April 2017

Vincentric picks three Hyundai models for Best Fleet Value in America awards

(April 27, 2017) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai's 2017 Elantra SE, 2017 Sonata Hybrid and 2017 Tucson models have been recognized as having the best fleet value in their respective categories by Vincentric, a trusted name in measuring and analyzing overall cost of vehicle ownership and operation.

The Elantra led the compact category in best fleet value for the third time, while the Tucson won its second award in the compact SUV/Crossover category. The 2017 Sonata Hybrid rounded out Hyundai's wins with its first honor in the hybrid segment.

National gas price average continues to climb

(April 27, 2017) The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline this week  is $2.42, which is an increase of 13 cents over last month and 29 cents more than this time last year. As gas prices continue to reach new heights and hit an all-time high for the year, the summer demand has not kicked in, meaning consumers can expect the price at the pump to continue to rise for coming weeks, according to weekly statistics from AAA.

Chevrolet offers tips and tricks to survive pothole season

(April 26, 2017) DETROIT — Now that spring is in full swing, icy roads are a thing of the past, leaving behind pothole filled roads that can damage your vehicle and cost you money. While rough road conditions seem unavoidable this time of year, Chevrolet engineers have developed the following tips and tricks to help you and your car survive pothole season.

Most crash reports do not capture drowsy, drugged, distracted driving

(April 25, 2017) ITASCA, Ill. — A National Safety Council review of motor vehicle crash reports from across the United States found no state fully captures critical data needed to address and understand the rise in roadway fatalities. Crash reports from all 50 states lack fields or codes for law enforcement to record the level of driver fatigue at the time of a crash.

New defensive driving course helps combat distracted driving

(April 24, 2017) OAKLAND, Calif. — eDriving, a provider of online driver training and global driver risk management solutions, has launched the first cross-over defensive driving course for both corporate fleet and consumer audiences. The new One More Second course and an online distracted driving resource area launched as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

How VW's longest running nameplate has found a luxury-economy balance

(April 21, 2017) A new infographic from RealVolkswagenParts.com shows how the price of the VW Passat has changed since 1974, when adjusted for inflation. VW’s longest running nameplate, the first American iteration of the Passat was introduced during a tough recession. The infographic tracks that rise and fall of the cost of a VW Passat in the years that followed, revealing how Volkswagen has worked to strike a balance between costs and features.

KBB.com names 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000 for 2017

(April 20, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — Blending refined ride quality, supportive seats and quiet cabins, today's mass market sedans can be as comfortable as yesterday's luxury cars. Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com editors have compiled this year's 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000, according to Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Prices as of March, and each is a smart way to tackle a long daily commute or your next road trip.

AAA finds consumer appetite for electric vehicles increases

(April 19, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla.  — Despite lower gas prices, a new AAA study reveals that consumer interest in electric vehicles remains high, with the survey showing that more than 30 million Americans are likely to buy an electric vehicle for their next car. With rising sales, longer ranges and lower costs, AAA predicts a strong future for electric vehicles, and announces the top electric, hybrid and other efficient vehicles in its independent, rigorous test-track evaluation.

Gas prices reach 2017 high

(April 18, 2017) The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.41, two cents more expensive than one week ago, 12 cents more than one month ago and 30 cents more than one year ago. The national average is at its highest price this year and has now increased for 20 consecutive days, according to AAA's weekly gas report.

Pump prices in 43 states and Washington D.C. have moved higher over the last week. This increase was most prevalent in the East Coast region where refiners wrapped up seasonal turnaround resulting in significant prices increases last week.

Kelley Blue Book names best eco-friendly cars for Earth Day 2017

(April 17, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — With Earth Day 2017 around the corner, the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named their top picks of eco-friendly new cars available under $40,000. The variety of hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles recommended by KBB.com editors all offer stellar fuel economy at affordable prices for the environmentally conscious new-car shopper.

"With each new model year there are more 'green car' choices than ever before," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.