American automakers General Motors and Ford had a very successful August, but both were behind Chrysler. With a bevvy of updated models, the manufacturer saw a 31 percent rise in sales compared to last year, the 17th month in a row where sales rose in relation to the previous year, USA Today reports.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the boost in sales was the resurgence of the Jeep Wrangler. Compared to August 2010, the classic Jeep sold 58 percent more, giving the model its best month since December 2007. The company also re-branded its Sebring sedan under the name Chrysler 200, and subsequently saw sales jump 142 percent.

As for GM, the venerable company had a good August as well. Specifically, the Chevy Cruze, GMC Arcada and Cadillac CTS all rose in sales.

"The 'new GM' is making the strides it promised. About the only negative signs on GM's spreadsheet of August sales were for models being discontinued or soon to be replaced," says analyst Michelle Krebs told the publication.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Chrysler or Chevrolet may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction which has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices. 

The Chevrolet Malibu has been a mainstay in American automotive culture, and the classic car will be making it's European debut later this year at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. General Motors announced that the newly redesigned Malibu will go on sale there for the first time next year, offering motorists a slew of impressive features.

Among the new aspects of the Malibu is a cockpit design that is much more spacious and inviting than in previous years. Additionally, it has a few new storage areas, bluetooth wireless capabilities and a seven-inch touch screen radio.

Furthermore, new Malibu drivers will be treated to a boost in performance as well, highlighted by premium steering and an isolated engine cradle that reduces noise.

"The Chevrolet Malibu is the brand's new top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium feel to Europe's midsize segment." said Wayne Brannon, the president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe.

Motorists who are looking to pick up a Chevrolet Malibu may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of used cars at affordable prices.

The Chevrolet Volt has been at the forefront of the electric car movement, and now General Motors appears poised to use the Volt as a template for an electric Cadillac. According to GreenCarReports, the model would likely be the concept Cadillac Converj, which may be available as early as 2013.

The Converj debuted two years ago at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but many speculated that the beautiful car would never be produced for consumers. However, the news source reports that manufacturers have received the go-ahead to begin making the electricity-powered vehicle.

Though it's in the very early stages, the move could be a smart one for GM. Analysts at USA Today point out that the Chevy Volt already has a pretty steep price of nearly $40,000, but Cadillac drivers are probably less likely to stay away from an electric luxury car due to big price tag.

Although the Converj may be a few years away, drivers looking to get behind wheel of a fuel-efficient Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

The Nissan Leaf has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to electric cars, and it looks like General Motors is doing what it can to catch up. Bloomberg reports that the manufacturer is boosting production of the Chevrolet Volt in an effort to jump ahead of Nissan.

It may be tough to do, though. Nissan has sold 3,875 of the fully-electric Leaf, while Chevy is a bit behind at 2,745 Volts sold. As part of its plan to eclipse Nissan, Chevrolet hopes to be building 5,000 Volts a month by January of next year.

Despite the apparent fledgling rivalry between the two electric cars, analysts say it might be too early in the process to tell which car, if any, is better and more popular among consumers.

"It’s too soon to tell any definite direction in the race between the two cars," analyst Ivan Drury told the news source. "Even next year it will be very limited. It’s going to take five to six more years before we see these cars selling over 100,000 a year."

Though such prevalence of electric cars is a few years away, drivers can still check out fuel-efficient options by visiting New Jersey Auto Auction.

General Motors recently confirmed that it is set to release a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze, marking the first such passenger car introduced by a Detroit manufacturer since the 1980s. USA Today reports that GM CEO Dan Akerson says the car will hit the market in 2013.

The Cruze will be only the second passenger car, to be offered with the diesel option in the United States the other being the Volkswagen Jetta . The new version will certainly be attractive to drivers looking to boost their fuel economy, as diesel engines get between 20 to 40 percent better mileage.

"I drove it the other day. It is great," Akerson told the publication. "These new diesels are quiet. Should make it in the low- to mid-40s, and that's with an automatic."

According to the news source, the Cruze was the top selling car in the U.S. last month, and was seventh overall throughout the first six months of the year.

Drivers who want to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient used car should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.