Category Archives: Auto Brands News

Chevrolet Camaro Is The Most-Stolen Sports Car

While the number of cars stolen each year is dropping, all motorists are at risk for becoming the victim of a crime. In fact, there may even be some vehicles that are more prone to theft than others. A large portion of all automobiles stolen in the U.S. are high-end sports cars, and a few of these are extremely popular among car thieves. 

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has been tracking which cars are the most popular stolen vehicles for years. From 2009 through 2012, the organization recorded the make and model of automobiles reported as stolen.

According to the data, the most popular sports car stolen in the four-year time period was the Chevrolet Camaro. There were 1,509 reported thefts of this vehicle, far outpacing the 980 instances of theft for the Ford Mustang, which came in second. Close behind was the Dodge Challenger, which was in third place with 782 thefts. 

Those three were significantly ahead of the rest of the top 10. The Porsche Panamera was fourth with 103 instances and the Audi A5/S5 was fifth with 101. 

All hope is not lost when a vehicle is reported stolen. The study found that about 15 percent of compact sporty cars were never recovered after a theft – which also means that 85 percent were found. Additionally, 88 percent of midsize sporty vehicle were found. However, less than 70 percent of premium sporty cars were recovered. 

Whether you're looking for a sports car or need to replace a vehicle that has been stolen, you're going to want to be on the lookout for a good deal. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can search through the hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars to find a vehicle that is perfect for your needs. 

Automakers Land On List Of Best Global Brands

The annual list of the 100 Best Global Brands featured several staples of the auto industry. Released by Interbrand, a consultancy firm, the list highlights the biggest names in all major sectors, but the 2013 version saw 14 vehicle manufacturers land one of the coveted spots. 

Leading the way was Toyota. The Japanese brand was the highest-ranking automaker, nabbing the 10th overall spot. That is the same ranking it held last year, despite increasing its brand value by 17 percent since then. Toyota was also rated as the top auto brand on the list of Best Global Green Brands, underscoring its commitment to alternative-fuel vehicles. 

In fact, many companies within the auto industry posted impressive gains. Porsche had the most significant increase – about 26 percent – but manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Ford and Hyundai also had a large growth in value. Other automakers to crack the list include Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Honda, which landed at 11th, 12th and 20th place, respectively. 

The brands that performed well on the 2013 list did so because of solid sales and impressive advancements – both things that are reflected in the pool of used cars for sale. As automakers introduce state-of-the-art models, higher-quality used cars go up for sale as owners upgrade, allowing drivers on a budget to cash in on these great options. 

If you're ready to take the leap with a vehicle from Toyota, Mercedes-Benz or any other automaker, consider checking out the options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot boasts hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that provide affordable and high-quality options for drivers who want to invest in used cars. 

New List Selects The Best Used Cars For 2013

Sorting through the many used cars for sale to find the best option isn't the easiest undertaking for drivers. With so many makes and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming to attempt to select the right one, which is why Edmunds.com compiled a list of The Best Used Cars of 2013

"There are a lot of popular cars on this list, and that's not a surprise," said Scott Oldham, the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com. "Wider availability of a particular vehicle almost always translates to more competitive prices and better value for used car shoppers." 

Leading the way with four inclusions each were  Honda and Toyota. For Honda, the Fit was named the best used subcompact sedan, while the Accord was named the best used coupe, the CR-V was the top pre-owned compact SUV and the Odyssey was rated the top used minivan. The Toyota Avalon was named the No. 1 used large sedan, the Highlander was the top midsize SUV, the Tacoma was the best compact truck and the hybrid category was dominated by the Prius.

Ford was next with three selections – the Fusion, which was the best midsize sedan, the F-150, which was the best large truck, and the Mustang GT, selected as the top performance car. 

All of the models considered were produced from 2006 to 2011, providing many options for drivers looking for the right model car. 

Whether you're looking for well-known brands like Honda, Toyota or Ford or are open to simply finding the best vehicle for your needs, you can find a future ride at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot has a wide selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could act as your next vehicle. 

Survey Finds Honda Is The Most Reliable Automaker

One of the best ways for motorists to save money is to search for used cars that are exceedingly reliable. Whether you're looking for models that are loaded with safety features or cars that have a history of easy maintenance, these automobiles can help to make driving a safe and relaxing experience. Finding such vehicles can be more difficult, which is why one annual survey strives to find the automaker with the best track record of producing dependable cars. 

