August 2013

AutoTrader.com recorded highest mobile traffic month ever in July

(August 19, 2013) ATLANTA — More shoppers than ever visited AutoTrader.com from a smart phone in July, setting a new record in the company's history. Over 2.1 million unique visitors interacted with AutoTrader.com from a smart phone during the month, which represents a 60 percent increase year-over-year.

Harley-Davidson redefines motorcycling with Project Rushmore

(August 19, 2013) — Harley-Davidson this weekend unveiled its new lineup of 2014 motorcycle models during the company's annual summer dealer meeting in Denver.  The star of the show is not a single new bike — rather, it's the landmark product development effort that resulted in Project Rushmore's delivery of innovative, customer-driven enhancements to the world's best-selling line of touring motorcycles. The road trip will never be the same.

Manual lumbar support in otherwise power seat pains new-vehicle owners

(August 15, 2013) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — While seat suppliers and automakers try to save costs and reduce weight by having manually adjustable lumbar support in otherwise powered seats, owners of new vehicles equipped with those power/manual seats are not pleased, according to the J.D. Power 2013 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study released today.

Mercedes M-Class leads AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards

(August 15, 2013) TUSTIN, Calif. — The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class was named the overall winner in AutoPacific's 2013 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVAs).

"AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Awards are very significant because they identify which automotive manufacturers listen best to their buyers when updating and developing their latest vehicles," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "In addition to identifying segment winners, the IVAs also establish numerical Ideal Vehicle Ratings for virtually every passenger car and light truck in the United States market.

NADA: Rising incentives, high trade-in values to boost new-vehicle sales

(August 14, 2013) McLEAN, Va. — Generous automaker incentives and high trade-in values will keep the new-vehicle sales momentum going during the third quarter, said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide.

"Traditionally, this is the time of the year when auto manufacturers increase incentives on outgoing model year vehicles to make room for the new model year fresh off the assembly line and headed to dealer showrooms," Banks added.

Kelley Blue Book offers 10 steps for selling your car

(August 13, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — With tools and information for every step of the car-selling process, from determining your vehicle's value to setting your asking price, Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today offers 10 Steps for Selling Your Car.   

"Whether you are looking to offload your car quickly or if you'd rather wait until you get the best possible offer, it is smart to start with a little preparation," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

AutoTrader.com names Best Automotive Interiors Under $60,000

(August 12, 2013) ATLANTA — While a car's exterior might be the first thing someone notices, Americans who commute are spending more than 50 minutes per day on average inside their cars. For discerning car shoppers who prefer to spend this time enveloped in high-quality materials and experiencing the latest technology features, AutoTrader.com editors have named their list of the Best Automotive Interiors Under $60,000.

Voting opens for Ford Personalized Fuel-Efficiency App Challenge

(August 11, 2013) Voting has officially opened for the OpenXC Personalized Fuel-Efficiency App Challenge, and the creativity of the developer community that participated knows no bounds. From vehicle data-driven Piggy Banks to audible games that encourage careful driving behind the wheel, over 20 applications will be voted on by a qualified judging panel as well as the public for a chance to share $50,000 in cash prizes.

Nissan Versa Note leads KBB's 10 Best Back-To-School Cars

(August 9, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — With the 2013-2014 school season right around the corner, parents and students can see which new cars the experts recommend most in the list of 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2013 from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.

National Safety Council estimates traffic fatalities down 5 percent

(August 9, 2013) ITASCA, Ill. — Preliminary data collected by the National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2013 are down 5%, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2013, an estimated 16,620 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 17,430 in 2012.  Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.