Evaluating Car Safety Extras
Safety sells, but some automakers are adding top-of-the-line technology that critics say maybe isn't necessary. Even insurers are cautious about offering discounts for the new technology in the same way they discount well-known safety features like airbags and ABS.
Audi Testing Synthetic Methane to Power Entire Mobility Chain
In its synthetic and renewable forms methane is a sought-after alternative energy source that needs more research and real world experience to take off. Audi has been getting into the game the past three years with its TCNG test models, whose engines are powered by what it calls e-gas, synthetic methane supplying three sources of green energy: electricity, hydrogen, and methane gas.
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Last year, Toyota President Akio Toyoda set up the North American Quality Advisory Panel, led by form DOT Secretary Rodney Slater, to advise the automaker on changes following its massive vehicle recalls. Changes need to be made to Toyota?s centralized structure where local authority can speed up response time for quality and safety issues. A global safety chief should be put in place, too.
Used-Car Prices Rise as Supply Tightens
The ending of the recession has brought used-car buyers back to a market short of product. Owners are keeping vehicles longer, and reduced lease sales from 2009 have made used vehicles scarce. Inventory values are expected to peak shortly and then remain flat or begin to decline. Many buyers are moving to a new vehicle as monthly payments become comparable from new to used.
FinCo Enters SubPrime Market for BHPH Dealers
During the National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers conference, FinCo Management, an emerging provider of consumer finance solutions to the used auto industry, announced it is now purchasing subprime and deep subprime consumer contracts. To support its contract purchases, the company obtained a new credit facility led by Metropolitan Equity Partners, as well as additional growth equity investment from current and new investors.
