Kelley predicts new-car sales to decrease 6 percent In May

(May 27, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to decrease 6 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.53 million units in May, resulting in an estimated 17.4 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book.

"This month's sales results are set to fall year-over-year with two fewer selling days combined with retail demand that is holding steady, but not growing," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

Edmunds advises used car shoppers to target small cars

(May 27, 2016) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Prices of used compact and subcompact cars are down, and they offer the best value right now for used car shoppers, according to a report released by Edmunds.com. The finding is one of a number of data-driven trends found in Edmunds' Q1 2016 Used Vehicle Market Report.

Consumer advocates demand federal agency act on auto safety petition

(May 25, 2016) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A backroom deal by the federal agency responsible for auto safety to allow automakers to avoid following federal safety rules is unlawful and will lead to more deaths and injuries, three top consumer advocates said on Tuesday. They urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to grant the formal petition the advocates filed in January to require automakers to make advanced safety technologies standard equipment on all cars and light trucks.

North America most popular for growth of safety, automated technologies

(May 24, 2016) MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Despite the availability of advanced automated functional testing in several parts of the world, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and automotive technology providers favor North American test beds to the ones in Europe and Asia. North America has the largest number of test beds due to its favorable policies regarding testing; however, by 2020, test facilities in Europe and Asia are expected to flourish as well.

Drivers may face deadliest Memorial Day weekend since 2009

(May 24, 2016) ITASCA, Ill. — The National Safety Council estimates 439 people may be killed and an additional 50,500 will be seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes during the three-day Memorial Day holiday period. If the estimate holds, this will be the deadliest Memorial Day holiday since 2009, when 462 Americans were killed on the nation's roadways, according to federal data.

Gas prices hit 2016 highs heading into Memorial Day

(May 24, 2016) WASHINGTON — Gas prices are at their highest point for the year as we approach the Memorial Day holiday, and the national average has increased for 12 days in a row. Today’s average of $2.28 per gallon is up six cents per gallon on the week and 15 cents per gallon on the month, according to research by AAA.

Hyundai and Lexus earn top CPO program recognition from Autotrader

(May 23, 2016) ATLANTA — Hyundai and Lexus have been named top certified pre-owned brands for best non-luxury and best luxury programs by Autotrader. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are typically late-model, low-mileage vehicles that come with a host of perks like manufacturer-backed warranties, roadside assistance and more.

More than 38 million Americans expected to travel Memorial Day weekend

(May 23, 2016) ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA projects more than 38 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. That is the second-highest Memorial Day travel volume on record and the most since 2005. Spurred by the lowest gas prices in more than a decade, about 700,000 more people will travel compared to last year. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 26, to Monday, May 30.

J.D. Power: Memorial Day weekend key to May's new-vehicle retail sales

(May 20, 2016) DETROIT — Automakers are counting on strong new-vehicle sales over the Memorial Day holiday weekend to help give May sales the boost needed for a moderate increase over this month in 2015, according to a monthly sales forecast developed jointly by J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.

Kelley names 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000

(May 20, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Proving that cool and affordable really can continue to coexist, the experts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named their annual list of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.  The Mazda3 is No. 1 once again for 2016, marking its third straight year in a row of capturing the top spot and notably being featured on KBB.com's annual affordable "cool cars" list every year of the vehicle's 13-year existence.