Tesla CEO Discusses Affordable Model

After the Tesla Model S was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year – the first all-electric vehicle to receive the accolade – CEO Elon Musk began talking about bringing a more affordable option to the table for those who can't afford the $62,400 price tag. According to Bloomberg, talks of the economy Tesla came after the company repaid the rest of the loan it got from the Department of Energy back in 2009. Repaying the remaining $451.8 million of the loan will free up any future profits to be put toward the development of new cars.

Rumors rose quickly that Tesla might be snatched up by a larger company like Apple, Inc., but Musk was quick to reject that possibility. He claims that his first priority is to develop a car that combines the impeccable technology of the Model S with the affordability of cars like the Nissan Leaf.

"With the Model S, you have a compelling car that's too expensive for most people," Musk explained to the news source. "And you have the Leaf, which is cheap, but it's not great. What the world really needs is a great, affordable electric car. I'm not going to let anything go, no matter what people offer, until I complete that mission."

AutoBlog reports that Musk is hoping to keep the price tag for this new car under $40,000. As long as things go according to plan, the CEO is hopeful the affordable electric car will be available by 2017.

Those who cannot wait for the Tesla to be developed and produced can find a reliable ride today at New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, including a few hybrid and electric models like the Leaf and the Toyota Prius.

Many Drivers Don’t Follow Rules When Involved In Accidents

Driving around in a hectic parking lot can seem like an accident waiting to happen. In many cases, this is exactly the case, as vehicles often times hit parked cars resulting in damage and much-needed repairs. However, not every driver takes these run-ins seriously, which can occasionally saddle an unsuspecting motorist with a costly bill. 

According to a recent poll from PEMCO Insurance, only about half of drivers in one U.S. city – 53 percent – claim they always leave a note behind after hitting a parked car. That means nearly 47 percent leave the scene of an accident without fulfilling duties required by law. 

"… If you ever are in a car crash, we recommend all drivers follow several important steps to ensure the best outcome for those involved," said Jon Osterberg, spokesman for PEMCO. 

In the event you are involved in an accident with a parked car, there are a few set things you should try to do. After surveying the damage and making sure no one was injured, leave contact and insurance information for the other driver. If there's serious damage or injuries, make sure to call the police and file a report. 

You should also take photos of any and all damage. The PEMCO poll found that only about 25 percent of people complete this step, but pictures of the accident can come in handy if you need support from an insurance company. 

If your car is damaged beyond repair or you're in the market for a used vehicle, check out the offerings at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can fill the void in anyone's driveway, regardless of what caused the need in the first place. 

Get a Tune-Up Before Summer Road Trip Season

With Memorial Day now behind us, the summer has unofficially begun, which means many people are going to be taking road trips. AAA, a leading roadside assistance company, estimates there will be at least 8 million cars in need of roadside rescue this season. To prevent yourself from being a part of this statistic, it can be wise to get a tune-up before hitting the roads this summer. Key factors to check include the car battery, brakes, windshield wipers and washer fluid, and tire condition and air pressure.

"The best way to avoid a breakdown during a trip is to ensure your car is properly maintained before hitting the road," said John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "But unexpected breakdowns can still occur, so for your safety and security, and that of your passengers, be sure to have access to a roadside assistance provider like AAA."

It can also be a good idea to stock up on some emergency items. Flashlights, road flares, batteries, bottled water and even a few security blankets are smart items to keep in your car at all times. This way, if you get stuck on the side of the highway, you can feel safe while waiting for a tow.

Before you head out on the road, whether you're traveling across the country or just driving down to the shore, it's a good idea to have an expert take a peek under the hood. Routine maintenance is key to ensuring your safety on the road, and the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can spot potential problems before they occur. This can help you prevent future issues that would likely be far more costly and dangerous.

Young Drivers Encouraged To Practice Positive Driving Habits

Students across the country count down the days to their summer vacations. Once the final bell rings and these young people are have three months of free time, they often hit the roads and add to the already heavy traffic. Teen drivers are no longer constrained by school schedules, allowing them to get behind the wheel to embark on road trips, head to the beach or get a temporary job – all of which means there will be more people contributing to traffic congestion. 

According to information from AAA, the influx of young people driving in the summer months leads to more dangerous situations. In fact, seven of the 10 deadliest days on the roads occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and all drivers must be aware of the problems that may arise when traffic gets heavier. 

