Toyota Ranks No. 1 in Corporate Loyalty

Corporate loyalty is a major factor in a brand's reputation and economic standing, and Experian recently found Toyota to be at the top of the list. The Japanese automaker surpassed both General Motors and Ford Motor Co. in the second quarter of 2012,  as its corporate loyalty climbed from 41.6 percent in the second quarter of 2011 to 47.3 percent. GM came in behind Toyota with 46.2 percent, barely edging out Ford's 46.0 percent. Hyundai and Honda rounded out the top five brands with 45.3 percent and 43.1 percent, respectively.

"Toyota has done an outstanding job of regaining customer trust and getting repeat customers into showrooms," said Jeffrey Anderson, director of consulting and analytics for Experian Automotive. "To restore normal operations and regain customer trust in such a short time following the earthquake and tsunami is a truly remarkable comeback."

Nearly every brand took a hit when it came to U.S. sales numbers in the wake of the recession, as many drivers put off purchasing vehicles. Toyota and other Japanese companies were hit even harder due to environmental disasters that affected manufacturing plants in Japan, but they have been recovering slowly. Specifically, Toyota's sales went from 3.2 million new and used models sold in Q2 of 2011 to 3.6 million in Q2 of 2012.

As more drivers buy new vehicles, this is leading to an increased number of used cars, making now a great time for car shoppers to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of vehicles, including popular Toyota models like the Camry, Corolla, Sienna and Tacoma. Plus, every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride when they come to NJ Auto Auction.

Aston Martin DB5 Voted Most Popular James Bond Car

James Bond is famous for his spy skills, ability to make women swoon and fancy cars. Over the years, Bond has driven a variety of vehicles in his movies, and Total Car Score recently set out to determine which of these supercars was the most popular among Bond fans. More than 900 Facebook users responded to the survey, and the results revealed the Aston Martin DB5 Bond drives in "Goldfinger" to be the favorite, with an impressive 55 percent of the vote. The DB5 stood against nine other Bond vehicles that span the movie series from the first film in 1964 to the recently released Quantum Solace.

"Based on the opinions of those we surveyed on Facebook, it seems the Aston Martin DB5 has everything that makes a Bon car a Bond car," said Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "Early vehicles, like Dr. No's Sunbeam Alpine, didn't diminish 007's image, yet the Aston Martin DB5 that debuted in Goldfinger set a new standard that has yet to be eclipsed. The DB5's sleek profile can stand on its own, but throw in oil jets, machine guns and an ejector seat and you're left with a Bond icon so powerful they've brought it back for the modern movies."

Aston Martin has been a major player in the Bond franchise over the years, and luxury car lovers and Bond fans alike can expect to see yet another one of these British rides in the upcoming film Skyfall. Daniel Craig, the latest Bond actor, will be driving the new Aston Martin Vanquish.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of their own memorable ride can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, including many luxurious vehicles.

Used car sales drop in price

Automakers have been making a greater push to ensure their vehicles last longer. A result of this good quality has led to the prices of used cars to skyrocket, because many people chose to hold onto their vehicles longer. This trend caused a short supply in the used auto industry, adding to the value of previously owned models.

However, people who are in the market for a used car can rest a bit easier, as analysts are suggesting that prices are beginning to climb down. The Detroit Free Press reports that because there is a greater supplier of recently traded in vehicles, auto dealers have been able to slightly lower their prices.

The news provider reports that a recent analysis from Adesa Analytical Services shows that prices are down 2.1 percent from the previous year. Midsize SUVs saw the largest drop in price, according to the news provider, decreasing by 11.2 percent. This could be due in part to more people turning toward fuel efficient options.

Still, the source points out that the market is still far from being back at the prices they were before the recession.

Even if you're paying a higher price for a used car, Edmunds.com suggests you could still be saving money. For example, a used vehicle is cheaper to insure and may still be under warranty.

People who are in the market for a used car and are looking for affordable prices may want to consider checking out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a number of used cars of all different price points, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

Car Companies Will Reduce Weight to Improve Fuel Economy

Gas prices have remained well above the $3 mark for quite some time, and it's safe to say the high cost of fuel is likely not going to change any time soon. This is the main reason so many drivers place fuel economy in their list of important features when shopping for a vehicle. The government is also pushing automakers to produce more efficient vehicles, and many brands are improving performance by reducing weight in addition to developing new technology and better parts.

