Many U.S. Drivers 'Under Pressure'
WASHINGTON, April 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. drivers are less attentive to their tires than a year ago, according to a nationwide survey. Just over 50 percent of drivers say they have checked their tire pressure within the past month compared to 70 percent last year at a time when fuel prices peaked.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) urges motorist to check tire pressure each month to promote vehicle safety, improve fuel efficiency and maximize tire longevity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that low tire pressure-related crashes are to blame for 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries every year. NHTSA estimates that about one in four cars and one in three light trucks has at least one significantly under inflated tire.
"Low tire pressure is a safety concern," said Donald B. Shea, RMA President and CEO. "Our most recent survey suggests that when gas prices began to drop last fall, so did drivers' attention to their tires. Motorists need to understand that tire pressure is more than just saving a couple of dollars at the pump."
Driver complacency may grow as mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) begin to be installed in vehicles. In 2008, all new cars will be equipped with a TPMS that will alert drivers when tire pressure drops 25 percent. Survey results indicate that more than two-thirds of drivers said that they would be less concerned with regular tire maintenance if their vehicle were equipped with TPMS.
"Tire pressure monitors are not a replacement for using a tire gauge every month," said Shea. "Since tire pressure monitors only issue a warning after a significant drop in tire pressure, motorists are risking tire damage by ignoring regular maintenance."
An RMA nationwide survey conducted in February found:
-- Only 55 percent of drivers say they have checked tire pressure within the past month compared to 70 percent last year when fuel prices peaked.
-- A total of 40% of drivers said that if their vehicle were equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, they would either never check tire pressure (16%) or would only check tire pressure if they saw the dashboard warning light (24%).
-- Nearly seven in ten drivers wash their vehicle every month but barely more than half check tire pressure monthly.
-- 45 percent of drivers wrongly believe that the correct inflation pressure is printed on the tire sidewall. Another 15 percent do not know where to find the correct pressure.
-- 26 percent of drivers wrongly believe that the best time to check their tires is when they are warm after being driven for at least a few miles.
-- 63 percent of motorists cite checking tire pressure as a top fuel saving tip. (2006 survey)
These alarming statistics are a critical reason why RMA is sponsoring the sixth annual National Tire Safety Week, which runs April 22 - 28. National Tire Safety Week is an initiative of RMA's "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program to educate motorists about the importance of proper tire care and promote a safer driving experience. PART stands for pressure, alignment, rotation and tread, the four key elements of tire care.
More than 17,000 tire dealers, auto dealers, AAA clubs and others throughout the country will make RMA tire care information brochures available to consumers during National Tire Safety Week. Additionally, most tire retail locations provide free tire pressure services to motorists throughout the year.
Partners in the Be Tire Smart program include tire retailers, auto dealers, safety advocates and state government agencies. Among the list of Be Tire Smart partners are: AAA, American Car Care Centers, Big 10 Tires, Belle Tire, Big O Tires, Discount Tire Co., Firestone Complete Auto Care, Goodyear Auto Service Centers, Just Tires, Kaufman Tire, Les Schwab, Merchant's Tire, National Tire and Battery (NTB), National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), Northwest Tire, Peerless Tires, Pep Boys, ProCare Automotive Services, Sears Automotive Centers, STS Tire and Auto Centers, Sullivan Tires, Tire Factory, Tire Kingdom, Tires Plus, Town Fair Tires, VIP Parts, Tires and Service, Wal-Mart/Sam's Club and many others.
More information about the "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program and National Tire Safety Week can be found at:
http://www.betiresmart.org/
The Be Tire Smart program is funded by RMA's tire manufacturer members: Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., Continental Tire North America, Inc., Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Michelin North America, Pirelli North America, Inc., Toyo Tire North America and Yokohama Tire Corporation.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for the rubber products industry. Its members include more than 80 companies that manufacture various rubber products, including tires, hoses, belts, seals, molded goods, and other finished rubber products. RMA members employ over 120,000 workers and account for more than $21 billion in annual sales.
Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association
Showing posts with label Car Consumer Info. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car Consumer Info. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Penske Used Truck Web Site Has New Look
READING, Pa., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Penske Truck Leasing has introduced an enhanced commercial vehicle resale Web site with improved functionalities, including easier navigation and more information.
Among the site improvements to enhance a vast inventory, based on customer feedback: online assistance, expanded vehicle maintenance and safety information, more details on pre-2007 engines, customer testimonials, and step-by-step buying instructions.
"We have an excellent reputation among our customers across the U.S. and our used vehicles are in high demand," said Jack Mitchell, Vice President - Remarketing, Penske Truck Leasing. "This site offers an improved look and feel, with better navigation tools. We have also simplified the entire buying process for our customers."
Penske is among the top commercial vehicle resellers in the United States. Last year, it sold more than 30,000 used trucks, tractors and trailers, primarily to wholesalers, original equipment manufacturers, and corporate fleets.
Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P., headquartered in Reading, Pa., is a joint venture of Penske Corporation and General Electric. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske operates more than 200,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,000 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, transportation and warehousing management, and supply chain management solutions.
Penske Truck Leasing's enhanced commercial vehicle resale Web site: http://www.penskeusedtrucks.com/
Visit http://www.gopenske.com/ to learn more about the company and its products and services.
Source: Penske Truck Leasing
Among the site improvements to enhance a vast inventory, based on customer feedback: online assistance, expanded vehicle maintenance and safety information, more details on pre-2007 engines, customer testimonials, and step-by-step buying instructions.
"We have an excellent reputation among our customers across the U.S. and our used vehicles are in high demand," said Jack Mitchell, Vice President - Remarketing, Penske Truck Leasing. "This site offers an improved look and feel, with better navigation tools. We have also simplified the entire buying process for our customers."
Penske is among the top commercial vehicle resellers in the United States. Last year, it sold more than 30,000 used trucks, tractors and trailers, primarily to wholesalers, original equipment manufacturers, and corporate fleets.
Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P., headquartered in Reading, Pa., is a joint venture of Penske Corporation and General Electric. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske operates more than 200,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,000 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, transportation and warehousing management, and supply chain management solutions.
Penske Truck Leasing's enhanced commercial vehicle resale Web site: http://www.penskeusedtrucks.com/
Visit http://www.gopenske.com/ to learn more about the company and its products and services.
Source: Penske Truck Leasing
Monday, April 23, 2007
Diesel Technology Viewed as Part of Environment, Emissions Solution
Survey Shows 79% of Californians Concerned about Energy Security
A significant majority of Californians are concerned about climate change and the state’s reliance on imported energy, and they view clean diesel technology a positive solution to both problems, according to the results of a public opinion poll released today.
Most Californians believe their personal vehicle is a contributor to climate change, they want the government to have a fuel-neutral approach to all technologies when looking for solutions to environmental challenges, and they believe state state’s air quality has improved or remained the same over the past 20 years, the poll shows.
The public opinion survey was conducted April 12-14 by David Binder Research of San Francisco. The survey had a sample size of 500 voters and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percent.
The survey was sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), a non-profit public education and outreach organization made up of diesel vehicle and engine makers, components manufacturers and fuel providers. The DTF, based in Frederick, Md., released the survey results today as part of its Clean Diesel Technology Tour, the largest gathering ever of clean diesel executives, vehicles and technologies, at the Sacramento Convention Center.
“These survey findings underscore the role in California of clean diesel as a competitive technology for goods movement, personal transportation and near-term solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges,” said DTF Executive Director Allen Schaeffer.
Some 79 percent of California voters are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” that California continues to import an increasing percentage of its energy, while 63 percent are very or somewhat concerned about climate change, .
When asked, “Do you think your personal vehicle has any impact on the earth’s climate,” 60 percent of respondents said yes, 33 percent or survey respondents said no, and 7 percent didn’t know or declined to answer.
The survey asked respondents to choose what type of vehicle they would purchase to show their concern for the environment. Some 60 percent of Californians said they would choose a hybrid-electric vehicle over a clean diesel vehicle (29 percent) – “both of which had the same fuel economy and emissions output.”
