By Karl Greenberg
MediaPost

(April 16, 2011) As if things weren't tough enough for Japanese automotive brands since the earthquake, it seems vehicles from brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan may face resistance from U.S. consumers for fear that parts won't be available, and tight supply will make the vehicles too expensive.

(April 16, 2010) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A preliminary analysis of April car sales points to strong numbers through the first half of the month, even as average prices have increased.

The current pace this month suggests that the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for car sales in 2011 could rise to 14.1 million new cars sold, according to a study by Edmunds.com. But Edmunds predicts a slowdown in the latter part of the month that will bring the April SAAR closer to the 13.1 million cars originally projected by Edmunds at the end of March.

(April 15, 2011) YONKERS, N.Y. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — Most car buyers (56 percent) expect their next new vehicle to be the same size as the model they currently drive, but those who are looking to downsize are motivated by improved fuel economy, lower maintenance and repair costs, environmental concerns, and improved reliability, according to a new survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

(April 14, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — With automakers announcing more pauses in new car production, Edmunds.com is offering a glimpse at what consumers and dealers can anticipate over the next several months before automakers return to full production, which is expected in the fall.

Edmunds.com reports that currently, dealer inventories are still ample for most models, but inventory will start to be noticeably limited next month and automakers will react by adjusting incentives on the models in short supply.

(April 14, 2011) NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — Over 25 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed report being less likely to purchase automotive brands from Japan or Korea, a strong opinion that is gaining traction since the earthquake and tsunami catastrophe that struck the Japan region in March.

(April 14, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. (PRNewswire) — TrueCar.com , the authoritative voice in new car pricing and industry trend information, today released a study based on Hispanic car-buying behavior in 2010 that shows import brands and models dominating the top 10 list. Hispanic car-buyers in 2010 made up seven percent of all new vehicle retail purchases in the U.S.

(April 13, 2011) WESTWOOD, Mass. (PRNewswire) — Honda is the most popular model with thieves, according to the second annual Vehicle Theft Recovery Report by LoJack Corp. Hondas topped the list of imports, with the 2000 Honda Civic ranking as LoJack's most stolen vehicle recovered.

(April 13, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — An Edmunds.com analysis of driver fatality data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that the death rate of male drivers age 51 to 65 has increased in the last decade, even as traffic deaths in all other male and female age groups decreased over that period.

(April 12, 2011) BETHESDA, Md. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) —  Prices at the pump are moving upward in time for spring and summer road trips. While many motorists may panic as gas prices continue to rise, a little planning, perspective and a few simple steps from the Car Care Council can go a long way to combat the soaring price of fuel. 

(April 12, 2011) CARSON, Calif. (PRNewswire) — A new report from AutoMD.com reveals that the wider availability of online repair information in a challenging economy is spurring a sea change in the way car owners approach vehicle repair and maintenance. And these twin factors are driving them to not only perform more research online about repairs and repair pricing, but also are helping them save an average of nearly 34% on repair shop bills.