His data indicated, for instance, that people who bought cheap, generic automotive oil were much more likely to miss a credit-card payment than someone who got the expensive, name-brand stuff.

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Last year 44 million used cars traded hands (new-car sales were 17 million), 37% at new-car dealerships, 32% at used-car lots and the rest privately. (CarMax buys half of the cars it sells from individuals, the rest at auction or from other dealers.) Companies like AutoNation, Asbury Automotive and privately held Wickland Oil have tried to copy CarMax, but none has lasted.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Last year 44 million used cars traded hands (new-car sales were 17 million), 37% at new-car dealerships, 32% at used-car lots and the rest privately. (CarMax buys half of the cars it sells from individuals, the rest at auction or from other dealers.) Companies like AutoNation (nyse: AN - news - people ), Asbury Automotive and privately held Wickland Oil have tried to copy CarMax, but none has lasted.

FORBES: Used Cars, New Software

This can be done by divesting the stocks of publicly traded companies that do business in Iran and by moving rapidly to exploit available alternative fuel and automotive technologies to diminish the role oil plays in powering this country's transportation sector and those of other nations around the world.

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Oil and gas are strong, automotive is doing well and we seem to be seeing the beginning of a housing comeback.

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That would be the case if the nation were finally impelled to do the one practical, near-term and affordable thing that would, over time, dramatically reduce our dependence on oil: Wean the U.S. automotive fleet from its current, almost complete reliance on petroleum-derived gasoline.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The oil leak's silver lining?