"This is a game changer for Toyota, " said Art Spinella, head of CNW Market Research.

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In the third quarter, total U.S. industry retail new vehicle unit sales rose 14 percent, according to CNW Research.

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Carmakers sold 3 million fleet vehicles in 2002 out of 16.8 million total, according to CNW Marketing Research--almost 18% of all sales.

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CNW's Spinella says this kind of fleet sales can be as good for a marque as the rental fleet can be bad.

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The percentage of auto-loan applications by prime borrowers that were approved rose to 91% in December from 82% a year earlier, said CNW Research.

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Results from publicly traded firms, including Con-Way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) and LandStar System Inc. (NASDAQ: LSTR), also reflect industry trends as both companies posted better-than-expected sales and earnings in recent months.

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Just a few weeks into falling gas prices, new vehicle shoppers have ranked "overall fuel economy" No. 21 among attributes they most care about, two spots behind cup holders, according to a survey by CNW Marketing Research of Bandon, Ore.

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According to CNW Marketing Research, an Oregon-based firm that analyzes the auto industry, it is a positive sign for the economy when BMW dealers notice that a lot of their shoppers start out looking for a 3 series car, but end up buying the more luxurious 5-series.

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