August 2014

Honda Accord most stolen car according to new report

(August 19, 2014) DES PLAINES, Ill. — The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has released its annual Hot Wheels report which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States — and the Honda Accord wins the "honor."

The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013.

2015 GMC Sierra 3500 HD wins Heavy Duty Challenge

(August 19, 2014) CHICAGO — The 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 HD won the overall title in the 2014 Ultimate Heavy Duty Challenge 1-ton diesel category following testing by truck experts from Cars.com, PickupTrucks.com and Mrtruck.com, Cars.com said today.

Comprehensive testing pitted the Sierra HD against its two competitors, the Ford F350, equipped with its updated-for-2015-model-year Powerstroke diesel engine, and the Ram 3500, equipped with its Cummins diesel powertrain.

Kelley Blue Book lists Chevrolet Impala 'most comfortable' car under $30,000

(August 18, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-car buyers don't necessarily have to shop a luxury brand to get an extremely comfortable car.Today's mainstream money can buy some of the quietest cabins on the road, along with many of the comfort-oriented features that debuted upmarket just a few years ago.

To aid shoppers in choosing a comfortable new car that won't break the bank, the editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named this year's 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000.

Study finds Millennials accelerating change in car shopping process

(August 15, 2014) ATLANTA — AutoTrader.com has released the findings of the 2014 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, which provides insight into how consumers shop for vehicles online, offline and across multiple devices.

Mazda3 leads Kelley Blue Book's top Tech-Savviest Cars Under $20,000

(August 14, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Today's mainstream compact cars offer high-dollar tech at an affordable price point. To aid shoppers in choosing an affordable vehicle that is loaded with tech features, the editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named this year's 10 Tech-Savviest Cars Under $20,000.

"Many inexpensive new cars now feature technology that was unavailable at any price just a few years ago," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Traffic fatalities down 4 percent in 2014, according to NSC

(August 13, 2014) ITASCA, Ill. — Preliminary data collected by the National Safety Council indicates deaths from motor vehicle crashes during the first six months of 2014 are down 4 percent, compared to the same six month period last year. In 2014, 16,180 traffic deaths occurred from January through June, compared to 16,860 in 2013. Definitive reasons behind the decrease are not known.

"Studies show that 90 percent of crashes involve driver error, including speeding, alcohol use and distractions," said Deborah Hersman, president and CEO at NSC.

Edmunds finds 75 percent of Americans likely to road trip by Labor Day

(August 12, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. —  Whether it's the trip back to college, a last-minute Labor Day escape or an end-of-summer getaway, Americans find that August is a great time to hit the road. In a recent survey of 1,000 Americans by car shopping site Edmunds.com, 40 percent of drivers said that they definitely plan to take a road trip by Labor Day and another 34 percent are considering it.

Consumers vote Chevy SS top production version of NASCAR vehicles

(August 22, 2014) RVINE, Calif. — If NASCAR drivers raced in production versions of their cars, 57 percent of KBB.com visitors think the Chevrolet SS would perform best in the Sprint Cup Series, according to a recent online poll from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.

"Nearly 60 percent of consumers polled believe the everyday version of the Chevrolet SS would take home first place if a NASCAR driver was racing it, demonstrating that the Chevrolet brand resonates for performance both in the racing realm and in the real world," said Arthur Henry, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

Honda Fit named number one 'Back to School' car by Kelley Blue Book

(August 7, 2014) RVINE, Calif. — With the 2014-2015 school year right around the corner, many students and parents of teens are considering their transportation needs to and from campus and activities.  To help shoppers narrow down their choices, the editors at Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com, have named this year's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2014.

Portland, Ore., boasts highest car rental rates in United States

(August, 6, 2014) PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland, Ore., is the U.S. city with the highest car rental rates this summer. That finding is the result of a new survey from CheapCarRental.net. The survey compared the cost to rent a car at over 100 destinations across the United States during the current month of August.