When the government announced that all automakers would need to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, many manufacturers and industry experts raised concerns that this would result in increased costs to the consumer. They claimed that the cost of technology and parts needed to facilitate the fuel efficiency improvements may outweigh the financial benefits of reducing gas consumption.

However, a recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found there is a high-strength steel that is both lightweight and affordable. Reducing a car's overall weight by using lighter materials can dramatically improve its fuel economy. The report indicates that for every pound the lightweight steel reduces a vehicle's weight, it costs roughly $0.46, while aluminum, which is the standard option, costs about $1.55 per pound.

"Cost models have traditionally associated a significant cost penalty with alternative materials, and this NHTSA report confirms this while demonstrating advanced high-strength steels provide significant mass reduction at the lowest possible cost," said lawrence W. Kavanagh, president of Steel Market Development Institute, a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute. "This is significant, as automakers have the challenging task of developing affordable vehicles that meet new and tightening regulations."

In addition to being cheaper and lighter, this steel proved to be safer in the study's crash tests than other materials.

"This extraordinary safety performance is due to the steel's unique ability to reinvent itself by continually expanding the range of properties and performance available to the auto design engineer," Kavanagh continued.

As engineers begin to design new vehicles, there are likely to be significant changes to automakers' lineups in coming years. Drivers who need a car now can find fuel efficient used models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified.

As winter draws near, many Americans are already preparing for the colder temperatures and adverse weather conditions that this season brings. In fact, some areas have already seen a good deal of snowfall, which makes it even more important to prepare your vehicles for the season. There are a number of things you can do to winterize your car and stay safe on the road this winter, whether you are planning to travel for the holidays or you're going to stick around home.

"While we're all preparing for visitors or planning trips to see friends and loved ones, we can make getting ready for winter weather a part of the preparations…" said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of FLASH, a leading U.S. consumer advocacy group for protecting families and their homes from natural and manmade disasters. "It's smart to prepare in case you are marooned by having a well-stocked winter storm survival kit in your car."

Security blankets, extra clothes, road flares, flashlights, batteries and non-perishable foods are important elements of a good winter emergency kit to keep in your car. You may also want to throw a small shovel in the truck in case you get snowed in. Sand, gravel or rock salt can come in handy if your car gets stuck on an icy spot.

It can be a good idea to visit a mechanic and have them perform routine maintenance before the snow starts flying. It is important to ensure there is enough antifreeze in the system and check for any leaks or other issues that could present a danger on the road. The experts at NJ State Auto Auction can help drivers in the New York/New Jersey area with any maintenance or repairs they may need.

The holidays are right around the corner, and as shoppers rush around to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones, they may want to stop by New Jersey State Auto Auction. A recent Auto Alliance opinion poll found that 65 percent of Americans would be more than pleased if they were to get a car as a gift this year. A brand new vehicle may be out of many shoppers' price ranges, but there are plenty of affordable options to choose from at NJ Auto Auction.

"The average age of vehicles on U.S. roads is a historic high of 11 years," said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of Auto Alliance. "So we see pent up demand for new vehicles and when this is coupled with low credit rates, auto sales have been more robust than the general economic recovery. Our consumer polling shows that many Americans have their noses pressed against the front windows of car dealerships, hoping someone thinks they have been good this year."

Everyone has their own tactics to clue their loved ones in to what would make them happiest this holiday season. The poll found that many (25 percent) choose to talk about how old their current ride is, while others (17 percent) would speak up when a holiday car commercial came on the TV. Another 7 percent of poll-takers indicated they suggestively left car ads around their homes.

If you've noticed your teenager or spouse has been leaving magazines open to ads for cars or displaying any of the other signs, you might be able to make their dreams come true by buying them a used vehicles this year. There is a variety of makes and models to choose from at NJ State Auto, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so you know you'll be giving your loved one a reliable ride.

Lexus is getting into the spirit of the holidays by making charitable donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America all December long. The luxury car company is offering an easy way for consumers across the country to help raise money for youngsters in need with its new app, "Check In for Charity."

All consumers have to do is download the app or visit LexusCheckInforCharity.com and log in with their Facebook or FourSquare accounts. After that, every time they check in at any restaurant, retailer or other location, Lexus will donate $10 to the charity. When a user checks in at a Lexus dealership, the company's donation will double. Lexus plans to donate up to $100,000 as part of its "December to Remember" sales event.

"The holidays are a busy and social time of year," said Brian Smith, vice president of marketing for Lexus. "As we all get out there to shop, dine and entertain family, we also want to create an opportunity for people to easily give back to a great cause. So remember, while you're out looking for the perfect gift or seeing the newest Hollywood blockbuster, connect with our app, check in and help donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of America."

In addition to the fundraiser, Lexus will also host a "Snow Day" event for kids who attend the Boys & Girls Club headquarters in Torrance, California, on December 13. There will be plenty of snow, crafts and other fun activities for the children to enjoy.

This fundraiser is especially noteworthy, as it goes beyond Lexus' customer base and allows everyone to participate. Even if drivers are not planning to buy a new Lexus this holiday season, they may still be able to find a suitable and luxurious used ride at New Jersey State Auto Auction, whether for themselves or as a gift for a loved one.

Aging takes a toll on the body that can make it difficult to perform the same tasks that came easily in years past, and this can affect a person's driving ability. There may come a point when an older adult is no longer able to safely operate a vehicle due to health issues such as vision problems and arthritis. While some conditions may require seniors to surrender their keys right away, there are ways to adjust driving conditions to suit an older adult's needs. AAA points out that there are different car features available that can help keep aging drivers on the road longer.

"With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, we know that families will be coping with these age-related driving safety issues for years to come," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "The good news is that specific 'smart features' on today's cars can help older drivers and their families deal with these conditions."

There are certain features that older adults may want to look for when they shop for their next vehicle. Those with hip or leg pain may want to find a vehicle that is higher off the ground with power seat adjusters so they can easily get in and out of their vehicle and have a seat position that is comfortable for driving. AAA points out that arthritis may make it difficult for some to maneuver keys, so keyless entry and push-button starters are also good features for them to look for.

New Jersey Auto Auction is a great place for older drivers to look for the perfect car to suit their needs. The dealer has four acres of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from, and every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, providing additional security that the car shopper will be getting a reliable ride.