Gasoline prices continue to climb, steadily approaching record highs well in advance of summer. As consumers look to ease their pain at the pump, the difference between the most and least fuel-efficient cars is coming into sharp focus. We ran the numbers and, depending on which model you choose, found that the annual fuel cost difference can be staggering.

Over the last several days, there have been numerous automotive announcements related to compressed-natural gas (CNG). This energy source is abundant and affordable in the United States, it can be used in existing vehicles with relatively few modifications, and it contributes to reduced reliance on foreign oil as much as electric vehicles. Various automakers have lately revealed CNG-compatible trucks. Why now? There are several good reasons, led by product scheduled to take advantage lower fuel prices and potential federal incentives.

Taking a design cue from audio systems of more than a half-century ago, Ford is adding radio volume and tuning knobs to the version of MyFord Touch being introduced on its high-end Super Duty pickup trucks for 2013.

Natural gas may be the next fuel in the country’s portfolio of alternatives to combat dependence on foreign oil. General Motors announced today that it will begin taking orders for new bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) versions of its ¾-ton Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.

Å small number—just over 200—Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks are being recalled by America Honda Motor Co. According to the U.S. National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, those 2011 and 2012 model year pickups have incorrect information regarding their spare tires, which could lead to tire failure and cause a crash.

Lincoln’s performance during today’s press conference (see “2012 Detroit auto show: Will a new MKZ be enough to revive Lincoln?”) clearly showed that company knows it has a problem and seems to be committed to righting the listing ship.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a safety alert for 2011 and 2012 model year Ford F-series pickup trucks equipped with flawed automatic transmission interlocks. Drivers can shift the affected Ford trucks from "Park" into gear without stepping on the trucks' brakes, increasing the risk of collisions and possibly injuring nearby pedestrians.

General Motors is recalling about 5,220 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Certain models in both 2012 compact truck lines have faulty electronics that may not warn of incompletely latched seat belts which will fail to protect drivers during collisions.

Toyota’s long-standing workhorse of a truck received several updates for 2012. The company says the Tacoma gets some exterior styling changes as well as an improved interior that includes a new center instrument panel design and trim upgrades.

Chevrolet has stated that the all-new Colorado pickup truck shown recently for Thailand will be sold around the globe, including in the United States. This truck is the long-overdue replacement for the current Colorado small truck.

Ten years ago when an SUV or pickup was involved in a crash with a car or minivan of the same weight, the result was often deadly to occupants of the car or minivan. Now with changes to vehicle structures, SUVs aren’t nearly as dangerous as they were before, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Car thieves favor big, bold vehicles, according to an annual report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Cadillac Escalade once again is the most common target for grand theft auto, being stolen six times more frequently than the average car and resulting in losses that are 10 times greater.

Ford and Toyota today announced a partnership to develop a new hybrid system for light-duty trucks and SUVs. In addition, they will cooperate to establish standards and collaborate on technologies for future telematics systems.

Conventional wisdom says that to improve passenger vehicle fuel economy, the government should incentivize the most efficient machines and raise mileage standards—as it has done. But, to take a contrarian perspective, what if we put incentives against large, gas-guzzling trucks to motivate improvements and make the vehicles affordable?

This morning at a Virginia moving company, President Obama announced the first-ever fuel economy standards for heavy-duty trucks, including everything from semi-trucks to city buses to cement mixers.