Dealers were presented with new and different strategies for enhancing certified pre-owned vehicle sales in a free webinar sponsored by the Pre-owned Automobile Dealers Alliance. Numerous experts offered advice, and dealers unable to attend can listen to audio recordings online.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is much improved over its predecessor and available in dealerships now. Fuel-economy is still poor, but the new V-6 engine is more powerful and interior room is much better due to the extended wheel base.
Recent ALG Residual Value Report indicates that when a brand is cut from an automaker, it usually loses 2-3 points in the first year and 3-5 points in 36-month retention. In addition, macro-economic indicators are less favorable for Mercury than some other discontinued brands.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's rulemaking process will be final in fall 2010. It will be followed closely by rulemaking on other distractions including cellphone, CB radio and dispatch system use based on August recommendations of the FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.
The J.D. Power 2010 US Automotive Emerging Technologies Study reveals strong consumer interest in vehicles having some capabilities similar to smartphones. The study also measured interest in other technologies such as safety but found interest often dropped when prices were mentioned.