January 2015

Study finds mobile usage in car shopping grows significantly — again

(January 23, 2015) ATLANTA — According to AutoTrader.com's 2015 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, the adoption of mobile devices for car shopping is increasing at a rapid pace. The 2015 study shows that 42 percent of recent car buyers used multiple devices to shop for cars, compared to the 24 percent who used multiple devices in 2013.

The increase in mobile device usage is being led by used car buyers, who showed the most significant increases in using smartphones and tablets for car shopping.

Subaru, Lexus top 2015 Kelley 'Best Resale Award' winners

(January 23, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. —The 2015 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, kbb.com.

Study finds most car buyers have decided when they visit showroom

(January 22, 2015) ATLANTA — According to AutoTrader.com's 2015 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, more car buyers have already decided on the vehicle they want to purchase when they first visit a dealership. In 2015, 72 percent of recent car buyers reported that they purchased the vehicle they had in mind when they first visited a dealership.

This is a statistically significant increase from the 66 percent who reported doing so in 2014. This increase is being driven by used car buyers, who exhibited the largest change year-over-year.

AAA predicts national average gas price to fall below $2 by end of month

(January 22, 2015) WASHINGTON — U.S. motorists are paying the lowest average gas prices since April 2009, and the national average is likely to slide below $2 per gallon before the end of the month. The average price at the pump has dropped a record 119 consecutive days, for a total a savings of $1.29 per gallon during this stretch, according to AAA.

Ford overall winner in Edmunds 'Most Popular" vehicle awards

(January 21, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Ford emerged as the most decorated automotive brand when car shopping site Edmunds.com announced the winners of the second annual Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards.

Ford secured a total of eight Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards, edging out rival brands Chevrolet and Toyota, which earned seven and six awards, respectively. Ford's bounty marks the second year in a row that it has earned the most trophies, following its haul of 10 Most Popular on Edmunds.com Awards in 2014.

December's strong new-car sales good news for used car shoppers

(January 19, 2015) MCLEAN, Va. — New car sales were robust across most U.S. marketed brands last month, aided by increased consumer confidence, lower gas prices and dealerships eager to continue record-setting sales streaks. In their most recent January Guidelines report, NADA Used Car Guide analysts observed that while the 11 percent monthly sales increase meant good deals could be had for the new car buyer, the used vehicle market witnessed a sobering shot of activity.

A new Fiat 500, insurance, and servicing for one monthly payment in UK

(January 17, 2015) LONDON — For almost three quarters of young drivers, the costs associated with car insurance means that the selection of cars they can actually afford to run is usually extremely limited and not very appealing. Indeed for 35 percent of 17-25 year olds the costs are so prohibitive they choose not to own a car at all, while the vast majority that do take the plunge end up spending up to 30 percent of their income just keeping their car on the road.

Lincoln builds momentum on improved sales, new vehicles, and China launch

(January 16, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — The Lincoln Motor Company showed strong progress in 2014, with improved sales, new vehicles, the brand’s launch in China, introduction of Lincoln Black Label and an attention-grabbing ad campaign for the first-ever MKC featuring actor Matthew McConaughey.

Lincoln finished 2014 with retail sales of 94,474 in North America, a 16 percent increase versus 2013 and the brand’s best sales result since 2008. Further, the brand closed the year strongly, with sales of 26,686 vehicles in the fourth quarter, up 22 percent compared to 2013 and the best fourth quarter since 2007.

TrueCar finds best January deals on EVs and hybrids

(January 16, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Ford’s Focus Electric hatchback, which sells at an average of 16 percent off MSRP, tops January’s list of best savings on new vehicles, according to TrueCar, Inc. The “TrueSavings” monthly report analyzes current transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

“Fuel savings are not top of mind to many consumers right now, and that makes this a great time to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle,” said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar.

Despite cheap gas, fuel efficiency still a primary concern

(January 15, 2015) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Despite gas prices falling to their lowest levels since 2010, fuel economy — for a fourth consecutive year — remains the most influential factor among the majority of new-vehicle buyers in determining which vehicle they select, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Avoider Study released Wednesday.

The study, now in its 12th year, examines the reasons consumers purchase, reject or do not consider — or avoid — particular models when shopping for a new vehicle.