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On Second Thought, August Sales Data Not That Bad

John Sternal, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:26:38 GMT

On Second Thought, August Sales Data Not That Bad

The auto industry recently took a pounding from pundits all over (this blog included) from the incredibly weak August auto sales data that hit like a Chevy Silverado crashing off a cliff. Some reports even went as far as to say the monthly sales data was the worst since 1982. In truth, the August sales paled in comparison to the previous August sales data.

But are we being too harsh on the auto industry?

Yes, the August sales data was drastically less than that of the previous year. But does everyone remember where the industry was a year ago? With all due respect, Cash for Clunkers truly did have a profound impact on reinvigorating the overall auto industry. Roughly 700,000 vehicles were sold during the government-backed program where car shoppers received either $3,500 or $4,500 in rebates when they traded in an inefficient, older vehicle in favor of a more fuel-conscious one. To put it mildly, it was a huge success.

Fast forward one year later.

The economy continues to chug along. We’re still mired in high unemployment, a lack of available jobs, a weak housing market and no incentive for business and industry to expand. Although it’s not a recession the U.S. economy isn’t gaining steam either.

Monthly auto sales for this past August may have been drastically eclipsed by that of last August. But to put it in perspective, it was only off five percent from that of July.

And as Dan Gross of Newsweek rightly points out, the auto industry overall is much healthier today compared with that of 2007, when auto sales were through the roof.

Bottom line, we may be a bit too harsh on the industry in comparing this August with last August. Because in the bigger picture, the auto industry is holding steady in what amounts to a very bad economy. And with inventory, labor and other costs much more in line with overall business spending, the auto industry as a whole is pretty darned healthy – with a rosy outlook to boot.

From a leasing standpoint, consumers continue to hit the showrooms to take advantage of the best available deals. LeaseTrader.com reports that more people continue to offload older vehicle Lease Specials contracts so that they can turn right around and shop for a newer Lease Specials at a dealer.

So what’s your true outlook when it comes to the auto industry? Doom and gloom, or better that previous years?

BMW M6 Discontinued, BMW ends M6 production

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:58:54 GMT

BMW M6 Discontinued, BMW ends M6 production

It’s sad but like anything, everything good must come to an end! BMW has just announced that it would cease production of both the M6 coupe and the M6 convertible. Since its initial production back in 2005 the BMW M6 has sold a total of 14,152 units, 3,528 hardtops and 3,247 convertibles in the USA alone.

There are no plans for a replacement model at this time but we’ve herd that a more powerful version could be in the works by 2012 . With the M6 demise, BMW will discontinue its V10 engine, relaying only on its line of V8’s to push it GT model cars from now on

PRESS RELEASE:

Munich.

BMW M GmbH has announced the end of production of the BMW M6 Coupé and the BMW M6 Convertible. The two high-performance models provide the most exclusive opportunity to experience on normal roads the hallmark athleticism of M vehicles combined with drive and chassis technology inspired by the world of motor racing. In total 14,152 examples of these high-performance sports cars were built: 9,087 units of the Coupé, which launched in 2005; and 5,065 Convertible models, presented the following year.

With the departure of these two fascinating and exceptional athletes and the already discontinued fourth-generation BMW M5, production will now also cease for the unique V10 high-rev engine. For years the 373 kW/507 hp powerplant has set the benchmark for delivering sheer power in cars that are both highly dynamic in character and symbolic of the outstanding expertise of BMW M GmbH in developing high-performance engines. For two years in succession, 2005 and 2006, the ten-cylinder unit took overall victory in the prestigious Engine of the Year Award, and in the two years that followed achieved first place on each occasion in the category for engines with displacement above 4 litres.

The stand-out feature of this unique engine, developed exclusively for the BMW M5 and BMW M6 models, is power delivery that is both extremely dynamic and smooth even at higher loads. Output is developed from a 5-litre displacement split between ten combustion chambers, with the two banks of cylinders cranked at 90 degrees to one another. The engine delivers maximum output at 7,750 rpm, with engine speed eventually peaking at 8,250 rpm, and it has maximum torque of 520 Nm. In addition to the high-rev concept, a number of other technological details – electronically-controlled individual throttle valves, an ionic current control system and lateral force-controlled oil supply – were also directly derived from motor racing.

