October 2015

Hyundai achieves 10 million sales in America

(October 29, 2015) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai marked a monumental milestone this week, selling its 10 millionth vehicle in the United States. Having started in 1986 with a single nameplate, reaching 10 million sales is a significant achievement that showcases the success of Hyundai’s continually expanding lineup.

“The United States has been a key region of focus for nearly three decades, and this landmark achievement comes after years of accelerated growth and the strategic rollout of our product line,” said Derrick Hatami, vice president of national sales, Hyundai Motor America.

Study: Gen Y satisfaction with auto insurance claims low, but improving

(October 27, 2015) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — While satisfaction with the auto insurance claims process is lower among Gen Y — also known as “Millennials”— claimants than among their older counterparts, their satisfaction is improving, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study released today.

BMW's new 2 Series variant faster than relatively recent vintage supercars

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(October 26, 2015) Whoever would have thought there would come a day when a lowly BMW 2 Series would be able to outrun relatively recent vintage supercars. Yet, that day has arrived with the introduction of the BMW M2.

Toyota and General Motors lead in 2015 Motorist Choice Awards

(October 25, 2015) — Automotive industry research companies IntelliChoice and AutoPacific have announced the winners of the 2015 Motorist Choice Awards. Winning vehicles came from 13 different brands and 10 different manufacturers. Toyota had the most wins and General Motors dominated in the truck segments.

Edmunds predicts October sales volume to be best since 2001

(October 23, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car shopping destination Edmunds.com forecasts that 1,424,568 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in October for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 17.8 million. The projected sales will be a one percent decrease from September 2015, but an 11.5 percent increase from October 2014. Edmunds projects that the sales volume and SAAR will be the biggest for an October since 2001.

Kelley: VW diesel vehicle prices decline nearly 16 percent

(October 22, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com, today reported that average auction prices, along with new-car shopping activity on KBB.com, for Volkswagen diesel vehicles have declined four weeks after the diesel emissions issue was announced.

The average auction price for Volkswagen diesel models dropped by nearly 16 percent since the news broke of the emissions crisis. The average auction price for the brand's gasoline-powered vehicles declined by 2.9 percent.

Regional volatility easing, gas prices fall for 10 straight days

(October 20, 2015) WASHINGTON — The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has fallen for 10 consecutive days, reaching Monday's price of $2.26 per gallon. The new average is a low unseen since February 2015, and represents a savings of 55 cents per gallon compared to the 2015 peak price of $2.80 on June 15, AAA reported Monday.

Survey shows many teens text, but worry about crashing

(October 19, 2015) BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — In observance of National Teen Driver Safety Week, State Farm has released the results of a recent survey of young drivers ages 16-19. The focus of the survey was to learn more about their attitudes and behaviors when it comes to distracted driving. The survey revealed that nearly all teens, over 90 percent, say they understand texting while driving is distracting, yet 44 percent say they do it.

Ten best car deals for October according to Kelley Blue Book

(October 15, 2015) The experts from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals for new cars available in October from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"This month's list of standout deals includes everything from a three-row luxury SUV to a hybrid, along with several mainstream sedans," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Ford brings accessible innovation to China

(October 14, 2015) SHANGHAI, China — More than a century after Henry Ford changed the way the world moved, Ford Motor Company is once again working on new accessible innovations — this time to change the way China moves.