Viewers Say Chrysler Commercial Is One Of The Best

It's been less than a month since the Super Bowl was held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but some of the commercials aired during the big game have already paid dividends for parent companies. To determine which promos have the biggest impact, YouTube conducts its annual Ad Blitz contest, which asks viewers to identify the ads that were the most memorable and effective. 

For the fourth consecutive year, Chrysler emerged as a winner of the Ad Blitz competition. The brand's "America's Import" spot, which ran for two minutes and featured narration by Bob Dylan, was cited as the most memorable auto commercial from the game by viewers. 

"The annual YouTube Ad Blitz poll is a key indicator of impact of the Super Bowl commercials, and we are proud to hold the top auto position now for the fourth consecutive year," said Olivier Francois, CMO for Chrysler. "This year's two-minute commercial entitled 'America's Import' struck a chord with millions of viewers …" 

"America's Import" did not fare as well in the overall rankings despite being the No. 1 car commercial. It only ranked third out of all ads that aired during the Super Bowl – certainly nothing to scoff at. It was only beaten by the "Puppy Adoption" commercial and the Coca-Cola ad celebrating the diversity of the U.S. 

Whether the Super Bowl piqued your interest in Chrysler or any other brand, you can continue the shopping experience at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans from a wide variety of automakers. These vehicles also come in many different styles and price ranges, ensuring that any driver can find something that appeals to them. 

Brands Stand Out On Consumer Reports’ Auto Rankings

Finding a used car can be difficult, especially when drivers are faced with a wide variety of choices that they must wade through before selecting just the right fit. The good news is that there are a number of brands that stand apart from their competitors with regard to comfort, performance and style, and one of those selections may be the top choice for motorists. 

Consumer Reports recently released its Car Brand Report Cards, which grade the various offerings on the auto market. The rankings detail some of the best-performing brands within each segment, and the results may shed a light on which options are the most reliable. 

One takeaway from the list: There are many options for drivers who want to invest in a used car. Luxury brands such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz were two of the top finishers, while manufacturers like Chrysler, Infiniti and Subaru also ranked highly. 

“The competition in the marketplace has grown fierce. There was a time when a handful of brands dominated our Top Picks list, but in recent years we've seen a more diverse group make the cut,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor.

Although there is some diversity among the top picks, Japanese brands on the whole performed well in the Consumer Reports testing. In addition to Subaru and Infiniti, automakers like Toyota, Mazda and Honda were also well regarded. 

No matter what brands you are looking for, you may be able to find the right investment at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that are high-quality options without the equally high price tag. Plus, the facility is also home to a financing department, which can help prospective buyers determine which auto loans and payment options are best for them. 

Collection of James Bond Vehicles Going Up For Sale

James Bond, the International Man of Mystery, is known around the world for his debonair attitude, world-saving heroics and sleek cars. In fact, the world's most famous spy regularly gets behind the wheel of expensive, lustrous vehicles, and when those automobiles make an appearance in one of the James Bond films, they get a fair amount of publicity. 

The hype surrounding the James Bond vehicles makes them a big draw for collectors, which is why one multimillionaire took the time to accrue a multitude of these cars. In 2011, American real estate investor Michael Dezer purchased dozens of these automobiles from the official Bond Museum in England, adding to his collection along the way to acquire nearly 60 cars, according to The London Express. 

Now, he is planning on selling the cars, and the sticker price is beginning at $33.25 million. That may seem like a hefty sum, but it's likely chump change for a used car collection that includes six Aston Martins, a Lotus Espirit from "The Spy Who Loved Me," the Land Rover Defender 110 from the opening scenes of the recent "Skyfall" and even a Renault 11 that was chopped in half for "A View To Kill." 

"It is the best private collection of Bond cars in the world, but it is probably in the wrong place being in Miami," Barbara Donovan, a sales representative for the current owner, told The London Express. "When we found the collection, we shipped it all out the U.S.A. Hopefully we'll be able to ship it back to a British buyer so the public can enjoy the collection." 

While your budget may not allow you the freedom to purchase a Bond car, you can at least get a high-quality option at lots such as NJ State Auto. There, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, searching for the automobile that is just the right fit. 

Honda Accord Is Tops For Retail Sales

There are a few vehicles that are often touted as the best-selling options for one segment or another. Ford is widely considered to be among the top brands in the U.S., and the F-Series has been the most in-demand automobile for years, but there are a few other vehicles that are popular with drivers looking for used cars as well. 