In much the same way, design principles of chassis technology and lightweight construction also found their way from the race track to the road. In the case of the BMW M6 Coupé, for example, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – a material that largely owes its introduction in the automotive sector to Formula One – was used in both the roof and bumper design. Its power-to-weight ratio of 3.37 kilograms per hp is another unbeatable key indicator in the profile of the BMW M6 Coupé. Moreover, its outstanding performance characteristics are additionally supported by seven-speed SMG Drivelogic and Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start, the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock, and model-specific chassis technology, including Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and compound brakes. Standstill to 100 km/h acceleration time is a mere 4.6 seconds. The BMW M6 Convertible takes just 0.2 seconds longer, giving the driver time to appreciate not only the thrilling dynamic performance but also the irresistible flair of an open-top premium sports car in the luxury class.

The BMW M6 Coupé and BMW M6 Convertible received worldwide acclaim as dream cars for automotive enthusiasts with sporting ambitions. The number one market for both models was the US, which recorded sales of 3,528 closed and 3,247 open-top vehicles, followed by Germany (1,183 / 541 units). In third position for sales of the BMW M6 Coupé came Great Britain and Ireland, with 619 vehicle registrations; in the case of the BMW M6 Convertible it was Canada, with 209 units sold.

Sales of the BMW M5 followed a similar pattern. The United States once again came out on top, with sales of 8,786 vehicles. Then, after the domestic market of Germany (2,473 units), Great Britain and Ireland generated the next highest demand on the continent of Europe, with 1,980 vehicles. In total the BMW M5 recorded global sales of over 20,000 cars in under five years, with current figures of 19,494 units for the BMW M5 Saloon and a further 1,009 units for the BMW M5 Touring, available since 2007.

The total combined figures for the fourth-generation BMW M5 exceed even those of its predecessor model, which was in production for six years. With that it has secured the current high point in the success story of the BMW M5, the first generation of which established the vehicle segment of high-performance saloons at its introduction in 1984.

6 Unwritten Rules Of The Road

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:21:59 GMT

6 Unwritten Rules Of The Road

Everyone should know these common laws and most people know that a solid red light means “STOP” - A flashing red signal light means “STOP,” and after stopping, proceed when it is safe - A solid green signal means “GO” and give the right-of-way to any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection. But what are some unwritten rules of the road that your driver instructor isn’t going to teach you?

Here’s an interesting fact. Nationwide, aggressive driving was a factor in as many as 56 percent of deadly vehicle crashes between 2003 and 2007, according to a report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic. The experts at LeaseTrader.com agree that at least two of the reasons listed below are the catalyst of road rage. Not that any of these “unwritten rules of the road” will surprise you, but here is the top 5 unwritten rules of the road:

Park inside the lines – We’re pretty sure if you’re near metered parking and take up two spots you can get a parking ticket. However, if you just bought a new car and want to avoid a scratch at a shopping center or mall, (you’ve at least considered doing this) don’t take up 2 spots. Be polite if you want to avoid dings and park away from other cars. Taking up 2 spots is likely to get your car keyed by another driver.

Always give right-of-way to motorcycle’s and Vespa’s – It’s pretty hard to miss the sound of a Harley or Ninja motorcycle roaring towards you on the highway. When you think a two-wheeler is nearby, slow down and make sure to give them the right of way and enough space. Also, if you are ever in stop-and-go traffic, make sure to give a few extra feet when braking. You don’t want someone rear ending you and you getting pushed into the motorcycle.

Let fellow drivers know of speed traps –This is something your parents should have taught you at an early age. When driving on the road if you see another driver flash their lights, (yes, it could be because your lights are off) slow down and look for the speed trap. Make sure to reciprocate this if the situation is reversed and you pass a speed trap.

Help someone broke-down on the side of the road – There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road waiting for the highway road ranger to help. Karma goes a long way and if you have a few extra minutes, stop and see if you can help. Maybe they simply ran out of gas and need a ride to a service station. For judgment use common sense. If it’s a young woman = probably safe; guy with a lot of tattoos and beat-up Harley= be cautious.

Get in and get out at the pump – It’s one thing to pump gas and take extra time when your inside shopping for a Redbull or can of Gatorade, but once you’ve finished pumping, don’t spend extra time at the pump. If you need to check the air or washer fluid, pull in to the appropriate spot and do it there. It’s simply common courtesy.

Cut the line – Everyone is guilty of doing this at least once (even if by accident). There’s nothing worse than waiting patiently at the off ramp to get off I-95 and seeing your boss wave as he passes you to cut the front of the line. Everyone is in a rush to get somewhere, but I would bet it’s the #1 cause of road-rage behind tailgating.