However, those percentages changed when respondents were asked if they knew the clean diesel option was “up to $2,000 less expensive than the hybrid electric option, and both options had comparable emissions and fuel economy.” In that case, 54 percent said they would choose a clean diesel vehicle over a hybrid electric vehicle (38 percent).
Schaeffer said the survey results added statistical support for what most in the diesel industry suspected. “Californians recognize the key role diesel technology plays in the state’s goods movement and farm and construction industries, but they surprised us somewhat in their recognition of diesel passenger cars,” Schaeffer said.
“We know clean diesel vehicles get up to 40 percent better fuel economy than comparable gasoline vehicles. And we know clean diesel vehicle emissions technology is making them as clean as gasoline vehicles,” Schaeffer said.
“What we wanted to know is: If a clean diesel is cost-competitive or superior to a hybrid vehicle, would consumers be likely to choose a clean diesel? How much does the price of the technology affect the market competition between both platforms,” he said.
“Now we know that consumers are likely to choose a clean diesel vehicle over a hybrid electric once they compare fuel economy, emissions and price. This suggests to us that consumers recognize other fuel efficient technologies and are receptive to them,” Schaeffer said.
Automakers are set to begin introducing clean diesel passenger vehicles in during the 2008 model year.
Other significant findings of the research include:
* Some 65 percent of Californians believe the state’s air quality has improved or remained the same during the past 20 years, while only 9 percent believe it has gotten worse.
* Asked if government policies to reduce energy consumption and air pollution should favor certain technologies, or let technology improvements meet specific standards, 64 percent favored results-driven public policy while 27 percent favored government picking favored technologies.
* On a related question, 69 percent of respondents said government should not choose between compressed natural gas or clean diesel powered large vehicles if both technologies comparably reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
* Asked “which do you think is the most likely way that climate change will be addressed,” 28 percent said “new technologies driven by consumer demand,” 20 percent said “new laws and regulations,” 12 percent said “individual action,” and 32 percent said “a combination of each.”
* When people think of “diesel,” 61 percent think of heavy-duty trucks, 16 percent think of passenger vehicles, and 8 percent think of off-road equipment like tractors.
“We commissioned this poll because the diesel industry is committed to helping find technology solutions to California’s pressing concerns,” Schaeffer said. “We’re trying to measure a baseline of knowledge about clean diesel technology among the state’s residents and how that baseline shifts when people are given more information. These results provide us with a great measure of hope.”
###
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the progress and potential of diesel technology in all applications. It represents the leaders of the diesel industry including engine and equipment makers, key component manufacturers, fuel producers and emissions control technology manufacturers. The Forum brings together a broad range of diesel stakeholders including diesel users, public & environmental interest groups, and government regulators to encourage the exchange of information, findings and ideas about the current and future use of diesel technology.
For more information about the Forum visit our web site at www.dieselforum.org
Source: Diesel Technology Forum
A significant majority of Californians are concerned about climate change and the state’s reliance on imported energy, and they view clean diesel technology a positive solution to both problems, according to the results of a public opinion poll released today.
Most Californians believe their personal vehicle is a contributor to climate change, they want the government to have a fuel-neutral approach to all technologies when looking for solutions to environmental challenges, and they believe state state’s air quality has improved or remained the same over the past 20 years, the poll shows.
The public opinion survey was conducted April 12-14 by David Binder Research of San Francisco. The survey had a sample size of 500 voters and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percent.
The survey was sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), a non-profit public education and outreach organization made up of diesel vehicle and engine makers, components manufacturers and fuel providers. The DTF, based in Frederick, Md., released the survey results today as part of its Clean Diesel Technology Tour, the largest gathering ever of clean diesel executives, vehicles and technologies, at the Sacramento Convention Center.
“These survey findings underscore the role in California of clean diesel as a competitive technology for goods movement, personal transportation and near-term solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges,” said DTF Executive Director Allen Schaeffer.
Some 79 percent of California voters are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” that California continues to import an increasing percentage of its energy, while 63 percent are very or somewhat concerned about climate change, .
When asked, “Do you think your personal vehicle has any impact on the earth’s climate,” 60 percent of respondents said yes, 33 percent or survey respondents said no, and 7 percent didn’t know or declined to answer.
The survey asked respondents to choose what type of vehicle they would purchase to show their concern for the environment. Some 60 percent of Californians said they would choose a hybrid-electric vehicle over a clean diesel vehicle (29 percent) – “both of which had the same fuel economy and emissions output.”
However, those percentages changed when respondents were asked if they knew the clean diesel option was “up to $2,000 less expensive than the hybrid electric option, and both options had comparable emissions and fuel economy.” In that case, 54 percent said they would choose a clean diesel vehicle over a hybrid electric vehicle (38 percent).
Schaeffer said the survey results added statistical support for what most in the diesel industry suspected. “Californians recognize the key role diesel technology plays in the state’s goods movement and farm and construction industries, but they surprised us somewhat in their recognition of diesel passenger cars,” Schaeffer said.
“We know clean diesel vehicles get up to 40 percent better fuel economy than comparable gasoline vehicles. And we know clean diesel vehicle emissions technology is making them as clean as gasoline vehicles,” Schaeffer said.
“What we wanted to know is: If a clean diesel is cost-competitive or superior to a hybrid vehicle, would consumers be likely to choose a clean diesel? How much does the price of the technology affect the market competition between both platforms,” he said.
“Now we know that consumers are likely to choose a clean diesel vehicle over a hybrid electric once they compare fuel economy, emissions and price. This suggests to us that consumers recognize other fuel efficient technologies and are receptive to them,” Schaeffer said.
Automakers are set to begin introducing clean diesel passenger vehicles in during the 2008 model year.
Other significant findings of the research include:
* Some 65 percent of Californians believe the state’s air quality has improved or remained the same during the past 20 years, while only 9 percent believe it has gotten worse.
* Asked if government policies to reduce energy consumption and air pollution should favor certain technologies, or let technology improvements meet specific standards, 64 percent favored results-driven public policy while 27 percent favored government picking favored technologies.
* On a related question, 69 percent of respondents said government should not choose between compressed natural gas or clean diesel powered large vehicles if both technologies comparably reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
* Asked “which do you think is the most likely way that climate change will be addressed,” 28 percent said “new technologies driven by consumer demand,” 20 percent said “new laws and regulations,” 12 percent said “individual action,” and 32 percent said “a combination of each.”
* When people think of “diesel,” 61 percent think of heavy-duty trucks, 16 percent think of passenger vehicles, and 8 percent think of off-road equipment like tractors.
“We commissioned this poll because the diesel industry is committed to helping find technology solutions to California’s pressing concerns,” Schaeffer said. “We’re trying to measure a baseline of knowledge about clean diesel technology among the state’s residents and how that baseline shifts when people are given more information. These results provide us with a great measure of hope.”
###
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the progress and potential of diesel technology in all applications. It represents the leaders of the diesel industry including engine and equipment makers, key component manufacturers, fuel producers and emissions control technology manufacturers. The Forum brings together a broad range of diesel stakeholders including diesel users, public & environmental interest groups, and government regulators to encourage the exchange of information, findings and ideas about the current and future use of diesel technology.
For more information about the Forum visit our web site at www.dieselforum.org
Source: Diesel Technology Forum
High School Duos De-Bug Cars at 2007 Ford AAA Event in Michigan
Pairs of students from nine Michigan high schools will work to diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical "bugs" deliberately placed on new Ford automobiles by Ford engineers. The 19 young men and first-ever female participant in Michigan will work with their partners competing for scholarships and automotive merchandise. The winners will represent Michigan in the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals on June 26 at Ford Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan -- the birthplace of the auto industry.
WHAT: Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Michigan Contest
WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 / 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Macomb Community College Expo Center
14500 East Twelve Mile Road
Warren, Mich.
Source: AAA Michigan
WHAT: Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Michigan Contest
WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 / 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Macomb Community College Expo Center
14500 East Twelve Mile Road
Warren, Mich.
