Auto Facts with CARA

In September of 2020, almost 1.4 million motor vehicles were sold in the U.S. As more people consider purchasing or trading in a vehicle, consumers may find themselves mired by misconceptions. Here are several car-buying misconceptions, fallacies, and superstitions, debunked, (and also a few truths) to guide your car-buying journey:   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are not that far off.  We wanted to discuss with you some gift options for the car enthusiasts in your lives.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As leaves begin to fall, wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. They also can obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving in unfamiliar areas particularly difficult. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways. If you do begin to slide on the wet leaves, take your foot off the gas but DO NOT slam on the brakes. Braking hard will only increase the slide. Point your wheels in the direction you want your vehicle to go. As your vehicle straightens out, you’ll need to adjust your steering again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) offers incentives of up to $5,000 for Connecticut residents who purchase or lease a new eligible battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric or fuel cell electric vehicle. There are currently over 30 eligible vehicles available and the list continues to grow as manufacturers release new models. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fatalities in truck-involved crashes have risen by about a third since 2009 and reached 4,951 killed on U.S. roads in 2018, the latest year for which federal data is available. Truck-related fatalities represent 13.5 percent of the overall traffic-death total that year. The Federal Excise Tax (FET) on heavy-duty trucks was first imposed in 1917 to help pay for World War I. Interesting to note it began around the same time as the last major pandemic.  This tax on most new heavy-duty trucks, tractors and trailers was originally 3% and has now grown to 12%.  As the highest excise tax on a percentage basis that Congress levies on a product, the FET often adds as much as $20,000- $30,000 to the price of a new heavy-duty truck.  This cost prevents companies from buying newer and safer vehicles.  The FET is prohibitive. Excise taxes go to the Federal Government.  It is important to note that heavy trucks are all American made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dealerships are an integral part of Connecticut’s economy as they protect our state’s consumers and work hard to contribute $10.3 billion in total sales to Connecticut's economy, which is 17.7% of total retail sales in the state.   There are currently over 14,000 employees in direct jobs at the 270 new car dealerships in Connecticut.  This is an average of 57 employees per dealership.  There are also over 14,000 indirect and induced jobs.  The payroll for the dealerships amounts to $880 million. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it is to the beach or to the mountains, fall is a great time to get in your car and go for a drive. What are some road trip essentials? Where can consumers find new vehicles for these fall drives and the rest of their commuter needs? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, women have become a more powerful and influential segment of the car buying community. Research shows that women influence 70%-80% of all consumer purchasing. According to cars.com, women buy 62% of all new cars sold in the U.S.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

According to Cox Automotive, franchised dealers have experienced growth in manufacturer-backed certified preowned (CPO) sales. Through October 2019, CPO sales were up 2.9 percent.   A CPO used car is a Certified Pre-Owned car and they’re very different from the average used car. A car can be certified either by a dealer using an automaker’s specifications, or dealers can certify cars on their own.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

While you won’t be taking off into the sky with your SUV right from the interstate anytime soon, the future of cars is bright, especially when it comes to building cars with greater internet-based capabilities that will make driving smarter and safer.  When the car moves from being a closed box to a “mobile box” with the ability to gather data and communicate it, that is known as a connected car.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

2020 has been a hard year to quantify.  What was the forecast for 2020 at the beginning of the year and what is the forecast 6 months into 2020? See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

What is the Federal Excise Tax on Trucks?  The Federal Excise Tax (FET) on heavy-duty trucks was first imposed in 1917 to help pay for World War I (Which has ended, but not the tax). This tax on most new heavy-duty trucks, tractors and trailers was originally 3% and has now grown to 12%.   As the highest excise tax on a percentage basis that Congress levies on a product, the FET often adds as much as $12,000- $22,000 to the price of a new heavy-duty truck.  

Auto manufacturing plants across the United States are resuming operations after halting operations from mid-March until May 18.  The plants are reopening in stages and boosting production gradually, but it will take months—possibly years—to restore output to pre-crisis levels.  

What are the differences between leasing vs. buying a vehicle? What are the up-front costs for leasing or buying a car? What happens when a lease is complete on a vehicle?

How can someone get a driver’s license in Connecticut? Where do people take driver’s education? What do you need to do to get a driver’s license in Connecticut?

All Things Auto- Covid-19 and Connecticut Car Dealerships Part 2 Have new car dealerships been open in Connecticut during the Covid-19 pandemic? How have sales been in dealerships since the Covid-19 shutdown began?  If the Governor begins to loosen restrictions and auto dealerships open back up how will they do this?

