Here's the Thing

$100,000 Fisker Karma dies in Consumer Reports testing

(March 9, 2012) What's the worst public relations nightmare for a new automobile? Perhaps its breaking down while being tested by consumer watchdog magazine Consumer Reports. That's what happened to a $100,000 Fisker Karma.

The luxury extended-range electric car died during Consumer Reports speed testing for reasons that are still unknown, leaving the struggling electric car startup company with another blow to its image.

Study finds dealership service profits threatened by aging customer base

(March 8, 2012) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A new study by DMEautomotive has found that two "forces of graying" are significantly favoring aftermarket chains' service profits while threatening those of new car dealerships. Data in the report indicates that the dealership service center is becoming a "senior center," as younger consumer segments are significantly gravitating towards aftermarket chains.

Low incentives spending suggests big first quarter for automakers

(March 7, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — February's incentives spending on new car sales increased month-over-month but still came in at the lowest of any February since 2003, according to an analysis of Edmunds.com's True Cost of Incentives (TCISM). Edmunds.com reports that the average TCISM per vehicle in February was $2,193, up 2.4 percent over January, but down 14.5 percent from February of last year.

Automakers preserve tradition of luxury at Geneva Auto Show

(March 6, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A prime selection of luxury and concept vehicles will again take center stage at this year's Geneva Auto Show, reports Edmunds' InsideLine.com. Visitors to this year's show can expect to be greeted by a roster of slick, futuristic vehicles of the kind that has helped build Geneva's reputation as one of the most glamorous events on the auto show circuit.

Chevrolet dealers earn top spot among automakers in 'customer experience'

(March 4, 2012) WABAN, Mass. — The nation's automotive dealers did not fare well in a new research report, Temkin Group's 2012 Temkin Experience Ratings, which rates the customer experience of 206 large companies across 18 industries.

Sleep Foundation poll finds sleepy pilots, train operators and truck drivers

(March 3, 2012) The people we trust to take us or our loved ones from place to place struggle with sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation's (NSF) 2012 Sleep in America poll.  It is the first poll to ask transportation professionals, including pilots, train operators, and truck, bus, taxi and limo drivers about their sleep habits and work performance.

Pilots and train operators are most likely to report sleep-related job performance and safety problems.

Subaru gains top spot on Consumer Reports' 2012 report card

(March 1, 2012) YONKERS, N.Y. — Riding a wave of impressive redesigned models in the last few years, Subaru for the first time has earned the top score in Consumer Reports automaker report cards for 2012. Subaru's score of 75, two points higher than last year, reflects better test scores for such redesigned models as the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback over the last few years.

Kelley Blue Book names top 10 family cars of 2012

(February 29, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — The editors from Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com today announce the 10 Best Family Cars of 2012. All families are not created alike, so it stands to reason that all family cars shouldn't be alike either. Each year the kbb.com editors decide the 10 Best Family Cars, which cater to unique family specifications and situations. 

New for 2012, the editors not only name what they feel are the 10 Best Family Cars of the year, but also rank their selections.

Toyota Sienna minivan found to be least expensive vehicle to insure

(February 28, 2012) Insurance rescource web site Insure.com surveyed auto insurance rates for more than 900 vehicles in the 2012 model year and found that this year’s least expensive vehicle to insure is the four-cylinder Toyota Sienna LE minivan. Insure.com estimates the average insurance bill for the Sienna LE is $1,111.

'Rising tide' of buying conditions bolsters February sales

(February 27, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The automotive industry continues to move along at a brisk pace, with an estimated 1,095,059 new cars sold in February, forecasts Edmunds.com. This would result in a projected Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 14.4 million units and would be a 19.9 percent increase over January 2012 and a 5.9 percent increase over February 2011.