As month ends sales continue to show weakness

(May 31, 2011) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- The return of some incentive programs has not been enough to drive more consumers into showrooms, as May new-vehicle retail sales continue to exhibit weakness through the third week of the month, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers real-time transaction data from more than 8,900 retail franchisees throughout the United States.

Edmunds advises drivers how to keep pet dogs safe in the car

(May 30, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — As families plan holiday travel this summer, many of them will have their pet dogs along for the ride. Edmunds.com offers a helpful guide for safely traveling with your pooch in "Dog-Safe Driving."

Everyone knows how important it is for adults to buckle up and for children to be properly restrained in age-appropriate car seats. So it should come as no surprise that the safest way for your dog to travel is in a harness and seatbelt.

UK's amorous auto habits 'uncovered'

(May 29, 2011) CARDIFF, Wales (PRNewswire) — Confused.com has revealed that almost half of male drivers in the UK admit that they have had sex in their car, and almost 30 percent of women admit this too. However, having an argument is a more likely pursuit, with nearly 60 percent of men and almost 63 percent of women fighting with their loved ones while in the car.

Conflicting demands create a need for new technology

(May 28, 2011) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — As state and local governments are enacting distracted-driver laws, consumers are increasingly looking for technology solutions to legally and safely make calls, get directions or check email while driving, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study released today.

The study measures consumer interest and purchase intent for emerging automotive technologies, both before and after market price is revealed.

Memorial Day weekend among the deadliest holidays for ATV riders

(May 27, 2011) WASHINGTON (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders to take steps to stay safe this holiday weekend.

CPSC staff said that 28 fatalities occurred during the four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2010. That is an average of seven deaths a day. Five victims were under the age of 16. 

Vehicle satisfaction improves in the UK; Lexus ranks highest

(May 27, 2011) LONDON — Despite economic pressures on both auto manufacturers and consumers, vehicle ownership satisfaction in the UK has increased from 2010, with improvement occurring across all aspects of the ownership experience, according to the J.D. Power and Associates.

Edmunds forecasts slump in May sales

(May 26, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — This month's new car sales (including fleet sales) are expected to be approximately 1,098,000 units, a 0.4 percent decrease from May 2010 and a 5.1 percent decrease from April 2011, according to Edmunds.com.

Retail sales are expected to be approximately 865,000 units, down from approximately 915,000 last month.

Consumer Reports Survey: Car buyers want better fuel economy and are willing to pay for it

(May 25, 2011) The tough economy and high gas prices are driving consumers to prioritize fuel economy with their next car purchase according to a new survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. And to save at the pump, they are willing to compromise on purchase price, amenities, and size — but not safety.

Report ranks most dangerous cities for pedestrians

(May 24, 2011) WASHINGTON (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — More than 47,700 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. between 2000 and 2009, and the majority of those deaths were preventable, according to a new report released today by Transportation for America. 

Report offers no new evidence on Toyota unintended acceleration

(May 24, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Toyota North American Quality Advisory Panel led by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater presented a report on May 23 that summarizes results of the panel's review at the mid-point of its two-year term of service.