"More teen drivers are involved in fatal auto accidents during the summer months than any other time of the year," said Richard Harkness, CEO of ADEPT Driver. "Let's make 2013 the year that we reverse these sad statistics. All drivers, and particularly teen drivers, need to put away smartphones and other distractions when they get behind the wheel." 

While avoiding distracted driving can aid in the safe driving efforts, all motorists should also make sure their car is performing at a high level before getting behind the wheel. Certain features of a vehicle need to be working well to provide adequate support and safety, and getting these checked out can go a long way toward making summer driving accident-free. 

Car owners can get a jump start on safe driving by bringing their vehicle in for a tune up at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Getting the safety features and overall performance of an automobile examined is an important step toward keeping you protected on the roads. 

‘Fast & Furious 6’ Set To Thrill Car Lovers

Car fans across the globe have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of "Fast & Furious 6." As the latest installment of the tremendously successful franchise, the film is sure to maintain the tradition of featuring some amazing vehicles – and then destroying them in a spectacular fashion. 

The Los Angeles Times reports that between 300 and 400 cars were wrecked during filming. Some of the scenes include unique vehicles like a 1969 Ford Mustang, as well as more common models like the Dodge Charger and Nissan GT-R. All were crushed without prejudice, however, and many in real ways that minimized the need for computer graphics and special effects. 

"I can tell you all the actual crash and destruction of vehicles is real," Dennis McCarthy, car coordinator for the "Fast & Furious" films, told The New York Daily News. "That's very rare. And I think that's what keeps the 'Fast & Furious' franchise above all the others, they keep it real. I think that it would disappoint a lot of fans if they didn't." 

While most of the vehicles used in the sequences were development cars that would have been destroyed anyway, that didn't stop the price tag from running up. The film budgeted millions of dollars to obtain and then wreck automobiles.

Of course, you can always invest a vehicle without having the intention of crashing it. NJ State Auto Auction has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be the perfect used car for you. If accidents do occur, the Total Car Care Center is on hand to help you make sure everything is still running smoothly. 

Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a major celebration around the country, but few states see as much activity as New Jersey and New York. Tourists and vacationers head to the shore in droves to mark the first holiday of the summer season, which means traffic will be crazy and the risk of crashes and other incidents will skyrocket. To have a safe and happy three-day weekend, you need only abide by safe driving practices and perhaps be a bit more alert than usual when you take to the roads.

Give other drivers breathing room
It can be tempting in stop-and-go traffic to inch close to the car in front of you, especially because leaving any more space than that will inevitably mean an eager car will attempt to squeeze in ahead of you. However, it's important to give yourself some space in case there is an accident and you need to get out of the way quickly. 

Patience is key
Sitting on the highway for hours on end when all you want to do is stick your toes in the sand can be frustrating, but remember that everyone else is in the same boat. Getting heated about the situation will only make it seem longer and can increase the chances you make an irrational decision and get into an accident. So crank some summer tunes, grin and bear it. Eventually you'll be off the roads and starting your vacation.

Plan ahead
Whether you're traveling a couple miles or a few hours to reach your vacation destination, it's important that you pack the necessary supplies. Water, flashlights, batteries and snacks are a some essentials you'll be glad you have on board in the event of a breakdown or a long wait on the exit ramp.

Get a tune-up
Before you hit the road, swing by your local auto shop, such as NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. A mechanic can perform routine maintenance, change your oil or address any other basic fixes to ensure you and your family will stay safe on the roads this weekend.

Toyota Named The Most Valuable Auto Brand

Every year, Millward Brown releases the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands. While tech companies usually dominate, some automakers made waves in the 2013 rankings, including perennial contenders Toyota and BMW

Ranked as the 23rd most valuable brand in the world, Toyota was the highest car manufacturer on the list. It was just one spot ahead of BMW. 

The Japanese automaker previously held the No. 1 spot from 2006 to 2009, and again in 2011. BMW was ranked at the top in 2010 and 2012. Toyota surged ahead in 2013 thanks to a 12 percent increase in value – largely due to high demand in major markets like China and the U.S. It also has begun expanding its lineup, introducing things like hybrids to appeal to a wider range of drivers. 

"Toyota is carving out a very big position in hybrids across its range, which is tapping into the consumer need for value by saving fuel cost," Millward Brown global brand director Peter Walshe told Automotive News. "Its hybrids are reinforcing the experience of the brand, and in so doing, Toyota continues to magnify what is special and different about it." 

