Inventory Uncertainty Boosting Vehicle Demand
Vehicle sales are showing steady demand despite the increase in gas prices and possible earthquake-related vehicle shortages. Some speculate the uncertainty is boosting demand from consumers. Inventories are expected to fall as demand remains strong and production restrictions remain.
Long-Term Gas Price Hike Important for Car Buyers to See
Automakers must meet ambitious fuel economy goals in the next four years, while consumers have been slow to upgrade their fuel efficiency buying decisions. Rising gas prices are having an impact, but consumers will need to sense a long-term gas price increase to significantly change their choices.
Biofuel Startups Get Financial Backers Despite Fuel Controversy
While corn-based ethanol has been accused of causing its own layer of environmental damage along with costing taxpayers too much money, biofuels are continuing to gain investor support. CoolPlanetBioFuels has attracted equity funding from Google, ConocoPhillips, and other companies. Another startup has announced plans to go public in a $100 million offering.
Camry Heads List of Top Rental Cars
Auto Rental News compiled a list of the top 10 rental cars of all time, and Toyota Camry was picked number 1. Sentimental choices like the Oldsmobile Alero or Plymouth Reliant didn't make the list, but the Ford Taurus, Chevy Impala and Nissan Altima did.
Tesla Plans for Battery Swapping
Battery swapping has been controversial in the plug-in electric vehicle industry, and does have a cadre of supporters including Better Place and Renault-Nissan. The long-anticipated second electric car from Tesla is moving along in the design stage and will come with a swappable battery, as Tesla tests out the water.