The 2013 Reliability Survey, conducted by What Car? and Warranty Direct, asked more than 50,000 drivers about their opinions and experiences with different vehicles. For the eighth straight year, Honda ended up in the top spot, with motorists lauding its low average repair costs, lack of model issues and overall dependability. Much of this is due to the manufacturer's extensive testing and high-quality production, which help to create cars that are capable of handling anything. 

"Reliability is at the heart of all our research, development and manufacturing processes, and this ensures we build reliable and high-quality cars," said Phil Crossman, a managing director at Honda. "We strive to deliver an enjoyable and hassle free Honda ownership to all our customers, from the moment they purchase, right through the lifetime of the car … We are incredibly proud to be the most reliable manufacturer in the industry – yet again." 

Other brands to land in the top 10 most reliable companies include Chevrolet, Ford and Hyundai

If you're on the hunt for a Honda vehicle or any other dependable model, you may want to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, making it easy to find reliable vehicles that fit within your budget. 

Ford Is The Top Brand In The US – So Far

Each year, YouGov releases a list of the top brands in the U.S. based on how they are viewed by the general public. While this highly anticipated list, called the U.S. Buzz Rankings, is usually released at the end of the year, the organization decided to unveil the mid-year survey results for 2013, and a mainstay of the auto industry found itself in the No. 1 spot. 

According to the survey, Ford is the "buzziest" brand so far in 2013. The manufacturer narrowly edged out Amazon, Subway and The History Channel for the honor. It was the only member of the auto industry to land in the top 10 and improved on its sixth-place finish at the end of 2012 in just a few short months. 

YouGov conducts the survey by asking respondents what they have heard about the brand in the past two weeks, if they heard anything at all. Then the participants are asked to rank how positive or negative the news was.

Through the first six months of 2013, the buzz was positive for Ford. The Michigan-based brand posted its highest-earning quarter in more than 10 years at the beginning of the year while also improving its market share. A slew of new ads also helped the brand resonate with consumers and highlighted some of the most popular individual models offered by the automaker. 

Drivers who are interested in looking at some of the models that have helped make Ford the No. 1 brand in the U.S. should head to NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot is home to an array of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, including Ford and  many other famous brands. There you could find an affordable option for your next ride. 

Toyota Sells Its 10 Millionth Camry

Toyota has a slew of popular models available for any kind of driver, but the Camry continues to be one of the most popular for the automaker. In fact, the Toyota Camry is one of the biggest sellers across the U.S., and it recently reached a milestone that few ever see – selling its 10 millionth model.

The Camry, which was first introduced in the U.S. 30 years ago, was the country's top-selling car for the past 11 years. Despite the range of Toyota vehicles, this sedan accounts for nearly 20 percent of all of the automaker's cars sold on American soil. In total, there are about 6.4 million Camrys still on the road – including 773 models that were sold in its first year of operation. 

"We couldn't be more excited about Camry's 10 millionth sale in the U.S.," said Bob Carter, the senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota Motor Sales. "With the support of so many loyal customers, Camry has truly become part of the country's fiber. For seven generations, Toyota dealers have also been instrumental in getting Americans behind the wheel of a Camry. Camry is definitely helping Toyota 'Go Places.'" 

The Camry has been more than just a commercial success – it is a hit with critics and car experts as well. J.D. Power and Associates ranked the vehicle as the No. 1 midsize passenger car for 2013, touting its continuously high resale value and reliability. 

Whether you're on the hunt for a Camry, a different kind of Toyota or any other vehicle, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find just the right ride. The auction lot has plenty of pre-owned, CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be the perfect option for your next automobile. 

Ford Looks At Vehicle Trends Across The US

The type of car drivers are drawn to depends a lot on the individual's situation, but it also varies based on where they are in the world. Cities around the U.S. have their own distinct personalities, and some of that rubs off on the vehicles chosen in any given place. For that reason, Ford decided to take a look at which of its models were the most popular in different spots around the country, as well as what features are in demand for different locales. 

Ford found that Philadelphia drivers saw the appeal of environmentally friendly cars more than any other city. The City of Brotherly Love had more motorists going green with models that featured a fuel-saving EcoBoost engine and improved fuel efficiency. Places like San Francisco may typically be thought of as the more eco-friendly locales, but that Northern California city was actually the home of the most drivers who want top connectivity options. 

"Some may be surprised to see Philadelphia top Ford's EcoBoost engine list, but greener living has become a way of life no longer limited to the coasts as people try to save money at the pump," said Sheryl Connelly, the head of global consumer trends for Ford. "Technology has become mainstream, and we are living through an age of information addiction, which means people want to stay connected to their digital lives everywhere – including the car." 

