October 2012

Edmunds.com helps shoppers decode information on window stickers

(October 30, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Everyone who's shopped for a new car is familiar with the famous "window sticker." But do they know exactly what information is included on those dozens of square inches, and how that information can be used to make them a smarter car shopper? Edmunds.com decodes the ubiquitous label.

Ford takes big hit in Consumer Reports' annual reliability study

(October 30, 2012) YONKERS, N.Y. — A perfect storm of reliability problems has dropped Ford to next to last among the 28 car brands ranked in Consumer Reports 2012 Annual Auto Reliability Survey, while its luxury brand, Lincoln, placed just a notch higher. The findings were released Monday before the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.

Edmunds.com forecasts pleasant October surprise for Honda and Nissan

(October 29, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com forecasts that 1,132,878 new cars will be sold in October for an estimated Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) this month of 14.8 million light vehicles. October's SAAR is poised to be the second-highest monthly SAAR of 2012 (behind last month's rate of 14.9 million) and the best October since the rate of 16.1 million vehicles recorded in 2007.

Best SUV deals listed by TrueCar.com — Now may be time to buy

(October 27, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com, which analyzes new car pricing information, trends and forecasting, has found some of the best shopping deals available nationwide on sport utility vehicles, including cash, finance and lease deals.

J.D. Power sees strong retail sales growth in October

(October 26, 2012) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — New-vehicle retail sales in October continue the robust pace from September, with another month of strong double-digit year-over-year growth, according to a monthly sales forecast developed by J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network (PIN) and LMC Automotive.

TrueCar: October car sales expected to be up nearly 12 percent

(October 25, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com trends and forecasting, today released its October 2012 sales and incentives forecast showing that for October  new light vehicle sales in the U.S. (including fleet) are expected to be 1,137,744 units, up 11.5 percent from October 2011 and down 4.2 percent from September 2012.

Auto capacity crunch coming to Europe

(October 25, 2012) BROMSGROVE, England — The decision by Ford to close its Genk manufacturing plant underscores the problem faced by volume car players in Western Europe's declining car market, says industry analysis website just-auto.com. "The problem, in a nutshell, is matching supply with demand in a market that is more than 20 percent off where it was in 2007," says just-auto editor Dave Leggett.

Kelley: New-car sales expected to surpass 15 million units in 2013

(October 25, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — New-car sales in 2013 are expected to surpass 15 million units overall, driven by replacement demand, low interest rates, and compelling product redesigns and introductions, according to Kelley Blue Book.

"These factors have kept vehicle sales moving forward despite powerful economic headwinds, and Kelley Blue Book analysts believe demand will remain strong enough to drive sales even further along next year," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. 

New-car sales cool to 14.7 million SAAR with fourth-quarter slowdown

(October 24, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Through the first three weeks in October, the seasonal fourth-quarter slowdown in new-car sales clearly is in full effect, according to Kelley Blue Book. Kelley Blue Book expects new-vehicle sales to drop to 14.7 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) in October, after hitting 14.9 million last month.  Analysts expect declines in both fleet and retail sales.

Car purchase concerns and options



(October 24, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Buying a new car is a big decision, and some people, for one reason or another, have regrets soon afterward. While the dealer usually holds all the cards if a purchaser attempts to return a new or used car, there may be ways to unwind the deal, reports Edmunds.com.