(March 14, 2012) DENVER — Newly released data on offenders monitored 24/7 for alcohol consumption shows that when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, drinking violations are more than double what they are for a mid-week holiday. The data is for offenders who know they're being monitored every 30 minutes and that the consequences are often time in jail.

(March 14, 2012) LOS ANGELES — With the spring and summer travel seasons just around the corner, Total Car Score has announced its top cars for family travel. The best minivans, midsize sedans and SUV crossover vehicles were considered, and the newly redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid led the pack.

(March 14, 2012) ATLANTA — Tax time means big refunds for some, and the availability of these extra funds often results in a boost for automotive shopping behavior in March and April. The average tax refund in 2011 was $2,913 — enough to put a 10 percent down payment on a new car worth almost $30,000.

(March 10, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — One year after the March 11, 2011 earthquakes that sent ripples across the auto industry, Japanese car manufacturers are finally back on track in the United States, reports Edmunds.com. Edmunds.com reports that the market share for Japan's top automakers — most notably Toyota and Honda — are back to pre-earthquake levels following a year of supply shortages and increased pricesfor some of the most popular vehicles.

(March 9, 2012) What's the worst public relations nightmare for a new automobile? Perhaps its breaking down while being tested by consumer watchdog magazine Consumer Reports. That's what happened to a $100,000 Fisker Karma.

The luxury extended-range electric car died during Consumer Reports speed testing for reasons that are still unknown, leaving the struggling electric car startup company with another blow to its image.

(March 8, 2012) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A new study by DMEautomotive has found that two "forces of graying" are significantly favoring aftermarket chains' service profits while threatening those of new car dealerships. Data in the report indicates that the dealership service center is becoming a "senior center," as younger consumer segments are significantly gravitating towards aftermarket chains.

(March 7, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — February's incentives spending on new car sales increased month-over-month but still came in at the lowest of any February since 2003, according to an analysis of Edmunds.com's True Cost of Incentives (TCISM). Edmunds.com reports that the average TCISM per vehicle in February was $2,193, up 2.4 percent over January, but down 14.5 percent from February of last year.

(March 6, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A prime selection of luxury and concept vehicles will again take center stage at this year's Geneva Auto Show, reports Edmunds' InsideLine.com. Visitors to this year's show can expect to be greeted by a roster of slick, futuristic vehicles of the kind that has helped build Geneva's reputation as one of the most glamorous events on the auto show circuit.

(March 4, 2012) WABAN, Mass. — The nation's automotive dealers did not fare well in a new research report, Temkin Group's 2012 Temkin Experience Ratings, which rates the customer experience of 206 large companies across 18 industries.