April 2015

Michigan most expensive, North Carolina cheapest for car insurance

(April 27, 2015) SAN FRANCISCO — Michigan has the nation's most expensive car insurance and North Carolina has the cheapest, according to a new insuranceQuotes.com report. Michigan drivers pay more than double the national average (+136%), while North Carolina drivers pay 41% less than the national average.

New-vehicle sales in April expected to be strongest since 2005

(April 27, 2015) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — U.S. total and retail new-vehicle sales in April 2015 are expected to reach their highest levels for the month since 2005, according to a monthly sales forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.

New-vehicle retail sales in April 2015 are forecasted to reach 1,179,000 units, a 5 percent increase compared with April 2014 and the highest retail sales volume for the month since April 2005 when sales hit 1,190,125. Retail transactions are the most accurate measure of consumer demand for new vehicles.

NICB findings: Leave your keys, lose your car

(April 27, 2015) DES PLAINES, Ill. — In a first-of-its-kind analysis of vehicle thefts released today, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) found a disturbing trend — an increasing number of thefts of vehicles with the keys left inside. For the years 2012 through 2014, at total of 126,603 vehicles were reported stolen with the keys left in the vehicle.

Analysis finds more drivers using green to go 'green'

(April 23, 2015) SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —  In honor of Earth Day, Experian Automotive found that consumers that purchased an alternative-powered vehicle did not just go green by cutting back on fossil fuel, but they used more green to buy them — cold hard cash.

According to a recent analysis of the alternative-powered vehicle market, findings showed that in 2014, more than 18 percent of consumers that purchased a "Green" vehicle paid in cash, compared to 15.24 percent of those that purchased a gas-powered vehicle.

Study finds electric cars facing image problems

(April 23, 2015) DETROIT — Electric cars have a special "green" image among drivers in the U.S., but so far they barely evoke any emotions. In the recent Continental Mobility Study, a clear majority of respondents see fully electric-driven vehicles as environmentally friendly (71%), but the perception of image factors that play a key role in the purchase decision is low, such as driving pleasure (31%), attractive design (38%), and sportiness (27%).

Consumers prefer safety technologies according to J.D. Power study

(April 23, 2015) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Three of the top five technologies consumers most prefer in their next vehicle are related to collision protection, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Tech Choice Study released on Wednesday.

Technologies that reduce the overall burden of driving and enhance the safety of the vehicle and its occupants receive the most consumer attention. Among the technologies consumers express most interest in having in their next vehicle are blind spot detection and prevention systems, night vision, and enhanced collision mitigation systems.

Dining Out for Life fight against HIV/AIDS is April 30 hosted by Subaru

(April 22, 2015) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — On Thursday, April 30, Subaru invites people to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS by enjoying a great meal with family or friends in support of Dining Out For Life. Dining Out For Life is held in 60 cities across North America each year.

Edmunds: Hybrid, electric vehicles struggle to maintain owner loyalty

(April 22, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car buyers are trading in hybrid and electric cars for SUVs at a higher rate than ever before, according to a new analysis from car-buying platform Edmunds.com. The analysis offers a surprising look at how today's gas prices are drawing hybrid and EV owners toward gas-guzzling vehicles at a much more accelerated pace than in recent years.

Kelley lists best new-car deals for April

(April 21, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — The experts from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals for new cars available in April from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"If new-car shoppers are interested in finding a great deal on a mid-size sedan, two-row SUV, or fuel-efficient hatch, then Kelley Blue Book's list of the best deals of the month for April is sure to please," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

TrueCar finds best April deals on fuel-efficient hybrid models

(April 20, 2015) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Hyundai's Sonata hybrid sedan, now selling at an average of 20 percent off the manufacturer's suggested retail price, tops the list of best savings on new vehicles in April, according to TrueCar, Inc.

Given current sustained low gasoline prices, fuel-efficient vehicles are primed for large savings this month. A gallon of regular gasoline averaged $2.429 nationwide on April 17, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, down $1.23 from a year ago.