New Trend of Flirting While In Car

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:29:45 GMT

An international survey from Yahoo! Autos has found some interesting statistics on men and women drivers. 62 percent of American drivers flirt when they’re behind the wheel. From the survey, so many drivers try to interact with member of the opposite sex while they’re on the road that the terms like “freeway flirt” and “roadway Romeo” have become popular slang expressions. Next to Americans, Germans are the most inclined to flirt with almost half (41%) inclined to flirt while driving. But what happens when the light turns green and you don’t have a phone number or email address to get a hold of the other driver?

While trying to find the full research for this survey I came across a website called QuickCarFlirting.com. Basically (taking the survey a step further) the website is dedicated to connecting missed connections – while driving. The site looks easy and simple enough, but the obvious problem is what if the other driver is not registered.

Some other interesting facts from the Yahoo! Auto survey. Nearly a million of those drivers exchanged phone numbers while in the car and more than 150,000 drivers met their future husbands and wives through freeway flirting.

54% of respondents said the car had an influence on whether they flirted or not. On top with 39% was, surprise surprise, sports cars, and cool convertibles with 26% of the vote. While 3% love a lorry driver – who said us flirters are shallow! The survey also found out that the sexiest car on the road is Audi’s and Mercedes.

Will GM become a Foreign Car Company?

John Sternal, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:49:14 GMT

Will GM become a Foreign Car Company?

We all know General Motors (GM) has done a remarkable job coming out of a government-backed Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. We also know the company is now planning an initial public offering (IPO) as a way to bring it public and out of the hands of the American taxpayers.

But what people aren’t asking is what happens if/when GM eventually becomes a foreign car company? That’s right. One of America’s proud pillars of industry could possibly become a foreign-owned company if enough foreign investors scoop up enough shares of stock during the IPO. Here are some points to consider:

In an effort to keep GM from becoming majority foreign-owned, the U.S. Treasury may limit the number of shares purchased by non-U.S. investors.

The stock sale, planned for mid-November, has plenty of investors and fund managers clamoring for pieces of the company – both from U.S. and foreign entities. GM isn’t taking sides in the matter because it simply wants to reduce the government’s footprint and capitalize on the share sales. The government, too, is hopeful in getting a return on the IPO sale.
Fortunately for GM, people have been returning as shoppers. Its new roster of dealers continue to report upbeat sales activity, and leasing customers are embracing brands such as Cadillac. On LeaseTrader.com Cadillac remains one of the more popular brands, driven largely by the Cadillac CTS, a performance car that caters to the entry-level luxury market.
You can bet the United Auto Workers (UAW) will also be watching closely to see how the GM IPO plays out.

What’s your take on the GM IPO? How perilous would it be for GM to become a foreign-owned car company?

Will General Motors become a Foreign Car Company?

4 Reasons You’re Still Single Because Of The Car You Drive

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:02:20 GMT

You are at level 80 in World of Warcraft. You have signed up for adult sites like AshleyMadison.com and AdultFriendFinder.com even though you are single. Your room is a mess and your mom is constantly complaining about cleaning it up (and you’re 45 years old). You can go on forever naming different reasons men are still single, but forget all that nonsense. There are four very simple reasons the farthest you have ever gone is home alone in your car

4 Reasons You’re Still Single Because Of The Car You Drive

You’re driving a V8 or V12 muscle car and it’s an automatic – The Urban Dictionary defines an automatic transmission - A transmission commonly known as a "slushbox". Automatic transmissions essentially limit the amount of control one has over the engine, decrease awareness of driving, and shift like concrete in a blender. But slower. Automatic drivers can be spotted either with both hands on the wheel or both hands on the kids at all times. Or asleep. Nothing is further from the truth when driving any V8 or V12 car.
The car you’re driving is a chick car – Every guy should know there are just some cars he should never, under any circumstances, sit behind and drive. This goes for most cars made by Toyota or Volkswagen (cars that give off estrogen vibes) and driven by a guy. But do you wonder why 85 percent of women (well, maybe only 85% in South Florida and Los Angeles) ask potential hook-ups what kind of car they drive?
You pick up your date matching the leopard print of your car seat cover – Alright, you’ve put your best foot forward by hiding the ripped up and stained seats by buying an expensive car seat cover, but trying to match your car? It seems obvious enough, but if she can guess which car your driving in a parking lot is a bad sign that you’re going home alone.
While you’re in the car you are social awkward – Admittedly some people are shy and take a bit to warm up and relax. But if “Hey…uh…how…um…I..uh….how you doin?” is how you start off the conversation in the car, make sure to not be guaranteed a second date. The last thing anyone wants is someone babbling trying to hit on someone. Just keep it simple.

