Sinking SUV Values Slap Drivers

Auto industry appears to have solved vexing problem

(NEWSER) - Newer sport utility vehicles are significantly less deadly than those of decades past, according to a new analysis of federal data. From 2008 to 2009, the fatality rate for passengers in 3,000- to 3,499-pound cars or minivans hit by similarly-sized SUVs was 16 per million registered vehicles. That’s down nearly 64% from the 44 deaths per million rate during the 2000-2001 period, and death rates for car occupants during the most recent period were basically the same whether their vehicle was hit by a car or an SUV. More»

'Consumer Reports' warned of porential problems with 2010 GX460

(NEWSER) - In the wake of a Consumer Reports warning, Toyota is recalling the 2010 Lexus GX 460. The automaker had already suspended sales of the SUV, which the magazine rated "don't buy" because of concerns the vehicle was prone to tipping over. Toyota confirmed the problem and said today the Vehicle Stability Control system's software needs work, reports the Detroit News . More»

Other groups also unhappy with government rebates

(NEWSER) - The Cash for Clunkers program has proven to be a shot in the arm for the new-car market, but not everyone's a fan. Used-car dealers say their business is suffering, the Sacramento Bee reports. "The used side sort of slipped" since the program started, said one Honda dealership manager. Three out of every five trashed clunkers normally would have ended up on a used-car lot, auto analysts estimate. More»

(NEWSER) - After years of big cars and even bigger sales numbers, forces are conspiring to turn the US auto market into something much more like its European counterparts, the LA Times reports. Fashion statement SUVs are giving way to more efficient, more reliable cars, analysts say, which people are expected to drive longer. After sales averaging 16.9 million a year since the millennium, under 10 million are expected to move this year. Even post-recession, some think they'll rebound only to about 14 million. More»

Detroit heavies off at least 20% each; Japanese giant down 9.4%

(NEWSER) - General Motors, Ford and Toyota reported dramatic declines in sales for August stemming from the weak US economy and record gas prices, Bloomberg reports. Ford's domestic sales plunged 27% and GM's 20%, and both automakers will cut second-half production by the tens of thousands. Toyota fared better, down just 9.4%, though all saw large declines in the sales of SUVs. More»