January 2018

Autotrader names must-shop certified pre-owned vehicles for 2018

(January 30, 2018) ATLANTA — Shoppers interested in a new car might be disappointed to discover that many new models are beyond their budget, especially as you add options and extras for comfort, safety and convenience. A used car seems like the next best option; however, consumers could be turned off by potentially high maintenance and repair costs associated with used vehicles.

Rising crude oil prices push up pump prices for consumers

(January 30, 2018) At $2.58, the national gas price is four cents more expensive on the week. Across the country, motorists in 47 states and Washington, D.C. have seen pump prices increase as much as 9 cents with the Great Lakes, Central, South and Southeastern states seeing the largest increases, according to AAA.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports an increase on the week in gasoline demand and inventories.

Nissan collaborates with Disney film 'A Wrinkle in Time'

(January 28, 2018) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan North America has announced its collaboration with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for its forthcoming film "A Wrinkle in Time" based on the classic 1962 novel by Madeleine L'Engle. The film's star-studded cast includes Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Storm Reid, and hits theaters on March 9.

AAA finds more Americans willing to ride in fully self-driving cars

(January 26, 2018) ORLANDO, Fla. — American drivers are beginning to embrace self-driving vehicles, according to a new study from AAA. The annual survey reveals that 63 percent of U.S. drivers report feeling afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle, a significant decrease from 78 percent in early 2017.

Auto sales expected to cool down in January, Edmunds forecasts

(January 25, 2018) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds forecasts that 1,121,932 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in January for an estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.7 million. This reflects a 29.8 percent decrease in sales from December and a 1.4 percent decrease from January 2017.

"In January, automakers are expected to pull the reins in on the more generous incentive programs that we saw at the end of 2017," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis at Edmunds.

Want to feel good? Forget kissing, eating, football — Drive a sports car

(January 24, 2018) Forget romance, fine dining or an epic boxset binge — new preliminary research reveals that driving a sports car on a daily basis is among the best ways to boost your sense of wellbeing and emotional fulfillment.

The study measured “buzz moments” — peak thrills that play a vital role in our overall wellness — as volunteers cheered on their favorite football team, watched a gripping Game of Thrones episode, enjoyed a passionate kiss with a loved one or took an intense salsa dancing class. Only the occasional highs of riding a roller coaster ranked higher than the daily buzz of a commute in a sports car.

Safety group rates states on 'fundamental' traffic safety laws

(January 23, 2018) WASHINGTON — Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety has released its 2018 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws. The 15th annual report rates all 50 states and the District of Columbia on the adoption of 16 fundamental traffic safety laws.

January gas price trend indicates a more expensive year at the pump

(January 23, 2018) Today’s national gas price average is $2.54, one cent more than last week. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that while gasoline demand modestly decreased (146,000 barrels a day), gasoline inventory increased by 3.6 million barrels.

Combined, these two factors resulted in minimal impact on the national average this week. On the week, gas prices increased for 41 states with Florida seeing the largest jump at the pump with a nine-cent increase.

Top certified pre-owned deals for January, according to Autotrader

(January 22, 2018) ATLANTA — It's officially 2018 and what better way to start the new year than to snap up some of the best incentive deals that January has to offer? While many car shoppers tend to see their purchasing options as black and white, new or used, a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle can be the perfect blend for those who are on a strict budget, but are not willing to compromise on the reliability and comfort that comes with purchasing a new vehicle.

Customers rank top 10 gas station brands in U.S.

(January 20, 2018) BOSTON — The words "gas station" may stir up thoughts of oil-stained floors, bathrooms keys attached to a hubcap, or small racks of gum near the cash register, but today’s top brands prove that buying gas can be a whole new experience.

GasBuddy, the smartphone app that connects more than 70 million drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop, today issues its list of the Top 10 Gas Station Brands in the U.S. revealing which gas station convenience store brands made the rankings in 2017.