What do you think? Any other car related reasons guys might be single?

August Car Sales Worst Since 1982

John Sternal, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:22:11 GMT

August Car Sales Worst Since 1982

Beaten down home sales, a plunging stock market and bloated unemployment figures. This assessment from the auto analyst team at TrueCar pretty much sums up the status of auto sales during the month of August, which just turned in the worst monthly results since 1982 with an estimated 11.2 million vehicles sold.

This figure pales in comparison to last August, when more than 14 million vehicles were sold. And while last year U.S. drivers were able to take advantage of the popular Cash For Clunkers promotion, which put $3,500 to $4,500 cash back in the form of a massive government rebate, this year the story is drastically different.

There’s no sugar coating the bleak economic conditions plaguing the country. People aren’t buying and selling homes because of millions of foreclosures. Investors are beginning to lose a lot of money in a stock market that keeps falling on bad economic news. And consumers are refusing to spend money in retail stores, for fear of being the next one to lose their job – that is if they still have a job.

Consider the following points:

--Sales for car makers and production going forward has either dropped or held steady. Ford is arguably the healthiest of the Big Three (Ford, General Motors, Chrysler), which actually looks more like the Big Two-And-A-Half since Chrysler is a fraction of the company it used to be. Ford has been propped up by sales of its Fiesta, a compact car sold in global markets and gaining popularity in the U.S.

--Chrysler had a modest sales drop since it had what it called robust sales to the fleet markets (buyers of cars in bulk, such as corporate groups and rental car companies).

--GM sales fell roughly 19 percent during the month.

--For the most part, consumer confidence and psychology have as much to do with the drop in sales as any indicator in the actual economy. People simply fear for their jobs or they are reticent to make purchases because of the plunging value in their homes and 401k’s.

--Some dealers are going to step up their efforts to be more aggressive in marketing while others will offer bigger incentives on leases. During the same month, LeaseTrader.com saw more people looking to escape a Lease Specials they no longer wanted or simply could no longer afford.

Are you planning on buying or leasing a car in September? And what’s the biggest reason you’re staying away from the car lot?

August 2010 Auto Sales by the Numbers

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:03:43 GMT

August 2010 Auto Sales by the Numbers

U.S. CAR AND LIGHT-TRUCK SALES, AUG.

All manufacturers have reported


Automaker	Aug. 2010	Aug. 2009	Pct. chng.	8 month	8 month	Pct. chng.
2010	2009
BMW Group*	23,991	24,370	-2%	169,148	160,260	6%
Chrysler Group LLC	99,611	93,222	7%	720,140	653,319	10%
Daimler AG**	20,133	18,749	7%	149,134	130,149	15%
Ford Motor Co.***	157,327	181,826	-14%	1,308,887	1,119,863	17%
General Motors****	185,105	245,550	-25%	1,462,308	1,381,224	6%
Honda (American)†	108,729	161,439	-33%	815,075	806,907	1%
Hyundai Group††	86,068	100,665	-15%	601,444	527,653	14%
Isuzu	-	-	-%	-	165	-100%
Jaguar Land Rover	3,958	3,160	25%	28,581	23,953	19%
Maserati	161	129	25%	1,328	890	49%
Mazda	19,739	26,542	-26%	156,190	145,955	7%
Mitsubishi	4,293	6,813	-37%	36,431	38,127	-4%
Nissan†††	76,827	105,312	-27%	599,496	524,903	14%
Porsche	2,032	1,526	33%	15,719	12,729	24%
Saab Cars North America‡	290	-	-%	1,498	-	-%
Subaru	22,239	28,683	-23%	172,182	143,828	20%
Suzuki	1,830	5,748	-68%	15,331	31,664	-52%
Toyota‡‡	148,388	225,088	-34%	1,164,154	1,170,407	-1%
Volkswagen‡‡‡	32,118	32,981	-3%	239,011	195,593	22%
Volvo Cars North America‡‡‡‡	4,441	-	-%	4,441	-	-%
Other (estimate)	294	307	-4%	2,352	2,449	-4%
TOTAL	997,574	1,262,110	–21%	7,662,850	7,070,038	8%

