Cox Automotive Reports Surge in Used Van Sales in H1 2024
Cox Automotive has reported a significant rise in the sales of used light commercial vehicles (LCVs) during the first half (H1) of 2024, marking a record-breaking period for the company's auction and vehicle services operations.
Between January and June, a total of 50,267 LCVs were handled by Manheim Auction Services and Manheim Vehicle Services.
Matthew Davock, director of Manheim Commercial Vehicles at Cox Automotive, said: “The flood of LCV product into the wholesale market seen during Q1 persisted throughout Q2 as many owner-operator, leasing and rental players continued to replace their ageing fleet assets.
California DMV Puts 42 Million Car Titles on Blockchain to Fight Fraud
California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has digitized 42 million car titles using blockchain technology in a bid to detect fraud and smoothen the title transfer process.
The project, in collaboration with tech company Oxhead Alpha on Ava Labs' Avalanche blockchain, will allow California's more than 39 million residents to claim their vehicle titles through a mobile app, the first such move in the United States.
Blockchain technology can help detect lien fraud by creating a transparent and unalterable record of property ownership, making it difficult for fraudulent activity to go unnoticed.
Isuzu Awarded CARB and EPA Certifications for Zero-Emission NRR-EV
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of low cab forward trucks, has been awarded zero-emission certifications by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Isuzu NRR-EV.
"For us at Isuzu, this truck showcases our commitment to innovation in delivering sustainable transportation solutions for the future. The certifications for our NRR-EV are a major step in providing customers with a medium-duty vehicle that lessens their carbon footprint and meets new fleet regulations," says Shaun Skinner, President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.
2024 Hyundai Tucson Earns IIHS Laurels
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, a small SUV, earns a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
To earn the 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicles need good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests as well as a good or acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. Other requirements include an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels.
Tucsons built after March 2024, when Hyundai modified the rear seat belts, meet those criteria.
J.D. Power APEAL Study: Excitement of Traditional Auto Manufacturers’ BEV Owners at All-Time High
Owner satisfaction with new-vehicle design and performance has rebounded after two years of unprecedented decline, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Further, satisfaction with non-Tesla battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is at an all-time high, surpassing stalwart Tesla.
"Traditional manufacturers have listened to the Voice of the Customer,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “They’re launching enhanced vehicles that are more in line with what customers want, including improved interior storage and higher quality materials, as well as ensuring features have ease of use. For BEVs, recent launches from traditional manufacturers have surpassed perennial leader Tesla when it comes to owners’ level of emotional attachment and excitement with their new vehicle.”
To read more about the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, click here.
