December 2012

Volvo owners endorse crash-avoidance technology, survey finds

(December 31, 2012) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Not only do Volvo owners value their vehicles' advanced crash avoidance technology but, according to a survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most current owners would want crash avoidance technology on their next vehicle.

Toyota looks back on its 2012 accomplishments

(December 30, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Following a devastating year in 2011 when it was hampered by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and was fighting millions of vehicle recalls, Toyota came fight back in 2012 to regain its title as world's largest automaker.

As the U.S. auto industry heads into a new year, Toyota looks back at its "tremendous year of growth and accomplishments" in 2012.

AAA pushes for 'move over' laws in all 50 states

(December 29, 2012) HOMESTEAD, Fla. — AAA, the nation’s largest organization for motorists, has joined with leading representatives for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and state highway workers to announce the start of a year-long public information and legislative campaign aimed at reducing deaths and injuries among roadside workers and stranded motorists.

Edmunds predicts 2013 sales to slow, used car prices to fall

(December 28, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car sales will grow in 2013, but that growth will slow to a single-digit pace, says Edmunds.com. Edmunds.com projects 15 million new car sales in 2013, a four percent increase over 2012.

And while next year's sales won't have as much momentum as recent post-recession years, there is still plenty of optimism in the auto industry.

2013 Ram 1500 awarded the Detroit Free Press Truck of The Year

(December 27, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The new 2013 Ram 1500 has been named The Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year. The Free Press is a leader in covering autos and the automotive industry.

Veteran automotive industry journalist Mark Phelan, writing for the Detroit Free Press, explained "Chrysler could have gotten away with a mere face-lift for the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup. Instead, it provided a glimpse of the pickup of the future, a truck that combines workhorse capability with fuel efficiency."

2013 Honda Accord wins 'Midsize Sedan Showdown'

(December 27, 2012) CHICAGO — Cars.com today announced the 2013 Honda Accord as the winner of its editors' Midsize Sedan Showdown which pitted six of the most popular midsize sedans under $26,000 against each other in a series of tests. Other sedans tested included the 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Hyundai Sonata, 2013 Kia Optima, 2013 Nissan Altima and the 2012 Toyota Camry.

Strong December new-car sales to cap year of auto industry recovery

(December 27, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — With annual year-end clearance events in full swing, new-car sales are expected to surpass 1.35 million units in December, pushing the industry's closely followed seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) to 15.2 million units, according to Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com.

AAA warns of New Year's dangers; backs ignition interlock efforts

(December 26, 2012) WASHINGTON — As Americans prepare for holiday celebrations, AAA reminds drivers and passengers alike of the dangers on the roads this New Year's Day, which consistently ranks as the year's deadliest day for alcohol-related fatalities.

To strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA is announcing its support of ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, and offers important safety advice to partygoers.

The full current on cars and electricity

By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(December 25, 2012) Electric cars have rolled an incredibly long distance since I first drove a GM EV1 13 years ago. Hybrids were still on the horizon and pure electrics were supposedly going to rule the school. While the EV1 drove like a jet-powered whir of a sports car, it posted a range of about 75 miles if all the stars aligned.

Winter driving tips offered by AAA

(December 23, 2012) ORLANDO, Fla. — Nearly one-quarter of weather related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement,  resulting in more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 people injured annually, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration.