October 2016

Study finds teens districted by smartphones prone to other risky behavior

(October 18, 2016) BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — More than 80 percent of teens said when surveyed that they use their smartphones while driving. According to a new report from State Farm, American teens who choose to be distracted by their smartphones when they're behind the wheel are also more likely to participate in other dangerous driving behaviors, like speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failing to wear a seatbelt. 

Truck loyalty climbs to all-time high, Edmunds finds

(October 18, 2016) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Truck loyalty is soaring at an all-time high, and no brand commands better loyalty among truck owners than Toyota, according to a new analysis released Monday by Edmunds.com. The findings, which come in the middle of October's traditional "Truck Month," shines a new light onto just how highly regarded trucks are among American owners and shoppers.

Pump prices drop for nine consecutive days

(October 18, 2016) The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has dropped for nine consecutive days, reaching today’s price of $2.24 per gallon, according to AAA statistics. Today’s average price represents a decrease of two cents per gallon compared to one week ago, but remains five cents more than last month.

However, drivers across the country continue to see savings at the pump and are paying an average of three cents less per gallon year-over-year.

J.D. Power: Safety technologies have highest satisfaction; navigation lags

(October 16, 2016) DETROIT — BMW and Hyundai each have two models that rank highest in overall customer experience with vehicle technology in their respective segment, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, released last week.

How Ford Transit became best selling cargo van nameplate on earth

(October 14, 2016) DEARBORN — Fleets and tradespeople around the world are increasingly turning to Ford vans to get the job done, making the Ford Transit family the best-selling lineup of  cargo vans on the planet. Ford Transit was the best-selling cargo van family globally in 2015, with nearly 400,000 vans registered, based on IHS Markit global new vehicle registration data for calendar year-end 2015.

Speeding one of top deadly mistakes made by teen drivers

(October 13, 2016) WASHINGTON — Over the past five years, teen drivers were involved in nearly 14,000 fatal crashes and more than 4,200 of those crashes involved speeding. According to a new AAA survey of driving instructors, speeding is one of the top three mistakes teens make when learning to drive. With 65 percent of those instructors also reporting that parents today are worse at preparing their teens to drive compared to a decade ago, AAA cautions parents that their involvement is key to preventing deadly mistakes behind the wheel.

Ford Super Duty named 'Truck of Texas' by Texas autowriters

(October 12, 2016) DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered in Dripping Springs, Texas, for the 26th annual Texas Truck Rodeo where more than 70 journalists named the 2017 Ford Super Duty the 2017 “Truck of Texas.” Seventy-one vehicles valued at nearly $4 million were evaluated in 17 categories over a two-day period at a new venue for this year’s truck rodeo, the Longhorn River Ranch.

Autotrader offers insight into best certified pre-owned offers

(October 11, 2016) ATLANTA — To help shoppers navigate the 2016 model-year vehicle selldown market and find the best deals, Autotrader has assembled the most compelling certified pre-owned (CPO) offers available in October.

Approaching the end of the year makes this an ideal time for price-savvy shoppers to consider purchasing their next vehicle. By choosing a CPO vehicle, smart shoppers can get high-quality vehicles at even more competitive prices.

Gas prices continue to climb despite seasonal drop in demand

(October 11, 2016) The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has increased for 12 of the past 14 days, reaching today’s price of $2.26 per gallon, AAA reported Monday. The average price is 3 cents more than one week ago, 8 cents more than one month ago and 6 cents less than one year ago.

2017 Camaro blows doors off 1967 Camaro SS, but costs 50% more

(October 8, 2016) To celebrate the Camaro's 50th anniversary, H&H Classic Parts has created a detailed chart comparing a 1967 Camaro SS to a 2017 Camaro 1SS. The comparison graphic reveals the 2017 Camaro has increased in both weight and price. The newer model weighs 360 pounds more than its 1967 counterpart, and, when adjusted for inflation, the MSRP of the 2017 Camaro 1SS is nearly 50% more expensive than the 1967 Camaro SS 396 with the L78 engine package.