August 2015

Study finds improved quality affecting used vehicle demand, prices

(August 31, 2015) MCLEAN, Va. —  In its most recent report, the Used Car Guide division of J.D. Power determined what factors affect used vehicle demand due to improved product quality. Durability has vastly improved over the last 20 years, and the report analyzes findings from several different data sources as evidence.

Honda vehicles lead NICB's Hot Wheels most stolen vehicles list

(August 31, 2015) DES PLAINES, Ill. — The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) today released its annual Hot Wheels report which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The Honda Accord and Civic lead the list by a wide margin.

Autotrader finds one in four dog owners take pet on test drive

(August 27, 2015) ATLANTA — More than 54 million American households own a dog, so it's no surprise that 56% of dog owners actively seek out cars and trucks that can accommodate their four-legged friends. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 22% of Autotrader visitors have taken their pet, or would consider taking their pet, on a test drive.

Study finds traffic gridlock sets new records for traveler misery

(August 27, 2015) America’s traffic congestion recession is over. Just as the U.S. economy improves, a new report produced by INRIX and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) shows that traffic congestion has returned to pre-recession levels.

Rand McNally editors pinpoint the best travel destinations in new series

(August 26, 2015) SKOKIE, Ill. — Reminisce about your travels, and dream about your next adventure with Rand McNally's new "Best of" series featuring rich photos illustrating the unique travel appeal of special places across the country and around the globe.

Rand McNally says the series is packed with stunning photos and engaging vignettes about U.S. and world destinations. Best of America: Day & Night, Best of America: Great Escapes, and Best of the World: Exquisite Experiences will awaken and captivate the traveler that stirs in all of us.

Automakers spend billions on technologies many consumers don't use

(August 26, 2015) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Automakers are investing billions of dollars to put technologies in their cars and light trucks that are not being used by many of the owners of those vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2015 Driver Interactive Vehicle Experience (DrIVE) Report.

The 2015 DrIVE Report measures driver experiences with in-vehicle technology features during the first 90 days of ownership.

AAA reports cheapest average gas prices for late August since 2004

(August 25, 2015) WASHINGTON — Average U.S. gas prices are at the lowest levels for this time of year since 2004 due to the steep decline in the cost of crude oil, according to AAA's weekly report. Gas prices have dropped recently despite ongoing refinery problems, and prices should continue to fall this autumn due to declining demand and the switchover to winter-blend gasoline.

Customer satisfaction with automobiles weakens, ACSI study finds

(August 25, 2015) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Car buyer satisfaction is down for a third straight year as prices rise and recalls continue, according to new data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Customer satisfaction with automobiles fell 3.7 percent to 79 on ACSI's 100-point scale.

The fuel station for the future — Nissan charges ahead with new project

(August 25, 2015) LONDON — Nissan’s unwavering vision of a cleaner, safer and more user-friendly automotive environment takes another marked step forward with the announcement of a unique project to design and develop the Fuel Station of the Future in partnership with renowned international architects Foster + Partners.

The electric vehicle charging project brings together two brands famed for their innovative, bold design and desire to challenge conventions to offer a fascinating view of how fueling stations will adapt in a rapidly changing world.

AAA School Safety Patrol celebrates 95 years of student safety

(August 25, 2015) WASHINGTON — Since 1920, the AAA School Safety Patrol Program has been instrumental in helping students get to and from school safely. As the program marks its 95th anniversary, patrollers across North America and in 30 countries will take their post for another school year, wearing their familiar 'Lectric Lime belt or vest.

"The AAA School Safety Patrol Program relies on student volunteers to assist their classmates at crossings, carpool areas and bus loading and unloading zones," said AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy Project Manager Rhonda Shah.