More Integrated Technology May be Solution to Distractions While Driving
Smart phones and other hand-held devices connect drivers and vehicle occupants to the world via the Internet but they cause serious safety problems by creating distractions to driving. Some believe that people will continue to undertake this risky behavior until technology gives them a safe solution in the form of fully-integrated systems on-board designed to minimize the distractions.
U.S. Government Fleet Expanding Slightly
The U.S. government fleet grew 7.6% from fiscal year 2008 to 2009 with increases coming in the departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security, State and Justice to a total of 652K. Only the Air Force and Postal Service cut their fleets significantly. The number of alternative fuel and sport utility vehicles increased 14% and 7.4% respectively.
Study Predicts Growth in Hybrid Trucks
A Frost & Sullivan report predicts exponential growth of hybrid trucks from 4K units in 2009 to 222K in 2016. The largest growth will likely come from medium-duty vocational refuse trucks, pickup and delivery vehicles, and utility trucks.
Manheim Highlights Individual Auction Awards
Nineteen different Manheim locations have received regional honors recently from various customers of the company. The range of criteria in which these auctions were spotlighted for showing strong performances includes service and cost efficiency, process speed and being able to "go the extra mile to achieve customer satisfaction."
Higher Used Prices May be Pushing Customers Towards New
ADESA economist Tom Kontos says rising used-vehicle prices may be pushing shoppers towards new vehicles. Latest numbers show used vehicles around 58% the cost of a comparable new vehicle. Experts say the tipping point is usually 60% but that number may already have been passed.