Numbers in this table based on actual monthly sales reported by the manufacturers and may differ from numbers reported elsewhere.
Source: Automotive News Data Center
Note: Other includes estimates for Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Lotus
*Includes Mini Cooper and Rolls-Royce
**Includes Maybach, Mercedes-Benz and Smart
***Includes Volvo through July 2010
****Includes Saab through February 2010
††Includes Acura
†††Includes Infiniti
‡The sale of Saab was final on February 23, 2010
‡‡Includes Lexus and Scion
‡‡‡Includes Audi and Bentley
‡‡‡‡The sale of Volvo to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was final on Aug. 2, 2010

Demand falls to weak since February

U.S. auto sales dropped to their weakest rate since February as most automakers posted sharp declines from a year earlier, when the U.S. cash-for-clunkers program fueled demand for new vehicles.
August's seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 10.8 million units fell from 11.6 million in July and was well below analysts' forecasts, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Bloomberg News and Autodata Corp. separately pegged the August SAAR at about 11.5 million units.

After August sales tumbled 21 percent, industry sales are now up just 8 percent from 2009 levels, when demand hit a 27-year low.

“The car market and the overall economy are pretty weak,” said Joe Phillippi, principal of consulting firm AutoTrends in Short Hills, N.J. “Showroom traffic is down. We still have issues on the margin with some people not being able to get credit, and people are nervous.”

Ford Motor Co.'s August sales dropped 14 percent from a year ago -- when the ‘clunkers' program boosted sales 17 percent. General Motors Co. posted a 25 percent decline. While most automakers benefited from the ‘clunkers' program, GM suffered a 20 percent sales decline in August 2009 -- its first full month after exiting bankruptcy.

The cash-for-clunker program provided government cash incentives of $3,500 or $4,500 for consumers who traded in an older car or truck for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The federal incentives helped U.S. auto sales end a 21-month skid in August 2009, rising a modest 1 percent above August 2008.

At Toyota Motor Corp., which racked up big sales numbers as a result of the ‘clunkers' program, August sales plunged 34 percent. The automaker's year-to-date sales are now off 1 percent.
“Toyota was expected to report a big year over year decline because it was one of the biggest beneficiaries of cash for clunkers last year, but this month's results are even worse than expected,” said Edmunds.com analyst Michelle Krebs. “Toyota still is suffering a hangover from its numerous recalls.”

Post-clunkers clunk
Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Corp. also posted sharply lower August sales after receiving a lift from ‘clunkers' a year earlier.
“We've known that August comparisons would be irrelevant due to the ‘cash-for- clunkers' program last year,” John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, said in a statement. “The good news is that we continue to see increasing demand for Honda products as customers seek even greater value.”

Chrysler Group, which did not benefit as much from the ‘clunkers' program and relies more on orders from fleet customers, said August sales rose 7 percent -- its fifth consecutive monthly sales gain. Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG's August sales also advanced 7 percent.

But at Subaru, sales dropped 23 percent last month -- its first decline since May 2009. The company had soared 52 percent a year earlier.
Because of the difficult comparison to a year ago, automakers and analysts are comparing August sales to July demand to measure the industry's health amid weak economic growth and the nation's high jobless rate.
GM's August sales were down 7.3 percent when compared with July 2010. Ford's August sales were off 7.6 percent from the previous month. Toyota's sales declined 12 percent in August versus July.

Behind GM's results
At Ford, overall car demand dropped 14 percent and SUV and crossover sales fell 26 percent. At the Ford division, sales fell 11 percent, with demand for the Focus compact off 40 percent from a year ago, when ‘clunkers' fueled sales of fuel-efficient models.
Mercury – which Ford is dropping by the end of the year – posted a 23 percent sales dip.

GM said combined August sales of Buick, Cadillac and GMC rose 37 percent from a year earlier, while Chevrolet posted a 22 percent decline.

The automaker's sales to retail customers fell 29 percent in August, while sales to fleet and rental customers dropped 12 percent.

“Last year's cash-for-clunkers program spiked industry sales in 2009, so results this August were, not surprisingly, a bit mixed,” Don Johnson, vice president for GM's U.S. sales operations, said in a statement. “Importantly, three of our four divisions showed solid gains.”

While retail sales of Chevrolet's full-size trucks and SUVs rose 8 percent last month, demand for some of division's other top-sellers -- the Impala, Cobalt, Equinox, Traverse and Camaro -- fell sharply from August 2009 levels, GM said.

Chevrolet couldn't match August 2009 -- when sales were aided by the clunkers program. Chevrolet said the program boosted sales by 86,000 units, with most of those coming during the August portion of the incentive.
Additionally, Chevrolet's 3,000 dealers have low inventories of the Cobalt compact as the division prepares to introduce a new compact -- the Cruze - in late September.

