RVI Group Predicts 2% Decline in Used Vehicle Values This Year
While the first half of 2009 saw a substantial increase in used vehicle value, RVI Group predicts that 2009 will see a 2% drop from 2008 year-end results. This has to do with worsening economic conditions and a peak in used vehicle stock in the next few months. RVI says that 2012 to 2014 will see the largest increase in used-car pricing when a record low number of used vehicles hits the market.
Upward Wholesale Prices Positive But Limited Supply Negative, Webb Says
Manheim chief economist Tom Webb sees less than positive consequences stemming from the upward spike of June wholesale prices. In a marketplace of both buyers and sellers, it is costing more for dealers to buy their vehicles in an arena with less supply available and compounded by bankruptcies and discontinued automaker brands.
Federal Plug-in Car Purchases on Hold Indefinitely
2007 Executive Order 13423 requires Federal fleets to buy plug-in vehicles, but only when they are commercially available and priced comparably to conventional vehicles on a lifecycle cost basis. GOA says uncertainty about advanced battery and gasoline costs make clear guidelines necessary to proceed.
FMCSA Improving Safety Efforts for 700K Registered Fleets
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the US Department of Transportation is improving its data collection to target safety improvements for truck fleets. The 9% reduction in 2007-2008 fatalities is seen as a sign of success.
Nissan Targets Fuel Consumption, CO2 Reduction in UK Study
Nissan's test in Japan of its vehicle navigation system providing fuel-efficiency feedback resulted in 9% average savings. Nissan has now started an eight-month UK trial with 100+ Nissan Qashqai and Nissan X-TRAIL owners to help determine future feature sets for their telematics technology offerings.
