Editorial archive

March 2011

Ford could outsell GM in March, but Japan is a big if

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By Karl Greenberg
MediaPost

(March 31, 2011) This could be a shakeup month for vehicle sales in the U.S., with at least one firm saying Ford could outsell GM. Edmunds.com is predicting a 1.24 million unit month, a 16.5% increase from last March and a 25.1% increase from February this year.

Used car prices on the rise according to NADA

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(March 31, 2011) MCLEAN, Va. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — Prices of fuel-efficient, used cars — both at auction and at the retail level — continue to feel the ripple effect of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

"The dramatic increase in wholesale vehicle prices indicates that buyers are expecting the supply of small, fuel-efficient cars to dwindle even more because of the crisis in Japan and gas prices that continue to rise," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide.

The state of cell phone driving laws is sorted out

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(March 31, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Is legislation truly effective when it comes to regulating or banning cell phone usage by car drivers? Edmunds' AutoObserver.com explores the complex and confusing answer in "Cell Phone States of Mind."

Right now 13 states have laws banning drivers' use of cell phone handsets. Eight of those states as well as 22 other states have restricted any cell phone use for novice drivers only. That leaves 15 states where there are no restrictions at all on a driver's cell phone usage.

UK survey — Tailgating most serious driving offense

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(March 29, 2011) A survey carried out by breakdown and road safety organization GEM Motoring Assist today revealed that UK motorists believe tailgating is the most serious offense committed on a highway with 85% saying it causes highly dangerous situations.

Texas DOT campaigns against distracted driving

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(March 29, 2011) AUSTIN, Texas (PRNewswire) — With technology at their fingertips, drivers are constantly faced with distractions such as talking or texting, putting their safety and that of others at serious risk. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching the Talk. Text. Crash. campaign to raise awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving and to encourage Texans to put down their cell phones while driving.

Ford Sync's infotainment leadership eroding, Edmunds reports

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(March 28, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Four years ago, the Ford Sync infotainment system was the innovative technology that drove this automaker's economic recovery, but competitors are beginning to catch up to — and overtake — Ford's groundbreaking technology, according to Edmunds' InsideLine.

What's in your car can save your life

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By Roland Sprewell

(March 28, 2011) Road emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared can help you survive a major emergency. Consider what happened in a recent nationally publicized case, headlined "Man Drinks Wiper Fluid to Survive Desert Ordeal.”

Subaru Impreza with AWD beats three rivals in bad weather simulation tests

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(March 27, 2011) Subaru’s all-wheel drive Impreza is the hatchback to be in when bad weather strikes, according to handling tests carried out recently by MSN Cars in the UK.

The popular automotive website took four rival hatchbacks to the Wet Grip facility at Rockingham Raceway, Northamptonshire, to establish which was the safest to own and drive on slippery and hazardous roads.

Edmunds highlights six non-hybrid vehicles that get 40 mpg

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(March 27, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — With the recent spike in gas prices, fuel economy has become a top priority for consumers who are in the market for a new car. Edmunds.com reviewed six of the most fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicles — including five gas-sipping newcomers — in the recently published feature "Meet the 40 MPG Club."

AAA offers tips on picking the 'right' new car

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(March 25, 2011) ORLANDO, Fla. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — For many Americans, their vehicle is one of their largest financial assets. So when the time comes to purchase a new car, it's not a choice that should be made lightly. To help consumers, AAA offers a checklist of factors to consider when looking for the 'right' new car.