Auto Notes

Truck drivers want better mileage

Despite the pickup truck’s ubiquitous image as a workhorse in commercials, a national study finds that trucks are used for personal reasons about 80 percent of the time.

Thus, owners selected “better fuel economy” as the most-important improvement that automakers could make, according to the study by R.L. Polk & Co., a market firm for the industry.

The federal government has not regulated the fuel economy of heavy pickups because of the belief they are used primarily for commercial work.

New car prices up in past four years

If you think new car prices are higher than ever, you are right. The average cost during the third quarter this year was the highest in four years, according to the Comerica Auto Affordability Index.

Two reasons are that financing costs have increased and consumers have used purchase incentives to upgrade their vehicle choices.

The average price of a new vehicle was $27,958, including financing charges, the National Automobile Dealers Association reported.

Ford offering new discounts

Ford Motor Co. has introduced new discounts that involve reduced prices and rebates.

The program, called “Keep It Simple,” ends Jan. 3. It covers most 2005 and 2006 models.

The automaker’s gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are included for the first time in the incentives program, according to Bloomberg News.

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