Source: AAA Michigan
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Women, Use Your Five Senses for Vehicle Maintenance
GRAND BLANC, MICH., 2007-04-16 — Mothers teach their children that the five senses – hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch – are important for learning about the world around them. These same senses can also help moms – and women in general – with vehicle maintenance
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), women now represent 65 percent of the customers who take their vehicles in for service and repair. Women also influence more than 89 percent of vehicle service purchase decisions, and oversee the spending of more than $300 billion annually on used vehicles, maintenance, service and repair.
Because more women than ever are not only buying their own cars, but taking care of their families’ vehicles as well, what can women do to make more informed choices regarding their vehicle service?
Lea George, marketing analyst for ACDelco, a global leader in automotive replacement parts and services, urges women to use their various senses to help detect problems with their vehicles. This includes: Feeling or sensing any vibrations, lurching or shimmying while driving; smelling gasoline or coolant; looking at the floor of the garage for any fluid leaks emanating from the vehicle; and listening for squeaks, clunks, hisses and other abnormal sounds and noting from where they are coming.
“The more knowledgeable the customer, the more accurately she can describe what is wrong with the vehicle,” George says. “That helps the service writer draft a more specific work order, which enables the technician to zero in on that problem and increases the chances he will fix the vehicle right the first time.”
George adds the following tips for vehicle owners to further assist service consultants and technicians, and to help better their service center experience:
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com
Genuine GM Parts and accessories are sold under the GM, GM Performance Parts, GM Goodwrench and ACDelco brands through GM Service and Parts Operations, which supplies GM dealerships and distributors worldwide. GM engines and transmissions are marketed through GM Powertrain.
Source: GM
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), women now represent 65 percent of the customers who take their vehicles in for service and repair. Women also influence more than 89 percent of vehicle service purchase decisions, and oversee the spending of more than $300 billion annually on used vehicles, maintenance, service and repair.
Because more women than ever are not only buying their own cars, but taking care of their families’ vehicles as well, what can women do to make more informed choices regarding their vehicle service?
Lea George, marketing analyst for ACDelco, a global leader in automotive replacement parts and services, urges women to use their various senses to help detect problems with their vehicles. This includes: Feeling or sensing any vibrations, lurching or shimmying while driving; smelling gasoline or coolant; looking at the floor of the garage for any fluid leaks emanating from the vehicle; and listening for squeaks, clunks, hisses and other abnormal sounds and noting from where they are coming.
“The more knowledgeable the customer, the more accurately she can describe what is wrong with the vehicle,” George says. “That helps the service writer draft a more specific work order, which enables the technician to zero in on that problem and increases the chances he will fix the vehicle right the first time.”
George adds the following tips for vehicle owners to further assist service consultants and technicians, and to help better their service center experience:
- * Write down the symptoms. Take detailed notes on any problems, and include if the condition is weather-related or if the engine was warm or cold. These written clues will help allow the technician to understand intermittent problems.
- * Describe, don’t diagnose. Similar to going to the doctor, you want to relate the symptoms but you wouldn’t prescribe treatment.
- * Tape notes to the steering wheel. The service writer to whom you describe the problems may not be the technician who actually works on your vehicle. But whoever does will likely sit in the driver’s seat at some point.
- * Understand the service performed. After the diagnosis, expect to receive a thorough explanation of the maintenance or repairs performed on your vehicle. Be sure to get a hard copy of a signed estimate for parts and labor so there are no surprises at vehicle pick up time.
- * Look into purchasing a vehicle service contract. It can provide coverage for your vehicle in the event of mechanical failure beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com
Genuine GM Parts and accessories are sold under the GM, GM Performance Parts, GM Goodwrench and ACDelco brands through GM Service and Parts Operations, which supplies GM dealerships and distributors worldwide. GM engines and transmissions are marketed through GM Powertrain.
Source: GM
Monday, April 16, 2007
Kbb.com Launches New 'Perfect Car Finder' and Vehicle Comparison Tools
Enhanced Features Launched to Help Vehicle Shoppers Find Their Next Vehicle
IRVINE, Calif., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Kelley Blue Book and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, nearly 80 percent of shoppers who visit kbb.com have not yet decided on which model they plan to purchase and less than half know which make they are interested in. With an ever-growing need among vehicle researchers for help in sifting through hundreds of vehicles available today, kbb.com has launched two enhanced online shopping and decision tools to assist car buyers early in their shopping process.
The first of these enhanced tools is Kelley Blue Book's 'Perfect Car Finder(R),' which lets consumers search through more than 400 new vehicles and more than 1,100 trim levels of those vehicles by the features and optional equipment that matter most to shoppers. The second is an all-new comparison tool allowing consumers to view an all-encompassing side-by-side comparison of vehicles.
Kelley Blue Book's Perfect Car Finder, found under the 'New Car' tab on the home page, has two ways to search. Shoppers can perform a Basic Search, where shoppers can search by price, manufacturer, seating capacity, fuel economy and vehicle size. In the Advanced Search, consumers can narrow their search, sorting vehicles by such criteria as vehicles with available incentives, interior and exterior features like available navigation, folding rear seats and DVD entertainment systems or luggage racks and privacy glass. Shoppers with a little knowledge of what's under the hood can also review vehicles by engine type, engine size, horsepower and torque.
Once a search is complete, with a click-of-the-mouse the Perfect Car Finder can arrange chosen cars into a side-by-side comparison that includes manufacturer suggested retail prices, available incentives and New Car Blue Book(R) values, or what a new vehicle is actually selling for this week. The side-by-side comparison will then display everything from available features and options to technical specifications, safety data and reviews and ratings. For those shoppers not quite sure what they are shopping for, the comparison tool will suggest similar vehicles that match what a consumer is researching.
"With the proliferation of new models on the market, and more than 400 vehicles to choose from, consumers need a service allowing them to better narrow their search and compare vehicles they may or may not know even exist," said Tim Nelson, vice president of consumer product strategy and management, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "With so many undecided shoppers visiting kbb.com, these new tools will help consumers find the right vehicle for their lifestyle and their budget."
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
IRVINE, Calif., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Kelley Blue Book and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, nearly 80 percent of shoppers who visit kbb.com have not yet decided on which model they plan to purchase and less than half know which make they are interested in. With an ever-growing need among vehicle researchers for help in sifting through hundreds of vehicles available today, kbb.com has launched two enhanced online shopping and decision tools to assist car buyers early in their shopping process.
The first of these enhanced tools is Kelley Blue Book's 'Perfect Car Finder(R),' which lets consumers search through more than 400 new vehicles and more than 1,100 trim levels of those vehicles by the features and optional equipment that matter most to shoppers. The second is an all-new comparison tool allowing consumers to view an all-encompassing side-by-side comparison of vehicles.
Kelley Blue Book's Perfect Car Finder, found under the 'New Car' tab on the home page, has two ways to search. Shoppers can perform a Basic Search, where shoppers can search by price, manufacturer, seating capacity, fuel economy and vehicle size. In the Advanced Search, consumers can narrow their search, sorting vehicles by such criteria as vehicles with available incentives, interior and exterior features like available navigation, folding rear seats and DVD entertainment systems or luggage racks and privacy glass. Shoppers with a little knowledge of what's under the hood can also review vehicles by engine type, engine size, horsepower and torque.
Once a search is complete, with a click-of-the-mouse the Perfect Car Finder can arrange chosen cars into a side-by-side comparison that includes manufacturer suggested retail prices, available incentives and New Car Blue Book(R) values, or what a new vehicle is actually selling for this week. The side-by-side comparison will then display everything from available features and options to technical specifications, safety data and reviews and ratings. For those shoppers not quite sure what they are shopping for, the comparison tool will suggest similar vehicles that match what a consumer is researching.
"With the proliferation of new models on the market, and more than 400 vehicles to choose from, consumers need a service allowing them to better narrow their search and compare vehicles they may or may not know even exist," said Tim Nelson, vice president of consumer product strategy and management, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "With so many undecided shoppers visiting kbb.com, these new tools will help consumers find the right vehicle for their lifestyle and their budget."
