Following the example of many other automakers, Ferrari recently held a charity auction to raise money that will be donated to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. The Italian supercar company has been making efforts to raise funds and contribute to the cause since the disaster struck the northern East Coast states, as its North American headquarters is located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, just west of the Bronx in New York. The automaker's most recent contribution came in the form of a charity auction where an F12berlinetta was up for bid in the U.S for the first time. The auction, held over the weekend in Austin, Texas, brought in more than $50,000 in donations in-person and online in addition to the winning bid of $1,125,000 for the car itself.

"This evening's auction of the highly anticipated F12berlinetta together with the significant contribution from the Ferrari dealer network demonstrate the strong bond between the Prancing Horse and its North American clients," said Marco Mattiacci, president and CEO of Ferrari North America. "With the attention of the motoring world turned to the Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend in Austin, an extremely high demand for the new F12berlinetta, this was the perfect time and place to raise much-needed funds for the continuing effort to assist those affected by hurricane Sandy, and we are proud of the results."

Ferrari has been quite generous when it comes to contributing to Sandy relief efforts. The recent action brings its total donation to the Red Cross to more than $1.5 million.

While most people likely cannot afford to bid in the millions for a vehicle, they can take part in the weekly auctions held at NJ State Auto. Every weekend, the dealer auctions a variety of used cars for affordable prices, and car shoppers can be confident knowing they'll be driving away in something reliable, as every model on the lot is CARFAX certified.

As New Jersey and New York work to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, the figures surrounding the devastation grow clearer, and Experian Automotive recently announced the extent of the damage on vehicles in affected areas. The company estimates that more than 9 million vehicles were affected in the areas hit hardest by the recent natural disaster. While many of these cars and trucks will likely be rendered undrivable, there is always a chance that some may attempt to sell their flood-damaged vehicles, so buyers need to take caution to avoid purchasing these lemons.

"In the wake of any natural disaster, consumers need to be acutely aware that there will be damaged vehicles out there that will be cleaned up and sold to unsuspecting buyers," said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. "With such a large number of title-washed vehicles on the road today, consumers need to arm themselves with as much information as possible when shopping for a used vehicle."

Drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of buying a flood-damaged model by inspecting the engine bay, interior and trunk for signs of high-water. There may be a ring, such as those that can form in bathtubs, that indicates the vehicle was in a flood. Buyers should always test drive a vehicle before they buy to ensure it runs in the condition promised by the seller. They can also have an independent mechanic perform an inspection to look for harder-to-find signs of flood damage.

This advice is important for drivers looking at cars from private sellers and dealerships alike, as it it good to rule out the possibility of problems in any scenario. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides additional security, as every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride that has not been damaged in Hurricane Sandy.

For many, Thanksgiving is a time when the family gathers together, and this often involves a great deal of travel. The number of people who plan to drive or fly to their destinations has been increasing steadily since 2008, when holiday travel experienced a 25 percent decline. This year, roughly 43.6 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles to celebrate the holiday, and the vast majority will be driving their own cars. In fact, AAA's Thanksgiving Travel Forecast projects that 90 percent of holiday travelers, approximately 39.1 million, will be making the journey in their own vehicles.

"Thanksgiving travel hit a decade low in 2008 when only 28.7 million Americans traveled," said Robert Darbelnet, the president and CEO of AAA. "Since that year, we have seen a steady increase in the number of travelers taking to the roads and skies for the holiday. Americans continue to find ways to economize their budgets so they can gather around the holiday table to carve the turkey."

As the Friday following Thanksgiving is a vacation day for many, AAA found that travelers are planning to hit the road to reach their destinations the day before Turkey Day and spend the weekend with their loved ones before returning home. It is important to note that gasoline prices traditionally increase around the holidays, and last year, the average paid for a gallon of gas was the highest ever recorded – $3.32 per gallon – and it is likely that drivers can expect similar pricing this year as well.

The AAA forecast indicates that the median amount travelers will spend this holiday weekend is expected to drop from $554 last year to about $500. Drivers who want to save money on the road may want to get a tuneup and have their fluids changed, as a car that runs well will use less gasoline. The experts at New jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can help travelers get their vehicles ready for holiday travel.

Thanksgiving is coming up, and this holiday is known as a time when many families will pack up their cars and hit the road to visit loved ones. When going for an extended drive, whether your destination is just an hour away or you'll be crossing through multiple states, the first thing on your mind should be safety. It is a good idea to perform a few basic checks and get a tuneup before heading out on the road. This can reduce the risk of encountering a problem en route to Grandma's house and help you and your family have a safe Turkey Day.

