GM Announces Launch of Natural Gas-Powered Trucks

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Posted in General Auto News

In an effort to take advantage of the growing call for alternative fuels, General Motors is going to introduce a line of pickup trucks powered by natural gas. GM recently announced it will release bi-fuel versions of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, Fox News reports.

The most important detail about the innovative vehicles is that they give motorists the chance to drive wherever they want without having to worry about finding a fueling station that offers natural gas. As their default setting, the trucks will be powered by the natural gas, but if that tank runs out the engine will switch to gasoline. Drivers can also choose to switch to gasoline by themselves if they hit a button.

"Range anxiety is very real," Joyce Mattman, director of GM commercial product and specialty vehicles, told the news source. "We worked with the Chevy Volt team on that, and saw the same issues."

There are a number of advantages to powering cars, especially trucks, with natural gas. Perhaps most importantly, natural gas is cheaper than gasoline. This is an especially perscient issue right now, given that gas prices could surpass $4 per gallon in the very near future.

According to Fox, trucks powered by natural gas are also more environmentally friendly. Specifically, vehicles that use the fuel produce about 25 percent fewer carbon emissions than standard cars. Additionally, because about 98 percent of natural gas is produced in the United States it can help reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Though natural gas-powered vehicles are still uncommon, there are other ways to save money on gas. One such way is buying a fuel-efficient car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models there is something for everybody.

Chevy Volt is 2012 European Car of the Year

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Volt was recently named the 2012 European Car of the Year, adding yet another award to the list for the hybrid plug-in vehicle. It has also won the 2012 North American Car of the Year award, as well as accolades from Motor Trend, Automobile magazine and the Green Car Journal.

Leading automotive journalists from 23 European nations came together to determine the best newly-introduced vehicles on the market. They started with 35 different models, and narrowed the selection down to seven finalists. The judges scored each finalist in categories such as design, comfort, innovative technology, efficiency and performance.

The Volt and its European counterpart, known as the Opel Vauxhall Ampera, beat the runners up by a wide margin. The Volt and Ampera had scores of 330 points, while the Volkswagen Up! and the Ford Focus lagged behind with scores of 281 and 256, respectively.

"It is a proud moment for us and an honor to receive this award from Europe's leading jury of automotive journalists," said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe. "Our car demonstrates that electric driving can be fun and reliable without ever compromising the owner's  lifestyle."

The Volt is able to run on gasoline, but its electric battery is capable of powering the car for 35 miles in between charges. This means drivers can use the car to get around town or back and forth from work without ever using a drop of gasoline, but they have the option to switch over if they run out of juice on the road.

Since the award-winning Volt has only been on the market for little more than a year, drivers may not be able to find used models just yet. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of other choices for those looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car.

Used Car Prices Will Reflect Rising Gas Prices, CarGurus Projects

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

The cost of fuel continues to climb, and a recent CarGurus forecast indicates consumers can expect to see the price tags on fuel-efficient used cars start to rise as well.

According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the national average on Monday, March 5 is nearly $3.77 per gallon. In a few states such as California, Illinois and New York, the average fuel cost is between $3.87 and $4.38 per gallon. When the cost of fuel rises, many drivers consider trading in their current vehicles for models with better fuel economy. This surge drives up the prices of used cars, which could make it less economical to get a different car in the long run.

"Gas prices have proven a reliable indicator of where used car prices are headed, and consumers in the market for a fuel-efficient used car this year should be mindful of that correlation," said Langley Steinert, founder and CEO of CarGurus. "The best advice for shoppers is the get ahead of the cycle by buying soon, when they will find the best deals on small, fuel-efficient used cars. Alternatively, consumers should consider waiting until the fall and winter months when there is typically less price volatility in the used car marketplace."

Whether drivers are ready to buy now, or are just starting their search for a used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of fuel-efficient used vehicles, the dealer is sure to offer many choices for consumers, even those with less than perfect credit. Thanks to a partnership with Credit Acceptance Corporation, drivers can be approved for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.

Auto Loan Delinquencies Continue to Drop

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Posted in Auto Industry News

For the ninth consecutive quarter, the number of auto loan delinquencies decreased compared to the year before. In the final quarter of 2011, the rate fell to 0.46 percent from 0.59 percent in 2010 and this gives yet another reason to be optimistic about the improving economy.

