January 2015

Ford takes top honors in 2014 IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards

(January 14, 2015) DETROIT — Thirty-three winners were honored for automotive loyalty and conquest efforts during the IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards announced this week in Detroit. The awards were presented during the Automotive News World Congress held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show.

Gas prices continue to tumble to begin the new year

(January 14, 2015) WASHINGTON — U.S. motorists are paying an average price of $2.13 a gallon for unleaded regular this week, more than 40 percent lower than the 2014 peak of $3.70 reached on April 28, according to AAA. The national average continues to test lows not seen since May 2009 and has now dropped a record 109 consecutive days for a total decline of $1.22 per gallon during this span.

Verizon announces new connected-vehicle road assistance service

(January 13, 2015) DETROIT — Verizon has announced "Verizon Vehicle," a new connected-vehicle service available directly to consumers in the U.S., which aims to modernize traditional roadside assistance offerings — while enhancing driver safety, convenience and savings.

AutoTrader editors name most-anticipated new vehicles of 2015

(January 13, 2015) ATLANTA — AutoTrader.com analysts say 2015 is shaping up to be another strong sales year for the automotive industry, and manufacturers are already unveiling new vehicles to lure shoppers to their showrooms in the New Year. To help consumers get a jump start on their shopping lists, AutoTrader.com's editorial team has identified the 10 vehicles that they're most looking forward to seeing on dealer lots in 2015.

Ford has eight vehicles on 2015 Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards list

(January 13, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Ford emerged as the most decorated automotive brand when car shopping site Edmunds.com recently announced the winners of the second annual Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards.

Ford secured a total of eight Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards, edging out rival brands Chevrolet and Toyota, which earned seven and six awards, respectively. Ford's bounty marks the second year in a row that it has earned the most trophies, following its haul of 10 Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards in 2014.

Kia celebrates 20 years of growth in the U.S.

(January 12, 2015) DETROIT — Kia Motors America's 20th anniversary year was one for the history books, with the fast-moving brand selling its five millionth vehicle in the U.S. and delivering the best first half, third quarter, fourth quarter and full-year sales totals in company history in 2014. 

Kelley Blue Book predicts new-car sales will reach 16.9 million in 2015

(January 10, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book predicts new-car sales in 2015 will reach 16.9 million, a 2.5 percent increase over 2014.  However, it will be the slowest growth in new-car sales since 2009, when the industry declined 21.2 percent. In 2010, industry new-car sales were up 11.3 percent.

Lotus strengthens dealer network, builds sales

(January 20, 2015) Announcing that overall sales are up by 54% in the past nine months provides tangible proof that the forward strategy established by Lotus Cars is working. In volume terms, the increase of 551 cars over the previous year, to a total of 1,565, is an excellent result for the British sports car maker.

Lotus has enlarged and strengthened its representation globally, with 25 new dealers enrolled across a number of territories in the past nine months, with another 50 new dealers joining Lotus by the end of 2015.

Ford F-150 wins Truck Trend's inaugural 'Pickup Truck of the Year' award

(January 7, 2015) LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Truck Trend has selected the 2015 Ford F-150 as the winner of its inaugural Pickup Truck of the Year Award for 2015. Truck Trend’s Pickup Truck of the Year award program is an invitation-only shootout that is only open to all-new or significantly revised pickup trucks for the upcoming model year.

Study finds some parents turn child car seats around too soon

(January 7, 2015) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Using a rear-facing car seat until a child is age two reduces risk of serious injury, but close to one-quarter of parents report they turned the seat around before their child was even one year old, according to a new University of Michigan study.

In March 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for child passenger safety, extending the recommendation for rear-facing car seat use from one year of age and 20 pounds in weight to a minimum of two years of age or until a child has outgrown the weight/height limits of their rear-facing seat.