The Government has taken steps to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in America by establishing some of the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump and reduce carbon pollution by six billion metric tons. As part of the program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) developed a window sticker for new vehicles which allows consumers to compare conventional cars, hybrids and all electric vehicles by giving information on greenhouse gas ratings, emissions, smog ratings, and fuel costs. The new label came into effect for all 2013 model vehicles. Continue reading

Toyota will be recalling certain 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h hybrid vehicles for a problem that could lead to rear tire rod failure. (IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373.) All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied. Continue reading

Toyota will be recalling certain Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles for a problem with the propulsion system that could lead to the vehicle entering a fail safe/limp home mode. The dirvability of the vehicle could be limited resulting in an unexpected stall, increasing the risk of an accident. Approximately 133,081 vehicles could be affected by this problem. Continue reading

Automobile leasing has traditionally been used by high end automakers as a way of making their vehicles more accessible for consumers. High used car prices, low interest rates and Americans’ tendency to buy vehicles based on monthly payments, now has automakers using the strategy to sell more moderately priced vehicles as well. This selling tactic has resulted in strong sales with leases accounting for approximately 26 percent of new vehicles purchased, the highest it has been since 2007. Continue reading