Here's the Thing

Autotrader lists its annual 'Must Test Drive Vehicles' of 2016

(March 28, 2016) ATLANTA — For consumers in the market for a new car, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the new — and newly redesigned — models that have been released since they last bought a car. Autotrader's editorial team is helping consumers narrow down the many choices on the market today by selecting the top 10 vehicles that shoppers should experience for themselves.

How to build your own engine coffee table

(March 26, 2016) Gergely Bajzáth has made a good number of engine coffee tables, and constantly enjoys positive feedback and comments about his work. Now, in "How to Build your own Engine Coffee Table," he has decided to share his methods and tips with you, so that you can make one of your own.

Bajzáth, who works as a steel fabricator in the United Kingdom, says that whether in your living room, workshop, den, man cave, or girl shed, an engine coffee table is a great talking point, and is almost guaranteed to become the main topic of conversation when friends visit.

Edmunds predicts continued growth in car sales in March

(March 25, 2016) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com forecasts that 1,655,462 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in March for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 17.2 million. The projected sales will be a 23.5 percent increase from February 2016, and a 7.3 percent increase from March 2015.

Toyota marks Corolla's 50th anniversary

(March 24, 2016) NEW YORK — Actress Gina Rodriguez drove her Corolla cross-country to Hollywood to follow her dreams. Actress Hannah Simone learned to drive inside her dad’s pristinely kept Corolla. With more than 43 million vehicles sold over the last 50 years, the Toyota Corolla has been a part of more people’s lives than any car ever manufactured.

Kiekert unveils 'i-protect' vehicle door braking system

(March 23, 2016) HEILGENHAUS, Germany — Kiekert AG, a technology leader in automotive locking systems, has reached the next milestone. In the space of six months, Kiekert has completed its innovative prototype vehicle with the electromechanical door protection function, i-protect.

U.S. average gas price may climb above $2 for first time in 2016

(March 23, 2016) WASHINGTON — Pump prices have climbed higher for two straight weeks, and the national average price of gas may soon climb above $2 per gallon for the first time this year. Gas prices have increased largely due to seasonal increases in fuel demand and reduced production as some refineries conduct maintenance, according to AAA.

Study: 51% of insurance shoppers give incorrect information

(March 22, 2016) SAN FRANCISCO — CoverHound, a digital marketplace for comparing and purchasing insurance, released today the results of a new consumer survey that analyzed its proprietary data to better understand the behavior of auto insurance shoppers. CoverHound uncovered surprising data on people's likelihood in omitting correct information intentionally or by accident when requesting an auto insurance quote.

Subaru big winner in Kelley Brand Image Awards

(March 22, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The 2016 Brand Image Award winners, based on annual new-car buyer perception data, were announced today by Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com.  Subaru picked up three of the six category awards for non-luxury brands and Lexus won two categories in the luxury brands.

The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of the new-vehicle buying public.  Award categories are calculated among luxury, non-luxury and truck shoppers.

Study finds most expensive, least expensive states to own a car

(March 21, 2016) LOS ANGELES — There's a $7,216 cost difference between owning a car in Michigan and New Hampshire according to a new study from personal finance website GOBankingRates.com. The study considered the costs of six key factors affecting the expenses of owning a vehicle in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Mini, Audi top J.D. Power customer service satisfaction study

(March 17, 2016) TROY, Mich. — Audi and Mini were winners in customer satisfaction at dealership service departments in a benchmark study that J.D. Power and Associates released Wednesday. Mini was the highest ranked mass-market brand in J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Customer Service Index Study while Audi was the top luxury brand.