Analysis

IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book conceded its latest vehicle listing of the Top 10 Fast-Lane Four-Cylinders might lack the visceral kick and deep-throated exhaust rumble of bigger and more cylinder-rich V-type engines. However, site editors contend this contingent of vehicles responds to consumer concerns about rising fuel prices while giving automakers a path to fulfill […] [Read More]

CHICAGO — About a year after the automakers respectively filed for bankruptcy, there is still a large chunk of shoppers who are put off about the bailout money given to General Motors and Chrysler, but for most consumers, those bailouts don't appear to play a role in whether they would buy from either of these two […] [Read More]

ATLANTA — With Ford announcing its plans last week to close up Mercury in the fourth quarter, AutoTrader.com set out to find which brands are likely to grab the most would-be Mercury new-vehicle buyers. Based on the site's cross-shopping data, it appears that the automaker best-positioned to gain the highest proportion of shoppers who were interested […] [Read More]

MIAMI — In light of Ford's recent decision to cease production of Mercury, executives from LeaseTrader.com went back through its archives to find vehicles from the brand that generated the most activity at its site. It turns out by a relatively slim margin, the Mercury Mariner topped this list. Site officials found the Mariner constituted 19.8 […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Sparking plenty of attention this past week at AutoRemarketing.com was a story that shared details from a Microsoft survey regarding young buyers' impressions of dealers. Also stirring industry attention was the first word of Ford's decision regarding the future of Mercury. The top five stories from AutoRemarketing.com this week are: 1. Microsoft: Millennials […] [Read More]

ARLINGTON, Va. — When it comes to building roofs that protect occupants in the event of a rollover, some automakers have excelled, but there is still some room for improvement, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which recently conducted its first roof strength tests on a dozen midsize SUVs. Of the models that IIHS […] [Read More]

CARY, N.C. — Topping reader interest at AutoRemarketing.com was a story about yet another recall issued by Toyota, this time involving certain Lexus LS models. Also drawing plenty of attention was the news coming out of Europe centered on the latest planned acquisition by Volkswagen. The top five stories from AutoRemarketing.com this week are: 1. Toyota […] [Read More]

MANASSAS, Va. — In light of the Internet becoming a major game-changer for how vehicles are bought and sold, state lawmakers are being asked by the Automotive Recyclers Association to take a closer look at what the association considers to be "outdated vehicle regulations" and close the "loopholes" that ARA argues can have potentially dangerous results. […] [Read More]

IRVINE, Calif. — Editors with Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com released this week what they consider to be the 2010 Top 10 Road Trip Cars. In a new theme for this year, Kbb.com picked 10 "road trip-worthy" events happening this summer around the U.S. and then matched them each with a specific ride that best suited the […] [Read More]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — As shoppers gradually move back into the market, one segment, in particular, that has gained what some may consider to be surprising ground is the midsize sedan category, according to Edmunds.com Pushed to some degree by attractive new releases, midsize cars command 17.8 percent of the U.S. market right now, and have […] [Read More]