January 2013

Kia Optima, Ford C-Max Hybrid win Road & Travel magazine awards

(January 14, 2013) DETROIT — The Kia Optima and the Ford C-Max Hybrid won Road & Travel Magazine 17th Annual International Car and Truck of the Year Awards (ICOTY), it was announced today.

Edmunds.com names 1963 Corvette 'best of all time'

(January 12, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The 1963 Corvette fuel-Injected coupe tops the list of the Best Corvettes of All Time, according Edmunds.com. The second-generation Corvette heads the list because, says Edmunds.com, it's "one of the most alluring automotive designs ever conceived."

Aluminum the new ingredient of choice for automakers

(January 11, 2013) DETROIT — On display at this year's North American International Auto Show next week is a variety of vehicles that share a key critical ingredient: growing use of advanced aluminum alloys over more traditional materials.

Autobytel names Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 'Crossover of Year'

(January 11, 2013) COSTA MESA, Calif. — As an alternative to the traditional SUV, the popularity of crossovers have become a staple for the outdoor enthusiast, families and singles looking for something that better suits their personalities and lifestyles. In recognizing this, the editors of Autobytel have named the all-new Santa Fe Sport as “Crossover of the Year.”

Average fuel economy increases nearly one MPG in 2012, TrueCar finds

(January 9, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar today provided actual economy numbers from new car sales indicating TrueMPG increased to 23.1 mpg in 2012 compared to 22.3 mpg in 2011.  In December, light vehicle auto sales show TrueMPG increased to 23.0 mpg from 22.6 mpg in December 2011, and decreased from November 2012 at 23.2 mpg.

Research confirms consumers want a connected car

(January 9, 2013) LAS VEGAS — Vehicle owners responding to a recent online survey conducted for Johnson Controls by Harris Interactive indicate they want to use their phones and existing apps to safely connect in their vehicles. Consumers want this process to be simple to use and for it to be convenient to download apps from traditional channels.

Edmunds: Fiscal cliff deal shouldn't sway new car shoppers

(January 8, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The last-minute deal in Congress to avert the dreaded plunge off the "fiscal cliff" should have little impact on most shoppers who are thinking about buying a new car in 2013, says Edmunds.com.

AOL names 2013 Ford Fusion 'Car of the Year'

(January 7, 2013) AOL Autos has awarded its second annual Car of the Year honors to the 2013 Ford Fusion. AOL reports Fusion is boldly redesigned to not only raise the bar, but to meet the stalwarts of the category pound for pound and dollar for dollar for value, performance and quality.

Auto prices at record high in December, TrueCar reports

(January 4, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar estimated today that the average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was at a record high $31,228 in December, up $542 or 1.8 percent from December 2011 and up $396 or 1.3 percent from November.

December deals, incentives got head start in November

(January 3, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Even as automakers swarmed airwaves with year-end deals and promotions, automotive incentives remained stable in December, reports Edmunds.com. According to Edmunds.com's True Cost of Incentives (TCI) report, the average new car incentive was $2,286 in December, down 0.8 percent from November and down 1.0 percent from December 2011.