Many Trucks, Vans Score Well in Latest NHTSA Safety Tests

About 95% of current vehicles receive 4 or 5 stars in NHTSA's crash tests. All 64 trucks and vans scored 3- or 5-star rating in front-end or side-impact tests. All did as well in rollover tests except the E-350 15-passenger van that received only 2-stars.

 

Peterbilt, Chevy Top JD Power Medium Duty Rankings

Peterbilt was ranked highest in customer satisfaction for conventional cab medium-duty trucks by JD Power. Chevrolet took the top spot in dealer-service satisfaction.

 

Technology to Combat Drowsy Driving

Statistics indicate that drowsy driving, a form of distracted driving, may be a factor in 22% to 24% of all crashes or near-crashes. Automakers are working hard to come up with systems that warn drivers about sleepiness behind the wheel without irritating them to the point that they shoot the messenger.

 

SUV Residuals Experience Upward Spike

Despite rising fuel prices, SUV residuals are on the rise. That's according to the Black Book which tracks used-car pricing and residuals. Analysts say many former SUV owners miss the extra cargo space and, despite high gas prices, are coming back.

 

New 2008 Per-Mile Business Driving Rates Out from IRS

The IRS has raised the per-mile business driving rate to 50.5 cents for 2008, up from 48.5 cents during 2007. The rate hike reflects increasing costs for insurance, fuel, and depreciation.