How Automotive Dealers are working safer and helping customers get through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Spring is right around the corner. How should you get your vehicle ready. 

Did you know cars were once manufactured in CT? Learn more about the state's history with automobiles.

What types of cars can be purchased in CT? We discuss car buying time myths and facts, and look at the different EV's available in our state.

A look at electric vehicles, myths and facts. 

New car dealers are a major player in employment and opportunities for CT residents. They support local communities, events and local businesses. 

Winter is on the way, and even living in New England, people seem to go nuts behind the wheel whenever conditions get snowy and icy. But there's things we can do in advance to avoid some of the dangers of Winter driving, and CARA's Jim Fleming joins Steve Parker to uncover helpful ideas you can start before the temperature drops. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Dealerships are an integral part of Connecticut’s economy as they protect our state’s consumers and work hard to contribute $10.3 billion in total sales to Connecticut's economy, which is 17.7% of total retail sales in the state.   There are currently over 14,000 employees in direct jobs at the 270 new car dealerships in Connecticut.  This is an average of 57 employees per dealership.  There are also over 14,000 indirect and induced jobs.  The payroll for the dealerships amounts to $880 million.   

It’s been over three decades since the popular television series Knight Rider aired, showcasing the autonomous artificially intelligent automobile, K.I.T.T.  What was once considered a far-fetched sci-fi character is now well on its way to becoming reality in the not-so-distant future.

The Connecticut Auto Show is a three-day event and will take place on Friday, November 15th, Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th.   For the second consecutive year, the Connecticut Auto Show will transform the Mohegan Sun Expo Center in Uncasville into the state’s “largest new car showroom.”  

But what about all of the “Urban Legends” associated with buying a new car?   You know, the advice your know-it-all friend or uncle gives you before you head down to the local dealership. On today’s program – with all due respect to your friend and your uncle – we will bust some popular Car Buying Myths and help make you a more informed consumer.

Winter is on the way, and even living in New England, people seem to go nuts behind the wheel whenever conditions get snowy and icy. But there's things we can do in advance to avoid some of the dangers of Winter driving, and CARA's Jim Fleming joins Steve Parker to uncover helpful ideas you can start before the temperature drops. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Car dealers and the National Guard don't seem like the most obvious pairing, but the automotive industry in Connecticut does a lot of work to support those in service. Steve Parker and CARA's Jim Fleming discuss, and Jim shares some of his favorite memories working with drivers in the service. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

There was a time when Fall was the biggest time to introduce new cars, but now it seems like new models are unveiled all the time. Jim Fleming, President of CARA, explains the best ways to stay up to date on the latest automotive developments, in terms of cars and technology. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Lemon law seems to be a term that surfaces less and less. Is this because cars are better? Or do we just not talk about it the same way? Steve Parker and CARA President Jim Fleming discuss this long-standing CT law, who it covers, and how it works. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Steve Parker and CARA President Jim Fleming are joined by Lou Camacho with the Connecticut Technical School System. This institution has a great reputation, and the automotive industry in Connecticut couldn't survive without it. Learn more about automotive tech schools and the modern day technicians.

Sometimes it seems like Summertime leaves us a little more lax on rules, and that includes while driving. Whether it's hot weather, screaming kids in the backseat, or new and confusing road construction, there's a lot of common summertime factors that can cause hazards on the road and dangerous driving conditions. What can we do to handle road rage and erratic driving? Steve Parker and CARA's Jim Fleming discuss. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

The rules of the road have changed, whether you're a teen first learning the ropes, or a seasoned driver. It's tougher to get a license today, but the good part is it comes with an all new fountain of knowledge for young drivers. Steve Parker and Jim Fleming from CARA talk about how the rest of us can learn those rules of the road. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Steve Parker and Jim Fleming from CARA discuss summer driving safety and gas prices... are we going to pay at the pump this summer? Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Steve Parker and CARA President Jim Fleming list off lots of important summer driving safety tips. It goes way beyond checking your coolant levels and tires, and we cover it all. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Car buying is very different than it used to be, but there's nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of a new car and taking it for a test drive. That's just one of the advantages dealerships still have over online car retailers, and Jim Fleming of CARA sits with Steve Parker to uncover more benefits you'll only get visiting local dealerships. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.

Who is CARA? Jim Fleming, President of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, provides some background information on his organization, and some of the issues that are affecting the auto industry. Auto Facts is driven by Bouvier Insurance.