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Carfax has announced an expansion in the scope of police-reported accident data from the state of Hawaii available through Carfax Vehicle History Reports. Anyone shopping for a used car now has access to more information about a vehicle’s accident history to help determine the extent of damage. Buyers and sellers can then use this information to direct a mechanic inspection and confirm the vehicle was properly repaired.

“Accidents are the number one concern of used car buyers,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Far too many people unknowingly purchase vehicles involved in prior accidents that have not been properly repaired or are at risk for scams like airbag fraud. Consumers now have a greater wealth of information available in Carfax Vehicle History Reports that can alert them to any potential problems. When combined with a trusted mechanic’s inspection, our customers can find a safe, reliable vehicle.”

Posted under Automotive

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that purchasers of General Motors Corp. qualified vehicles may continue to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. The announcement comes after the IRS concluded its quarterly review of the number of hybrid vehicles sold.

GMC sold 1,388 qualifying vehicles to retail dealers in the quarter ending June 30, 2006. The credit amount and make and model of qualified vehicles sold are:

• GMC Silverado Hybrid 2WD, Model Years 2006 and 2007 — $250
• GMC Silverado Hybrid 4WD, Model Years 2006 and 2007 — $650
• GMC Sierra Hybrid 2WD, Model Years 2006 and 2007 — $250
• GMC Sierra Hybrid 4WD, Model Years 2006 and 2007 — $650
• Saturn Vue GreenLine, Model Year 2007 — $650

Purchasers of GMC’s qualified vehicles may continue to rely on the certifications concerning the vehicles’ qualification for the credit. Consumers seeking the credit may want to buy early because the full credit is only available for a limited time.

Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th vehicle. For the second and third calendar quarters after the quarter in which the 60,000th vehicle is sold, taxpayers may claim 50 percent of the credit. For the fourth and fifth calendar quarters, taxpayers may claim 25 percent of the credit. No credit is allowed after the fifth quarter.

Posted under Automotive

Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Sen. James T. Meeks (D-15), introduced Senate Bill 1839, which would help protect used-car buyers in Illinois. Secretary of State Jesse White and vehicle history company Carfax are also endorsing SB-1839 that would make police-reported accidents information available to both dealers and consumers.

A vote on SB-1839 is scheduled for early April in the Illinois Senate, having passed through the Housing and Community Affairs Committee.

An estimated 700,000 cars were involved in police-reported accidents throughout the State of Illinois in 2003. Much of this information, however, is never disclosed when cars are later sold.

“Carfax applauds Attorney General Madigan and Senator Meeks for this decisive measure to protect both dealers and consumers in Illinois,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “No longer will used-car buyers have to wonder if the car they are considering has ever been in an accident so severe that a police report was filed.”

Currently 38 other states - including New York, California and Michigan - disclose police-reported accidents to the public

Posted under Automotive