Perhaps most encouraging was that there was no seasonal rise in delinquencies for the quarter, something that usually happens during the final few months of the year. TransUnion found this was just the third time in the last decade where this was not the case. Additionally, given that there has been a growth in the number of auto loans, the fact that there has not been an increase in delinquencies is also encouraging.

"Ending the year flat is particularly interesting, because the number of new auto loans coming onto the books has consistently increased since the end of the recession, a primary driver of which has been an expansion in lending to consumers in the subprime market,"  said Peter Turek, automotive vice president in TransUnion's financial services business unit.

Don't expect anything to change, TransUnion says. There is a considerable demand for both new and used cars, which will urge prospective buyers to make their loan payments on time. Additionally, with the economy expected to continue to improve over the coming years.

Anybody in the market for a used car but concerned that their checkered credit history will prevent them from doing so need look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, the dealer is able to offer guaranteed credit approval so you can drive away with a used car in no time.

Nissan May Revive Defunct Datsun Brand

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Posted in General Auto News

The Datsun brand name hasn't been around for more than 30 years, but it looks like Nissan may be bringing it back. The plan is in the very early stages but the manufacturer hopes to roll out new Datsuns by 2014 in an effort to provide inexpensive cars to emerging markets, Reuters reports.

Datsun was originally the name used by the company from when it was founded in the 30s until the early 80s. Around that time it assumed the name Nissan and has since  become the number two Japanese brand. Though Datsun may be coming back from the dead, it will not be doing so in the Untied States. They will likely first be introduced in Russia, Indonesia and India, selling for around $6,200, according to Reuters.

Although there has not been any confirmation on the exact timetable of the re-introduction, it could be a big step in helping Nissan compete with its two biggest threats – Toyota and Honda. Both those companies have a problem expanding into emerging markets because it's difficult for them to offer cheap vehicles without damaging brand reputation. However, Nissan may have circumvented the problem by having a different name attached to its cheaper cars.

The Datsun is certainly not the only older vehicle to be resurrected. In particular, Dodge is prepping a re-release of its Dart, which last hit the roads more than 40 years ago. Although it will share the same name of the classic vehicle, the new Dart will not offer many other similar features. The 2012 Dart is set for a spring release and will have a starting price of just under $16,000, Cars.com reports.

Whether you're looking for a used car for nostalgic purposes or simply to save money, New Jersey State Auto Auction has got you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

February Auto Sales Rise 16 Percent

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The good news for the country's auto industry keeps coming. Sales beat projections for the second month in a row in February and rose 16 percent, bringing the rate to its highest levels in more than four years, Reuters reports.

February growth brings the annual sales projections to about 15.1 million cars, which is at a significantly higher level than the beginning of the year when experts set the estimate at about 14 million.

Perhaps most encouraging was that the rise in sales was spurred by American manufacturers. General Motors, Chrysler and Ford all had significant gains in February, which can be chalked up in part to rising consumers confidence as the U.S. economy continues to rebound.

"That in itself is probably a big green-light indicator for consumers," TrueCar.com analyst Jesse Toprak told Reuters. "It's telling them it's OK to buy a car. You'll be fine."

Along with growing consumer confidence, the increase in sales may also be due to the fact that lenders are becoming more likely to give out auto loans. Although gas prices have been on the way up, the fact that loans are becoming more readily available has led to some people looking the other way, according to the news agency.

While some lenders have loosened their restrictions on approving loans, limitations were never an issue at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, NJ Auto is able to offer guaranteed credit approval, meaning that even if you have a checkered financial history you'll be driving away in a quality used car in no time.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

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Posted in How To

Few things can be more alarming to a driver than when their check engine light comes on. While it can be indicative of a very simple and easy-to-fix problem, other times it could be highlighting a serious, and costly, issue.

One of the most common reasons that your check engine light has turned on is an oxygen sensor that is not working properly. According to The Associated Press, the sensor is relatively important because it keeps an eye on how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust, which in turn keeps the car's computer up to speed on how much fuel is in the tank. If it's not working properly, the issue could take its toll on the vehicle's gas mileage.