BMW, on the other hand, saw its value drop 2 percent – although that still kept it ahead of some of its competitors. Other top auto brands included Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Nissan. 

While these companies offer drivers many options when it comes to buying cars, there are many other models that may be just right for your situation. To get a look at some of them, head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans from a variety of manufacturers, and any of the used cars could be a great choice for your next ride. 

Road Trips To The Jersey Shore Will Remain Popular This Summer

Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of the summer vacation season for travelers around the nation. Many of these eager vacationers are ready to return to the famous Jersey Shore despite the unknown state of some areas in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. 

A poll from AAA Clubs of New Jersey found the majority of travelers will return to the Jersey Shore, even as rebuilding efforts continue. People from New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania widely consider themselves to be regular visitors to the shore, often taking road trips to spend a day or even weeks at one of the coast's beach homes. 

"We are very happy to announce that 79 percent of shore travelers are saying that Sandy did not alter their travel plans," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Tracy Noble told WCBS News. "They are going to be traveling to the Jersey Shore as usual. We found that 71 percent of respondents believe that the Jersey Shore will be open for summer travelers, with 75 percent of those folks believing that the ocean and bay water will be safe for swimming and boating, which is a big relief to the Jersey Shore communities." 

As vacationers pack up their cars to head down the shore, they'll want to make sure their car is ready to handle the rigors of a road trip. The Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction can help drivers address any issues their vehicle may have. If you want your automobile to get a tune up before your summer vacation rolls around, the garage may be just the thing to meet all of your auto needs. 

Cisco Survey Reveals More Drivers Value Technology in Their Rides

Car manufacturers rely on the opinion of consumers to help create the best products that give buyers what they want. The most recent Cisco Customer Experience Report, which surveyed more than 1,500 people from 10 different countries, revealed what many drivers enjoy about automotive technology – and the results show that the more extras the better.

Consumers indicated they are holding out for advancements in safety, time and cost savings. Specifically, 52 percent of drivers said they would love better technology to track gas mileage as well as other costs associated with car ownership. Another 35 percent indicated they would like to have the tools to track the availability of roadside assistance, and 46 percent wished for a better way to keep track of insurance prices.

"The survey shows consumers' comforts with technology and need for immediate information whether they are researching, buying, driving or servicing their vehicle," said Peter Granger, a senior industry marketing manager for Cisco. "While consumers in diverse parts of the world may expect very different experiences, their technology demand is more positive than many manufacturers imagine. Many consumers are just waiting for manufacturers to respond with better car buying, driving and service experiences augmented by technology."

Researching a vehicle prior to buying plays a large role in the car shopping process for 83 percent of survey respondents. This can be a great way to compare different models before heading to the dealership. When you're ready to buy, you can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the selection of used makes and models. With more than four football fields' worth of cars, trucks and SUVs, you're sure to find what you're looking for.

Get Ready For Traffic During The Memorial Day Weekend

It's fairly common to see people embarking on a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend. With summer weather finally arriving and many people across the U.S. eager to take advantage of their extra day off, motorists are heading out in droves to reach family barbecues or enjoy beach stays. This influx of travelers means that the roads should be pretty congested during the weekend, and drivers need to be aware of what's going on to make sure they stay safe at all times. 

According to traffic information provider INRIX, the number of road trippers during the weekend will increase by 4 percent. Many of these drivers will set out to reach their destination Friday, May 24, around 1 p.m. The bulk of these travelers are going to return Monday, May 27, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so drivers may want to avoid these times to stay away from the heaviest congestion. 

"Nothing is more frustrating than starting a holiday weekend sitting in traffic," said Jamie Holter, a traffic analyst with INRIX. "Knowing exactly what to expect and how to avoid major delays will help you spend less time on the road and more time at your destination." 

Drivers should also be sure to have their routes mapped out before they depart, and they can make their schedules flexible in case they run into trouble. Vehicles should also be given a tune up before the weekend to ensure that all parts of the car are in top shape. 

If you need a used car to help you reach your destination this weekend or want to make sure your current ride is ready to handle a road trip, make a visit to NJ State Auto Auction. It has a number of CARFAX-certified vehicles that could be just right for your next purchase, as well as the Total Car Care Center that can make sure any automobile is in fine working condition.