Cellphones, other electronics cause as much as 25 percent of crashes

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Posted in Auto Industry News

It's no surprise that distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents, but just what's distracting drivers may come as somewhat of a shock. According to a recent report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 25 percent of crashes are caused by electronic devices.

According to Reuters, while distractions caused by talking and texting on cellphones is not too surprising, what the report found was that there was no evidence that proved that hands free devices lowered the risk. Additionally, texting was found to be a much larger factor in crashes than simply talking.

"While distracted driving is an emotional issue that raises the ire of many on the road, states must take a research-based approach to addressing the problem," GHSA Executive Director Barbar Harsha said in a statement. "Until more research is conducted, states need to proceed thoughtfully, methodically and objectively."

The report was complied after analyzing hundreds of papers on the subject that have been written since 2000. It also concluded that there should be a ban on cellphone use (hands-free or not) for inexperienced drivers. 

Auto industry showing promising signs, hiring more workers

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The auto industry was one of the hardest hit during the recession, but new signs indicate it may be back with a vengeance. According to The Associated Press, a number of manufacturers have opened new plants and are continuing to add jobs.

The news is especially encouraging given that the auto industry is hiring at a faster pace than other areas as well, including airline manufacturers and the healthcare sector. Specifically, Honda, Volkswagen and General Motors are all in the process of adding thousands of employees.

The boost in employment certainly comes from the boost in sales. According to the news provider, Americans are on pace to buy 13 million cars this year, which is up significantly from the 11.6 million they purchased in 2010.

"I really do believe that we are seeing a renaissance in the American automobile industry," economics expert James Brock told the AP.

Part of the boost is due to the creation of some new, more fuel-efficient models, most notably the much-anticipated Chevy Volt, which spurred the hiring of 2,500 at a Chevrolet plant in Detroit.

NADA releases top values for new cars

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Posted in General Auto News

Drivers are always on the lookout for the best deals, whether it is for repairs or gas prices, and the same goes for when they're looking for new cars as well. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) recently unveiled the best values when it comes to new vehicles.

Among those that were featured in the list was the 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited. This reliable car offers a luxurious look while still appealing to a large swath of consumers. Additionally, it made the list thanks, in large part, to its 23-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency and its 60,000-mile warranty.

Two Toyota vehicles made the list, the popular Tacoma pick-up and the SUV Venza. Both were included due to their low first-year depreciation rate (the Tacoma was 10 percent while the Venza was 12), and complementary Toyota Care maintenance and roadside assistance.

"Lower incentives and mixed economic news have stinted new car sales in recent months, but rest assured, there are deals currently available at local lots on some phenomenal vehicles and we have the list," said Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides.

Consumers looking to find a used vehicle at an affordable price will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which carries a wide variety of makes and models.

Consumers open 1.8 million new loans in March

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

The United States continues to emerge from the the recession, and there are promising signs that consumers may once again be ready and willing to purchase new and used cars. According to The Associated Press, a new study conducted by Equifax found that that auto loans rose by 20 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time period of 2010.

Among the findings, researchers noted that March was the biggest month for auto loans in quite some time. Consumers opened 1.8 million new loans, which is the biggest number in almost three years and even outdid the the 1.6 million loans that were taken out during the Obama Administration's Cash for Clunkers program in 2009.

Despite the increased opening of loans, the news source reports that sales grew modestly in June, likely an indication of apprehension over the unstable economy and relatively high gas prices. Still, the growth in loans demonstrates a boost in consumer confidence, and those who are thinking about taking out a loan may want to consider a few things first.

The most important thing to figure out is how expensive of a car you can afford. While it might be tempting to purchase that flashy sports car, especially since living outside one's means is one of the reasons the U.S. got in to the economic crisis it did, the better option may be to settle for a modest sedan.

Even still, many people may be unaware of what exactly their limits are when it comes to a loan. Experts suggest a simple mathematical equation to determine the ceiling. To start, figure out your maximum monthly payment, and then calculate out how many years you'll spend paying off the car. From there, multiply the years by 12 (to get the number of months). Then, multiply the monthly payment by the number of months to determine your total limit.

Of course, once you've figured out your maximum loan, your job is not over. Cars.com recommends shopping around as much as possible, as not all lenders are created equal. Specifically, make sure you compare interest rates of credit unions versus banks. You should also be sure to look into organizations that offer incentives like discounts for early payoffs, and be wary of ones who might charge you hidden fees.  

Manhattan: the most expensive place for parking

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Posted in General Auto News

As anybody who has had to drive through New York City can attest that it can certainly be a nightmare. However, results of a new study suggest that parking in the Big Apple might be even more troublesome.

New York City was recently named as the most expensive place to park in the United States, considerably ahead of the next closet competitors, USA Today reports. The median monthly rate in midtown Manhattan is $541 and in downtown Manhattan it is a little less costly – at $533 a month. For compression, Boston, which ranked third, was 19 percent less at $438, and the national rate was a modest $155.22 per month.

The study, which was conducted in June by Colliers International, found that for daily rates, midtown Manhattan still held down the top spot at $41 per day, with Honolulu, Hawaii, coming in second at $38.