Among the most serious issues that the light could be indicative of is a broken catalytic converter. This component is used to turn harmful gases into less damaging substances, and often uses expensive metals to do so. As a result, the average cost of repairing one can be around $2,000.

Though they may not be as serious as a broken catalytic converter, misfiring spark plugs are another significant problem that the check engine light could be warning you about. According to the AP, this malfunction might seem small but its effect can be felt everywhere from fuel economy to engine power, and may actually damage your catalytic converter in the long run.

The best way to avoid some of the most serious issues associated with the check engine light is to make sure you're on top of regular maintenance. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center provides the general public with a great resource to keep their cars running smoothly. With a stable of talented mechanics, the center offers everything from repair to general upkeep.

Ford Focus Electric Named America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric was recently named the most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle in America. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Focus Electric has a fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon equivalent in the city, edging out its biggest competitor, the Nissan Leaf. The new car can travel 76 miles on a single charge, which is just a bit better than the 73-mile range of the Leaf. It also recharges in half the time of the Japanese model.

The Focus has been offering great fuel economy for years, so an older model can be just right for drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used car. The 2009 model, for example, gets 35 MPGs on the highway, according to Edmunds.

This is just one of the many fuel-efficient vehicles offered by the American automaker. Ford hopes the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusions could be the most efficient hybrid and gas-powered mid-size sedans. This could make Ford's lineup one of the best in terns of fuel consumption.

"Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose," said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer for the Focus Electric. "The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency."

Whether drivers are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Focus, or they want to check out some other fuel-efficient cars, they should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of affordable, fuel-efficient models to choose from, and all their cars are CARFAX certified. 

Dealers Demand Fuel-Efficient Used Cars

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Posted in General Auto News

Fuel-efficient cars will save you money at the pump, but with rising gas prices people with smaller vehicles may find now is the time to trade them in. Used car dealers have found an increased demand for vehicles with a high fuel-economy, meaning they'll likely pay motorists top dollar for their fuel-sipping used car, NBC affiliate WMBF reports.

The market is already a good one for people looking to trade in their cars. There has been a shortage of used vehicles recently due to drivers holding on to their cars longer than before, and dealers are looking to add inventory one word possible. Plus, with gas prices approaching $4 across the country, they are even more eager to add a fuel-efficient rides to their fleet.

"Used vehicles still have good resale value right now because the market is demanding used cars, period, across the board, but fuel efficient cars as we trade them in right now are going to be worth more, and they're going to be worth more in the future," car dealer Greg Smith told the news channel.

Though having a fuel-efficient car will put you in a good place if you're looking to trade in, you should still take the time to make sure your car is as attractive as possible. There are easy steps, such as washing and cleaning both the exterior and interior, but you should also do some research on just how much your car is worth to ensure you get a good deal.

Whether your car has high or low gas mileage, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go to trade in your ride. Thanks to it being an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership, NJ Auto offers you a fair, accurate appraisal in no time.

You Better Beliebe It: Justin Gets a Fisker Karma

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Justin Bieber turned 18 on Thursday, and true to how he has acted since he started driving, he celebrated the occasion with a flashy new car. And not just any car, either. Bieber was given the much-coveted hybrid sports sedan, the Fisker Karma, People magazine reports.

The gift was from the teenage crooner's manager and was presented to him during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Despite his impressive cadre of autos, Bieber was shocked to be given such a rare car. Only a few people (Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Gore) are known to have one, and it is considered one of the most desirable rides in the world. That's not to say Bieber didn't deserve it – if you listen to his manager that is.

"You work really really hard," manager Scooter Braun told him, according to the publication. "I always yell at you, 'Don't get anything flashy!' You know, we're not about that. Be humble, be humble. And I kind of broke my own rule."

While this might be the crown of Bieber's burgeoning car collection, that's not to say he doesn't have some other impressive rides. In the fall, the "Baby" singer picked up an impressive Cadillac CTS that he had customized to resemble the Batmobile, according to Forbes.

Though you may not have the car collection of Bieber, that doesn't mean that taking care of your vehicles is any less important. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center  offers drivers an easy way to stay on top of their maintenance. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the Car Care center is the perfect place to go for everything from repairs to general upkeep.