Luxury Segment Set For Sales Boom?
According to recent Autobytel Consumer Choice purchase request data, online interest in luxury vehicles rose significantly in the third quarter and is poised for a strong fourth quarter. Entry-level luxury models such as the Lexus RX 330 and BMW 3 series are especially popular. Overall, luxury vehicle purchase requests were up 30 percent versus the second quarter. Requests for the Lexus RX 330 were up 25 percent over the same time period, a sign of confidence and, perhaps, of new buyers entering the luxury market.
Nissan Increases Prices on Select Models
Nissan North America, Inc., has set an interim price increase of $100 on the 2005 Sentra and 2005 350Z Roadster (except the Roadster Grand Touring, which goes on sale in January), and $200 on the 2004 Xterra. A new 2005 Xterra is scheduled to go on sale in early 2005.
NHTSA Wants Tire Pressure Monitoring Standard
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed a new safety standard to warn the driver when a tire is significantly under-inflated. The proposal requires manufacturers to install a four-tire Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that is capable of detecting when a tire is more than 25 percent under-inflated and warning the driver.
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