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Hybrid Cars Not the Answer, Online Auto Consumers Say
Consumers speak their opinion on CarGurus.com - want better gas mileage but majority not willing to buy hybrid cars.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- CarGurus.com, a leading online automotive community, today announced the results of a survey of more than 500 online automotive consumers. Between February and March, 2007, visitors to http://www.cargurus.com/ were asked if their next car would be a hybrid. The majority of respondents -- 80% -- said their next car would NOT be a hybrid.
While these survey results measure consumer purchase intent, market data indicates that when it comes time to actually buying a car the number of consumers purchasing hybrids is even lower. According to nationwide auto registration data recently compiled by R.L. Polk & Co., overall, the hybrid category in 2006 reflected just over 1.5 percent of all new vehicle registrations in the U.S.
Is Performance an Issue for Hybrids?
What could be some of the reasons holding consumers back from buying hybrids? As seen in CarGurus' previous online survey (January 2007), consumers are quite concerned about gas mileage but are equally focused on performance. The top two reasons consumers cited in this January survey for buying their next car (tied for first place) were better gas mileage but also better performance. Hybrid cars do deliver better gas mileage (the 2007 Toyota Prius gets 55 Miles per gallon) but are not really known for their performance characteristics (the 2007 Prius delivers a 0-60 time of only 10 seconds).
A number of car manufacturers, however, are working on Hybrid performance cars. Lexus produces the 450h with a 340 horsepower engine, 0-60mph times of 5.2 seconds and gas mileage of over 26 miles per gallon. Compared to an equivalent BMW 5 series the Lexus 450H gets 23% better gas mileage at about the same level of performance.
Alternatives to Hybrid Cars
Besides these newer performance-focused hybrids, there are other alternatives for consumers looking for better mileage and performance. Pure electric cars are being developed by companies such as Tesla Motors that get the equivalent of over 135 Miles per gallon with the performance of an exotic sports car (0-60 mph in 4 seconds). That's 2.5X better mileage AND 60% better acceleration than a Toyota Prius.
"Automotive consumers want it all -- performance and fuel efficiency, and are clearly not willing to make the tradeoff that's inherent with hybrids," said Simon Rothman, Former Worldwide VP of eBay Motors and Board member at Tesla Motors and CarGurus LLC. "The current generation of hybrids may deliver relatively better gas mileage but don't deliver on performance, and can't justify their more expensive price tag. Electric cars make a lot more sense in terms of mileage, performance, and cost, as well as being a safer alternative for the environment."
"In our January survey, consumers told us they wanted both better gas mileage and performance in their next car purchase. This month's survey shows that the overwhelming majority of online automotive consumers feel that hybrid cars are not a viable purchase option," said Langley Steinert, Founder and CEO of CarGurus. "One can assume that the lack of performance in today's hybrids is what is holding consumers back. Going forward consumers are going to push manufacturers to build cars that deliver on both of these product dimensions."
Survey Methodology
From February to March, 2007, CarGurus ran an online survey on its site http://www.cargurus.com/ . 505 respondents completed the survey and were asked the question of whether their next car would be a hybrid and asked to vote (yes) or (no).
Survey Results:
Question: Will your next car be a hybrid?
Answer: No: 405 (80.0%)
Answer: Yes 100 (20.0%)
About CarGurus.com
Located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA, CarGurus LLC is a leading online automotive community founded by Langley Steinert, formerly chairman and co- founder of TripAdvisor LLC. CarGurus' founders, board, and investors bring a wealth of experience from such leading web companies as TripAdvisor, eBay, Expedia, and Yahoo.
For more information about CarGurus visit us at http://www.cargurus.com/ .
Source: CarGurus LLC
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- CarGurus.com, a leading online automotive community, today announced the results of a survey of more than 500 online automotive consumers. Between February and March, 2007, visitors to http://www.cargurus.com/ were asked if their next car would be a hybrid. The majority of respondents -- 80% -- said their next car would NOT be a hybrid.
While these survey results measure consumer purchase intent, market data indicates that when it comes time to actually buying a car the number of consumers purchasing hybrids is even lower. According to nationwide auto registration data recently compiled by R.L. Polk & Co., overall, the hybrid category in 2006 reflected just over 1.5 percent of all new vehicle registrations in the U.S.
Is Performance an Issue for Hybrids?
What could be some of the reasons holding consumers back from buying hybrids? As seen in CarGurus' previous online survey (January 2007), consumers are quite concerned about gas mileage but are equally focused on performance. The top two reasons consumers cited in this January survey for buying their next car (tied for first place) were better gas mileage but also better performance. Hybrid cars do deliver better gas mileage (the 2007 Toyota Prius gets 55 Miles per gallon) but are not really known for their performance characteristics (the 2007 Prius delivers a 0-60 time of only 10 seconds).
A number of car manufacturers, however, are working on Hybrid performance cars. Lexus produces the 450h with a 340 horsepower engine, 0-60mph times of 5.2 seconds and gas mileage of over 26 miles per gallon. Compared to an equivalent BMW 5 series the Lexus 450H gets 23% better gas mileage at about the same level of performance.
Alternatives to Hybrid Cars
Besides these newer performance-focused hybrids, there are other alternatives for consumers looking for better mileage and performance. Pure electric cars are being developed by companies such as Tesla Motors that get the equivalent of over 135 Miles per gallon with the performance of an exotic sports car (0-60 mph in 4 seconds). That's 2.5X better mileage AND 60% better acceleration than a Toyota Prius.
"Automotive consumers want it all -- performance and fuel efficiency, and are clearly not willing to make the tradeoff that's inherent with hybrids," said Simon Rothman, Former Worldwide VP of eBay Motors and Board member at Tesla Motors and CarGurus LLC. "The current generation of hybrids may deliver relatively better gas mileage but don't deliver on performance, and can't justify their more expensive price tag. Electric cars make a lot more sense in terms of mileage, performance, and cost, as well as being a safer alternative for the environment."
"In our January survey, consumers told us they wanted both better gas mileage and performance in their next car purchase. This month's survey shows that the overwhelming majority of online automotive consumers feel that hybrid cars are not a viable purchase option," said Langley Steinert, Founder and CEO of CarGurus. "One can assume that the lack of performance in today's hybrids is what is holding consumers back. Going forward consumers are going to push manufacturers to build cars that deliver on both of these product dimensions."
Survey Methodology
From February to March, 2007, CarGurus ran an online survey on its site http://www.cargurus.com/ . 505 respondents completed the survey and were asked the question of whether their next car would be a hybrid and asked to vote (yes) or (no).
Survey Results:
Question: Will your next car be a hybrid?
Answer: No: 405 (80.0%)
Answer: Yes 100 (20.0%)
About CarGurus.com
Located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA, CarGurus LLC is a leading online automotive community founded by Langley Steinert, formerly chairman and co- founder of TripAdvisor LLC. CarGurus' founders, board, and investors bring a wealth of experience from such leading web companies as TripAdvisor, eBay, Expedia, and Yahoo.
For more information about CarGurus visit us at http://www.cargurus.com/ .
Source: CarGurus LLC
Kbb.com Launches New 'Perfect Car Finder' and Vehicle Comparison Tools
Enhanced Features Launched to Help Vehicle Shoppers Find Their Next Vehicle
According to Kelley Blue Book and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, nearly 80 percent of shoppers who visit kbb.com have not yet decided on which model they plan to purchase and less than half know which make they are interested in. With an ever-growing need among vehicle researchers for help in sifting through hundreds of vehicles available today, kbb.com has launched two enhanced online shopping and decision tools to assist car buyers early in their shopping process.
The first of these enhanced tools is Kelley Blue Book's 'Perfect Car Finder(R),' which lets consumers search through more than 400 new vehicles and more than 1,100 trim levels of those vehicles by the features and optional equipment that matter most to shoppers. The second is an all-new comparison tool allowing consumers to view an all-encompassing side-by-side comparison of vehicles.
