Editorial archive

May 2016

Consumers more likely to buy from company investing in charitable causes

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(May 19, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Corporate social responsibility can make a strong impact on how and where car shoppers spend their dollars, but only if they know about it.  Many automotive companies have campaigns that seek to inspire social good, and when correctly promoted, the organization's investment in charitable causes can resonate with consumers by strengthening brand awareness, humanizing the organization and even affecting the bottom line. 

NADA Used Car Guide's price index falls for fifth straight month

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(May 17, 2016) MCLEAN, Va. — According to the May edition of NADA Used Car Guide's Guidelines report, wholesale used vehicle prices fell by an average of 1.7 percent in April largely due to a poor performance across car segments. As a result of the occurrence, NADA Used Car Guide's seasonally adjusted used vehicle price index fell for the fifth straight month, dropping by 0.6 percent from March to 118.0.

70 percent of summer travelers concerned about road conditions, traffic

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(May 16, 2016)WASHINGTON, D.C. — About 70 percent of drivers traveling this summer are concerned about poor road conditions or traffic congestion, according to a new survey from AAA. The survey revealed that 56 percent of U.S. consumers will be hitting the road for summer vacation, but only 1 in 5 think the roads are in great driving condition.

Some top concerns for drivers planning a road trip this summer are: Too much traffic/congestion: 48 percent of drivers; unsafe roads and bridges: 36 percent of drivers.

Kelley Blue Book lists 10 best car deals for May

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(May 13, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — For shoppers on the lookout for a new-car deal just in time for summer, 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 May from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"Whether you're looking for a midsize sedan, a sporty hatch, an SUV or a luxury model, this month's deals have something that will grab your attention, including a compact luxury sedan that offers sporty performance at a surprisingly good price holding the top spot," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

AAA finds fatal road crashes involving marijuana double in Washington

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(May 11, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fatal crashes involving drivers who recently used marijuana doubled in Washington after the state legalized the drug, according to the latest research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. New research also shows that legal limits for marijuana and driving are arbitrary and unsupported by science, which could result in unsafe motorists going free and others being wrongfully convicted for impaired driving.

GM strengthens business, communities through mobility

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(May 11, 2016) DETROIT — The rules of vehicle use and ownership are changing rapidly, according to GM’s latest Sustainability Report (gmsustainability.com) released Tuesday. Connectivity, car-sharing, alternative propulsion and autonomous vehicles are key elements toward a future of safer, cleaner and more efficient mobility options for customers.

Gas prices continue to rise — Jump seven cents in a week

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(May 10, 2016) WASHINGTON — Record-high fuel demand, declining refinery production and rising oil costs have pushed the national average price of gas to $2.11 per gallon, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA. Average gas prices have increased seven cents per gallon on the week and prices are up 45 out of the past 55 days for a total of 41 cents per gallon.

AAA says that despite the recent increases, pump prices are down 33 cents per gallon compared to this same date last year.

Kelly: New-car transaction prices increase nearly 2 percent in April

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(May 3, 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 $33,865 in April.  New-car prices have increased by $620 (up 1.9 percent) from April 2015, while increasing $74 (up 0.2 percent) from last month.

"April 2016 continues to show steady improvement in average transaction prices for nearly all manufacturers, with particularly strong numbers for the Detroit automakers," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Top 5 things many parents may not know about teen driving

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(May 3, 2016) ITASCA, Ill. — A National Safety Council poll found 76 percent of parents are unaware that the biggest risk to their teens' safety is the vehicle sitting in the driveway. In observance of Global Youth Traffic Safety Month this May, and at the height of prom and graduation season, the National Safety Council compiled a comprehensive list of things many parents may not — but need — to know about teen driver safety.

Gas prices climb to six-month high

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(May 3, 2016) WASHINGTON — Gas prices are at their highest levels in more than six months, and the national average has remained above $2 per gallon for 40 consecutive days. This week's average price of $2. 22 represents an increase of eight cents per gallon on the week, and prices are up 16 cents per gallon on the month, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.