February 2016

AAA survey: Pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion annually

(February 17, 2016) ORLANDO, Fla. — As snow and ice begin to thaw and crumbling roadways emerge, a new study from AAA reveals that pothole damage has cost U.S. drivers $15 billion in vehicle repairs over the last five years, or approximately $3 billion annually.

With two-thirds of Americans concerned about potholes on local roadways, AAA cautions drivers to remain alert to avoid pothole damage, and urges state and local governments to fully fund and prioritize road maintenance to reduce vehicle damage, repair costs and driver frustration.

Kelley Blue Book lists its 10 best new car deals for February

(February 16, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — For shoppers on the lookout for a new-car deal, 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 February from a variety of auto manufacturers.

"With this being a leap year, there is one extra selling day in February, meaning one more day this month that shoppers can get a great deal on a new car," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Chrysler jobs boost shows Canada's competitiveness

(February 15, 2016) TORONTO — Fiat Chrysler's announcement that a new minivan at its Windsor facility will mean twice as many jobs as first expected is not only good news, it's a reflection of Canada's competitiveness in the auto sector, Unifor National President Jerry Dias says. "Canadian autoworkers can compete with any in the world," Dias said.

"We've got highly skilled and productive workers — a fact that is regularly recognized with top industry awards."

Carfax: Vehicles with unfixed recalls now top 47 million

(February 11, 2016) CENTREVILLE, Va. — More than 47 million vehicles that people are driving, buying or selling in the U.S. have at least one unfixed safety recall, according to Carfax. The company's annual research on the issue suggests a net increase of more than one million vehicles from last year. In addition, every state now has at least 100,000 vehicles with an open recall.

Hyundai launches campaign to educate Americans on counterfeit auto parts

(February 10, 2016) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai launched a dramatic new awareness campaign today, aimed at warning American drivers of the risks involved when using counterfeit automotive parts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that vehicle owners work with their automotive dealers and repair professionals to ensure appropriate original equipment parts are used in the event they need a new airbag.

Hyundai, Acura brands rated lowest 5-year cost-to-own from Kelley

(February 10, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The 2016 model-year brand and category winners of the fifth annual 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, recognizing new vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs, were announced today by Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com. These awards are based on Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period.

Gas prices continue to slide; nationwide average is $1.74

(February 9, 2016) WASHINGTON — Domestic crude oil inventories reached their highest level for this time of year in nearly eight decades, and barring any major disruptions in supply, gas prices are likely to remain near their lowest price point since the Great Recession in the near term. Today’s average price of $1.74 per gallon reflects a savings of $1.07 per gallon versus the 2015 peak price reached this past June, and gas prices have fallen for 31 of the past 33 days.

Honda leads Kelley Blue Book's 16 Best Family Cars of 2016 list

(February 4, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The vehicles deemed the 16 Best Family Cars of 2016 were announced today by Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com. After extensive testing and evaluation, with a keen focus on safety, comfort, convenience, spaciousness for both passengers and cargo, and fit of various rear-facing and forward-facing child safety car seats, the KBB.com expert editors recommend their choices for a diverse group of vehicles that best meet the needs of today's modern families.

Here's how the Porsche Macan might be a smarter buy for your dollars

(February 4, 2016) MCLEAN, Va. — In their bimonthly edition covering trends in the used vehicle market, NADA Used Car Guide analysts detailed the one-year performance of all-new or heavily revised mainstream and luxury vehicle models.

"There were several new vehicles that saw major updates or were all-new to the market this year," said Jonathan Banks, executive analyst at NADA Used Car Guide. "Not surprisingly, a vehicle that held its value the best is one that provides both utility and great performance for luxury buyers."

New-car transaction prices up nearly 3 percent since January 2015

(February 2, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $34,112 in January 2016.  New-car prices have increased by $919 (up 2.8 percent) from January 2015, while declining $553 (down 1.6 percent) from last month.