Proper care and maintenance of tires stressed

(May 21, 2018) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Americas today announced the relaunch of TireSafety.com, a consumer website dedicated to providing drivers with important tire and driving safety information. The website refresh is part of the company's dedication to National Tire Safety Week (May 21 – May 28), an industry initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.

AAA study finds one-in-five drivers want an electric vehicle

(May 21, 2018) ORLANDO, Fla. — AAA says the American appetite for electric vehicles is heating up. A new AAA survey shows that 20 percent or 50 million Americans will likely go electric for their next vehicle purchase, up from 15 percent in 2017. With lower-than-average ownership costs, increased driving ranges and the latest advanced safety features, AAA sees a strong future for electric vehicles.

GasBuddy reveals top-rated gas station restrooms in every state

(May 17, 2018) BOSTON — With peak summer driving season approaching and millions of Americans hitting the road, GasBuddy has revealed which gas station brands have the highest-rated restrooms eliminating the stress and panic that often ensues when nature calls.

Oklahoma-based QuikTrip flushed the competition for a second year in a row in seven states, the most out of any other brands. Wawa came in second, leading in six East Coast states, followed by Chevron, Cumberland Farms, Kum & Go, and Maverik each topping the list in three states.

Gas prices on rise jumping six cents in a week

(May 15, 2018) At $2.87, the national gas price average jumped six cents on the week in part due to the White House’s decision to re-impose sanctions on Iran. As a result, 36 states are seeing gas prices that are a nickel or more expensive than last Monday, AAA reported today.

“The Administration’s move combined with the switchover to summer blend, growing global demand and shrinking supply continues to fuel pump prices as we approach the summer driving season,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “AAA predicts that the national average may reach $3/gallon this summer, especially if crude oil prices continue to increase.”

Major delays predicted as 42 million expected to travel over holiday weekend

(May 14, 2018) ORLANDO, Fla. — Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and Americans will kick off the season by traveling in near-record numbers. According to AAA, more than 41.5 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend, nearly 5 percent more than last year and the most in more than a dozen years.

Ford's future seems to be fading fast

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 12, 2018) Will history repeat itself? Ford declared the small pickup market dead, and kept the so-called Global Ranger out of the U.S. until it discovered the vibrant market GM was already serving with its Colorado and Canyon. Now that it has declared sedan is dead, will it once again be surprised when competitors stick with it and reap the rewards?

Volkswagen hosts Jetta Haus pop-up events to celebrate new Jetta

(May 10, 2018) HERNDON, Va. —Volkswagen of America to introduce Jetta Haus, a series of pop-up events in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and New York, designed to celebrate the launch of the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The event is open to the public and free to attend, Jetta Haus festivities will feature live music from breakout performers.

High pump prices show signs of tapering off

(May 9, 2018) At $2.81, the national gas price average is 45 cents more expensive than a year ago. With the unofficial kick-off to summer just weeks away, prices are expected to increase, but a tapering trend may be emerging, according to weekly report by AAA.

“If this past week’s moderate increases are any indicator of what’s to come, the fast rate at which gas prices were increasing may be slowing down,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

Union of Concerned Scientists: Driving electric Is cleaner than ever

(May 8, 2018) WASHINGTON — Electric vehicles have lower emissions than the average new gasoline car everywhere in the country, even when the electricity comes from the dirtiest coal-dominated electric grid, according to a new analysis released by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The analysis, which looked at the latest data on power plant emissions, revealed the average electric vehicle on the road today emits so little in the way of pollution that it's like driving a conventional car that gets 80 miles to the gallon.

Edmunds: Auto loan interest rates sustain post-recession highs

(May 7, 2018) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — In April, interest rates on new vehicle loans remained at elevated levels not seen since before the 2009 recession. According to the analysts at Edmunds, the annual percentage rate (APR) on new financed vehicles averaged 5.6 percent in April, marking the third straight month rates soared above five percent.

This compares to an average APR of 5 percent in April 2017 and 4.2 percent in April 2013.