Here's the Thing

Clean diesel registrations up 30% since 2010

(June 5, 2014) WASHINGTON, D.C. — California, Texas and Florida lead the U.S. with the most registrations of fuel-efficient clean diesel and hybrid passenger vehicles according to a new analysis and data released by the Diesel Technology Forum.

The analysis is based on data that includes the registration statistics of all passenger vehicles — cars, SUVS, pickup trucks and vans — that were compiled by R.L. Polk and Company in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through December 31, 2013.

Consumers perceive Honda, Mercedes-Benz will deliver highest quality

(June 4, 2014) SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — When it comes to value, perception is reality. And consumers perceive that Honda and Mercedes-Benz deliver the highest quality vehicles according to ALG, the analytics division of TrueCa, which today announced the results of its Brand Perception of Quality (BPQ) study.

Honda received the highest ratings among Mainstream brands, followed by Toyota and Volkswagen. Mercedes-Benz received the highest ratings among Premium brands, followed by Lexus and BMW.

Parents Magazine, Edmunds name 10 Best Family Cars for 2014

(June 4, 2014) NEW YORK — For the seventh year in a row, Parents magazine and car-shopping site Edmunds.com are revealing their list of the year's 10 Best Family Cars, a guide for moms and dads who are in the market for a new car.

Car experts from both organizations examined hundreds of vehicles and whittled the list to the safest, most family-friendly subcompacts cars, large SUVs and everything in between. All the cars share the features that make daily family journeys easier, such as reliability, impressive mileage and ample cargo capacity.

New-car transaction prices up by more than 2 percent over 2013

(June 3, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com  today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $32,307 in May.  New-car prices have increased by $653 (up 2.1 percent) from May 2013, while decreasing $79 (0.2 percent) from last month.

"Small and mid-size car share has declined slightly, as car shoppers opt for small and mid-size crossovers, helping boost this month's average transaction price," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  

Survey shows America needs inflation

(June 2, 2014) WASHINGTON — A tire industry survey reveals that nearly 7 out of 10 vehicles are riding on under inflated tires.  Nearly one in five vehicles has at least one significantly under inflated tire.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the national trade association for tire manufacturers, sponsors National Tire Safety Week (June 1-7) to focus efforts to educate U.S. drivers about the need for regular tire maintenance.  Under inflated tires waste gasoline, increase the risk of tire damage and cause premature tire wear.

Consumer Reports: Accord hybrid has excellent mpg, but short of EPA claims

(May 30, 2014) YONKERS, N.Y. —  Consumer Reports fuel economy tests found the Honda Accord Hybrid delivered impressive overall fuel-economy, tying the smaller Honda Civic Hybrid and just below the top-performing Toyota Prius hatchback.

The Accord Hybrid's 40-mpg performance on Consumer Reports combined city and highway tests make it a class leader for fuel economy among midsized sedans. Testers found the Accord Hybrid has a very impressive hybrid system that smoothly transitions between battery and engine power. To save fuel, even at highway speeds, the engine willingly shuts off as soon as drivers lift their foot off the gas pedal.

Kelley Blue Book names 10 'Most Affordable' sport utilities

(May 29, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Whether car shoppers are looking for an all-new family hauler, a means of navigating through inclement weather, or cargo space not found in smaller vehicles, an SUV is often the answer.  

And no matter what shoppers seek, chances are they also are in search of the best price.  To make the quest easier, the editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named this year's 10 Most Affordable SUVs.

L.A. Auto Show gets new logo to reflect show's growth

(May 29, 2014) LOS ANGELES — One hundred seven years ago, an amazing phenomenon called the Los Angeles Auto Show took root. From day one, the show became a lifelong celebration of the automobile, a valued marketing partner and a welcome gathering site for the auto industry.

Today’s show is not yesterday’s prototype. It has evolved dramatically from its early days. It now plays a vital role as the nexus of a worldwide, future-facing automotive network, a virtual Who’s Who of What’s Next.

Kelley Blue Book predicts best May new-car sales since 2007

(May 28, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to rise 6.7 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.54 million units, and an estimated 16.05 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book.  This marks the strongest May since 2007.

With 1.54 million units sold in May, this would bring the year-to-date total to 6.6 million, a 3.9 percent increase from last year.  In addition, a 16.05 million SAAR this month could mark the second month above 16 million this year, following a 15.98 million SAAR in April.

Caught on camera: Highest speeds on roads in England, Wales

(May 28, 2014) A motorist in on the M25 at Swanley holds the record for the highest speed clocked by a speed camera in England and Wales between April 2013 and May 2014.  The 149 mph figure was revealed following freedom of information requests to 39 police authorities by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Eighty-five per cent of police authorities responded.

Other findings include:

    • The highest speed recorded on 30 mph road was 96 mph on the B1288, on Leam Lane, Gateshead