Consumer Reports: Accord hybrid has excellent mpg, but short of EPA claims

(May 30, 2014) YONKERS, N.Y. —  Consumer Reports fuel economy tests found the Honda Accord Hybrid delivered impressive overall fuel-economy, tying the smaller Honda Civic Hybrid and just below the top-performing Toyota Prius hatchback.

The Accord Hybrid's 40-mpg performance on Consumer Reports combined city and highway tests make it a class leader for fuel economy among midsized sedans. Testers found the Accord Hybrid has a very impressive hybrid system that smoothly transitions between battery and engine power. To save fuel, even at highway speeds, the engine willingly shuts off as soon as drivers lift their foot off the gas pedal.

Kelley Blue Book names 10 'Most Affordable' sport utilities

(May 29, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Whether car shoppers are looking for an all-new family hauler, a means of navigating through inclement weather, or cargo space not found in smaller vehicles, an SUV is often the answer.  

And no matter what shoppers seek, chances are they also are in search of the best price.  To make the quest easier, the editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named this year's 10 Most Affordable SUVs.

L.A. Auto Show gets new logo to reflect show's growth

(May 29, 2014) LOS ANGELES — One hundred seven years ago, an amazing phenomenon called the Los Angeles Auto Show took root. From day one, the show became a lifelong celebration of the automobile, a valued marketing partner and a welcome gathering site for the auto industry.

Today’s show is not yesterday’s prototype. It has evolved dramatically from its early days. It now plays a vital role as the nexus of a worldwide, future-facing automotive network, a virtual Who’s Who of What’s Next.

Kelley Blue Book predicts best May new-car sales since 2007

(May 28, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to rise 6.7 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.54 million units, and an estimated 16.05 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book.  This marks the strongest May since 2007.

With 1.54 million units sold in May, this would bring the year-to-date total to 6.6 million, a 3.9 percent increase from last year.  In addition, a 16.05 million SAAR this month could mark the second month above 16 million this year, following a 15.98 million SAAR in April.

Caught on camera: Highest speeds on roads in England, Wales

(May 28, 2014) A motorist in on the M25 at Swanley holds the record for the highest speed clocked by a speed camera in England and Wales between April 2013 and May 2014.  The 149 mph figure was revealed following freedom of information requests to 39 police authorities by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Eighty-five per cent of police authorities responded.

Other findings include:

    • The highest speed recorded on 30 mph road was 96 mph on the B1288, on Leam Lane, Gateshead

May SAAR to hit 16.1 million vehicles, according to TrueCar

(May 24, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar has released its May 2014 sales and incentives forecast, which shows May sales are expected to be up more than five percent from May 2013.

New-vehicle selling rate expected to be highest of year in May

(May 23, 2014) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — With strong new light-vehicle retail sales anticipated over the Memorial Day weekend, the selling rate in May is expected to be at the highest level of the year, according to a monthly sales forecast developed jointly by J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.

Car insurance rate calculator helps consumers compare costs

(May 22, 2014) SAN FRANCISCO — insuranceQuotes.com has released a new car insurance rate comparison calculator that enables consumers to compare the insurance costs of different cars by year, make and model. The tool ("Car vs. Car: Insurance Comparison Shopping Tool," in the right sidebar) is fully customizable by age, gender, marital status and zip code.

100 deadliest days for teen drivers starts now

(May 22, 2014) ITASCA, Ill. — Summer might be a carefree time of the year, but the National Safety Council urges parents not to be carefree about the situations in which they allow their teens to drive. Memorial Day marks the start of a period commonly known as the 100 deadliest days for teens on the roads.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2012, nearly 1,000 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers, according to NSC estimates based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 550 of those killed were teens.

Kelley Blue Book picks 10 best car deals for May

(May 21, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Holiday weekends like the upcoming Memorial Day weekend are a great time to get a deal on a new car, so the experts from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have assembled their list of the 10 best lease and cash back deals available this month from a variety of auto manufacturers.