July 2013

Tips to keep children safe when the babysitter's behind the wheel

(July 31, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — For some parents, just leaving the kids with a babysitter or nanny can be a nerve-racking experience. But it can be several times more distressing when the babysitter is also responsible for chauffeuring the kids around town. Edmunds.com suggests several steps parents can take to ensure their children's safety while they're in the care — and cars — of others.

Edmunds: Retail market drives strongest July car sales since 2006

(July 28, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com forecasts that 1,328,397 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in July for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 15.8 million. The projected sales will be a 5.3 percent decrease from June 2013, but a 15.2 percent increase from July 2012.

AutoTrader reveals the best time to buy a new car

(July 26, 2013) ATLANTA — If you're in the market for a new car, timing can be everything if you want the best deal, according to automotive experts at AutoTrader.com. "Smart shoppers who let timing work to their advantage have the potential to save hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars," says Brian Moody, AutoTrader.com site editor.

Range Rover most appealing vehicle in annual J.D. Power study

(July 26, 2013) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — The Land Rover Range Rover has achieved the highest APEAL score of any model in the industry in 2013, which marks the first time a model outside the large premium car segment has done so in the annual J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released this week.

Chevrolet Impala tops Consumer Reports sedan ratings

(July 25, 2013) YONKERS, N.Y. —  With a phoenix-like turnaround, the revamped 2014 Chevrolet Impala has changed the landscape of Consumer Reports ratings by earning the top spot overall for all sedans — and taking a position that has been held by Japanese and European models for at least the last 20 years.

Edmunds files lawsuit against company for fraud, breach of agreement

(July 23, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com has filed a lawsuit against Texas-based Humankind Design Ltd. for, among other things, fraud and breach of the Edmunds.com membership agreement.

Is your check engine light on? Don't ignore it

(July 23, 2013) BETHESDA, Md. — One of the most vital signals of an improperly functioning vehicle is the check engine light and when illuminated, it alerts the driver to a variety of existing potential problems. Vehicle check-ups during community car care events throughout the country reveal that the check engine light is on in nearly one out of ten vehicles, says the Car Care Council.

Survey reveals many drivers text and drive despite knowing dangers

(July 22, 2013) LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A new Kars4Kids survey revealed that despite high awareness and knowledge (97.8 percent) of the dangers of texting while driving among drivers, many U.S. adults and teens still engage in the deadly behavior anyway.

July new-vehicle retail sales — Let the good times roll

(July 19, 2013) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are kicking off the second half of 2013 in very strong fashion, with new-vehicle retail sales in July expected to increase by 12 percent from a year ago, according to a monthly sales forecast developed jointly by the Power Information Network (PIN) from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.

Harris Poll shows drops in several driver distractions, including texting

(July 18, 2013) NEW YORK — Driver distraction is a factor in many of the accidents that occur on American roadways every day; in fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited it as a contributing factor in 11% of fatal auto accidents and 17% of "injury crashes" in 2011.