(August 25, 2011) NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — As a wave of new models from Chinese and Indian auto manufacturers, including BYD, Mahindra and Tata, are poised to debut in the United States in the coming months, researchers from GfK Automotive found that significant barriers exist for these automakers to gain market share among American consumers. 

GfK's Barometer of Automotive Awareness and Imagery Study found that Chinese and Indian automakers could face a similar purchase consideration curve to Korean vehicles when they launched in the US.

(August 23, 2011) YONKERS, N.Y. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — After Fiat's being out of the U.S. car market for nearly 30 years, Consumer Reports' tests of the Fiat 500 revealed it to be a fun-to-drive car in tests of fuel-efficient vehicles in the magazine's October issue.

Although it couldn't avoid enough shortcomings to score high enough in the magazine's tests to be Recommended, including a tight rear seat and cargo area, testers found it to be a likable urban car.

(August 22, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A growing number of iPhone apps are helping drivers keep better track of service and maintenance records for their cars, according to Edmunds.com.

"These new smartphone apps are offering a convenient alternative to the clutter of oil-stained paperwork that drivers packed into their gloveboxes for so many years," says Doug Newcomb, senior technology editor at Edmunds.com.

(August 20, 2011) BETHESDA, Md. (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — Brake Safety Awareness Week is Aug. 20-28, and there is no better time to stop and get your brake system checked by a professional service technician, according to the Car Care Council.

With many families gearing up for car pool season, checking your brakes before the school year starts and the weather changes will help ensure safe vehicle operation under a variety of conditions.