(June 21, 2011) WASHINGTON — The National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) has commended the U.S. Conference of Mayors for passing a resolution Sunday strongly supporting the use of red light and speed safety cameras. The resolution says this technology helps reduce injuries and fatalities on the nation's roadways.

(June 21, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. (PRNewswire) — Forty-two percent of all consumers surveyed in a 2011 Maritz Research study say fuel economy is an "extremely important" new vehicle purchase driver — up 13.5 percent versus a decade ago. Millennials rank its importance even higher and rate it most often as having the "greatest impact" on future vehicle purchases.

(June 21, 2011) Consumer Reports’ tests of eight Chrysler vehicles revealed the automakers’ cars are getting better, but their level of improvement varies considerably.

The Dodge Durango and Charger, which received significant redesigns, have improved the most. Both the V6 and V8 tested versions of the Durango SUV received “Very Good” road test scores which now makes them comparable with the redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer.

(June 20, 2011) HARRISBURG, Pa. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — Child passenger safety seats were found improperly installed in an alarming number of cars inspected by Pennsylvania state troopers in a recent random check.

While the findings pertain to just one state, they can probably be applied to the other 49 states as well. Drivers are not taking enough care when installing the seats putting children in additional danger in accident situations.

(June 17, 2011) MUNICH  — Satisfaction among owners of two-year-old vehicles in Germany has declined from 2010, as has industry-wide performance in vehicle quality and reliability, vehicle appeal and service satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Germany Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study released today.

(June 16, 2011) ORLANDO, Fla. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — American drivers love to spend their vacations hitting the open road. AAA anticipated nine out of 10 travelers over the recent Memorial Day holiday weekend took a road trip as opposed to traveling by plane, train or other mode of transportation.

For those in the market for a new vehicle that they hope to log plenty of miles in while traveling, AAA has released its top vehicle picks for road trips.

(June 15, 2011) NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — As the automotive industry continues to develop alternative powertrain vehicles, consumer consideration for these vehicles is on the rise. However, infrastructure, price, driving range and maintenance concerns continue to dampen enthusiasm about these technologies according to the 2011 AutoTECHCAST Study released by Harris Interactive.

(June 15, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Failing to maintain your tires properly is one of the easiest ways to have your tire warranty voided, reports Edmunds.com. In "Understanding Tire Warranties," Edmunds.com helps car owners recognize how to make sure that they're not burning money when they're burning rubber.

(June 14, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. (PRNewswire) TrueCar.com reports today that there are discounts available on certain Japanese vehicles and it may not be necessary to wait on a new-car purchase to get a decent deal.

Due to the March earthquake in Japan, consumers have been holding back on the purchase of new cars manufactured by Japanese automakers because of the impact declining supply may have on pricing and incentives, TrueCar reports.

(June 14, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com today reports that after increasing close to 25 percent throughout 20 weeks of consecutive gains, values for fuel-efficient used vehicles have now peaked. 

For the first time since January, values for subcompact, compact and hybrid cars have started to decline in response to falling gas prices.  In fact, Kelley Blue Book analysts currently see values for some of these vehicles dip into the red for the first time since January.