(January 17, 2015) LONDON — For almost three quarters of young drivers, the costs associated with car insurance means that the selection of cars they can actually afford to run is usually extremely limited and not very appealing. Indeed for 35 percent of 17-25 year olds the costs are so prohibitive they choose not to own a car at all, while the vast majority that do take the plunge end up spending up to 30 percent of their income just keeping their car on the road.

(January 16, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Lincoln Motor Company showed strong progress in 2014, with improved sales, new vehicles, the brand’s launch in China, introduction of Lincoln Black Label and an attention-grabbing ad campaign for the first-ever MKC featuring actor Matthew McConaughey.

Lincoln finished 2014 with retail sales of 94,474 in North America, a 16 percent increase versus 2013 and the brand’s best sales result since 2008. Further, the brand closed the year strongly, with sales of 26,686 vehicles in the fourth quarter, up 22 percent compared to 2013 and the best fourth quarter since 2007.

(January 16, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Ford’s Focus Electric hatchback, which sells at an average of 16 percent off MSRP, tops January’s list of best savings on new vehicles, according to TrueCar, Inc. The “TrueSavings” monthly report analyzes current transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

“Fuel savings are not top of mind to many consumers right now, and that makes this a great time to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle,” said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar.

(January 15, 2015) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Despite gas prices falling to their lowest levels since 2010, fuel economy — for a fourth consecutive year — remains the most influential factor among the majority of new-vehicle buyers in determining which vehicle they select, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Avoider Study released Wednesday.

The study, now in its 12th year, examines the reasons consumers purchase, reject or do not consider — or avoid — particular models when shopping for a new vehicle.

(January 14, 2015) DETROIT — Thirty-three winners were honored for automotive loyalty and conquest efforts during the IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards announced this week in Detroit. The awards were presented during the Automotive News World Congress held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show.

(January 14, 2015) WASHINGTON — U.S. motorists are paying an average price of $2.13 a gallon for unleaded regular this week, more than 40 percent lower than the 2014 peak of $3.70 reached on April 28, according to AAA. The national average continues to test lows not seen since May 2009 and has now dropped a record 109 consecutive days for a total decline of $1.22 per gallon during this span.

(January 13, 2015) DETROIT — Verizon has announced "Verizon Vehicle," a new connected-vehicle service available directly to consumers in the U.S., which aims to modernize traditional roadside assistance offerings — while enhancing driver safety, convenience and savings.

(January 13, 2015) ATLANTA — AutoTrader.com analysts say 2015 is shaping up to be another strong sales year for the automotive industry, and manufacturers are already unveiling new vehicles to lure shoppers to their showrooms in the New Year. To help consumers get a jump start on their shopping lists, AutoTrader.com's editorial team has identified the 10 vehicles that they're most looking forward to seeing on dealer lots in 2015.