Here's the Thing

2015 Volkswagen GTI wins 'Cheap Speed Challenge'

(July 28, 2014) CHICAGO — Cars.com has named the 2015 Volkswagen GTI the winner of its first-ever "Cheap Speed Challenge." The challenge focused on compact coupes, sedans and hatchbacks that cost less than $30,000 and come with features popular among drivers looking for performance in a new car.

Challenge contenders were the 2014 Fiat 500 Abarth, 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, 2014 Kia Forte SX, 2014 Nissan Juke NISMO, 2014 Scion FR-S, 2014 Subaru WRX and the 2015 Volkswagen GTI.

TrueCar says new vehicle sales continue to sizzle in July

(July 25, 2014) SANTA MONICA — TrueCar, Inc. today released its July 2014 sales and incentives forecast, which shows that new light vehicle sales in the U.S. (including fleet) are expected to reach 1,444,000 units, up 9.9 percent from July 2013 and up 1.8 percent from June 2014.
   
TrueCar predicts the highest July sales since 2006 with a Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate ("SAAR") of 16.7 million new vehicle sales, up 6.8 percent from July 2013.

AAA's tests reveal real-world benefits of automatic stop-start

(July 24, 2014) ORLANDO, Fla. — New research from AAA shows that automatic stop-start automotive technology delivers a significant fuel economy benefit. Test results indicated that automatic stop-start systems provide a five percent to seven percent improvement in fuel economy and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared with tests conducted on the same vehicle with the automatic stop-start system disabled.

Porsche, Hyundai rank highest in J.D. Power annual APEAL study

(July 23, 2014) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Porsche is the highest-ranked nameplate in APEAL for the 10th consecutive year, and Hyundai ranks highest among non-premium brands in the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today. Hyundai is also the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), marking the first time a nameplate has ranked highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year.

Edmunds Tesla drivers set cross-country record in electric vehicle

(July 22, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A team from Edmunds.com  shattered the cross-country speed record in an electric vehicle when driving from Redondo Beach, Calif. to New York City in a 2013 Tesla Model S in 67 hours and 21 minutes. The record-setting drive erased the previous record of 76 hours and 5 minutes set by a team of Tesla staffers.

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage named 'Most Affordable Vehicle' by Cars.com

(July 21, 2014) CHICAGO — Cars.com has named the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage the most affordable vehicle car shoppers can buy. Cars.com editors considered cars of all types and sizes. Minimum requirements included power windows and door locks as well as Bluetooth capability and USB port(s).

In addition to the cost of each car plus destination fee, editors calculated five-year gas cost for each contender to help shoppers understand the true cost of each vehicle beyond sticker price.

Rand McNally publishes 2015 line of atlases for commercial drivers

(July 21, 2014) SKOKIE, Ill. — Rand McNally today released the 2015 edition of the Motor Carriers' Road Atlas, the #1-selling trucker's print atlas line. The printed trucking atlas, in its 34th edition, continues to be the trusted guide for over-the-road and other large-vehicle drivers.

NADA: Used vehicle prices fall 2.4% in June; in line with forecast

(July 16, 2014) MCLEAN, Va. — Strong demand for used automobiles in June helped to keep NADA's seasonally-adjusted used vehicle price index essentially unchanged at 126.4, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Used Car Guide's July edition of Guidelines, a monthly report on new and used vehicle sales trends and price movement.

Prices of used vehicles up to eight years in age fell by 2.4% compared to May, a figure in line with NADA's forecasted decline of 2-to-2.5%.

IIHS makes recommendations on used vehicles for teens

(July 16, 2014) ARLINGTON, Va. — Many teenagers are driving vehicles that don't offer good crash protection and lack important safety technology, new research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. To help guide parents toward safer choices, IIHS has compiled its first-ever list of recommended used vehicles for teens.

Cars.com lists best new-car deals of the month

(July 14, 2014) CHICAGO — Strong incentives and lease deals on nearly every type of vehicle are available this month, with especially attractive offers on large SUVs and full-size trucks.

"July is turning out to be a great time to buy a SUV or full-size truck," said Jesse Toprak, chief analyst for Cars.com. "Consumers can find some of the most generous incentives for large vehicles during the summer, which makes now the time to buy as opposed to winter when the discounts are generally not as high."