Consumer Publication Questions Tundra Safety Rating
For the first time since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began giving out Top Safety Pick awards two years ago, a truck, Toyota Tundra, has received the designation. But Consumer Reports points out that its electronic stability control system, a requirement for the award, does not work when four-wheel-drive is engaged. IIHS says that it was not aware of this when it tested the Tundra, but the truck has ESC and so the award stays.
Cost Cutting, Risk Management Top UK Fleet Manager Priority Lists
It is hardly surprising that UK fleet managers list cost reduction as their top priority. What is more surprising is that green issues are on their radar both under the headings of cost control and safety.
Ford F-250, F-350, Five Hundred, Freestyle Complaints Prompt NHTSA Probe
NHTSA is investigating reports of steering and suspension oscillations in some Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks. The agency is also looking into complaints about instrument cluster failures in the 2005 Ford Five Hundreds and Freestyles. Reports of the investigations were released just before Thanksgiving.
Despite Gas Prices, SUV Residuals on Rise
Black Book says residual values for minivans and SUVs are expected to increase during the next year despite rocketing fuel prices. Other segments, including luxury cars and premium sports models, are expected to take a hit. Overall analysts predict residual values for 2008 models to average $19,804, or 49.19% of the original value.
Dodge Wants to Charge into Police Fleets
Dodge is positioning the Charger as a challenger to the Ford Crown Vic and Chevy Impala as a police car favorite. Only 75,000 total police cars are sold each year, but it's an important, visible niche.