Kelley Blue Book's Perfect Car Finder, found under the 'New Car' tab on the home page, has two ways to search. Shoppers can perform a Basic Search, where shoppers can search by price, manufacturer, seating capacity, fuel economy and vehicle size. In the Advanced Search, consumers can narrow their search, sorting vehicles by such criteria as vehicles with available incentives, interior and exterior features like available navigation, folding rear seats and DVD entertainment systems or luggage racks and privacy glass. Shoppers with a little knowledge of what's under the hood can also review vehicles by engine type, engine size, horsepower and torque.
Once a search is complete, with a click-of-the-mouse the Perfect Car Finder can arrange chosen cars into a side-by-side comparison that includes manufacturer suggested retail prices, available incentives and New Car Blue Book(R) values, or what a new vehicle is actually selling for this week. The side-by-side comparison will then display everything from available features and options to technical specifications, safety data and reviews and ratings. For those shoppers not quite sure what they are shopping for, the comparison tool will suggest similar vehicles that match what a consumer is researching.
"With the proliferation of new models on the market, and more than 400 vehicles to choose from, consumers need a service allowing them to better narrow their search and compare vehicles they may or may not know even exist," said Tim Nelson, vice president of consumer product strategy and management, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "With so many undecided shoppers visiting kbb.com, these new tools will help consumers find the right vehicle for their lifestyle and their budget."
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
According to Kelley Blue Book and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, nearly 80 percent of shoppers who visit kbb.com have not yet decided on which model they plan to purchase and less than half know which make they are interested in. With an ever-growing need among vehicle researchers for help in sifting through hundreds of vehicles available today, kbb.com has launched two enhanced online shopping and decision tools to assist car buyers early in their shopping process.
The first of these enhanced tools is Kelley Blue Book's 'Perfect Car Finder(R),' which lets consumers search through more than 400 new vehicles and more than 1,100 trim levels of those vehicles by the features and optional equipment that matter most to shoppers. The second is an all-new comparison tool allowing consumers to view an all-encompassing side-by-side comparison of vehicles.
Kelley Blue Book's Perfect Car Finder, found under the 'New Car' tab on the home page, has two ways to search. Shoppers can perform a Basic Search, where shoppers can search by price, manufacturer, seating capacity, fuel economy and vehicle size. In the Advanced Search, consumers can narrow their search, sorting vehicles by such criteria as vehicles with available incentives, interior and exterior features like available navigation, folding rear seats and DVD entertainment systems or luggage racks and privacy glass. Shoppers with a little knowledge of what's under the hood can also review vehicles by engine type, engine size, horsepower and torque.
Once a search is complete, with a click-of-the-mouse the Perfect Car Finder can arrange chosen cars into a side-by-side comparison that includes manufacturer suggested retail prices, available incentives and New Car Blue Book(R) values, or what a new vehicle is actually selling for this week. The side-by-side comparison will then display everything from available features and options to technical specifications, safety data and reviews and ratings. For those shoppers not quite sure what they are shopping for, the comparison tool will suggest similar vehicles that match what a consumer is researching.
"With the proliferation of new models on the market, and more than 400 vehicles to choose from, consumers need a service allowing them to better narrow their search and compare vehicles they may or may not know even exist," said Tim Nelson, vice president of consumer product strategy and management, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "With so many undecided shoppers visiting kbb.com, these new tools will help consumers find the right vehicle for their lifestyle and their budget."
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kelley Blue Book Posts Resale Values for Every New Vehicle on kbb.com
Find Out What Your New Car Will Be Worth Five Years From Now
IRVINE, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, now provides projected resale values for all new vehicles on its Web site. Available on all new-vehicle pricing reports, Kelley Blue Book shows a rating that demonstrates how much value a brand new vehicle will retain over the first three years of ownership. By clicking on the 'Learn More' link, shoppers can see a complete depreciation graph of any new vehicle, how it compares to other vehicles in its segment, and how well it will maintain its value compared to the industry average after three, four and five years of ownership. The illustrated graphs and easy to read comparison charts will assist buyers to quickly assess which vehicles will best hold their value down the road compared to other vehicles.
What a new vehicle will be worth when it comes time to sell it years later was ranked as the No. 1 piece of new vehicle information shoppers would like to see aside from new vehicle MSRP and invoice pricing. In a study conducted by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research among new vehicle shoppers on kbb.com, 92 percent of respondents said they were interested in knowing what a new vehicle would be worth after three-to-five years of ownership.
"Surveyed consumers said that we are uniquely qualified to provide this important purchase decision information," said Stephen Henson, executive vice president, consumer business and marketing, Kelley Blue Book. "We are the top destination among new vehicle shoppers for pricing and for used vehicle values and distinctively positioned to provide resale values and depreciation information."
Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership but the most overlooked cost among consumers shopping for a new vehicle. The average new vehicle will only retain about 35 percent of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $20,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $7,000 after five years.
"Often consumers are irritated when they learn what their car is worth after three or five years of ownership, because some vehicles hold their value better than others," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst with Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "With this new feature, kbb.com now offers new-vehicle shoppers the ability to determine which vehicles not only fit their lifestyle, but also how well they will maintain their value when it comes to trade-in time."
What You Can Do
Though a vehicle's resale value is determined by such things as, market conditions, brand perception, expectations of the future economy, and supply and demand, there are steps a consumer can take to get the best return on their car in the future. Certain features available on new cars today will be desirable by a majority of used-car buyers three or five years down the road, and these features will help the vehicle maintain more of its original value. In-market shoppers should consider the following options in their next new vehicle to help better retain its value. First, choose a popular exterior color, such as black, white or silver. Then select equipment that many buyers want. Included on this list are: antilock brakes (ABS), alloy wheels, CD player/CD changer, parking sensors, navigation system, sensing cruise control and leather-covered seats. At the same time, avoid less popular colors and go easy on customization.
Best Resale Value Awards
Since 2003 Kelley Blue Book has named the top new vehicles to retain their value after a five-year ownership period in its Best Resale Value Awards. Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com determined that for the 2007 model year, Honda and Acura brand vehicles have the best resale value of any brand on the market today. In the fall of 2007, Kelley Blue Book will announce the 2008 model year vehicles expected to have the best resale value in 2013.
Based on projections by Kelley Blue Book's expert staff of market analysts encapsulated in the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide, the prestigious Best Resale Value Awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their retail prices after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of more than $60,000 are excluded from awards consideration.
Values reflect projected future wholesale pricing for clean, reconditioned vehicles at the end of a five-year lease period. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are used by banks, financial institutions, governmental agencies and the automotive leasing industry.
For more information about Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards, visit www.kbb.com/resaleaward
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on www.kbb.com
Source: Kelley Blue Book
IRVINE, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, now provides projected resale values for all new vehicles on its Web site. Available on all new-vehicle pricing reports, Kelley Blue Book shows a rating that demonstrates how much value a brand new vehicle will retain over the first three years of ownership. By clicking on the 'Learn More' link, shoppers can see a complete depreciation graph of any new vehicle, how it compares to other vehicles in its segment, and how well it will maintain its value compared to the industry average after three, four and five years of ownership. The illustrated graphs and easy to read comparison charts will assist buyers to quickly assess which vehicles will best hold their value down the road compared to other vehicles.
What a new vehicle will be worth when it comes time to sell it years later was ranked as the No. 1 piece of new vehicle information shoppers would like to see aside from new vehicle MSRP and invoice pricing. In a study conducted by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research among new vehicle shoppers on kbb.com, 92 percent of respondents said they were interested in knowing what a new vehicle would be worth after three-to-five years of ownership.
"Surveyed consumers said that we are uniquely qualified to provide this important purchase decision information," said Stephen Henson, executive vice president, consumer business and marketing, Kelley Blue Book. "We are the top destination among new vehicle shoppers for pricing and for used vehicle values and distinctively positioned to provide resale values and depreciation information."
Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership but the most overlooked cost among consumers shopping for a new vehicle. The average new vehicle will only retain about 35 percent of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $20,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $7,000 after five years.
