1994 Jeep Wrangler Cherokee & Grand Cherokee Color Sales Brochure Original Small on 2040-parts.com

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

GM greenlights Chevy Spark, Orlando for production

Two more fuel-sipping Chevrolets will be coming to North America in 2011. The Chevy Beat concept is now called the Spark, and along with the Orlando multi-purpose vehicle, has been greenlighted for production. They will be sold around the world, including in the United States.

Vauxhall/Opel Flextreme GT/E concept (2010)

This is the Opel Flextreme GT/E, a new concept that Vauxhall’s sister brand will unveil at the 2010 Geneva motor show next month. It’s Vauxhall/Opel’s second Flextreme show car – the original was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt show – and previews how GM’s extended-range electric vehicle technology can be utilised in large cars – the GT/E uses the same electrified powertrain that is found in the more compact Ampera. The GT/E has uses the same E-REV (extended-range electric vehicle) technology that’s been developed for the Ampera.