December 2017

Chevrolet and Onstar help kids find Santa on his worldwide journey

(December 20, 2017) DETROIT — Whether you’ve been good or bad, starting Dec. 24, you can follow the big guy’s journey around the globe with the simple push of a button — and for each Santa location request in the United States, a donation will be made to the American Red Cross.

Chevrolet and OnStar, in partnership with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will provide callers with real-time, location-based updates along with an important reminder: Santa won’t visit your home until you’re fast asleep.

AAA finds gas prices 12 cents cheaper than a month ago

(December 19, 2017) On the week, the national average dropped three cents to $2.43. Motorists in the Midwest are seeing the largest drops at the pump, by as much as 10 cents. However, two states are paying more on the week: Indiana (+3 cents) and Hawaii (+1 cent). The national gas price average is 12 cents cheaper than one month ago, but that’s not the case compared to this time last year, according to AAA's weekly statistics.

“More than 97 million Americans will begin to hit the road this week for the holidays — the most ever on record,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

Toyota aims for 5.5 million electrified vehicle sales a year by 2030

(December 18, 2017) TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota announced today it plans to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles per year by 2030. Toyota's electrified vehicle strategy centers on a significant acceleration in the development and launch plans of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

The return of the Renault Alpine

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(December 16, 2017) When Renault’s Alpine A110 goes on sale in 11 European markets, Japan and Australia with further markets to be added later — though probably not the U.S. — it will be led out by the Premier Edition, a run of 1,955 special cars that were allocated via a mobile app. These sold out in five days, and the app will soon open for ordering the regular production model.

Kelley Blue Book names best family cars of 2018

(December 15, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — After extensive testing and evaluation, with emphasis on safety ratings, overall value, versatility, amenities, comfort, drivability and technology, Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com expert editors name their recommendations for the Best Family Cars of 2018.

"The biggest news this year might be the mass proliferation of safety, assist and entertainment technologies across these mainstream people-movers," said Jason Allan, managing editor for Kelley Blue Book.

AAA: Record-breaking 107 million Americans to travel for holidays

(December 14, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. —  ‘Tis the season to traditionally spend with family and friends and this year Americans are traveling in record numbers. AAA forecasts 107.3 million Americans will take to planes, trains, automobiles and other modes of transportation during the year-end holiday period from Saturday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 1.

Aggressive driving habits costing drivers up to $477 a year

(December 14, 2017) BOSTON — Being fiscally responsible and filling up at the most competitively priced gas station is a no-brainer, but when it comes to truly saving money on fuel, it starts the moment the key hits the ignition. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving like speeding, rapid acceleration and braking is the quickest way to waste gas and can lower gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Jaguar introduces limited production Jaguar F-Type 400 Sport

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 12, 2017) A recent study out of a university in the Netherlands proclaims that there is no such thing as love at first sight. What people often call love at first sight really is just a strong physical attraction, more like lust at first sight.

Kelley lists10 Best New-Car Deals for December

(December 12, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — End-of-year deals bring big savings to shoppers still searching for 2017 models. The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book have compiled a list of their top 10 lease, financing and cash back deals for new models available through December, with all having been named current or former Best Buy Award winners.

"Our Best Buy Awards are the most coveted of our annual accolades, and every vehicle on this month's list of standout deals is a current or former Best Buy winner," said Jason Allan, managing editor for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

AAA finds premium gas not always worth the price

(December 12, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — According to new research from AAA, premium gasoline offers some benefit to select vehicles, but is becoming increasingly expensive for drivers. In recent years, the price gap between premium and regular-grade gasoline has risen from a historically steady 10 percent to 25 percent or more per gallon.