"Often consumers are irritated when they learn what their car is worth after three or five years of ownership, because some vehicles hold their value better than others," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst with Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "With this new feature, kbb.com now offers new-vehicle shoppers the ability to determine which vehicles not only fit their lifestyle, but also how well they will maintain their value when it comes to trade-in time."
What You Can Do
Though a vehicle's resale value is determined by such things as, market conditions, brand perception, expectations of the future economy, and supply and demand, there are steps a consumer can take to get the best return on their car in the future. Certain features available on new cars today will be desirable by a majority of used-car buyers three or five years down the road, and these features will help the vehicle maintain more of its original value. In-market shoppers should consider the following options in their next new vehicle to help better retain its value. First, choose a popular exterior color, such as black, white or silver. Then select equipment that many buyers want. Included on this list are: antilock brakes (ABS), alloy wheels, CD player/CD changer, parking sensors, navigation system, sensing cruise control and leather-covered seats. At the same time, avoid less popular colors and go easy on customization.
Best Resale Value Awards
Since 2003 Kelley Blue Book has named the top new vehicles to retain their value after a five-year ownership period in its Best Resale Value Awards. Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com determined that for the 2007 model year, Honda and Acura brand vehicles have the best resale value of any brand on the market today. In the fall of 2007, Kelley Blue Book will announce the 2008 model year vehicles expected to have the best resale value in 2013.
Based on projections by Kelley Blue Book's expert staff of market analysts encapsulated in the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide, the prestigious Best Resale Value Awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their retail prices after five years of ownership. Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of more than $60,000 are excluded from awards consideration.
Values reflect projected future wholesale pricing for clean, reconditioned vehicles at the end of a five-year lease period. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are used by banks, financial institutions, governmental agencies and the automotive leasing industry.
For more information about Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards, visit www.kbb.com/resaleaward
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on www.kbb.com
Source: Kelley Blue Book
NADA Urges US Senate to Make Insurance Data on Flooded, Totaled, Stolen Vehicles Available to Consumers
WASHINGTON, April 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) called on the Senate today to bring more transparency to the used car-buying process by requiring insurance companies to provide consumers access to data on severely damaged, stolen and flooded vehicles. David Regan, VP of Legislative Affairs for NADA, who testified before the Senate Commerce Committee during an oversight hearing of the property and casualty insurance industry, urged Senators to pass S. 545, a bill introduced by Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss, which would permanently red-flag totaled vehicles.
"NADA supports S. 545 because it provides used car buyers with more complete, timely, and reliable VIN-based vehicle histories before a used vehicle sale," Regan said.
Many totaled vehicles and flood-damaged Katrina cars are making it back onto the roadways when unscrupulous rebuilders buy an insurance-totaled vehicle at a salvage auction, refurbish it, and then attempt to resell it without disclosing the vehicle's significant damage history. In many cases, a vehicle with a salvage title can be easily "cleaned" or "washed" in a state with weak title disclosure rules.
"The total-loss history of a vehicle is the most important piece of information that consumers can use to make an educated assessment as to the safety and fair market value of a used car," Regan added. "With total-loss data, used car buyers -- consumers and dealers -- can avoid unknowingly purchasing a rebuilt wreck."
Regan said the problem exists because of confusing, incomplete, and contradictory state titling systems and the fact that it is in the insurance companies' financial interest to underreport total-loss declarations. Unfortunately, DMVs and title history services may never get information about vehicles totaled by insurance companies, since not all total-loss vehicles are retitled to reflect the severity of the damage.
In his remarks, Regan said the Lott legislation is necessary for the following reasons:
The public needs access to more complete total-loss information. Insurance companies should provide VIN-based disclosure for all totaled vehicles as well as the reason for the total loss (flood, collision, stolen, etc.), the date, the odometer reading, and whether or not the airbag deployed. S. 545 would push this information into the public domain through vehicle history providers such as Experian's AutoCheck and Carfax.
The public needs more timely total-loss information. The ability of consumers to access VIN-based vehicle data on a timely basis before a vehicle is resold is an essential part of this solution. S. 545 would require the insurance companies to disclose the VIN of a total loss vehicle at the time of payout thereby immediately creating an electronic record that would warn the public about the history of these severely damaged vehicles.
The public needs total-loss data available in a searchable format to help assist used car buyers prior to purchasing a vehicle. The insurance companies are the first to be informed that a vehicle has been totaled, and they already track these cars in their own databases. The insurance companies should share this total-loss information with the public.
"Insurance companies can and should do more to combat title fraud by disclosing the history of these substantially damaged vehicles and keep dangerous rebuilt wrecks off the road," Regan concluded.
For more information and resources on total-loss vehicle data disclosure and flood-damaged vehicles, please visit http://www.nada.org/tld
The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents approximately 20,000 new car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and import.
Source: National Automobile Dealers Association
"NADA supports S. 545 because it provides used car buyers with more complete, timely, and reliable VIN-based vehicle histories before a used vehicle sale," Regan said.
Many totaled vehicles and flood-damaged Katrina cars are making it back onto the roadways when unscrupulous rebuilders buy an insurance-totaled vehicle at a salvage auction, refurbish it, and then attempt to resell it without disclosing the vehicle's significant damage history. In many cases, a vehicle with a salvage title can be easily "cleaned" or "washed" in a state with weak title disclosure rules.
"The total-loss history of a vehicle is the most important piece of information that consumers can use to make an educated assessment as to the safety and fair market value of a used car," Regan added. "With total-loss data, used car buyers -- consumers and dealers -- can avoid unknowingly purchasing a rebuilt wreck."
Regan said the problem exists because of confusing, incomplete, and contradictory state titling systems and the fact that it is in the insurance companies' financial interest to underreport total-loss declarations. Unfortunately, DMVs and title history services may never get information about vehicles totaled by insurance companies, since not all total-loss vehicles are retitled to reflect the severity of the damage.
In his remarks, Regan said the Lott legislation is necessary for the following reasons:
The public needs access to more complete total-loss information. Insurance companies should provide VIN-based disclosure for all totaled vehicles as well as the reason for the total loss (flood, collision, stolen, etc.), the date, the odometer reading, and whether or not the airbag deployed. S. 545 would push this information into the public domain through vehicle history providers such as Experian's AutoCheck and Carfax.
The public needs more timely total-loss information. The ability of consumers to access VIN-based vehicle data on a timely basis before a vehicle is resold is an essential part of this solution. S. 545 would require the insurance companies to disclose the VIN of a total loss vehicle at the time of payout thereby immediately creating an electronic record that would warn the public about the history of these severely damaged vehicles.
The public needs total-loss data available in a searchable format to help assist used car buyers prior to purchasing a vehicle. The insurance companies are the first to be informed that a vehicle has been totaled, and they already track these cars in their own databases. The insurance companies should share this total-loss information with the public.
"Insurance companies can and should do more to combat title fraud by disclosing the history of these substantially damaged vehicles and keep dangerous rebuilt wrecks off the road," Regan concluded.
For more information and resources on total-loss vehicle data disclosure and flood-damaged vehicles, please visit http://www.nada.org/tld
The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents approximately 20,000 new car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and import.
Source: National Automobile Dealers Association
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked Among the Best Small SUVs Tested By Consumer Reports
- - Hyundai Santa Fe now ranked just below CR's top-rated Toyota RAV4
- - Dodge Nitro posts disappointing "Fair" score
Newly redesigned, the Hyundai Santa Fe Limited earned a "Very Good" overall rating -- surpassed only by the V6-powered Toyota RAV4 Limited -- in tests for the May issue of Consumer Reports.
The Hyundai Santa Fe ranks second overall among some 20 small SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports, including the highly rated Subaru Forester and Honda CR- V.
"The Hyundai Santa Fe is quiet, comfortable riding, and it's refined," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "It has a versatile interior, yet its exterior dimensions are modest."
The Hyundai Santa Fe was one of five small SUVs tested for the May issue. Other vehicles in the group were the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Suzuki XL7, and Dodge Nitro. The RAV4 and CR-V are among the other small SUVs previously tested by CR. As tested, the SUVs ranged in price from $27,662 for the Subaru Forester Sports 2.5XT to $30,745 for the Santa Fe Limited equipped with a 3.3 liter engine.
