Here's the Thing

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe



Refreshed Wrangler gets
new plug-In hybrid option

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 23, 2023) It has been more than 20 years since the iconic Jeep Wrangler first launched the "Rubicon" edition on what is essentially a factory-built off-road specialty vehicle. The Rubicon is named after the Rubicon river trail located in California's historic gold rush territory west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada's.

Gas prices fall to lowest level since February fueling holiday travel



(November 22, 2023) GasBuddy, a leading fuel savings platform, has released the results of its annual Thanksgiving Travel Survey, revealing that more Americans plan to hit the road for the holiday. Forty-one percent of respondents said they plan to take a road trip this year, an 8% increase from 2022. Additionally, the national average price of gas is projected to drop to $3.25 per gallon, saving Americans nearly $1.2 billion during holiday travel compared to last year.

Hyundai, Kia and Porsche lead the charge in Edmunds EV charging tests



Pioneering new test sets industry
standard, challenges auto claims


(November 21, 2023) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The car shopping experts at Edmunds have unveiled the Edmunds EV Charging Test, a rigorous, independent evaluation of electric vehicle fast-charging speeds that provides consumers with crucial information about the time required to add range to a vehicle's battery.

55.4 million Americans expected to travel this week



This year’s holiday forecast
a 2.3% increase over last year


(November 21, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. This year’s Thanksgiving forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.

Sales heat up for refreshed 2023 Lincoln Corsair compact SUV



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 20, 2023) The Corsair may be the smallest entry in the Lincoln’s all-SUV fleet, but latest sales figures show that it is punching well above its weight class. According to figures reported by fordauthority.com, the 2023 Lincoln Corsair jumped 28 percent for the third quarter with its 7,852 units sold, finishing second to the Lexus NX, which led the compact sales segment with a whopping 17,647 sold from July through September.

Toyota Prius named 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year



(November 17, 2023) MotorTrend has named the 2024 Toyota Prius as the 2024 Car of the Year. This marks the second time that the Prius has won the award — the first being in 2004.

Time to talk turkey and lower gas prices



(November 17, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the national average for a gallon of gas is steadily declining.  Since last week, pump prices have fallen six cents to $3.34.  Since the price peak for 2023, the national average has either fallen or remained flat for 60 straight days.

Used car market undergoing transition from volatility to stability



(November 16, 2023) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The used vehicle market is experiencing a course correction after years of pricing volatility and other disruptions caused by early COVID-19-era supply chain setbacks. As highlighted in the most recent Edmunds Used Vehicle Report, the car shopping experts at Edmunds are witnessing encouraging signs of market stability, including a 5.5% year-over-year drop in used-vehicle average transaction prices, near-new used cars once again transacting at prices notably below brand-new, and new-car discounting trickling down to used cars of all ages.

Mazda survey finds parents' biggest travel fear — Carsick kids



(November 15, 2023) IRVINE, Calif. — As the holidays approach, many families across the country are gearing up to travel, and a majority of them will be taking a road trip. A new survey* from Mazda North American Operations found 85% of parents or caregivers plan to travel via vehicle this year. For parents with three to four children, the likelihood of traveling by vehicle jumps to 93%.

It’s time to require ABS on all motorcycles, IIHS-HLDI petition argues



Insurance Institute for Highway Safety editorial


(November 14, 2023) The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have filed a second petition with federal regulators for a mandate for antilock braking systems (ABS) on all new motorcycles.