November 2013

Used car prices fall to lowest levels in four years, says Edmunds

(November 18, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Used car prices have hit their lowest levels in four years, says Edmunds.com. The data suggests that the used car market is finally softening after years of notoriously elevated prices.

Toyota, Lexus achieve top honors in Kelley Blue Book resale values

(November 18, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — The 2014 model-year brand and category winners of the annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period, were announced today by Kelley Blue Book.

Both Toyota and Lexus earned top honors for best brand and best luxury br
and, and each of those top brands had six segment winners from a total of 22 different segments.  Honda earned three segment awards, while Chevrolet captured two segment awards and placed an impressive three vehicles in the overall top 10 list.

Hyundai named top automotive brand in Strategic Vision's value awards

(November 15, 2013) SAN DIEGO — For the first time in the study’s 18-year history, Hyundai Motor Company ranked first in Strategic Vision’s annual Total Value Awards for the automotive industry. Additionally, four Hyundai models — Sonata, Genesis Coupe, Elantra and Equus — each took first place in their respective categories.

Audi poll shows majority of Americans would support diesel initiatives

(November 13, 2013) A new poll conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Audi of America reveals that a majority of American drivers would support government initiatives aimed at spurring clean diesel vehicle sales in the U.S. The study was conducted in September, 2013 among 2,041 U.S. adults, among whom 1,629 identified themselves as regular drivers, driving their own personal vehicle at least once a once week or more often.

2014 Mazda6 named 'Car of the Year' by Popular Mechanics

(November 12, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — The completely redesigned 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan was today named "Car of the Year" by Popular Mechanics magazine.  Combined with SkyActiv Technology — the umbrella term for a host of performance-oriented, fuel-saving engine, transmission, body and chassis components — this third-generation Mazda6 features even more all-new groundbreaking Mazda-engineered technology.

Kia Forte wins Cars.com/USA Today/MotorWeek Compact Sedan Challenge

(November 11, 2013) CHICAGO — The 2014 Kia Forte has been named  the winner of the Cars.com/USA Today/MotorWeek Compact Sedan Challenge. The challenge put seven compacts against each other in a series of expert and car shopper testing to determine which was the best overall compact sedan.

Tesla Model S outsells market in some of America's wealthiest cities

(November 6, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — It's no secret that the Tesla Model S is the newest "must-have" toy among America's most affluent citizens. But a shocking analysis from Edmunds.com finds that in some of the country's richest communities, the Model S sells better than any other car on the market.

Viper launches first all-in-one app to monitor both car, home security

(November 4, 2013) VISTA, Calif. — Have you ever had a bad feeling there is a security risk at your home while away? Instead of panicking or waking up the neighbor, now you can simply check your smartphone. Viper, the 30-year leader in car security, today launched Viper Home, an affordable, self-installed home security monitoring system that is completely controlled from a smartphone.

Consumers Digest names 2014 automotive best buys

(November 1, 2013) DEERFIELD, Ill. — Thirty-seven vehicles and eight companion models received "Best Buy" ratings from Consumers Digest for the 2014 model year. The ratings span 12 categories: Subcompacts, Compacts, Family Cars, Luxury Cars, Sporty Cars, Hybrids, Minivans, Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs, Full-size SUVs, Luxury SUVs and Pickups.

Kelley says new-car transaction prices up more than one percent

(November 1, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — As the month comes to an end, the estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $32,184 in October 2013, increasing $367 (1.2 percent) from last month and down $63 (0.2 percent) year-over-year, according to Kelley Blue Book.