December 2014

Car shoppers hear this: Kelley Blue Book lists top 10 year-end deals

(December 19, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Just in time for the holidays and year-end bargains, the experts from Kelley Blue Book have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals available in December from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"Year-end is one of the best times to buy a new car as automakers look to maximize sales numbers for the calendar year,"  said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. 

Toyota environmental specialist finds its best to 'leave it to beaver'

(December 19, 2014) Sometimes it’s best to let nature take its course. That’s what Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi environmental specialist Sean McCarthy learned when he and other team members tried to stifle the SimCity tendencies of some resourceful rodents.

During construction of the plant, two retention ponds were established. The ponds are designed to capture and hold storm water runoff, allowing any suspended solids to settle. Water discharge from the pond is regulated with an 11-foot sluice gate and seven-foot concrete wall just beyond the gate. When the gate is raised, the water flows out through three slots in the wall.

TrueCar says Toyota Tacoma still dominating small pickup segment

(December 18, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar finds Toyota's Tacoma still dominates small pickup sales with the largest market share for the last 10 years in a row as the current truck concludes its run and the company prepares to show a restyled version in Detroit next month.

Survey finds many holiday travelers will not check tire pressure

(December 18, 2014) WASHINGTON — AAA predicts that nearly 90 million travelers will hit the road this holiday season but a tire industry survey found that nearly half won't bother to check tire pressure. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) is urging holiday road travelers to pump up before hitting the road.

Can your car weather the winter ahead?

(December 17, 2014) BETHESDA, Md. — While last year's brutal winter may seem like a distant memory, severe weather is on its way. The Car Care Council reminds drivers to ready their vehicles for the rough conditions ahead.

"Vehicle service is always more convenient when you do it on your own schedule. An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked will help make sure it can weather the storm when arctic temperatures strike again," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

NSC estimates nearly 800 total fatalities from car crashes this holiday season

(December 17, 2014) ITASCA, Ill. — The National Safety Council released its traffic fatality estimates for the Christmas Day and New Year's Day holiday periods. NSC estimates 366 deaths and another 39,200 injuries requiring medical attention may occur because of car crashes during the Christmas Day holiday period. 

An estimated 421 deaths and 45,000 injuries requiring medical attention may occur during the New Year's Day holiday period. Seat belts could save an estimated 134 lives during the Christmas Day holiday period and 154 lives during the New Year's Day holiday period.

Good news: Your used car is keeping more of its value

(December 12, 2014) MCLEAN, Va. — According to the NADA Used Car Guide's most recent Guidelines report, vehicles sitting in driveways and used car lots managed to keep more of their value this past month, due to strong demand within the used vehicle market and a decrease in cars sold at wholesale auction.

TrueCar finds pickups outsell premium brands among vehicles over $50,000

(December 11, 2014) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar has found mainstream pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles dominate U.S. vehicle sales with transaction prices exceeding $50,000, accounting for six of the 10 best sellers in that portion of the market.

State Farm releases first-of-its-kind vehicle recognition app

(December 11, 2014) BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Today State Farm announced its latest mobile app CarCapture, available for iOS and Android. Through object recognition technology CarCapture is designed to allow the consumer to capture a picture of the back of a vehicle and instantaneously obtain detailed information.

Cars.com announces choices for Best of 2015 awards

(December 9, 2014) CHICAGO — Cars.com has announced nominees for the site's highest-honors, the "Best of 2015" and "Best Pickup Truck of 2015" awards. Nominees for all Cars.com awards must demonstrate a high level of quality, innovation and value; and for pickup trucks power, capability and value.