June 2014

Yellowstone — Where the deer and the antelope and the Prius play

(June 5, 2014) Don’t get stuck in a “bear jam” is advice to live by for the 3 million annual visitors to Yellowstone National Park. But if you do become entangled in traffic caused by an elusive yet exciting bear sighting, take the time to chat up the ranger perched nearby in a Toyota Prius.

Clean diesel registrations up 30% since 2010

(June 5, 2014) WASHINGTON, D.C. — California, Texas and Florida lead the U.S. with the most registrations of fuel-efficient clean diesel and hybrid passenger vehicles according to a new analysis and data released by the Diesel Technology Forum.

The analysis is based on data that includes the registration statistics of all passenger vehicles — cars, SUVS, pickup trucks and vans — that were compiled by R.L. Polk and Company in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through December 31, 2013.

Consumers perceive Honda, Mercedes-Benz will deliver highest quality

(June 4, 2014) SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — When it comes to value, perception is reality. And consumers perceive that Honda and Mercedes-Benz deliver the highest quality vehicles according to ALG, the analytics division of TrueCa, which today announced the results of its Brand Perception of Quality (BPQ) study.

Honda received the highest ratings among Mainstream brands, followed by Toyota and Volkswagen. Mercedes-Benz received the highest ratings among Premium brands, followed by Lexus and BMW.

Parents Magazine, Edmunds name 10 Best Family Cars for 2014

(June 4, 2014) NEW YORK — For the seventh year in a row, Parents magazine and car-shopping site Edmunds.com are revealing their list of the year's 10 Best Family Cars, a guide for moms and dads who are in the market for a new car.

Car experts from both organizations examined hundreds of vehicles and whittled the list to the safest, most family-friendly subcompacts cars, large SUVs and everything in between. All the cars share the features that make daily family journeys easier, such as reliability, impressive mileage and ample cargo capacity.

New-car transaction prices up by more than 2 percent over 2013

(June 3, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com  today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $32,307 in May.  New-car prices have increased by $653 (up 2.1 percent) from May 2013, while decreasing $79 (0.2 percent) from last month.

"Small and mid-size car share has declined slightly, as car shoppers opt for small and mid-size crossovers, helping boost this month's average transaction price," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.