We love how automakers are integrating technology inside their new vehicles to make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable. This news from Chevrolet really caught our attention today. You’ll be able to listen to Pandora^® internet radio in your Chevy car!

When the new 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and 2012 Chevrolet Volt vehicles go on sale later this year, they’ll be the first to offer Chevy MyLink – a new feature that builds on the safety and security of OnStar and integrates online services like Pandora and Stitcher SmartRadio^®.

“There is a new generation of car buyers who don’t want to settle for mass market radio,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “They want to create their own individual stations and have access to them wherever they are. Chevrolet vehicles have offered customers the ability to use portable media devices since 2006 and the introduction of MyLink takes media personalization to a new level. ”

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. MyLink also includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display that makes media selection easy to navigate.

You’ll also still have access to AM/FM/XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, and auxiliary and USB inputs.

In 2010 and for the 3rd year in a row, black was the most popular color choice for new cars bought or leased in the United States.

One of the best-selling cars of 2010, the Toyota Camry, in black.

A study from the Power Information Network (PIN) and J.D. Power and Associates used retail transaction data from 2010 to identify the most popular new car color choices and the related demographics of car buyers.

More than 20 percent of all new vehicles purchased in 2010 were black, which is up a percentage point from 2009. The average age of buyers of black cars was 45 years old; the youngest average customer age for all color choices during 2010. Black cars sold in an average of 49 days, compared to the average retail rate of 71 days for all cars in 2009.

A few of the other more popular vehicle color choices were silver (17.6%), white (17.7%), and gray (12.1%). Both white and gray color choices increased over last year, but silver saw a decline.  Though it ranked fourth on the most bought color list, gray cars sold faster than any other colored cars at an average of 45 days, down from 65 days in 2009.

Red and blue are still among the most popular color choices, but they declined in sales this year to 11.7 percent and 11.6 percent, respectively.

U.S. consumers may be making more subdued color choices, like gray and black, due to the current economic climate. Consumers are in a much more conservative mind set and, as a result, are more likely to choose a more conservative, traditional color as their new car choice. With an upturn of the economy predicted for 2011, more upbeat tones, like silver or blue, could start to move their way back to the top of the list.

2010 Popular Car Colors Overall | Regional New Car Color Trends

December 31 can be one of the best days to buy a car. So how can you be prepared to get the best deal?

The most important thing you can do is arm yourself with the right information.

First, you need to know that the end of the year is a special time for automakers and dealers. As automakers try to get their new car models into dealer showrooms, you may find significant year-end savings on older models. Many of these older models will have the same or similar features as the newer models, but yet be discounted to sell quickly to make way for new inventory.

Plus, many car dealers – and their sales teams – are trying to meet their yearly sales goals, which are often tied to financial incentives, so they may be more willing to work with you so that you both get what you want. This includes both new and used car sales.

If you're ready to buy a car, here are a few more tips we can offer to help you make the best decision:

1. Know what you can afford. Determine what you can afford to pay and how you plan to finance your purchase.
2. Research cars that will fit your budget. Identify cars within your budget. If it's a new car you'll be buying, visit the Research a Car section on CarLocate.com to find out the factory invoice on the car (how much the dealer paid for the car). Also, check into rebates. Auto companies often offer rebates and sometimes dealers will, too.
3. Establish your plan. Before you enter the dealership, know which cars you plan to look at and the price you can afford to pay, and then stick to your plan.
4. Take your time. If you can't reach an agreement with the sales person, don't hesitate to walk away. Take the time you need to make the decision that's right for you and your wallet.

Shop year end… shop smart… shop CarLocate.com!

Happy New Year!

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