January 2014

New-car sales to improve nearly 2 percent in January, Kelley projects

(January 24, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to improve 1.6 percent year-over-year in January to a total of 1.06 million units, and an estimated 15.9 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book www.kbb. 

At 15.9 million, this would be the highest recorded January SAAR since 2007, when it was 16.4 million.

TrueCar: Dodge Journey tops list of best deals in January

(January 23, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. —- The Dodge Journey, with a 15.5% savings off MSRP, currently tops the list of the best deals on new vehicles, according to TrueCar, the negotiation-free car buying platform. Published monthly, TrueCar's "Steals on Wheels" analyzes recent transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

Honda CR-V leads Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best SUVs for under $25,000

(January 21, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Whether it's utility, style, fuel economy or pure excitement you're looking for, there's something for everyone on the expert recommended list of 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000 from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com. Shoppers in the market for an affordable new SUV have plenty of options to choose from in this second annual Top 10 list.

Clanging Bell discusses most loved and hated driving music

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(January 19, 2014) I'm not a big music guy. Yes, I like music; but it's more of a background sort of thing for me. I do go to the occasional concert – usually country – but otherwise it's just something to drown out the road noise when I'm in the car, or whatever crappy music might be blaring at the gym. I rarely have music on at home.

Ford comes out on top in annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards

(January 19, 2014) DETROIT, Mich. — Thirty-three winners were recognized for automotive loyalty and conquest during the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards presented by IHS Automotive. Ford led the way winning both Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer and Overall Loyalty to Make.

Honda's Accavitti touts new products, sees good year ahead

(January 17, 2014) "As the 2014 North American International Auto Show confirmed, our industry is never short on excitement … and competition … and I think this year is going to be a particularly upbeat and positive one for automotive enthusiasts of all stripes.

Study finds buyers cite technology as one reason for buying domestic vehicles

 (January 16, 2014) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — New technology offerings in vehicles are important to new-vehicle buyers who purchase domestic models, as 38 percent of those buying domestic vehicles cite the latest technology features as a reason for their purchase, compared with 33 percent of import vehicle buyers, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Avoider Study released today.

Cars.com awards Chevrolet Silverado 'Best Pickup Truck of 2014'

(January 15, 2014) DETROIT — Cars.com announced on Jan. 14 that the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is the winner of the first-ever Cars.com "Best Pickup Truck of 2014" award, powered by PickupTrucks.com. The "Best Pickup Truck" award winner embodies the utmost in power, capability and value.

Younger and female owners most likely to name their vehicles

(January 14, 2014) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Women and younger car owners are the most likely to give a nickname and associate a gender to their vehicles, according to a new report from DMEautomotive. The survey on car-naming behavior investigates the depth of the emotional connection between consumers and their cars as represented by the degree to which they personify and ascribe a gender to their vehicles.

NADA: Used vehicle prices climb for fifth straight year

(January 13, 2014) McLEAN, Va. — Prices for used cars and light trucks have increased for five straight years, says the NADA Used Car Guide. December closed out 2013 with prices 0.4% higher than in 2012.