2009 New Cars

Fresno, Calif., is New Car-Theft Capital of US

1. Fresno, Calif. (5)

2. Modesto, Calif. (2)

3. Bakersfield-Delano, Calif. (3)

4. Spokane, Wash. (18)

5. Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif. (16)

6. Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/Roseville, Calif. (11)

7. Stockton, Calif. (4)

8. Visalia-Porterville, Calif. (8)

9. San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, Calif. (7)

10. Yakima, Wash. (6)

Fresno, Calif., has edged out Modesto, Calif., to gain the dubious distinction of being the car-theft capital of the country. California dominates the list, with eight of its metropolitan areas named among the top 10 "hot spots" for vehicle theft, according to a new report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).   

But the good news is car theft is slowing down in many cities and overall nationwide. Preliminary 2010 crime statistics published last month by the Federal Bureau of Investigation show a 7.2 percent drop in vehicle thefts from 2009's 794,616. If that estimate holds when the final statistics are published in the fall, 2010 will boast the lowest annual vehicle thefts since 1967, according to the NICB.

The bureau examines vehicle-theft data from the National Crime Information Center for each of the nation's metropolitan or “micropolitan” statistical areas (MSAs), which are designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget . MSAs typically are larger than cities. The Fresno MSA, for example, includes all of Fresno County.

The Fresno, Modesto and Bakersfield-Delano MSAs, respectively, occupy the top three hot spots of the most recent ranking, which is based on the number of car thefts in 2010 per 100,000 area residents.

The West, particularly California, has dominated the top hot spots since at least 2000, says NICB spokesperson Frank Scafidi.

The only regions outside of California in the top 10 are Yakima and Spokane, Wash. Yakima, in the heart of central Washington's agricultural area, was No. 6 on last year's list, based on 2009 data, and No. 3 on the 2009 list, based on 2008 data. Spokane rose from No. 18 on last year's list and from No. 35 on the previous year's ranking. Scafidi couldn't speculate about why seemingly sleepy Yakima continues to rank high for vehicle theft, or what happened in Spokane to place it in the top 10 this year.

However, California's place on the list is a no-brainer.

Volkswagen Rabbit Named One of the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars ...

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that the Rabbit has once again been named one of the ‘Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000′ by Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), a top rated consumer web-site that provides vehicle pricing and information. The annual accolade acknowledges automakers for producing vehicles that emphasize performance, safety, fuel economy, interior size, and comfort. This year the editors also selected vehicles with a growing emphasis on personality, versatility, and technology.

“Volkswagen of America is thrilled that our Rabbit has once again been recognized by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com as one of the Coolest New Cars Under $18,000,’ said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America. ‘The Rabbit truly embodies the Volkswagen Brand–affordable German engineering in a stylish and fun-to-drive package,” added Barnes.

Since 2003, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com has announced the ‘Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000′ to provide consumers a list of affordable and stylish vehicles. The editors at kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provides a useful comparison point as compared to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

“The fun, refined and versatile Volkswagen Rabbit has found its way onto our Coolest Cars list yet again. This will be the last year, though, as a new, sixth-generation version of Volkswagen’s venerable hatchback is set to show up for the 2010 model year and will again sport a ‘Golf’ nametag,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

The 2009 Rabbit comes standard with a fun-to-drive 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®. Adding to the Rabbits fun-to-drive DNA is a multi-link rear suspension and an electro-mechanical power-assisted steering system that contribute to the vehicles agility and nimbleness. Regardless of which transmission is selected, the Rabbit’s performance and fuel economy numbers add up to guilt-free fun. With the manual the Rabbit gets 29 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, and the automatic gets 30 mpg on the highway.

Standard & Poor's creditweek

RIA's complete analysis of the tax and benefits provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, with code and ERISA sections as amended and committee reports

Plunkett's Automobile Industry Almanac 2009, The Only Comprehensive Guide to Automotive Companies and Trends

American Recycler, August 2009

Fodor's New Orleans 2009