As Used Car Prices Rise, Dealers Prepare
Used car prices could soar as buyers are driven to seek alternatives due to a predicted shortage of some new vehicles in the wake of the continued disruption of Japanese auto production, experts predict. Price increases at the wholesale level already are being seen for the compact and midsize used cars from Japanese brands and of rival models that would be the closest substitutes for the more popular Japanese new cars.
Compact, Midsize Used Car Prices Climb
The combination of rising gas prices and production restrictions from the recent Japanese earthquake are causing the prices of compact and midsize vehicles to climb. Three to five year old compacts have risen 11% in the last few weeks.
AT&T Going After Wireless Electric Car Market
Ford and Nissan have both chosen AT&T for wireless connectivity for their plug-in electric cars. The idea is that better connectivity can beat back range anxiety, or fear of limited EV battery range. It ties in well with Ford's announcement about its MyFord Mobile app at the CES conference.
LaHood and Several States Want to Raise Bar on Distracted Driving
When a dump truck crashed in Pennsylvania recently, causing one death and several injuries, police linked the crash to distracted driving. It?s the source of debate and political action by proponent DOT Secretary Ray LaHood and several stated enacting strict bans on use of cell phones behind the wheel. Critics contend that LaHood and his allies are going too far.
Quake May be Fueling Aggressive Auction Bidding
Black Book editor Rick Beggs wonders if the Japanese earthquake and resulting inventory challenges for new vehicles could be prompting higher bids in the auction lanes. If dealers can't get new vehicles, they will try to direct customers into a late-model used car or truck.