Recently, the title of the No. 1 car for all retail sales went to the Honda Accord. The automaker claims that its Accord is the leader among used models, with its reliability and strong value making it a popular choice for motorists. In fact, retail sales for the brand increased more than 8 percent in 2013, and sales of the Accord jumped 12.2 percent, making it one of the most sought-after options on the market. 

Many people are drawn to the Accord and similar Honda models due to the dependability and ease of maintenance of the vehicles. They also typically offer solid fuel economy and excellent safety features, making them a viable choice for families and solo drivers alike. 

"Our focus on retail sales to individual buyers has a direct correlation to the high resale value of Honda products, which is a key factor in the value proposition for our customers," said John Mendel, an executive vice president at American Honda Co., Inc. "We want to thank car buyers for making four Honda vehicles America's top choices, purchases one car at a time." 

If you're in the market for a used car, you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans available, and one of those high-quality models may be the perfect choice for your next investment. 

Auto Loan Delinquency Rates Continue To Drop

Buying a used car can be costly, which is why many drivers need auto loans and similar financing options to help them afford the vehicle of their dreams. While paying back loans isn’t the most alluring prospect, there is good news for motorists who take advantage of this opportunity, as more people are finding attractive financing plans that enable them to make payments on time.

According to Experian Automotive’s most recent report, State of the Automotive Finance Market, the number of 30-day auto loan delinquencies dropped 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, bringing the total number of delinquencies to just 2.63 percent of all loans. The rate for 60-day delinquencies remained steady at 0.74 percent.

Additionally, the total balance of auto loans in the U.S. reached a record level of $798.5 billion. These are good signs for the industry, as it shows more people are taking out loans to purchase a car, but they are able to pay back these debts.

“The automotive finance market continues to move along at a very healthy pace, and we are pleasantly surprised by the continued drop in delinquencies,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian Automotive’s senior director of automotive finance. “The record level of open loan balances combined with the reduction in late payments shows that consumers who have purchased a vehicle are not only reliant on financing, but also firmly committed to making their payments on time.”

Anyone who needs the support of an auto loan to purchase a car should consider the options at NJ State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified options that can fit a variety of styles and budgets, but it also has its own financing department that can be used to sort through loan and payment options.

Drivers Don’t Always Obey Cellphone Safety Laws

Most drivers are aware of the basic tasks they must stay on top of to keep a vehicle safe. From standard preventative maintenance to swift auto repair, these actions can help motorists avoid problems on the road. However, drivers also need to follow the rules when they're behind the wheel, and that includes giving traffic their undivided attention. 

Unfortunately, many continue to use cellphones and other mobile devices when they're on the road. According to a survey from PEMCO Insurance, about half of drivers under the age of 35 report sometimes texting behind the wheel, and another one-fifth say they talk on the phone while driving. 

To top it off, drivers of every age report using cellphones when driving and trying to conceal this use from police officers or others on the roads. 

"Many of us see fellow commuters holding a cellphone, maybe not to their ear, but near their face or on their lap while steering one-handed," said Jon Osterberg, a spokesperson for an insurance company. "The law's intent is to ban drivers from holding cellphones, period, because it's unsafe for everyone sharing the road." 

The Department of Transportation found that sending a text causes a driver to look away from the road for almost five seconds. That distraction may play a role in one-fourth of all crashes on the road, despite the fact that many states have enacted laws to prevent texting and cellphone use when driving. 

Practicing good habits when you're behind the wheel is just one part of driving safely. You also must have a vehicle that has the safety features needed, and you can start your search for that automobile at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which offer high-quality performance and amenities at affordable prices. 

New Study Identifies Most Dangerous Countries For Drivers

Safety is one of the most important aspects of driving. Whether it is buckling up before hitting the road or practicing defensive driving, certain actions can go a long way toward improving the safety of a driver and passengers. However, there are still some areas around the world that may put motorists at more risk than others. 

Recently, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute analyzed data from the World Health Organization to determine which regions were the safest or most dangerous for drivers. According to the information, motorists face the most risk in Namibia, while they may feel most secure behind the wheel in the Maldives. Other safe countries include the U.K., Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada and Germany. The U.S. was not as well-ranked as those nations, but still came in below the global average of fatalities per 100,000 drivers. 

