August 2017

Autotrader names great cars for dog lovers

(August 30, 2017) ATLANTA — Autotrader has announced its fourth consecutive celebration of National Dog Day by naming the "Great Cars for Dog Lovers." Based on a recent Autotrader consumer survey, nearly two-thirds (or 63 percent) of dog lovers actively seek vehicles that accommodate their four-legged companion. With that in mind, Autotrader's editorial team curated a list of cars that offer comfort and safety features for both human and dog passengers.

Harvey drives up gas prices nationwide

(August 29, 2017) As Hurricane Harvey blasted Texas, gas prices shot up across the country. At $2.37, today’s national gas price average is four cents more expensive on the week and one of the largest one-week national gas prices surge seen this summer, according to statistics prepared by AAA.

About one quarter of oil refining capacity in the Gulf Coast had been taken offline, according to forecasts by Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport gets new trim names, design tweaks for 2018

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 28, 2017) It seems like it was just a month ago that I got a red 2017 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 for review. Actually, of course, it wasn’t that recent. It was back in November. But this year still has over four months to go, and already now I have had the pleasure of spending a week in the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400.

Kelley Blue Book forecasts new-car sales rebound in August

(August 25, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to rise 1.5 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.53 million units in August, resulting in an estimated 16.6 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book kbb.com. 

"August should be the first year-over-year increase of 2017, due in part to an extra selling day this month," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "This sales improvement would break a seven-month negative streak, the longest since the recession in 2009.

AAA reveals true cost of vehicle ownership — $8,469 annually

(August 24, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — Owning and operating a new vehicle in 2017 will cost a driver an average of $8,469 annually, or $706 each month, according to a new study from AAA. The annual evaluation of driving costs reveals that small sedans are the least expensive vehicles to drive at $6,354 annually, however small SUVs ($7,606), hybrids ($7,687) and electric vehicles ($8,439) all offer lower-than-average driving costs to U.S. drivers.

Porsche top brand; Ford has most segment wins in AutoPacific awards

(August 23, 2017) TUSTIN, Calif.  — Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. has announced its 2017 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), recognizing vehicles that best meet their owner’s expectations and desires. Porsche was named top brand and top overall vehicle. And Ford took home more wins than any other nameplate.

Gas prices fluctuate across the country

(August 22, 2017) At $2.33, the national gas price average is two cents cheaper than a week ago. Consumers in most Midwest, East Coast and Southern states are paying, on average, two cents less on the week, while most West Coast and Rockies states are seeing pump prices increase on average by three cents, AAA reported Monday.

Today’s national average is five cents more than a month ago and 17 cents more expensive than a year ago.

U.S. News & World Report picks its best new cars for teens

(August 22, 2017) WASHINGTON — U.S. News & World Report today unveiled the Best New Cars for Teens. The eight models have the best combination of reliability, crash protection, accident avoidance features and critic recommendations.

"While driving is a rite of passage for many teens, it's also a major source of worry for parents," says Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "We selected cars with top-of-the-line safety features, including accident prevention and crash protection technologies, as well as features that allow parents to track their new drivers."

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has more going for it than fuel-saving virtues

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 19, 2017) Having resurrected the Pacifica nameplate in 2016 with the introduction of a full-fledged minivan replacing the combination wagon/SUV that went out of production after the 2007 model, Chrysler has unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of the same for the more fuel-conscious among you.

AAA adds new 'Best of' designations for top rated hotels, restaurants

(August 16, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — With 59,000 Diamond Rated establishments from which to choose, AAA has unveiled a new "Best Of" designation to give travelers another way to find great options for any trip or budget. Currently just seven percent of AAA Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants have earned the “Best Of” distinction.

These establishments have overall ratings in the top 20 percent for their Diamond Rating level, no member complaints in the past 12 months and, for hotels only, A Rated cleanliness and condition.