"This year's parking rate survey reflects a moderately improving economy and better office leasing fundamentals," Ross Moore, Colliers International's chief economist said in a statement. "Despite these improvements, operators are still holding the line on parking rates."

John Dillinger’s car making the rounds

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

One of the most famous cars of the early 20th century is set to go on display at Richmond, Virginia, convention center. USA Today reports the getaway car of iconic gangster John Dillinger, the 1933 Essex Terraplane, is currently on the move across the country in honor of the 77th anniversary of his death.

The car is usually housed at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Washington, D.C., but it has since been making several stops, including the Baltimore airport. Dillinger is perhaps most famous for deftly eluding police during his legendary crime spree, eventually being killed by law enforcement in Chicago on July 22, 1934.

According to the publication, the car is valued at about $150,000 and is one of several famous getaway cars that have made their way into the annals of history, including the iconic Ford driven by Bonnie and Clyde in which they were gunned down after being cornered by police in 1934.

In fact, the news source reports that Clyde wrote Henry Ford himself to tell him what a reliable car he made, saying it was perfect for "sustained speed and freedom from trouble."

GM to offer year of free insurance to buyers in Washington, Oregon

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Posted in General Auto News

Car insurance is often one of the major costs of owning an automobile, but General Motors is hoping to change all that. According to CNN Money, the manufacturer is planning to provide a year's worth of insurance along with the purchase of one of its brand new vehicles.

The initiative, which expires on September 6, is currently limited to motorists in Washington and Oregon because GM has had trouble gaining traction in the two Pacific Northwest states. However, officials at the company say that there is the strong possibility that the program could make its way to other states across the country, if it is successful.

"We want to give residents of Oregon and Washington another reason to discover Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles," the U.S. vice president of GM Marketing said in a statement.

The move could be a good one for the manufacturer as it looks to build on a positive year in terms of sales. According to CNN, its sales are up 11 percent over this period last year. Furthermore, there has been indicators that auto insurance rates have risen considerably in many states across the country.

Ohio, Missouri the best states for affordable car repairs

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Posted in General Auto News

CarMD.com recently unveiled its first annual Vehicle Health Index report, which highlights the best places to receive automotive repairs, and the results paint a nice picture for Missouri drivers. The study found that the Show-Me State had one of the lowest average "check engine" repair costs, being beat only by Washington, D.C.

The report revealed that Missouri mechanics charged an average of $297.27 for parts and labor, which is significantly less than the national average of roughly $356, and an impressive 29 percent lower than Arizona, which was the most expensive state on the list at more than $421. Ohio, Wisconsin and Nebraska rounded out the top five most affordable.

"We are releasing this data to empower consumers and technicians with a better understanding of common repairs and costs, and to call attention to the fact that, regardless of region, drivers who follow a regularly scheduled maintenance program and address small problems early tend to have reduced fuel bills and repair costs," said Art Jacobsen, vice president of CarMD.com

In 2010, the most frequently reported issue was replacing the oxygen sensor, making up about 9.3 percent of all repairs. 

Scion, Mitsubishi most popular among young drivers, study shows

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Posted in Auto Brands News

New research about the car buying habits of the youngest driving demographic reveals some interesting findings about which cars they prefer. Surveyors found that Scion and Mitsubishi are far and away the most popular brands for youthful drivers.

The study, which was conducted by TrueCar.com, analyzed the buying habits of four million individuals between the ages of 18 and 27. What they found was that, of those who purchased a Scion, 21.2 percent fell in that particular demographic, while 20.3 percent of Mitsuibishi purchasers were of that age. Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen rounded out the top five.

Analyst Jesse Toprak believes that other automakers should take heed of the findings, as attracting young buyers is crucial.

"Generation Y buyers are very important to automakers because they help set trends from popularizing social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter or technologies such as the iPhone and iPod," he said. "It's also important for an automaker to get a young buyer into their vehicle from the beginning in hopes of continued loyalty to the brand."

Young buyers looking for an affordable used car, whether it be a Scion, Honda or Toyota will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction.

New York man to reach 3 million miles in one car

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Getting one's car to travel 200,000 miles without incident is certainly impressive, and anything above that will make even the thriftiest drivers smile. However, one man from East Patchogue, New York may have put all other motorists to shame in terms of longevity.

Irv Gordon's 1966 Volvo P1800 has traveled nearly 3 million miles throughout its 45-year lifespan, and it shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. The key to its longevity lies in Gordon's commitment to maintenance, he says, and he even put 1,500 miles on the car within two days of purchasing it.

Gordon surpassed the 500,000 mile mark by the time the car was 10 years old, and he hopes to keep going and breaking the world record he already holds.

"Recently, my P1800 has been through some terrible weather, and never complained once," he said. "What a great automobile! Hitting 2.9 million miles is a true testament to Volvo and those who designed it."

As Gordon proves, Volvo has a long history of reliable vehicles, and New Jersey Auto Auction carries a wide variety of makes and models to suit the needs of any driver.