December 2015

Ford study finds consumers hopeful despite challenges

(December 30, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — In a world of constant and dramatic change, new insights from Ford’s Looking Further with Ford 2016 trend report reveal a renewed sense of inspiration and ingenuity among consumers striving for a better quality of life in the New Year motivated more than ever to make the world a better place.

Gas prices hover near $2 a gallon; 16 states below $1.90 average

(December 30, 2015) Drivers paid the lowest averages for the Christmas holiday since 2009, and pump prices continue to hover around the $2 benchmark. Retail averages have fallen for 45 of the past 52 days, and despite prices moving higher by fractions of a penny on the week, the average price of $1.999 is the lowest for this date since the Great Recession, AAA reports this week.

Hyundai tops CarMD's 2015 Vehicle Health Index with lowest repair costs

(December 29, 2015) CarMD.com has released its 2015 CarMD Vehicle Health Index Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Rankings. Unlike other industry reports and rankings that rely on subjective survey data, this is the only Index to offer an annual ranking of manufacturers and vehicles using statistically-based “check engine”-related failures and repair costs.

These rankings are based on a combined average rating of fewest “check engine”-related problems and lowest repair costs for vehicles needing repairs over the past year.

Americans on the move — Texas top magnet state in Allied's annual study

(December 29, 2015) CHICAGO — Continuing its dominance for the past 11 years, Texas once again tops the Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report. Allied's report, which uses internal data to track U.S. migration patterns, marked Texas' net relocation gain of 2,558 families in 2015. 

This net gain is calculated by the difference between inbound moves and outbound moves performed by Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies.

Documentary recalls Chrysler’s role in Roosevelt’s 'Arsenal of Democracy'

(December 29, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In recognition of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s historic “Arsenal of Democracy” radio broadcast (Dec. 29, 1940), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has released "Automakers and the Arsenal of Democracy," a short documentary that chronicles the role of the Chrysler Corporation as one of the primary military suppliers for the Allied war effort.

December new-car sales close record-breaking year, up 13 percent

(December 23, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to increase 13 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.7 million units in December, resulting in an estimated 18 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book kbb.com. 

December will cap the biggest year of U.S. new-car sales that the industry has ever seen, with total light vehicle sales of roughly 17.5 million, representing a 6.1 percent jump from 2014 totals. The previous high was 17.35 million units in 2000.

Gas prices drop below $2 a gallon just in time for holiday driving

(December 22, 2015) WASHINGTON — U.S. average gas prices dropped below $2 per gallon this week for the first time since March 25, 2009, according to AAA. Today’s national average price of gas is $1.998 per gallon. AAA estimates that cheaper gas prices have saved Americans more than $115 billion on gasoline so far this year, which works out to more than $550 per licensed driver.

National Safety Council estimates 307 traffic fatalities Christmas holiday

(December 21, 2015) ITASCA, Ill. — The National Safety Council estimates 307 people will be killed and 37,200 seriously injured in traffic crashes during the three-day Christmas holiday period — the highest estimate the Council has issued for a three-day Christmas holiday period since 2009.

The National Safety Council also estimates 346 will be killed and 41,900 seriously injured during the three-day New Year's holiday period.

Holiday travelers expected to top 100 million for first time ever

(December 17, 2015) ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA projects the number of year-end holiday travelers will top 100 million for the first time on record. Nearly one in three Americans will take a trip this holiday season, with 100.5 million expected to journey 50 miles or more from home. This represents a 1.4 percent increase over last year and the seventh consecutive year of year-end holiday travel growth.

Subaru, Lexus top Kelley 2016 best resale value awards

(December 17, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — The 2016 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 this week by Kelley Blue Book.

For the second year in a row, Subaru and Lexus earned top honors for best brand and best luxury brand (respectively), with Subaru claiming four model winners and Lexus producing six model winners from a total of 22 different segments.