Cadillac sales increased 83 percent for the month, and Buick saw a 66 percent gain. GMC was up 12 percent.

Waiting for Labor Day deals
Analysts had projected a SAAR of 11.6 million, according to the average of eight estimates compiled by Bloomberg. That would have been the year's third-highest rate.
J.D. Power and Associates said late yesterday that the pace of sales to individual customers “slowed considerably” in the last week of August. It had pegged the August SAAR at 11.4 million.

Consumers are avoiding showrooms as fear of a double-dip recession grows following the 27 percent plunge in existing home sales in July, said Mike Wall, an analyst for IHS Automotive. The U.S. unemployment rate in July held at 9.5 percent, near a 26-year high of 10.1 percent.

“When you've got that sentiment, that fear hanging over the market, it makes it a tough sell for consumers” to spend $25,000 or more on a vehicle, said Wall.
Automakers also have a tighter hold on inventories and don't feel compelled to pile on discounts to spur sales.

GM said its dealer stockpiles stood at 452,000 units at the end of August -- about 73,000 units higher than August 2009.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles -- down from 574,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009. During the third quarter, Ford will build 570,000 vehicles, unchanged from previous plans.

“The Ford plan is to match capacity with real demand, and we continue to monitor the key economic indicators as we make adjustments,” said Ken Czubay, Ford's head of U.S. marketing, sales and service.

Are More People Taking Road Trips and Driving This Labor Day?

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:17:26 GMT

Are More People Taking Road Trips and Driving This Labor Day?

All across the US, AAA is expecting increases in Labor Day driving this year compared to last year. The number of Americans expected to travel during the Labor Day weekend will rise 9.9 percent from 2009 and that’s not all AAA is predicting. Virginians anticipate an 9 percent increase this year, Southern Californians anticipate an 11 percent increases over the same period last year, and in New England, they are expected to travel more than the rest of the country this upcoming Labor Day Weekend.

An estimated 31.4 million Americans will travel by car, up from 28.5 million a year ago, but down 5.9 million from the records 37.3 million in 2008.

Some reasons AAA expects to see increase nationwide.

The Daily Fuel Gauge reporter the nationwide average retail for regular gasoline price is $2.696 a gallon, up from $2.623 a gallon a year ago.
Average August prices are usually estimated around $2.75 a gallon, up about 14 cents from a year ago, but $1 a gallon below the 2008 level of $3.78 a gallon.
34.4 million travelers are expected to journey at least 50 miles round-trip from home by all methods over Sept. 2 to Sept. 6.
The holidays is celebrated on the first Monday in September, meaning it could occur from the first to the seventh of the month.
The later the holiday the likelihood children are back to school, reducing travel.
Travel by car is expected to account for 91 percent of Labor Day Trips.
Air travel will compromise about 5 percent.
Air travel over the holiday is expecte4d to rise 4.6 percent from a year ago, after declines of 33 percent in 2008 and 15 percent in 2009.
Based on a survey of travelers, the average distance traveled is expected to be 635 miles.
Median spending should be about $50 more than a year ago and total $697.

Full release from Dow Jones Newswires - AAA

Some other cool information on Labor Day is from Orbitz.com’s top 10 destination based off of the frequency of trips booked on their website.

Las Vegas
New York
Chicago
Denver
Seattle
San Francisco
Atlanta
Boston
Orlando
Los Angeles

DOT & EPA Team up for new fuel economy window stickers

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:41:02 GMT

DOT & EPA Team up for new fuel economy window stickers

Old EPA Window Sticker

For 2012 the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation are getting together to change the image of auto window sticker.

The have asked consumers to participate by selecting between two versions of the sticker , the first version grades the car of truck in a scale from A+ to D
Currently the government is working on some new emission calculations for electric and plug in hybrid vehicles that lower greenhouse gas and improve fuel economy.

"We are asking the American people to tell us what they need to make the best economic and environmental decisions when buying a new car," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "New fuel economy labels will keep pace with the new generation of fuel efficient cars and trucks rolling off the line, and provide simple, straightforward updates to inform consumers about their choices in a rapidly changing market. We want to help buyers find vehicles that meet their needs, keep the air clean and save them money at the pump."

Without change the government believes the issue will be too confusing for the general public to decipher, that is why they will present two designs today allowing the public to comment on which one of is easier to understand during the purchasing process.

Below you can view both of the new fuel economy window stickers