Used Vehicle Prices Plateau
For most of the year, used-vehicle prices have been on the upswing, but their rise has started to diminish. One Kelley Blue Book analyst, in particular, said this could mean that the used market has hit "a point of equilibrium." In the latest Blue Book Market Report, KBB director of vehicle valuation Juan Flores explained that lack of used inventory has been the biggest catalyst in pushing used values up. However, the robust used pricing isn't expected to stick around in every vehicle category.
CNG Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana Coming Soon to Fleets
General Motors has worked out the details of becoming the first manufacturer to offer a one-source van CNG option with compressed natural gas-powered Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. Deliveries start this fall and offer fleet customers a way to order CNG-powered vans instead of contracting out conversions of their vehicles.
Event Data Recorders Likely to Get Added Capabilities
Congress is expected to mandate enhanced event data recorders for all vehicles in the wake of Toyota's mysterious acceleration problems. Intel is developing EDR technology as part of its Connected Car program which includes inside and outside video image capture and Internet connection as well as monitoring and recording in-vehicle sensor status all stamped with GPS location and time.
Balancing Costs vs. Revenue When Servicing All Brands
Franchise dealers selling large volumes of used vehicles can draw those customers back by servicing all brands. It can start with just simple lube jobs and increase to stocking parts and making large repairs. Revenue will jump but so will costs, including training.
Hybrid-Electric Trucks Proving Resilient, Simple to Maintain
Major fleets using hybrid-electric trucks report they are holding up well in heavy use and are simple to maintain. The technology has moved out of the prototype phase, resulting in fewer problems.
