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.

Comic book fans and cinephiles alike may be excited to know that one of the most famous cars in the history of Hollywood is about the go up for auction for the first time. The Batmobile from the 1966 live action TV series Batman and the adapted movie, starring Adam West, will be one of the stars of the show at the Barrett-Jackson auction house in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 19. The custom ride started out as a Lincoln Futura concept car that was modified by George Barris.

"The 1966 Batmobile by George Harris is one of the most famous Hollywood cars in history, and it has become a true icon that has been carried from generation to generation of Batmobiles to follow," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of the auction house. "This vehicle not only marks the significant Bat logo that sits on the middle of its door, but a time in television where they defied the odds of making a car the real star of the show. It revolutionized an entire industry that followed in the footsteps and we couldn't be prouder to have it cross our block in Scottsdale as it goes up for sale for the very first time."

Barris purchased the Batmobile from Ford Motor Company in 1965 for $1, and has kept it in pristine condition. As this car is such an important marker of the Batman franchise as well as a major player in the development of television, it will likely have a high final selling price. While not everyone will be able to afford to bid on this fantasy car, those in need of more practical vehicles can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to get in on the automotive bidding action. With a wide selection of makes and models, there's something for everyone.

Every year, Consumer Reports conducts a survey to determine how satisfied drivers are with their cars, and the Chevy Volt was named the best car for customer satisfaction for the second year in a row. More Volt owners (92 percent) said they would buy the car again than any other survey respondents.

"The Volt's two-year reign at the top of our satisfaction survey points to the continuing trend of owners' enthusiasm for cars that are fuel-efficient cars, especially as we see more and more hybrid and electric models hitting the market," said Rik Paul, the auto editor for Consumer Reports. "The combination of sporty handling and strong engine performance also goes a long way in building loyalty and generating excitement among owners."

In general, models that have alternative fuel options tended to do better than others, as the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Camry hybrid, Prius and Prius C also scored very high when it came to customer satisfaction. The other end of the spectrum included a number of SUVs and vehicles with larger V6 engines that consume more gasoline per mile, suggesting that drivers are moving away from gas guzzlers and toward options that will help them save at the pump and are better for the environment. The GMC Sierra, Nissan Armada, Chevy Silverado and Mitsubishi Outlander were among the lowest-scoring vehicles in Consumer Reports' survey.

Reports such as this can be very helpful for car shoppers who are not sure which vehicle is best suited for them. They may want to avoid cars ranked low on this list, as it is based on the driver's opinion of performance, reliability, comfort price and enjoyment. Once a driver finds the vehicle they want, they can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride no matter which model they choose.

Children learn many of their behaviors from their parents, and this is especially true when it comes to driving habits. A recent study found this to be the case, even if parents educated their children about the dangers of distractions and the importance of practicing safe habits behind the wheel.

Researchers from Toyota and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute conducted phone surveys with more than 5,500 young drivers and their parents. They found that kids are far more likely to be influenced by what they think their parents do while driving than what parents tell their kids they do. For example, when a teen driver thinks his parents eat or drink while driving, he is 3.4 times more likely to do so as well. Young drivers whose parents have reported eating or drinking behind the wheel are 2.2 times more likely to snack while operating a vehicle.

Even if parents do not engage in risky behaviors, or do so infrequently, teens are still apt to assume their parents are doing these things. Approximately 71 percent of teens think their parents read directions while driving, while only about 55 percent admitted to doing so.

"Children look to their parents for a model of what is acceptable," said Dr. Ray Bingham, research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and head of the Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group. "Parents should know that every time they get behind the wheel with their child in the car, they are providing a visible example that their child is likely to follow."

In addition to instilling good driving practices in their kids, parents can help keep their youngsters safe on the road by putting them behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle. New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide selection of makes and models, and each one is CARFAX certified.

Thanksgiving weekend is not just for family get togethers and overindulging at the dinner table, it is also a great time to get some holiday shopping done. If you have a young driver on your list this year, the gift of a used vehicle may be an excellent choice. Used cars are more affordable than new, so you won't have to break the bank to get the perfect gift for your teenage son or daughter. You will also have more options when it comes to safety features, without having to pay for each additional add-on.

There are many safety features available on cars that have come out in the past few years, including modern air bag technology, lane departure warnings, rearview cameras and on-board infotainment systems that have GPS navigation and emergency assistance options. If you were to get all of these in a new car, it could result in a major price hike. But when they are already installed in a used car, you won't be facing any additional fees to keep your teen safe on the road.

To find the perfect ride, you might want to consider visiting New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has more than four acres of used cars, trucks and SUVs. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so you know your young relative will be getting behind the wheel of a reliable used model. The public auction company also has an ever-changing inventory, so even if you can't find the right car on your first visit, you can come back again soon to browse the new selection of vehicles for sale.

NJ State Auto hosts weekly auctions on Saturdays, but the lot is open all week long so you can find the cars you're interested in. Should you see something you like, you have the ability to reserve it on the spot if you would rather not wait until the auction.

Distracted driving presents a major threat to all drivers on the road, whether or not they engage in the risky behavior themselves. According to the U.S Department of Transportation, distractions behind the wheel – such as using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, eating, drinking and using navigation systems – were responsible for at least 3,092 deaths and approximately 416,000 injuries in 2010, accounting for about 18 percent of injury crashes that year.

The most recent report on this risky behavior by State Farm indicates the problem may only be growing. The insurance agency's annual report indicates that surfing the web on a smartphone or other handheld device while driving is growing increasingly common.

In fact, among drivers between the ages of 18 and 29, the number of those who have gone online while driving jumped to 48 percent this year from 29 percent in 2009. Among all drivers this increase was a bit more subtle – 13 percent in 2009 to 21 percent in 2012. This indicates that safety advocates may need to target younger drivers to curb this dangerous behavior.

One major issue is that most drivers are aware of how risky it is to engage in any distracting behaviors while operating a vehicle, yet may still partake. The State Farm survey indicates many felt the issue was that distracted driving laws were not enforced well enough.

These days there are numerous options to reduce risky driving, such as in-car technology that allows drivers to pair their handheld devices with their vehicles and use voice commands to eliminate the desire to take their eyes off the road. There are even a number of used cars that have this feature, and car shoppers may be able to find models at New Jersey Auto Auction.