November 2015

Flat lining: One-third of 2015 vehicles missing spare tire

(November 28, 2015) ORLANDO, Fla. — Automakers’ decision to eliminate the spare tire may leave more than 30 million drivers vulnerable at the roadside, according to new research from AAA. Tire inflator kits, a high-cost alternative for consumers, have replaced the spare tire in millions of vehicles over the last 10 model years and, due to their limited functionality, cannot provide even a temporary fix for many common tire-related problems.

It's that time of year for automotive deals

(November 26, 2015) ATLANTA — The holidays are a time of joy, laughter and leftovers. It's also time for leftover cars. If car shoppers have their sights set on buying a new 2016 car, new models might not be available with discounts for a while. Instead, shoppers looking for a good deal on a great car now may want to choose a "leftover" model.

2015 models are available this holiday season in droves with some amazing incentives, as manufacturers do their best to make room for shiny new 2016 models.

Study finds Chicago has worst traffic bottleneck; L.A. owns 6 of top 10

(November 25, 2015) WASHINGTON — A new study released today by the American Highway Users Alliance identifies America's 50 worst bottlenecks and finds that the very worst bottleneck, as measured by hours of delay, is in Chicago.  Los Angeles owns the next six of the top 10.

Speaking at the American Highway Users Alliance press conference, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, "This report furthers the unassailable truth that America is stuck in traffic. The good news is that this problem is solvable, and Congress can be part of the solution.

AAA says drivers to pay lowest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008

(November 24, 2015) WASHINGTON — Approximately 42 million Americans are expected to take a road trip this Thanksgiving, and drivers should pay the lowest pump prices for the Thanksgiving holiday since 2008. Retail averages have fallen for 17 consecutive days for a total savings of 15 cents per gallon, and the national average remains poised to fall below the $2 per gallon benchmark by the Christmas holiday, AAA reports.

Black Friday to set pace for potentially record-breaking November sales

(November 24, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car shopping destination Edmunds.com has issued its November 2015 new car sales forecast, which projects that 1,331,415 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in November for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 18.3 million.

Both the volume and SAAR are threatening to be the biggest on record for the month of November, eclipsing the 1,324,542 new cars sold in November 2001 for a SAAR of 17.7 million. The projected sales will be an 8.3 percent decrease from October 2015, but a 2.5 percent increase from November 2014.

Be thankful — Thanksgiving ranks only 10th on holiday car theft list

(November 24, 2015) DES PLAINES, Ill. — Holiday car thieves had their busiest day in 2014 on, ironically, Labor Day, stealing 2,200 vehicles according to new data released today by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). NICB’s 2014 Annual Holiday Vehicle Theft Report analyzes data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which showed a total of 695,246 vehicle thefts for the year.

Tips from Ford and the Emily Post Institute for enjoyable, polite travel

(November 24, 2015) NEW YORK — Holiday driving can cause more than road rage — it can wreak havoc on relationships. Whether stuck in Thanksgiving traffic or riding for hours with the in-laws, the “most wonderful time of the year” has serious potential to turn family fun into family feud.

Seven tips for safe holiday travel

(November 23, 2015) WASHINGTON — The holidays can be both a joyful and stressful time of year. Families are on the go, running errands, going shopping and taking road trips to visit relatives and friends. Safe Kids Worldwide and General Motors, partners in keeping families safe for nearly two decades, offer seven simple tips for holiday travel.

Thanksgiving Eve kicks off deadliest season for drunk driving

(November 21, 2015) DENVER — The holiday season officially starts next week, and with it comes the most dangerous time of the year for binge drinking, drunk driving and alcohol-related fatalities. According to a number of national organizations, these problems are expected to spike on Thanksgiving Eve, termed "Blackout Wednesday" or "Drinksgiving" in many cities.

2016 Chevrolet Volt wins second Green Car of the Year award

(November 20, 2015) LOS ANGELES — The Next-Generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt was awarded Green Car of the Year award from Green Car Journal today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the second time the Volt has won the award. The Volt, which started arriving in dealerships this fall, also won the award when it debuted in 2010 as a 2011 model. Green Car Journal praised the Volt’s increased range, all-new propulsion system and bold design.