Editorial archive

March 2016

Gas prices make largest weekly increase of the year

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(March 8, 2016) WASHINGTON — The national average gas price jumped six cents on the week, the largest one week increase since the beginning of the year, according to AAA. Monday's average price is $1.81 per gallon, and the national average is likely to continue to move higher due to spring turnaround activity and reductions in supply in select regional markets.

Survey: Three-quarters of Americans 'afraid' to ride in self-driving vehicle

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(March 7, 2016) ORLANDO, Fla. — Three out of four U.S. drivers report feeling  “afraid” to ride in a self-driving car, according to a new survey from AAA. With today’s heightened focus on autonomous vehicles, this fear poses a potential concern to the automotive industry as consumers may be reluctant to fully embrace the self-driving car.

Kelley Blue Book lists its top 10 SUVs under $25,000

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(March 4, 2016) "The country is having a love affair with small SUVs right now, and Kelley Blue Book visitors are especially infatuated," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

"Balancing an SUV's elevated driving position, superior cargo versatility and available all-wheel drive with the efficiency and affordability of a mainstream sedan, today's small SUVs offer multifaceted appeal. It's no wonder that it is one of the fastest-growing segments in the auto industry."

New-car transaction prices continue to set records in February

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(March 1, 2016) 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 $33,781 in February.  New-car prices have increased by $739 (up 2.2 percent) from February 2015, while remaining flat from last month.

"Increased incentives are helping offset part of this growth, as incentive spend is nearing pre-recession levels in recent months," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.