There is more good news for drivers in the U.S. According to the National Safety Council, the number of automotive fatalities dropped 3 percent in 2013, and crashes that resulted in the need for medical attention for an individual involved also fell 2 percent. 

Another fact drivers may be happy to hear is that fatal auto accidents aren't nearly as common as the public is made to believe. The advent of new safety features has helped in this regard, and in today's society, crashes account for less than 2 percent of all deaths. 

Safety starts with defensive driving and the features included in a vehicle. Drivers who are on the lookout for an automobile that has the tools they need to succeed should consider checking out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, this lot could have just the vehicle you're searching for, all at the right price. 

Simple Maintenance Tasks Can Improve Car Function

Are you constantly on the lookout for ways to save money with your vehicle? Most drivers are, but there are many ways to accomplish this, ranging from regular vehicle maintenance to proactive care. One of the easiest strategies that can keep money in your wallet is to pay attention to the maintenance that often slips through the cracks. These tasks are usually simply yet overlooked, and completing them can go a long way toward improving the performance of a car. 

One of the most important aspects of a vehicle that can save you money in the long run is caring for windshield wipers. According to Travelers Today, the rubber used on wipers can deteriorate over time and any ice on the windshield may cause damage as well, leaving a driver with poor visibility. Make sure that your wipers, and the windshield fluid used, are ready for a new season and the type of weather on the forecast. 

Another tool you should check is your vehicle's spare tire. Snow and ice may be blocking obstacles from view and could cause damage when you least expect it. You never know when this will be needed, so it's important to make sure it's ready to go in the event you get a flat. Storing a jack and lug wrench in a vehicle can come in handy if you're forced to change a tire on the side of the road. 

Vehicle maintenance can make a major difference in the performance of a car and the costs associated with it. If you want to make sure your vehicle is functioning well, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Study Identifies The Most-Loved Vehicles

It's not uncommon to hear drivers refer to their cars by a name or treat the vehicles with extra special care. In fact, many of these motorists may go as far as to say that they love their cars. After all, they spend a big chunk of time with the machines and often have to invest a lot of money in them as well, so it's natural to have some kind of affinity for these vehicles. 

Recently, a company called Strategic Vision set out to determine which vehicles in the U.S. were the most loved by owners. It conducted a survey to see which automobiles drivers had a strong affinity toward, allowing motorists to decide what they look for in a car and if their current vehicles were up to snuff. 

The winners were divided up by category, but a few of the automobiles stood out from the rest. For example, the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 were named the most-loved full-size and heavy-duty trucks, respectively, and vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Sentra and Ford Explorer also ranked highly. However, one automobile did outscore all of the others to stake its claim at the top of the list: the Tesla Model S. 

"In our full-year automotive study, the winners both surprise and delight some pundits in the industry," said Christopher Chaney, the executive vice president of Strategic Vision. "Love creates vehicles that have a strong position in their markets and is ultimately expressed in being loyal." 

If you're searching for a vehicle that you could love, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, providing many options to drivers with different styles and budgets. 

Super Bowl Ads Pay Off For Car Brands

This year's Super Bowl may have brought the spotlight to the championship-winning Seattle Seahawks, but the commercials that aired during the big game garnered plenty of attention for different brands as well. Automakers were among the big winners from the event, and a few manufacturers managed to see immediate bumps in publicity thanks to their catchy ads. 

AutoTrader.com conducted a survey to determine which companies made the biggest impact with their ads. Ford and Chevrolet had the most memorable commercials of the night, but that did not necessarily translate to searches. In that regard, Maserati emerged as the winner, as more than one-fifth of viewers recalled its ad and it saw a big jump in Internet searches in the hours after the Super Bowl. 

There were a few other brands whose ads inspired some prospective car shoppers to consider different makes and models. Toyota was on top in that category, as 44 percent of viewers said they were much more or somewhat more likely to look into purchasing a Toyota in the future. Audi, Jeep and Honda also scored well with drivers. 

"While generating a significant amount of buzz leading up to and during the game is the primary opportunity for Super Bowl advertisers, our research shows that impact doesn't end one the final whistle is blown," said Rick Wainschel, the vice president of automotive insights for AutoTrader.com. "Creating a spot that consumers remember and that drives lifts in brand consideration is the ultimate goal for automakers …" 

Anytime a commercial piques your interest about a vehicle, you may want to dig deeper into your options. This process can start at NJ State Auto, which has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that may be just the right fit for you.