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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today that it is updating its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test to address crashes that occur at higher speeds and those in which the struck vehicle is a motorcycle or large truck.* Only one of the first 10 small SUVs evaluated earns a good rating under the new protocol.
“This is a vital update to one of our most successful test programs,” IIHS President David Harkey claimed. “The vast majority of new vehicles now come with automatic emergency braking, and our research shows the technology prevents as many as half of all front-to-rear crashes. This new, tougher evaluation targets some of the most dangerous front-to-rear crashes that are still happening.” Continue reading
April US New Vehicle Sales Flat as Trade-in Values Drop
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Total new-vehicle sales for April 2024, including both retail and non-retail transactions, are estimated to reach 1,304,600 units, a 0.9% decrease from April 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* April 2024 has 25 selling days, one fewer than April 2023.
“April is showing mixed results, with an increase in retail sales offset by a decline in sales to fleet buyers,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at Power. “This is a notable change from recent months in which manufacturers have increased fleet sales. Although sales to retail buyers are rising, the rate of growth is modest. This is due in part to discounts from manufacturers and retailers stabilizing, coupled with ongoing deterioration of used-vehicle values that results in shoppers having less trade-in equity.” Continue reading →