car sales a few years ago and the Japan earthquake for reducing inventory and boosting prices.
California Cutting Back on Green Car Rebates
Rebates and incentives are important for car shoppers skeptical about the prices of green cars. In California, a large market for green cars, car shoppers will be upset to hear that CARB has depleted its funds for its rebate program. The program will probably come back in the upcoming fiscal year changeover, but the rebates might only be half of what they are now.
Military Non-Tactical Vehicles Proving Ground for EVs
The U.S. Dept. of Defense has taken on an ambitious plan to integrate plug-in electric vehicles to its non-tactical ground fleet. The DOD has committed to a faster-than-usual process achieving cost parity - keeping the vehicles at the same lifecycle costs as traditional fleet vehicles. Cost parity may be achieved through volume procurement, vehicle-to-grid capabilities, and local smart-grid capabilities.
Washington May Reduce Fuel Economy Standard to 56.2 MPG
While the EPA and surveyed consumers have been calling for a 62 miles per gallon Corporate Average Fuel Economy by 2025, the White House may call for a reduction to 56.2 mpg by that year. The Republican-led House, automakers, and a CAR study have been warning about the damaging effects of pushing fuel economy to that level.
New Car Sales Continue Upward Trend
Although May results were weaker, new car sales for the rest of 2011 appear robust. TrueCar is predicting 1.12M vehicle sales in June, a 13.5% improvement from last year and 5.3% improvement from May 2011.