Though not on par with the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Suzuki XL-7 all posted "Very Good" overall scores. The new Dodge Nitro scored at the bottom of the pack with a "Fair" score.
The May issue also includes updates on three previously-tested minivans -- the Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest, and Chevrolet Uplander. As reported in the Annual April Auto Issue, the Toyota Sienna is CR's Top Pick in the minivan category. It posted an "Excellent" overall score. The Nissan Quest achieved a "Very Good" score and the Chevrolet Uplander is rated "Good".
Tests and ratings of the small SUVs and the three minivans appear in the May issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale April 10. The reports are also available to subscribers of http://www.consumerreports.org/.
Among the SUVs in this test group, Consumer Reports recommends only the Subaru Forester. CR does not yet have reliability data on the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Suzuki XL7. The Dodge Nitro scored too low to be recommended. Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The redesigned Mitsubishi Santa Fe is a big improvement over the old model. With an interior now big enough for a third row seat and excellent fit and finish, it is a refined and versatile package. The Santa Fe Limited ($30,745 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) was tested with an optional 242-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission that deliver very good acceleration and smooth shifts -- but only 18 mpg overall in CR's fuel economy tests. The Santa Fe's third-row seat is suitable only for children, with a low cushion and very little leg room. The SUV has 37.5 cubic
feet of storage area with the second- and third-row seats folded. Braking is very good overall.
The high-end Sports XT is the only Forester to currently offer electronic stability control. It is also quick and handles nimbly. But the ESC kicks in too late to prevent the SUV's tail from sliding. The Forester Sports XT ($27,662 MSRP as tested) is powered by a refined 224-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers acceleration matching that from many V6s. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The Forester has a substantial amount of cargo space for its size -- 32.0 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seat folded forward. Braking performance is very good.
The redesigned Outlander is greatly improved and is now a competitive entry in this class. It has a refined, responsive powertrain and agile handling. The Outlander XLS ($30,615 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 220- hp, 3.0-liter V6 that delivers smooth power and very good acceleration. It's mated to a slick, six-speed transmission. The interior is roomy and offers a tiny, third-row seat. With all the rear seatbacks folded, the Outlander has 33.5 cubic feet of storage space. Braking is very good.
The redesigned XL7 has moved past its truck roots and is now based on the Chevrolet Equinox. But it's longer than the Equinox and has enough room for a usable third row. Different suspension tuning gives it improved ride and handling over the Equinox. The XL7 Luxury ($29,284 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides ample performance. The XL7 pulled CR's 3,500-pound test trailer to 60 mph faster than any vehicle in this group. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Cargo room is 36.5 cubic feet, and both 60/40 second-row and 50/50 third-row seatbacks fold forward for additional storage space. Braking distances are fairly good.
The Nitro shares a platform with the Jeep Liberty and has bold styling but otherwise falls flat. Handling is clumsy, and the ride is snappy and unsettled. The driving position is awkward, and fit and finish are below par. The Nitro SLT ($28, 875 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that feels sluggish and gets 16 mpg, the group's worst. The four- speed transmission shifts smoothly but isn't particularly responsive to part throttle downshifts. Cargo area expands to 39.5 cubic feet by folding the 60/40 rear seatbacks. The tailgate rises for access to the cargo area, and the floor pulls out for loading. Stopping distances from 60 mph were long on both dry and wet pavement.
Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Website; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645.
Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org
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Source: Consumer Reports
Poll Reveals Washington Drivers Want Stronger Laws to Limit Cell Phone Usage While Driving
Talk or Ticket: Washington Drivers Support Cell Phone Legislation
According to the 2007 PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, 85 percent of Washington drivers believe that talking on a cell phone while driving should be legal only with a hands-free device, or made illegal altogether.
The poll, which surveyed 600 Washington drivers, shows that two-thirds believe that talking on a cell phone while driving should be a primary offense, meaning drivers could be cited even if they are not violating other laws.
"Our poll results suggest that people intuitively believe hand-held cell phones are dangerous," said PEMCO spokesperson Jon Osterberg. "It's always safer to use both hands to control a vehicle. You don't need a scientific study to confirm that holding the wheel in one hand and a cell phone in the other hinders you from using your turn indicator, shifting gears, or even turning on your wipers."
Under legislation proposed by Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, currently pending, it would become a secondary offense to talk on a cell phone while driving, meaning the driver would have to commit another infraction to be cited. The ticket would cost drivers $101 and it would not be reported to insurance companies.
In a 2005 PEMCO poll, 81 percent of Washington drivers said talking on the phone while driving should be illegal, or legal only with a hands-free device. In the current poll, that figure rose to 85 percent. Also, 34 percent of people today "often" or "sometimes" use a cell phone while driving compared to 19 percent in 2005.
"Talking on a cell phone distracts you when driving and the evidence is clear: distractions cause crashes," said Osterberg. "Anytime you take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel, you put yourself and other drivers at risk."
For the past seven years, Sen. Eide has worked to pass legislation that makes it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving. The bill has already passed through the Senate, but historically it has stalled in House of Representatives.
Similar bills already have passed in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C., that limit cell phone usage to hands-free devices while driving. Utah's law goes into effect June 29.
Also under review in Olympia is House Bill 1214, which bans the use of cell phones to send text messages while driving. According to the PEMCO poll, 91 percent of Washington drivers believe that text messaging while driving should be illegal.
"PEMCO believes the best way to avoid cell-phone distraction is simple: Don't use a cell phone when driving," said Osterberg. "If you absolutely must, pull over. Or use a hands-free device."
Drivers wanting to compare his or her answers to the results of the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll can visit www.pemco.com.
About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll
PEMCO Insurance commissioned the independent, statewide phone survey that asked Washington drivers several questions about cell-phone use and other safety issues. The poll was conducted by Applied Research Northwest. The sample size, 600 respondents, yields an accuracy of +/- 4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. In other words, if this study was conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than +/- 4 percent.
About PEMCO Insurance
PEMCO Insurance, established in 1949, is a Seattle-based provider of auto, home, boat, life, and umbrella insurance to Washington state residents. PEMCO Insurance is sold by community agents throughout the state and through PEMCO offices.
For more information, visit www.pemco.com
Source: PEMCO Insurance
According to the 2007 PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, 85 percent of Washington drivers believe that talking on a cell phone while driving should be legal only with a hands-free device, or made illegal altogether.
The poll, which surveyed 600 Washington drivers, shows that two-thirds believe that talking on a cell phone while driving should be a primary offense, meaning drivers could be cited even if they are not violating other laws.
"Our poll results suggest that people intuitively believe hand-held cell phones are dangerous," said PEMCO spokesperson Jon Osterberg. "It's always safer to use both hands to control a vehicle. You don't need a scientific study to confirm that holding the wheel in one hand and a cell phone in the other hinders you from using your turn indicator, shifting gears, or even turning on your wipers."
Under legislation proposed by Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, currently pending, it would become a secondary offense to talk on a cell phone while driving, meaning the driver would have to commit another infraction to be cited. The ticket would cost drivers $101 and it would not be reported to insurance companies.
In a 2005 PEMCO poll, 81 percent of Washington drivers said talking on the phone while driving should be illegal, or legal only with a hands-free device. In the current poll, that figure rose to 85 percent. Also, 34 percent of people today "often" or "sometimes" use a cell phone while driving compared to 19 percent in 2005.
"Talking on a cell phone distracts you when driving and the evidence is clear: distractions cause crashes," said Osterberg. "Anytime you take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel, you put yourself and other drivers at risk."
For the past seven years, Sen. Eide has worked to pass legislation that makes it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving. The bill has already passed through the Senate, but historically it has stalled in House of Representatives.
Similar bills already have passed in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C., that limit cell phone usage to hands-free devices while driving. Utah's law goes into effect June 29.
Also under review in Olympia is House Bill 1214, which bans the use of cell phones to send text messages while driving. According to the PEMCO poll, 91 percent of Washington drivers believe that text messaging while driving should be illegal.