Ford, for example, recently announced its engineers have developed a lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic hood for production cars. This composite material is not new, but it has mainly been used in racing and high-performance sports cars until now. This material reduces the weight of a hood by 50 percent, when compared to the traditional steel hoods used in most Ford cars.

"It's no secret that reducing a vehicle's weight can deliver major benefits for fuel consumption, but a process for fast and affordable production of carbon fiber automotive parts in large numbers has never been available," said Inga Wehmeyer, advanced materials and processes research engineer for Ford European Research Centre. "By partnering with materials experts through the Hightech.NRW research project, Ford is working to develop a solution that supports cost efficient manufacturing of carbon fiber components."

While automakers like Ford work to develop lightweight materials for future vehicles, drivers can take steps to improve the fuel economy of their current vehicles. Removing unnecessary items from a car can reduce its overall weight. They may also want to get a tuneup at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey Auto Auction. Getting regular maintenance and fluid changes can keep a car running well, so it gets the most of every drop of gas and helps drivers save at the pump.

Teen Passengers Encourage Risky Teen Driving

Teens are the least experienced drivers on the road, and a new AAA study found their behavior tends to get even more reckless and dangerous if there are other youths in the car with them. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times as likely to get in accidents as their older peers.

The study found they are also more likely to speed, drive late at night and engage in other risky behaviors behind the wheel when there are teen passengers in their vehicles. The risk increases when more passengers are present. For example, when a teen drives alone, there is a 30 percent chance they will speed. Those odds jump to 44 percent when two passengers are present, and 48 percent if there are three or more other people in the car.

"Mixing young drivers with teen passengers can have dangerous consequences," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "AAA urges parents to set and consistently enforce family rules that limit newly licensed teens from driving with young passengers."

New Jersey has laws in place to keep teen drivers safe, as licensed drivers under 18 are not allowed to travel with more than one non-family member at a given time. However, teens are not always known for their ability to follow the rules, so it is up to parents to ensure their kids are observing safe driving practices and obeying the laws.

Parents can also help their kids find a safe and reliable vehicle at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The local dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so they can rest easy knowing their child is behind the wheel of a trustworthy ride.

White, silver dominate the automotive lineup for the second consecutive year

When consumers are in the market for a vehicle purchase, many tend to look at the exterior. After all, that's what everyone in the outside world will see. However, while some people may prefer to stand out with flashy colors, it seems as though the majority are going for a more understated look.

According to the New York Daily News, a report from automotive paint supplier PPG Industries says that white and silver are the top auto colors across the globe and make up 42 percent of all the cars produced. Breaking this up, 22 percent of vehicles created were white, while silver was second overall with 20 percent.

This shouldn't come as a shock to many, as the news provider reports that white has dominated for the second year in a row while silver reigned supreme in 2010.

"Buyers want to purchase a color they won't grow tired of over an extended period of time," Michelle Killen, GM's lead color designer for exterior paints, told the news provider.

According to the Wall Street Journal, although the most popular colors have been monochrome, it appears brighter hues are on the rise.

"Color is one of the first characteristics noticed in product design, and it is increasingly being used in everyday items, from cell phones to large appliances, based largely on automotive trends," Jane Harrington, PPG manager of color styling for automotive, told the news provider.

People who are in the market for a vehicle may want to consider heading to New Jersey State Auto, where there are plenty of used vehicles in all kinds of colors.

Modern Cars Help Drivers Get Regular Maintenance On Time

It's not exactly a secret that cars need maintenance to continue running well as long as possible, and until pretty recently, most car owners had to keep track of tuneup schedules and mileage to know when to bring their vehicles to the shop for oil changes and other maintenance. However, technological advancements in recent years have led to cars that let their drivers know when it's time to visit the garage. Some models have offered this feature for many years, but now it is far more common across nearly all brands and trim levels.

"The advancements in modern maintenance reminder systems take the guesswork out of deciding when to take your vehicle in for service," said John Nielsen, AAA's Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "The challenge now is educating consumers to trust that their vehicle will alert them when maintenance is needed."

A recent AAA survey revealed that of the 63 percent of car owners who have a maintenance repair alert system in their vehicles, only 51 percent rely on this service to determine when to get a tuneup or other maintenance. Whether a car is a bit older and its maintenance alert system is limited to a check engine light on the dashboard or it is a newer model that offers more specific information, drivers should not ignore these warnings. Delaying service could lead to extensive problems that will cost more to repair.

