CNW: Leasing on the Rise, CPO Premium Remains Strong
CNW Market Research president Art Spinella has reviewed trends in lease penetration and the sale of certified pre-owned vehicles. Toyota is leading the charge as lease penetration increased in October. He also offered encouraging observations for dealers who sell CPO vehicles; the premium between certified and non-certified continues to grow.
GE to Boost EV Sales with Large Fleet Order
General Electric's decision to ramp up its fleet substantially with electric vehicles could be the tipping point for making EVs commercially viable and sooner than expected. GE's CEO Jeffrey Immelt called upon executives and industries to increase their green technology investment, citing GE's own $10 billion investment over the next five years.
Advanced Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Detection Systems to Expand
When NHTSA decided to include technology that provided advanced collision warning and blind-spot detection into its MY2011 5-star safety technology, it started a push for the technology in the U.S. market. Automakers are still coming to grips with how to best notify drivers of danger and how much vehicle control to automate.
Automakers to Rely on Turbocharged Engines to Meet Tougher Fuel Economy Targets
Automakers looking for moderately priced ways to meet fuel economy targets are likely to pair turbochargers with smaller engines, thereby maintaining performance. Today's turbochargers have parts designed to withstand the heat of the exhaust gases that power them and are made with finer tolerances to improve reliability.
Fleets Trim Costs Through Parts Inventory
Fleets can reduce operating costs by focusing on obsolete and overstocked parts. Cash tied up in slower moving parts can be put to other uses without impacting operations. Inventories can contain 20% to 30% slow moving or underused inventory. Training and marketing are two effective means of improving inventory.
