Here's the Thing

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.

2024 Mercedes GLE 450e — Plug-in model relieves range anxiety fears



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 13, 2023) An aggressive Mercedes-Benz television ad campaign pushes its electric vehicles and plans to go all-electric by the end of this decade “where market conditions allow,” according to the Germany luxury automaker. But if a bit of range anxiety is holding you back — or you often take trips that extend past the typical range of today’s all-electric models, Mercedes has the solution.

Gas prices continue to drop as oil prices decline



(November 10, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas dropped four cents since last week to $3.40. However, the steady, if slow, decline may gain speed after recent drops in the price of oil.  Parked in the mid-$80s per barrel a week ago, oil is now hovering around the mid-$70s.  Since it is the main ingredient in gasoline, less expensive oil usually leads to falling gas prices.  

2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus crossover utility



Dodge's all-new compact crossover
a performance stand out in its segment


By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 9, 2023) When Dodge first launched its all-new compact crossover utility vehicle the Hornet last year it was with gleeful anticipation that I really wanted to get behind the wheel of the first all-new vehicle in more than a decade from the Detroit automaker self proclaimed as the muscle car provider for the industry.

High car prices, loan rates fueling auto affordability crisis



By David Straughan
Automoblog

(November 9, 2023) With auto loan rates at historic highs, rising payments, and mounting consumer debt, the auto lending industry is facing an inflection point. With lenders continuing to tighten restrictions and some even deciding to leave the consumer auto loans market, the stage is set for what could become a full-blown auto loan debt crisis. But how impactful such a crisis would be and how the industry can navigate its way out remains to be seen.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport tailored for off-roading enthusiasts



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 8, 2023) The Ford Bronco Sport debuted as a 2021 model to give buyers a more affordable and compact option than its larger Bronco sibling that revived the nameplate the same year to end a 15-year production hiatus. Initially offered in five trims including a First Edition model, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport also gets a new trim level with Heritage and Heritage Limited models joining Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands in the portfolio. It is especially targeted for off-roading ventures but is comfortable in city environs as well.