March 2019

Edmunds: New vehicle sales slip in March to close out a down first quarter

(March 29, 2019) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds forecasts that 1,588,185 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in March for an estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 17.2 million. This reflects a 25.3 percent increase in sales from February, but a 4 percent decrease from March 2018. Sales in the first quarter of 2019 are expected to be 122,000 units lower than in 2018, a 3 percent decrease.

AAA: Nearly 100 million Americans will take family vacations this year

(March 29, 2019) ORLANDO, Fla. — From coast to coast, families are gearing up for another year of travel adventures with their loved ones. According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans — 4 in 10 U.S. adults — are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, slightly more than last year. Spring and summer road trips will top many of these families’ vacation plans.

Kelley names best family cars to fit any needs

(March 28, 2019) IRVINE, Calif. — Between school pickups, soccer practice, plans with friends and weekend trips to the store, American families live hectic daily lives. With such busy lifestyles, it is imperative that families have the right car to keep them going from place to place. Today, Kelley Blue Book announces the Best Family Cars of 2019.

This list has been developed following in-depth testing and a thorough review of 2019 model-year vehicles with a focus on safety, overall value, driver-assist features, connectivity and technology.

Mopar helps owners swing into spring

(March 27, 2019) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The first full week of spring is in swing, and the Mopar brand is blooming with a full line of parts and accessories, service and vehicle protection offerings and Mopar apparel and gear to help owners get a fresh start for the new season.

“Mopar is prepared to assist owners with whatever they need for their vehicle at any stage of their customer journey, from quick, convenient service to vehicle protection plans to Mopar accessories and performance parts and much, much more,” said John Fox, Director - Parts Sales and Field Operations, Mopar. “Whatever our owners need this spring, Mopar is at your service.”

Study: Chevy is top brand among millennials and younger buyers

By Autolist

(March 27, 2019) Forget the German luxury automakers, the aspirational exotics or even Tesla’s all-electric fleet: the number one brand that speaks to Millennial shoppers and younger is Chevrolet, according to the latest study by Autolist.com.

Much of this appeal has to do with how the Chevy brand resonates with a younger cohort of buyers who are highly sensitive to conspicuous consumption and value.

National gas price average jumps eight cents on the week

(March 26, 2019) With an eight-cent jump on the week, at $2.62, the national average continues to trend more expensive since mid-February. While today’s national average is nearly a quarter more expensive than last month, it is only two cents more expensive than last year at this time.

“Thanks to increasing demand and tightening gasoline stocks across the country, March gas prices came in like a lion and will not go out like a lamb,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

Laguna Seca not just for racing — Check out the campsites

(March 25, 2019) MONTEREY, Calif. — Nestled in the hillsides of Monterey County and just minutes from downtown Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach, the Laguna Seca Recreation Area provides convenient camping or glamping sites to enjoy the evening solitude. Dotted around the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca race circuit, 380 campsites host visitors from around the world who desire an eco- and price-friendly experience.

Alfa’s super sedan — Stunning, powerful, mercilessly addicting

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 23, 2019) The very first things that strike you about the Italian-bred Alfa Romeo Giulia sports sedan are its stunning good looks, the way it sits on the ground, and its overall stage presence. The four-door Giulia comes in six flavors – five powered by the 280-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the Giulia Quadrifoglio tested here, powered by the monstrous 505-horsepower 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191 mph.

Rubicon is the magic word when it comes to Wrangler's off-road capability

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 24, 2019) MIAMI — The Jeep Wrangler may not be the only vehicle with off-roading capability — even luxury manufacturers play in this pool  — but it's hard to argue with Jeep’s claim that its Wrangler is “the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world” when it comes to off-pavement adventures.

Driving coach sees around corners to show when to give brakes a break

(March 22, 2019) BRENTWOOD, Essex, UK — Many drivers know that they can save on fuel by laying off the accelerator pedal. Now, Ford is introducing commercial vehicle-first technology that helps drivers economize further by letting them know when to slow down in good time to avoid hard braking, based on what lies ahead, and even out of sight.