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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.

Nissan Micra (2010) at the Geneva motor show

This is the new Nissan Micra, revealed today at the 2010 Geneva motor show by company chief exec Carlos Ghosn. Blame the need to appeal to buyers in over 160 countries, and Nissan’s desire to keep its cost down – fancy steel pressings cost cash. The new Micra will be built in at least four factories across the globe; Nissan’s Sunderland plant will build the new Juke and Europe’s supply of the Micra will come from a factory in India.

2015 Smart ForTwo and Smart ForFour teased in new video

The new Smart ForTwo and Smart ForFour (pictured) teased The new Renault Twingo has already been revealed, but the new Smart, which shares the majority of components, isn’t due to debut until the Paris Motor Show in October. But October isn’t that far away now, so Smart had released a teaser video for both the new Smart ForTwo and For Four as they build interest for the debut. The video was shot in Sweden where Smart are running camouflaged prototypes on test ahead of the launch, and the video allows the first look of the new Smarts on the move.