Editorial archive

April 2012

Used car prices in 2012 set to peak in April, NADA predicts

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(April 10, 2012) McLEAN, Va. — Trade-in values on used cars are expected to peak over the next few weeks, said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Used Car Guide.

"While prices for all used-vehicle segments will remain stable over the next two months, compact and mid-size cars will appreciate in value and outpace other segments because of rising gasoline prices, shortage of inventory and strong consumer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles," Banks said.

Polk study finds only 35 percent of hybrid owners buying hybrids again

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(April 9, 2012) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — While the selection of hybrid models in the U.S. has more than doubled since 2007, only 35 percent of hybrid vehicle owners choose to purchase a hybrid again when returning to market in 2011, according to recent analysis by Polk. If repurchase behavior among the high volume audience of Toyota Prius owners isn’t factored in, hybrid loyalty drops to under 25 percent.

Ford captures four categories in Brand Image Awards

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(April 8, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Ford took honors in four categories in the annual Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards announced last week. The awards, are based on consumer perception data from the company's Brand Watch study, and honor the automotive brands that have most successfully captured positive consumer attention.

Higher gas prices, easier credit move buyers to smaller vehicles

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(April 4, 2012) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — While light-vehicle sales have been strong in the first quarter of 2012, rising gasoline prices — which averaged $3.92 nationwide at the end of March, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report — have convinced many consumers to purchase smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to J.D. Power and Associates Power Information Network (PIN).

Strong sales let automakers hold line on incentives in March

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(April 3, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — March's incentive spending on new car sales decreased month-over-month, suggesting that surging auto sales are being driven more by consumer demand than sweet deals at the dealership, according to an analysis of Edmunds.com's True Cost of Incentives (TCISM).