Americans Still Like Trucks
Americans like their trucks and they like them tough. Based on safety, reliability, performance and fuel economy standards, Consumers Reports identifies the "toughest" trucks as those that excel in all of these categories. Not surprisingly the toughest trucks are also the best sellers led by the Ford F150 and followed by Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota and Honda Ridgeline.
When Does Voluntary Become Mandatory?
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is on a mission to reduce accidents due to distracted drivers. Consumers, on the other hand, are demanding that their cars be more 'connected.' Automakers are developing controls that will allow drivers to be connected while focusing on driving. If they fall short of the Secretary's expectations, regulations will certainly follow, threatening Ford's SYNC and GM's OnStar in-car telematics.
Exploring New Business Model for Leasing
As the leasing industry expands, new opportunities open up outside the traditional focus on vehicle acquisition and maintenance. New services include fuel management and vehicle tracking along with strategic business planning.
Franchise Dealers See Bump in Certified Sales
Edmunds.com reports that 18.6% of used cars sold by franchise dealers in 2010 were certified. That's up from 17.8% in 2009. For 2011, Edmunds sees the used-car sales rate slowing slightly as new-car sales pick up.
CarCheckUp Device Monitors Mileage, Driving Style
CarCheckUp Device made by CarCheckup LLC of Carmel, IN, monitors driving distance and style by the use of an onboard plug-in device. Drivers can plug the CarCheckUp device into their OBD II port and just drive. The device can be removed at any time and the data downloaded to the Internet.