New York City and its surrounding areas earned a special designation as well. Buyers in the Big Apple went for moonroofs more frequently than those in any other American metropolis. 

You may have a long list of features you're looking for in your next car, but the wide assortment of vehicles such as the one at NJ State Auto Auction could have just what you want. The CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans on the auction lot could be just what you need when you're shopping around for a used vehicle. 

Ford F-150 Named The Most ‘American’ Car

It's not uncommon to run into a motorist who expounds the virtues of American-made cars. However, the country of origin for a vehicle goes far beyond just the home nation of its main manufacturer. Where an automobile is produced, where it is driven and what it is made from all tie in to its background, which is why Cars.com starting compiling the American-Made Index. 

The index, which ranks vehicles based on the aforementioned three factors, found that the Ford F-150 is the "Most American" car on the market. The pickup truck narrowly edged out the Toyota Camry, which has claimed the No. 1 position for the past four years. 

"Strong sales and 75 percent domestic-parts content propelled Ford's popular F-150 to the top of the index for 2013, a rank it held from 2006 to 2008," said Patrick Olsen, the editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "Ford's top ranking this year is a good indicator of how pickup trucks are dominating auto sales so far in 2013, and how the domestic automakers are bouncing back. While the assembly point and domestic parts content of the F-150 didn't change from 2012 to 2013, vehicle sales are responsible for bumping the F-150 to the top spot." 

While the Ford F-150 and Toyota Camry claimed the first and second slots, the top five was rounded by the Dodge Avenger, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, respectively. 

Whether you're looking for a car that's American, Japanese, German or from any other country in the world, you can head to the lot at NJ State Auto Auction. It's home to plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans from a variety of manufacturers, and any one of these selections could serve as your next automobile. 

Kia Earns High Quality Ranking In Annual Study

Drivers are always on the hunt for cars that provide high quality at a low price. J.D. Power and Associates recently conducted its annual study to determine which vehicles offer the best initial quality, and two Kia models managed to land at the top of their respective segments. The Soul and Sportage were named as the leaders of the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle and the Sub-Compact CUV segments, respectively. 

This is the first time Kia, widely known as an affordable and value-driven brand, competed with more diverse automakers like Porsche, Chevrolet and Mercedes-Benz, USA Today reports. Overall, Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, earned the 10th spot in the quality rankings.

Cars were rated based on the driving experience, engine, transmission and the severity of problems reported by owners. Not only did Kia earn its best-ever score based on these categories, but it also posted large improvements that outpaced the industry average, further setting the brand apart from its competitors. 

"Kia Motors is committed to building vehicles that are defined by award-winning design, fun-to-drive performance and world-class quality, and the Soul and Sportage epitomize these attributes," said Byung Mo Ahn, president of Kia Motors America. "Achieving top-10 status within the industry reflects just how far the Kia brand has come in improving the ownership experience and vehicle quality for our customers and advancing value to new levels of sophistication across our entire model line." 

Whether you're looking for a Kia Soul or Sportage, or any other type of used car, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find a great selection of pre-owned vehicles. The auction lot is home to plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that are capable of meeting the needs of any driver. 

Car Brands Strive For Customer Loyalty

There's a lot of factors that cross your mind when you're ready to purchase a car. For many, an important aspect is the vehicle brand, especially if they've had good experiences with a certain company in the past. This kind of loyalty is essential for automakers, and as such brands are constantly trying to leave their customers with a good impression. 

A recent study from Polk, Loyalty Management Practice, took a look at which brands inspire loyalty in customers. Overall, the number of drivers who felt some kind of connection to their car brand and chose to buy another model from that company hit 51.5 percent during the first three months of 2013. This is a 2 percent increase from the same time period last year. 

Ford topped the rankings with an overwhelming 65.1 percent of its drivers demonstrating brand loyalty. Other automakers, such as Porsche and Cadillac, experienced the largest increases, with loyalty growing by 9.5 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively. 

"In each case, strong-selling models fuel the loyalty to these brands," said Lonnie Miller, vice president of Polk's Loyalty Management. "We saw a majority of the contribution for brand loyalty coming from Cayenne owners for Porsche, CTS owners for Cadillac and Mazda3 owners for Mazda. There's something to be said for paying positive attention to the majority of your customer base while treating buyers professionally and continuing to meet or exceed their vehicle need."

Brand loyalty extends to all kinds of shoppers, including those who are in the market for a used car. These drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which boasts plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans from a variety of automakers.