"A pre-trip check provides peace of mind, helping reduce the chance of costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one's own trusted technician before hitting the road," said Rich White, executive director for the Car Care Council. "While no inspection can guarantee a car's performance, it's comforting to know proper precautions were taken to ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving road trip."

You should take a look at your fluid levels, and consider getting an oil change if you're about due or you notice any debris in the fluid. You'll also want to top off your coolant and windshield washer fluid if they're getting low. Grab a tire gauge and make sure there is enough air in your tires, inspect the windshield wipers and make sure your lights are all working properly. You should also have a mechanic, such as one of the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, perform an inspection of the hoses, belts and battery. The mechanic may be able to spot a potential problem and have it fixed up before your trip.

Chevrolet recently partnered with Walt Disney Imagineers to create a brand new version of the classic Test Track ride at Epcot Center in Florida's Walt Disney World Resort. The design teams have been meeting for the past 18 months to develop an experience that not only details the automotive design process but does so with a futuristic influence that makes the ride exciting. There is even an interactive aspect of Test Track that allows guests to create their own designs, which may help Chevrolet engineers come up with the next big thing for the future of the company's image.

"At Chevrolet, the diversity of talent on our team allows us to consistently produce sophisticated, refined and detailed design – but we don't typically design through the eyes of a 12-year-old," said Jeff Mylenek, General Motors' design manager for Global Exhibit and Merchandising Design. "Working with Walt Disney Imagineering, we were inspired to see our brand story from a more youthful perspective and really opened up the parameters on how to approach this design challenge."

The new Test Track allows guests to create their own unique car, crossover or truck with advice from Chevrolet designers to guide them. The vehicle they come up with is then digitized and transformed into the virtual car that drivers guests through the ride. They will encounter concept vehicle displays, speed forms and the architectural elements of creating a new car before getting the chance to take their virtual car for a test drive.

While guests can take home photos of themselves with their concept cars, they won't be able to drive away in a custom ride. However, those looking to purchase vehicles may be able to find the ride of their dreams for an affordable price at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of used makes and models.

Ford offers many pick-up trucks, and while the F-150 may be the most popular truck in America, the Ranger recently received international recognition. The 2013 model was the recipient of the "International Pick-Up Award 2013," marking the third year in a row that Ford has emerged victorious in this competition. The judging panel, which was made up of journalists from around the world, rated a number of pick-up trucks with a point system, and the Ranger was the clear victor.

They chose this truck as the top model for its high performance both on and off the road. The judges also touted the Ranger's engine offerings, towing capacity and safety, as the new model can be combined with a 4×2 or a 4×4 Duratorq TDCi engine, which are both powerful and economical. This truck beat out the second-place Isuzu D-Max and third-place Volkswagen Amarok. Their combined points did not even add up the the 47 points the Ranger got from the judges.

"The Ranger is great for work and great for leisure, and customers will appreciate the difference as soon as they get behind the wheel," said Paul Randle, vehicle line director for Ford of Europe's Global Commercial Vehicles. "This prestigious award is testament to the work of our global product teams, and there is plenty more to look forward to with the launch of the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect in 2013."

The Ranger has been an integral part of Ford's pick-up family for many years, so those in the market for a truck may want to check out used models. New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide selection of cars and trucks, so car shoppers in the New York/New Jersey area may be able to find the Ranger they're looking for at the lot, which is conveniently located in Jersey City.

As we grow older, we begin to experience a decline in certain functions, including hearing vision and reaction time, and these things can begin to affect our ability to drive. Certain health conditions, including glaucoma, can speed up the process and make it unsafe for us to operate vehicles. Glaucoma affects peripheral vision and may eventually lead to blindness. While glaucoma patients retain their central vision, the peripheral field is essential to safe driving, and researchers from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Sendai, Japan, recently examined just how much of an affect the illness can have on an individual's driving ability.

For the study, the researchers had two groups of 36 people use driving simulators. The individuals in one group had normal vision, while those in the other were diagnosed with advanced glaucoma. Glaucoma drivers were found to be twice as likely to get into collisions as the other group.

"To help ensure everyone's safety on our roadways, we would like to create mandatory vision testing guidelines for glaucoma patients," said Dr. Shiho Kunimatsu-Sanuki, lead author of the study. "We now know that integrating the visual field test into the requirements for a driver's license could save lives."

