Here's the Thing

Sedans, crossovers join the minivan on AAA's top choices for families list

(September 6, 2013) ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA has released its latest list of top vehicles, targeting expanding families needing more room, easy handling and dependability in their next vehicle.  Whether looking for the practicality of a minivan to carry more cargo, or the sportier side of an SUV to take the team to soccer games, AAA's list highlights a variety of vehicles growing families should consider during a new car search.

Industry new-car transaction prices up nearly one percent year-over-year

(September 5, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — The estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $31,657 in August, down $138 (0.4 percent) from last month, but up $221 (0.7 percent) year-over-year, according to Kelley Blue Book.

McLaren celebrates 50 years of race-winning success

(September 3, 2013) WORKING, England — In celebration of the team’s 50 years, McLaren staff joined together at the McLaren Technology Centre here to mark half a century of race winning, by one of the most successful names in motorsport.

Mirroring the launch of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 Formula 1 car from earlier this year, the celebrations saw a parade of some of the most iconic race- and championship-winning McLarens from across the decades.

Retail market keeps auto industry at full speed in August

(August 30, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com forecasts that 1,455,911 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in August for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 15.6 million. The projected sales will be a 10.9 percent increase from July 2013, and a 13.3 percent increase from August 2012.

Cars.com kicks off football season with annual list of top tailgating cars

(August 29, 2013) CHICAGO — Cars.com today released a list of the top cars for tailgating, just in time for the start of football season. Experts from the site evaluated a gamut of cars, big and small, to determine which have the most to offer the serious tailgater.

Study finds competitive pricing, new models driving electric vehicle market

(August 28, 2013) LONDON — One of the key drivers of the global electric vehicle market is the reduction in the upfront ownership cost of vehicles this year. In fact, the prices of key electric vehicles have gone down by as much as 18 per cent of their 2012 price, as manufacturers look to boost sales and stay competitive. The question is, how much this will impact the development of the market?

AutoTrade study reveals insights into how Millennials relate to cars

(August 24, 2013) ATLANTA — A new study from AutoTrader.com reveals that when it comes to cars, Millennials are highly aspirational and image-conscious, are more open to import brands and actually do have an interest in vehicles and driving.  These insights and much more are discussed in "The Next Generation Car Buyer" study: a deep look at the attitudes and behaviors of Millennials when it comes to car

J.D. Power: August new vehicle sales will be highest in seven years

(August 23, 2013) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales continue the hot streak that has been trending throughout the summer selling season, with no evidence of the pace slowing, according to a monthly sales forecast developed jointly by the Power Information Network (PIN) from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.

Nissan Quest, Ford Expedition top list of best deals, according to TrueCar

(August 23, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Nissan Quest SV, with a 15.1% savings off MSRP, currently tops the list of the best deals on new vehicles, according to automotive pricing information site TrueCar.com. Published monthly, "Steals on Wheels" shares which vehicles consumers are saving the most off the MSRP, according to recent average transaction prices.

Michigan, Oregon, Alaska offer lowest auto loan rates in United States

(August 22, 2013) LOS ANGELES — A new GoBankingRates.com study discovers the states with the lowest auto loan rates in America. The study investigated the best and worst rates nationwide, with the West Coast boasting lower auto loan rates overall, while the Northeast ended up with the majority of states with rates of 4.01% and higher.