Auto Club Finds Increase in Texting While Driving
Texting while driving dropped when California implemented a ban, but now an Auto Club study says the activity is on the rise again. Officials call the results "disappointing" and say additional efforts are needed to deal with the problem.
Smartphones Becoming More Compatible with Cars
The new generation of smartphones brings numerous capabilities to the car. Ford's Sync allows drivers to connect an iPhone, but the driver must use voice commands to reduce driver distraction. GM's OnStar is also shifting features to smartphones. Critics still doubt that integrating smartphones will improve safety.
Strong Rise Expected in April Auto Sales
Analysts say April auto sales are likely to be 20% higher than last year. That would put the seasonally adjusted annual rate at 11.4 million. Toyota numbers are expected to surge for a second month following strong incentives. Fleet sales are also anticipating a big boost.
Ford Curbs Rental Appetite
Not all sales are equal and too much of a good thing can be bad. Ford learned these lessons as it watched resale values tank and consumer attitudes toward the brand change for the worse, due in part to excessive sales to daily rental companies. After lowering sales to rental firms to a more sustainable level, Ford has concentrated on sales to more profitable segments like government agencies and commercial customers.
AutoUpLinkUSA, OPENLANE Partnership Creates New Dealer Opportunities
AutoUpLinkUSA and OPENLANE entered into a new partnership this week to benefit dealers who use the AutoUpLinkUSA Internet Inventory Management System. The agreement means dealers now can utilize the IIMS tool to upload and list their wholesale inventory to OPENLANE's Online Open Auction.