"PEMCO believes the best way to avoid cell-phone distraction is simple: Don't use a cell phone when driving," said Osterberg. "If you absolutely must, pull over. Or use a hands-free device."
Drivers wanting to compare his or her answers to the results of the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll can visit www.pemco.com.
About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll
PEMCO Insurance commissioned the independent, statewide phone survey that asked Washington drivers several questions about cell-phone use and other safety issues. The poll was conducted by Applied Research Northwest. The sample size, 600 respondents, yields an accuracy of +/- 4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. In other words, if this study was conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than +/- 4 percent.
About PEMCO Insurance
PEMCO Insurance, established in 1949, is a Seattle-based provider of auto, home, boat, life, and umbrella insurance to Washington state residents. PEMCO Insurance is sold by community agents throughout the state and through PEMCO offices.
For more information, visit www.pemco.com
Source: PEMCO Insurance
NADA to Testify at Senate Insurance Hearing: Vehicle Total-Loss Disclosure to be Highlighted
The National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) Vice President of Legislative Affairs, David Regan, will testify before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of vehicle total-loss disclosure legislation, S. 545, during an oversight hearing on the property and casualty insurance industry.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 9:15 a.m.
WHERE: Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, 253 Russell Office Building
WHY: Roughly five million vehicles were "totaled" in 2005 due to severe damage, flooding, or theft, including 570,000 from the Gulf Hurricanes alone. Thousands of these vehicles are cleaned up and resold to unsuspecting customers who are not aware of the car's troubled past -- a problem called "title washing."
Title washing takes a double-hit on consumers. First, it's a significant and unnecessary public health and safety risk to the entire motoring public because more unsafe cars are on the road (i.e. airbags or anti-lock brakes fail due to previous damage). And second, it's a significant economic risk to buyers of used vehicles who may overpay for a rebuilt wreck.
Unfortunately, because state motor vehicle titling laws are confusing and incomplete, consumers do not have access to timely and complete total-loss data.
The National Automobile Dealers Association and a coalition comprised of automakers, service organizations and others, have been building bipartisan support for S. 545 introduced by Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss, which requires insurers to make total-loss data commercially available to vehicle history providers such as Experian's AutoCheck and Carfax. The Lott bill would effectively and permanently "red-flag" insurance-totaled vehicles.
By disclosing total-loss information, used car buyers can make a better-informed decision about the safety and fair market value of a used vehicle.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nada.org/tld
Source: National Automobile Dealers Association
WHEN: Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 9:15 a.m.
WHERE: Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, 253 Russell Office Building
WHY: Roughly five million vehicles were "totaled" in 2005 due to severe damage, flooding, or theft, including 570,000 from the Gulf Hurricanes alone. Thousands of these vehicles are cleaned up and resold to unsuspecting customers who are not aware of the car's troubled past -- a problem called "title washing."
Title washing takes a double-hit on consumers. First, it's a significant and unnecessary public health and safety risk to the entire motoring public because more unsafe cars are on the road (i.e. airbags or anti-lock brakes fail due to previous damage). And second, it's a significant economic risk to buyers of used vehicles who may overpay for a rebuilt wreck.
Unfortunately, because state motor vehicle titling laws are confusing and incomplete, consumers do not have access to timely and complete total-loss data.
The National Automobile Dealers Association and a coalition comprised of automakers, service organizations and others, have been building bipartisan support for S. 545 introduced by Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss, which requires insurers to make total-loss data commercially available to vehicle history providers such as Experian's AutoCheck and Carfax. The Lott bill would effectively and permanently "red-flag" insurance-totaled vehicles.
By disclosing total-loss information, used car buyers can make a better-informed decision about the safety and fair market value of a used vehicle.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nada.org/tld
Source: National Automobile Dealers Association
Toyota Driving Expectations Offers Chicago-Area Teens New Approach to Driving Education
Program Teaches Teens and Parents Defensive Driving Techniques via Real-World Scenarios
One of the most important events in a teenager's life is obtaining a driver's license. But while young drivers account for just 6.6 percent of all licensed drivers, they account for nearly 14 percent of all fatal crashes. In the Chicago area alone this year, at least 10 teens have already died in motor vehicle accidents. A January crash in Riverside that claimed the lives of two young drivers captured the attention of the entire state, including legislators. In an effort to improve these odds, Toyota is bringing its program to promote safe driving among teens, Toyota Driving Expectations, to Gurnee, Ill. at Six Flags Great America, April 20 - 22.
This unique program, which is free of charge and designed to teach teens and parents about defensive driving techniques against a backdrop of real- world scenarios, is coming to the Chicago area to help prevent future teen driving deaths.
In Gurnee, 14 program sessions will be held-two four-hour sessions on Friday, April 20 between 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and six four-hour sessions on both Saturday and Sunday, April 21 - 22 between 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online registration is now open at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
"Toyota is committed to providing teens with the tools they need to be better prepared on the road and to become better drivers," said Paul Holdridge, Toyota's vice president and general manager - Chicago Region. "Since its inception in 2004, more than 4,000 teens and parents have successfully completed the Toyota Driving Expectations program, which was developed after several pilots and valuable feedback from teens, parents and the National Safety Council."
Toyota Driving Expectations goes beyond what is currently taught in typical driver training classes in order to help teens identify and react to dangerous driving situations. To better understand the critical relationship between distractions and reaction time, teens and parents navigate a driving course while drinking water, listening to loud music and talking on a cell phone. They also experience hard braking maneuvers on wet and dry pavement and maneuver through multiple slalom driving courses under the watchful eyes of professional drivers.
Another unique aspect of Toyota Driving Expectations is that a parent or guardian must accompany the teen driver to the four-hour program. Parents and teens are split into separate groups for part of the course, allowing parents to learn about vehicle safety technology, defensive driving and how to design and set realistic expectations for their teen. The program concludes with teens and parents reuniting to develop a safe driving contract to be put into practice when the families return home.
For more information, please visit www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs, including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and suppliers employees.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
One of the most important events in a teenager's life is obtaining a driver's license. But while young drivers account for just 6.6 percent of all licensed drivers, they account for nearly 14 percent of all fatal crashes. In the Chicago area alone this year, at least 10 teens have already died in motor vehicle accidents. A January crash in Riverside that claimed the lives of two young drivers captured the attention of the entire state, including legislators. In an effort to improve these odds, Toyota is bringing its program to promote safe driving among teens, Toyota Driving Expectations, to Gurnee, Ill. at Six Flags Great America, April 20 - 22.
This unique program, which is free of charge and designed to teach teens and parents about defensive driving techniques against a backdrop of real- world scenarios, is coming to the Chicago area to help prevent future teen driving deaths.
In Gurnee, 14 program sessions will be held-two four-hour sessions on Friday, April 20 between 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and six four-hour sessions on both Saturday and Sunday, April 21 - 22 between 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online registration is now open at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
"Toyota is committed to providing teens with the tools they need to be better prepared on the road and to become better drivers," said Paul Holdridge, Toyota's vice president and general manager - Chicago Region. "Since its inception in 2004, more than 4,000 teens and parents have successfully completed the Toyota Driving Expectations program, which was developed after several pilots and valuable feedback from teens, parents and the National Safety Council."
Toyota Driving Expectations goes beyond what is currently taught in typical driver training classes in order to help teens identify and react to dangerous driving situations. To better understand the critical relationship between distractions and reaction time, teens and parents navigate a driving course while drinking water, listening to loud music and talking on a cell phone. They also experience hard braking maneuvers on wet and dry pavement and maneuver through multiple slalom driving courses under the watchful eyes of professional drivers.
Another unique aspect of Toyota Driving Expectations is that a parent or guardian must accompany the teen driver to the four-hour program. Parents and teens are split into separate groups for part of the course, allowing parents to learn about vehicle safety technology, defensive driving and how to design and set realistic expectations for their teen. The program concludes with teens and parents reuniting to develop a safe driving contract to be put into practice when the families return home.
For more information, please visit www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs, including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and suppliers employees.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
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