2004 Nissan Murano Sl Awd With No Reserve on 2040-cars

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Car theft skyrockets thanks to rising parts prices

Cars and trucks today have achieved a high level of average quality, with safety and technology features that keep occupants safer than ever and meet consumers' high expectations. But the National Insurance Crime Bureau finds that those components come with a rising price tag, leading to expensive repair bills — and rising vehicle thefts to support a thriving black market for parts. The nonprofit NICB said it looked at the cost of replacement parts for the top 10 stolen 2016 models, with average OEM part prices pulled from a database of more than 24 million vehicle damage appraisals generated for 2016 and 2017 insurance claims. The list did not include major components like engines or transmissions, only easily-stripped components like bumpers, doors, hoods and headlights. It found that: The 2016 Toyota Camry, which had a used market value of around $15,000, had 15 commonly replaced parts that added up to almost $11,000, not including labor, with quarter panels alone costing almost $1,600 a pair and a set of alloy wheels tallying more than $1,600. The Camry was also the top stolen vehicle in 2016 at 1,113 thefts. A 2016 Nissan Altima had 14 standard parts worth more than $14,000, including a single headlamp assembly that costs just over $1,000. The Altima was the second-top stolen vehicle in 2016 at 1,063 vehicles stolen. And the 2016 GMC Sierra pickup, which was No. 7 on the 2016 top-stolen list, rang up $21,000 from 20 standard components, including an $1,100 headlamp assembly and an $1,100 rear bumper. "For the professional theft ring, stealing and stripping vehicles for parts has always been a lucrative business," Jim Schweitzer, NICB's senior vice president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. "On today's cars and trucks, the parts are often worth more than the intact vehicle and may be easier to move and sell. That's why we see so many thefts of key items like wheels and tires and tailgates ... there's always a market for them." Check out the NICB infographic below. Vehicle thefts in the U.S. rose by more than 4 percent in 2017, based on preliminary FBI data, after rising 7.6 percent in 2016, though the overall trend has been down since vehicle thefts peaked in 1991, according to the NICB. Related Video: Image Credit: National Insurance Crime Bureau Aftermarket GMC Nissan Toyota Auto Repair Insurance Ownership auto parts car values stolen car nicb national insurance crime bureau components

Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan e-NV200 Workspace, Audi Shared Fleet pilot in NC

Nissan has collaborated with Studio Hardie to create the e-NV200 Workspace mobile office. The one-off electric van includes a desk space, touchscreen PC, pop-up coffee machine, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, mini fridge, pull-out rear deck, and app-controlled lighting. The e-NV200 Workspace allows freedom to work to work in a variety of places while avoiding the high rent of city center office space. It also eliminates the added cost and time of traveling to work. There's even a storage mount inside the van for a folding bike to facilitate for when you want to leave the office behind. Check it out in the video above, and read more from Nissan. Audi is launching a pilot program of its on-demand Shared Fleet service in Durham, North Carolina. With Audi Shared Fleet set to debut around the country next year, the pilot program will be housed at the American Underground technology incubator in Durham for this initial trial. Users will be able to book and unlock the fleet's 2017 A4 sedans using the Audi Shared Fleet app. The program will help Audi refine the service ahead of its nationwide launch. Learn more from Audi. The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) is raffling off a Tesla Model S as part of a fundraiser. In its Green Your Ride contest, the ISEA will pick a winner from 2,500 tickets sold at $100 apiece (or four for $300). If the winner doesn't need a car, or doesn't want to pay the associated taxes and fees, they can opt instead for $60,000 cash. Second and third prize winners get a Tesla Model S for Kids by Radio Flyer, or $500. If less than 2,000 tickets are sold, the winner takes half the raffle proceeds, while the ISEA will use the rest in its mission to promote solar power. Read more at ValueWalk.

Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market

What do you call a Nissan Versa with a new nose and a home in the Indian car market? A Renault Scala. Given a chrome grille insert, the blacked-out crossbar common to Renaults and a few other "status-enhancing" tweaks, the Scala is Renault's fifth offering in India and rounds out its segment coverage.
The Scala is not only positioned as a sedan with value pricing and luxurious equipment, it is presented as a carriage for the chauffeured classes: best-in-class roominess, leather seating, rear vents for the climate control and two cupholders in the rear armrest attend to the boss in the back.
An 86-horsepower diesel and a 99-hp gas engine take care of matters up front. Available now in three trims, it joins the Pulse hatch, Fluence sedan, and Koleos and Duster SUVs in Renault's Indian line-up, and comes with Renault's CompleteCare service and 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Have a read of the press release below for more info.