June 2013

Jeep, Acura capture Edmunds' 2013 Best Retained Value awards

(June 12, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Jeep and Acura took home the top prizes in Edmunds.com's third annual Best Retained Value Awards, which recognize the brands and new car models that have the highest projected residual values after five years based on their average True Market Value (TMV) price when sold new.

Average fuel economy for new vehicle transactions steady

(June 11, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar today announced that fuel economy numbers from May light vehicle auto sales indicate TrueMPG remain steady at 23.7 mpg, remaining at record levels for industry fuel economy. Year-over-year, average fuel economy saw a 0.6 mpg increase, led by Nissan and Chrysler, which both enjoyed better than 1.2 MPG gains in their average fuel economy numbers.

BMW follows trail blazed by Audi on diesel in U.S.

(June 9, 2013) While General Motors introduces the new Chevrolet Cruze diesel in an attempt to take a bite out of Volkswagen’s dominance of the U.S. mainstream clean-diesel market, luxury competitors are having to take a second look at the Audi command of diesel power in America’s premium segment.

AutoTrader.com picks its five best interiors in vehicles under $30,000

(June 8, 2013) "Best of" lists are everywhere these days and AutoTrader.com has come up with a rather unusual contribution to the myriad of lists — best interiors in vehicles under $30,000.

AutoTrader has come up with five interesting choices. They are — in no particular order — the Buick Encore, Dodge Dart, Nisan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Beetle, and Volvo C30.

Ironman 3 marks fast and furious rise of artist Jake Shelton

(June 6, 2013) LOS ANGELES — Jake Shelton, the award-winning Hot Rod artist whose stunning car sculptures and functional automobile art have been snapped up by serious collectors on six continents, has now impacted a larger public with the life-sized kinetic statue featured in Ironman 3.

Why some Dodge/Chrysler vehicles are prone to engine failure

(June 4, 2013) STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Many car owners and enthusiasts are finding that late and popular Dodge/Chrysler models, such as the Durango, Dakota, Ram, Charger, Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty are having premature (3.7-liter V6,  4.7-liter V8 and 5.7-liter V-8) engine troubles.

TrueCar finds that new car transaction prices go up 0.6 percent in May

(June 3, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar, Inc. estimated today that the average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $30,978 in May, up $618 (2.0 percent) over May 2012; and up $174 (0.6 percent) from April 2013.