Drivers who live in the New York/New Jersey area can bring their cars to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This auto maintenance shop is open to the public, and the car repair experts here can address maintenance issues as well as pinpoint any issues that need to be taken care of, so drivers can keep their cars on the road as long as possible.

Average fuel economy remains unchanged at 23.4 MPG

September proved to be another good month for car sales, as it seems as though more Americans are looking to trade in their current vehicle in exchange for a car with a better fuel economy. As gas prices continue to rise, more people are growing concerned with how much money they're paying at the pump. Because of this, automakers are improving their fuel economy to meet the needs of consumers.

According to TrueCar.com, the average fuel economy for a new car sold was 23.2 miles per gallon (MPG) in September, increasing from 22 MPG the previous year. The rate stayed the same from the previous month.

Jesse Toprak, the vice president of market intelligence for TrueCar.com reports that automakers such as General Motors, Toyota and Honda were all behind the surge, as last year saw a lot of consumers turning to small vehicles in order to increase their fuel economy.

Additionally, it seems as though American automakers are paying attention to this trend, as they averaged 21.2 MPG this September in comparison to 20.2 MPG from the previous year. It was the South Korean automakers that had the most to offer when it came to fuel economy. According to the news source, the average fuel economy from a South Korean automaker increased from 26.7 MPG to 27.5 MPG in a year's time.

Of course, people who want a better fuel economy do not always have to buy new. There are a number of used cars that are smaller and offer more miles to gallon than a person's current vehicle may offer. Individuals may want to consider heading to NJ Auto Auction to look at some of the used cars available and what kind of fuel economy they have.

Honda announces new recall of CR-Vs

Drivers with Honda CR-Vs may want to be paying close attention to their model year, as a new recall from the Japanese automaker could affect a lot of people. Christian Science Monitor reports more than 269,000 models from 2002 to 2006 are being recalled due to a problem with the master switch that controls the vehicle's windows.

The recall report, according to the news provider, says that liquids could seep into the door, reaching the power switch for the electrical windows. The problem could result in overheating and possibly even door fires.

Honda is aware of four fires thus far, none of which resulted in injuries, according to the news source. However, this is not the first time Honda has faced a recall for these models.

The New York Times reports a recall in September 2011 was announced for more than 80,000 CR-Vs from the 2006 model year. Additionally, the news provider reports that Honda as a brand has been experiencing a setback in the recall department in general.

At the beginning of the month, more than 1.1 million Hondas had been recalled for potential fire hazards since 2007. The numbers to push it over the edge came from a problem that could have affected more than 573,000 Accords. The issue stemmed from high temperatures in the engine that could cause the power-steering hose to wear down, potentially causing a leak.

Although the brand has been experiencing recalls on their newer models, Hondas are mostly known for their reliability and long life. People who are interested in purchasing a Honda or another reputable used car should look at NJ State Auto Auction, which offers a variety of used vehicles for great deals.

Fall is the Best Time to Prepare the Car for Winter

Fall is in full swing, and as temperatures continue to cool down, drivers should start thinking about preparing their rides for the icy cold months ahead. There are a few things every car owner should do to prepare for the changing of seasons, in order to help keep a vehicle running smoothly all year long. This ranges from getting a tuneup to changing the oil and waxing the exterior of the car.

"The winter driving season and harsh weather conditions can be particularly damaging to your vehicle, so it's important to start preparing your car against harmful elements in the fall before temperature really drop," said Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax. "Early preparation can allow for cars to perform better during the hazardous driving conditions and is an all-around safer practice."

Drivers can conduct some maintenance at home, such as waxing the exterior to protect it from the dirt, debris, salt and other deicing products used on the roads in the winter. They can also inspect the various hoses and tubes for signs of damage or leaks. Parking the car on a level, clean surface overnight and then checking underneath can alert drivers if any fluids are leaking from their cars. It is also a good idea to inspect the car battery connections. If there are signs of corrosion, cleaning this off can help reduce the risk of a dead battery.

It is also important for drivers to have their vehicles inspected by trained professionals. The experts at New jersey State Auto Auctions' Total Car Care Center can perform a routine checkup to look for any issues that need to be addressed. They can also help with changing the oil, which should be done every few thousand miles regardless of the season.

As long as the proper steps are taken to ensure a vehicle is running smoothly, drivers can reduce the risk of encountering problems this winter. In turn, this can help them stay safer when the roads get icy.