Editorial archive

June 2016

Renewed American auto quality shown in 2016 Strategic Vision awards

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(June 17, 2016) SAN DIEGO  — Domestic automotive manufacturers won more Total Quality Awards than their foreign competitors, according to the latest results of Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Impact (TQI) measure.  Vehicles from Ford , General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Tesla combined for 16 winning vehicles, compared to 15 winning models from abroad. 

The victory was close, but significant.  After almost a decade of lopsided defeats, American manufacturers have prevailed over imports for the second time in four years.  The signs are clear.  America is back. 

Art of Living by Aston Martin — Beyond beautiful cars

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(June 15, 2016) GAYDON, England — British luxury automotive brand Aston Martin has introduced Art of Living by Aston Martin, an opportunity to experience the company’s legendary reputation for cutting-edge technology, iconic design and exceptional craftsmanship across a portfolio of the finest artisan products and truly bespoke experiences.

Since its founding in 1913, Aston Martin has developed a reputation for discernment and dynamism. The marque’s heritage has forged a rare blend of elegance and individuality that has transcended its cars.

Europe tops AAA’s 2016 summer travel destinations list

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(June 14, 2016) ORLANDO, Fla. — Demand for travel to Europe remains strong, and AAA summer travel bookings show that Rome and London are at the top of many international travelers’ itineraries this summer. Americans are also flocking to warm-weather destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean, and increasingly traveling to Canada to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.

BMW growth in U.S. explained in terms of horsepower

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(June 10, 2016) A new chart from EuroSportTuning.com compares the BMW line-up in 1976 with the line-up in 2016, showing BMW's explosive US growth over the last 40 years. In 1976, BMW offered three models: the 2002, 3.0i, and 530i. Today, BMW offers 21 distinct models.

"BMW's North America popularity has exploded over the last 40 years, and that's putting it mildly," says Frank Derks, manager at EuroSportTuning.com. "BMW's most popular car in 1976 was probably the 100hp 2002 model. Today, BMW offers seven times as many models, most with at least three times the power," says Derks.

Kia most satisfying popular brand in AutoPacific's annual awards

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(June 8, 2016) TUSTIN, Calif. — Kia won the satisfaction award among popular brands and the Cadillac Escalade won the President's Award for most satisfying vehicle and was named most satisfying vehicle overall in the 20th annual AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs), identifying the most satisfying vehicles in the market.

An industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle, VSAs are based on survey responses from over 65,000 owners of new 2015 and 2016 model year cars and light trucks.

National average price of gas climbs to $2.36 per gallon

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(June 8, 2016) Tightening supply combined with strong gasoline demand contributed to pump prices moving higher over the past week. The average price of $2.36 per gallon represents an increase of four cents per gallon since last week’s Memorial Day Holiday, and drivers are paying 14 cents per gallon more than one month ago to refuel their vehicles, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.

Year-over-year discounts persist due to crude oil prices remaining relatively low, but discounts are beginning to narrow and have closed to 40 cents per gallon versus this same date last year.

Results of the first Mini Census — Over half are boys

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(June 6, 2016) LONDON — Over half of the world’s Minis are boys, with the most popular name being Marvin, according to the world’s first ever Mini Census. The survey, carried out by the organizers of Mini World Live, which takes place at Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northants, on July 10, received responses from Mini owners all over the globe, including places as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Malta and the U.S.

How F-150 Raptor sticks to trails with new BFGoodrich tires

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(June 3, 2016) The toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever gets a specially developed set of BFGoodrich tires that improve both on- and off-road performance while increasing comfort. Raptor’s all-new BFGoodrich all-terrain T/A KO2 tires were developed in parallel with the truck’s chassis, so as the platform developed, the tires changed along with it.

AAA reveals top driving distractions for teens as '100 Deadliest Days' begin

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(June 3, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period starting at Memorial Day when teen crash deaths historically climb. As the summer driving season begins, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is releasing a follow-up study confirming that nearly 60 percent of teen crashes involve distractions behind the wheel.

The research also finds a disturbing trend showing that texting and social media use are on the rise amongst teen drivers.

New-car transaction prices jump more than 3 percent year-over-year

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(June 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 $33,845 in May.  New-car prices have increased by $1,139 (up 3.5 percent) from May 2015, while decreasing $116 (down 0.3 percent) from last month.