CarMD comes to the rescue with summer driving tips

(May 23, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (PRNewswire) — As vacationers pack up their cars, trucks and SUVs to embark on weekend getaways and summer road trips, national gas prices and average vehicle age are reaching all-time highs. 

Surprise finding: In the UK car buyers prefer gas over diesel

(May 23, 2011) The auto industry has found a difficult time selling the American public on diesel engines even though they provide better fuel economy than the typical gas engine. But in a surprise finding coming from the diesel-oriented UK, gas cars beat diesel models in a recent study of UK motorists.

NADA: Trade-in values for used cars expected to rise in June

(May 23, 2011) MCLEAN, Va. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — Trade-in values of small cars, such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, are forecast to rise more than 30 percent year-over-year in June, says Jonathan Banks, senior analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide.

Road trip vehicles for all ages

(May 21, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — The editors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com today named the Top 10 Road Trip Cars of 2011.

In a new twist on an annual list kbb.com has published since 2004, this year the editors identified 10 various life stages of American drivers on the road today, and then chose the most fitting new cars for those times in life.

Chrysler, Lincoln top satisfaction awards

(May 20, 2011) TUSTIN, Calif. — Chrysler and Lincoln were named the top two brands in AutoPacific's 15th annual Satisfaction Awards. Lincoln won the award for premium brand and Chrysler for popular brand.

High gas prices, lower incentives contribute to dismal May vehicle sales

(May 19, 2011) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — New-vehicle retail sales are off to a weak start in May as several variables, including gas prices that are nearing historically high levels, have contributed to a significant pullback from the strong showing in April, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Study finds awards influence vehicle sales

(May 19, 2011) TUSTIN, Calif.  — Auto manufacturers are fast to use the awards and accolades their vehicles garner in advertising. But do these awards make a difference?

“With all the differing information car makers cite to gain consideration of car buyers, we set out to get insights into which messages most influence consumer behavior,” Says George Peterson, President of AutoPacific.

Lack of electric generating capacity seen as roadblock to widespread EV use

(May 18, 2011) DETROIT (PRNewswire) — Collaboration between industry participants will be essential to bring alternative fuel applications to market, according to PwC's latest publication "Charging Forward: Electric Vehicle Survey." 

While automakers continue to bring electric vehicles (EVs) to the marketplace, governments, local municipalities and utility companies are challenged with building the infrastructure required to support these vehicles long before mainstream consumption will take hold.

New study forecasts 13.2 million new car sales this year, 16 million by 2013

(May 17, 2011) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (PRNewswire) — A newly released study by A.T. Kearney forecasts 13.2 million new autos will be sold in the U.S. this year. The study further anticipates an upward trend toward pre-recession levels of about 16 million units by 2013.

AAA asks Congress to support Right to Repair Act

(May 17, 2011) BETHESDA, Md. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — AAA, with more than 52 million members in the U.S. and Canada, has come out in support of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act.

"The purchase of a motor vehicle is now a greater investment than ever before," said Jill Ingrassia, managing director, government relations and traffic safety advocacy for AAA. "New technology has made the cars we drive smarter, more efficient and safer.