Here's the Thing

AAA tests shine high-beam on headlight limitations

(May 15, 2015) ORLANDO, Fla. — New test results from AAA reveal the potential for significant headlight shortcomings when traveling on roadways that lack overhead lighting, typically America's rural roads, which account for 40 percent of vehicle miles traveled annually.

Kelley Blue Book lists 10 best car deals in May

(May 14, 2015) The experts from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals for new cars available in May from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"This month's list of standout deals includes everything from a pickup truck to more than one electric car, along with a few sedans to even out the mix.  Topping the list is an SUV alternative offering loads of charm and just as much cash back,"  said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. 

Texters, tailgaters, 'left lane hogs' top list of deplorable driving behaviors

(May 14, 2015) BELLEVUE, Wash. —  Expedia.com, a full-service travel sites, has released the results of the Expedia 2015 Road Rage Report, a yearly analysis of driving etiquette. The study was commissioned by Expedia and conducted by GfK, an independent global market research company. Among other queries, GfK asked 1,000 Americans to rank the behavior of their fellow motorists in order of aggravation.

More than 4 in 5 Americans not asking for car insurance discounts

(May 13, 2015) SAN FRANCISCO — Just 16 percent of Americans have asked their car insurance provider for common discounts, according to a new insuranceQuotes.com report. The survey asked about low mileage, marriage, occupational, good student, and defensive driver discounts.

All of these need to be self-reported and can save drivers a substantial amount of money — that is, if the consumer takes the time to inform the insurance company.

Gas prices continue rise according to AAA

(May 11, 2015) WASHINGTON — The national average price of gas has increased for 26 of the previous 27 days to $2.66 per gallon, which is the highest average of the year. Drivers are paying about four cents more per gallon than one week ago and 27 cents more per gallon than one month ago.

However, relatively low crude costs continue to translate to significant savings at the pump for consumers. Today’s national average is about a dollar less than a year ago and is at the cheapest level for this date since 2009.

AAA: Memorial Day travel to be at highest volume in 10 years

(May 9, 2015) ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA Travel projects 37.2 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 4.7 percent increase from the 35.5 million people who traveled last year and the highest travel volume for the holiday in 10 years.

Discontinued Hummer brand most popular in California

(May 5, 2015) DENVER — Given California’s notoriously high gas prices and preference for eco-friendly vehicles, it’s somewhat surprising to learn that the state has the most remaining Hummer brand vehicles in the US. Yet, according to part search data from GMPartsCenter.net gathered between 2010 and 2014, there were more Californians searching for Hummer replacement parts than people in any other state, followed closely by Texas.

Gas prices rise for 19 straight days, but still $1.06 lower than year ago

(May 5, 2015) WASHINGTON — The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline has moved higher for 19 consecutive days for a total of 23 cents per gallon, due to higher crude oil costs and a number of refinery issues, AAA reported on Monday.

Today’s price of $2.62 per gallon represents the most expensive average price of the year. Motorists are paying eight cents more per gallon than one week ago and 22 cents more than one month ago to refuel their vehicles.

GM thanks customers for 500 million rides

(May 5, 2015) KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A half-billion vehicles over 106 years equals billions in commerce, payroll, investments and infrastructure in communities all over the world. For customers, these vehicles played roles in weddings, family vacations, graduations, new businesses and countless milestones along life’s journey.

Globally, more than 500 million General Motors-branded vehicles have been built — the most of any automaker by far – and the company is putting its customers at the center of the accomplishment.

TrueCar projects compact utilities to become top-selling U.S. segment

(May 5, 1015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar expects demand for compact utility vehicles to continue expanding among U.S. auto buyers this year, so much so that the segment will be the market's biggest for the first time.

In the first quarter of 2015, market share for compact utilities, led by Honda's top-selling CR-V, the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota's RAV4, grew to 15.6 percent to overtake compact cars at 15.1 percent and midsize cars at 14.7 percent.