January 2012

Hyundai ranks highest in customer retention among 33 automotive brands

(January 12, 2012) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — One in three new-vehicle owners who switched brands say their previous brand didn’t make the type of vehicle they wanted, indicating that striking the right combination of model offerings and vehicle appeal is critical to retaining customers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study released Wednesday.

Automotive industry generates big presence at Consumer Electronics Show

(January 12, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is still a popular destination for the world of computers, mobile devices and home electronics, but automotive technology is quickly becoming a top focus for show exhibitors and exhibitors, reports Edmunds.com.

Cars.com shoppers name Dodge Challenger their favorite car of the year

(January 11, 2012) CHICAGO — Cars.com has announced the Dodge Challenger as the winner of its Shoppers' Choice award. Finalists for the award were selected based on shoppers' actions on the site that indicated interest in new vehicles, including searching for vehicles, sending inquiries to dealers on availability and most importantly, filling out a positive review of their vehicle.

Kia looks back on historic year in U.S.

(January 10, 2012) DETROIT — Last year was record-shattering for Kia Motors America. Kia saw record sales every month, more awards and accolades for its vehicles and the Kia brand than ever before, and the 17th straight year of increased market share to an all-time high of 3.8 percent as the company broke its annual sales record with 485,492 units sold.

Best used cars for under $8,000 — Kelley offers a list

(January 8, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Need a car, but you are on a budget, so you must buy used. Here is some help from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb with its picks of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000.

As economic conditions in the U.S. continue in a state of flux, many find themselves unable to afford a new car and unwilling to place themselves under a large car loan to get one. As more consumers shift their gaze from new cars to used, it's becoming harder every day to find quality used cars, let alone at a great price. However, there are still ways to get into a good (and modern) vehicle without spending too much money.

GM, Ford and Chrysler embrace home court advantage at Detroit Auto Show

(January 7, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The renaissance of Detroit's "Big Three" will be on full display at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, reports Edmunds.com. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors will ride into their hometown show next week with their heads high after the three American automakers increased their combined U.S.

Global auto execs don't see spark in electric vehicles for more than decade

(January 6, 2012) DETROIT — Despite continued heavy investment by auto makers in electric propulsion technologies, global automotive executives don't expect e-car sales to exceed 15 percent of annual global auto sales before 2025, according to the 13th annual global automotive survey conducted by U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG.

U.S. automakers will gain global market share, survey predicts

(January 5, 2011) DETROIT — In a marked turnaround after years of economic uncertainty and industry restructuring, global auto executives say that U.S. auto brands will continue to increase market share over the next five years.

These were the findings according to the 13th annual global automotive executive survey conducted by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm.

Transaction prices continue to reach record highs

(January 4, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com estimated today that the average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was a record high $30,686 in December, up $1,682 (5.8 percent) from December 2010 and up $189 (0.6 percent) from November 2011.

Polk sees worldwide auto sales up 6.7 percent in 2012

(January 3, 2012) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Worldwide new vehicle sales in 2012 are expected to rise 6.7 percent over 2011 volumes to 77.7 million vehicles, according to Polk, a global automotive market intelligence firm. 

Polk analysts believe the global economy will weather the current European sovereign debt crisis and consumers will return to showrooms around the world in 2012.