It is important for people to take their health seriously, especially when it comes to how a certain condition may affect their ability to drive. Those who do not have to give up driving and are in need of a vehicle to get around can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of used makes and models at affordable pricing. Plus, every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so older drivers won't have to use all of their retirement savings to get behind the wheel of a safe and reliable vehicle.

TrueCar.com monitors the different trends of new car sales, including pricing, forecasting and fuel economy, and the most recent findings indicate not a lot has changed in terms of what buyers want when it comes to fuel usage. The average fuel efficiency of new cars sold in October was about 23.2 MPG, which remained unchanged from September and is up slightly from the same month in 2011 (22.2 MPG).

These findings indicate the direction car shopper leaning in any given month, and it looks as though smaller vehicles are proving to be healthy competition for larger, less fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs. TrueCar.com reports that this time of year typically sees an increase in the sale of larger vehicles, but many drivers are continuing to place emphasis on gas consumption.

"Unseasonably strong demand for small and gas-efficient vehicles balanced what would have otherwise been a drop in overall MPG due to large trucks showing some strength in the marketplace," said Jesse Toprak, senior analyst at TrueCar.com. "We anticipate a relative decline in TrueMPG for the rest of the year, as the larger SUVs and trucks claim a large market share with the weather conditions worsening and end-of-the-year deals creating attractive discounts for these segments."

While this report focuses on new cars, there are plenty of used options available for drivers looking to purchase previously-owned models. There are even alternative fuel options, such as the Toyota Prius, which has an electric as well as a gas-powered engine to reduce fuel consumption and help drivers save at the pump. New Jersey State Auto Auction features a wide selection of makes and models, so whether car shoppers are searching for fuel-efficient rides or they would prefer something bigger that may not get as many miles to the gallon, the dealer is sure to have something to suit their needs.

While it's obvious that driving drunk or texting behind the wheel are extremely dangerous for motorists, there are other behaviors that put them at risk of crashing that may not be as well-known but are just as risky. One such behavior is driving while drowsy, which can result in similar symptoms as drunk driving. A 2010 AAA Foundation study found that drowsy drivers were involved in as many as one in six fatal accidents.

While people across all age groups have admitted to getting behind the wheel when they were tired, younger drivers are more likely to engage in this risky driving behavior. In fact, recent research conducted by AAA found that approximately one in seven motorists between 16 and 24 have nodded off behind the wheel in the past year. When looking at all drivers, this rate dropped to one in 10.

"Research shows that fatigue impairs safe driving, with many symptoms causing drivers to behave in ways similar to those who are intoxicated," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "In preparation for the holiday driving season and with many young drivers heading home for Thanksgiving break, AAA is drawing attention to this often overlooked crash risk that is a serious threat to everyone's safety on the road."

Driving while tired can make it difficult to keep one's eyes open, and an individual may also drift into other lanes or off the road if they are struggling to stay awake while operating a vehicle. When you're sleepy behind the wheel, it can be easy for the mind to wander, which makes it difficult to pay attention to the road and signs.

In order to stay safe on the road, drivers should make sure to get plenty of rest before a long trip, bring a friend to take turns if possible and take breaks to stretch out or even nap. Getting a tuneup before a long drive can also reduce the risk of a crash, and the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can perform routine maintenance and address necessary repairs.

Just as the cost of used cars was beginning to drop from the high levels seen during the recession, the repercussions of Hurricane Sandy may drive them back up again. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the sheer amount of vehicles that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair during the storm could cause an increase of as much as 1.5 percent for vehicles that are up to 8 years old.

During the recession, people held onto their vehicles longer to save money, which not only stunted car sales, but it also depleted used inventory, as those who were buying looked toward the previously owned market for financial reasons. Some 1- to 3-year-old models were selling for more than their new counterparts for a while. In the past few years, demand for used vehicles has begun to ease, bringing down prices and creating a better market for buyers.

However, the devastation caused by the recent hurricane will likely hinder the improvements for a period of time, as evidenced by the repercussions the auto industry experienced following Katrina. After the 2005 storm rocked the Gulf region, used vehicle prices jumped up an average of 3 percent, or $309, for the four months following the hurricane.

"Current estimates for insured and total losses place Hurricane Sandy on average at about one-third of the cost of Hurricane Katrina," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with NADA Used Car Guide. "The destruction wrought by Hurricane Sandy was most severe in New York and New Jersey, and supply and demand disruptions will be especially severe in these states."

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey region who are in need of vehicles can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide variety of makes and models. While the average price of used vehicles is expected to rise, car shoppers may still be able to find a ride that fits their budget.