Editorial archive

May 2018

Waiting for the crossover craze to wane

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(May 7, 2018) Despite the continuing decline in sedan sales, Toyota is launching a fifth generation Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota line in the U.S. And while Toyota executives expect this decline to continue for about three more years — averaging about three to five percent per year — they also expect it to level off as the SUV craze begins to cool, and sedans are rediscovered by a younger generation.

GasBuddy reveals best and worst days of the week to buy gas

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(May 3, 2018) BOSTON — Gasoline prices are at their highest levels since 2014 and will continue to rise through Memorial Day. With many metro areas across the nation seeing prices more than $3 per gallon, GasBuddy, the smartphone app connecting drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop, has issued a new study that found the best and worst days of the week to buy gas to maximize savings at the pump and avoid the lines during the busy summer travel season.

Planes, trains and trucks — What is fastest shipping method?

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(May 1, 2018) A new infographic illustrates the transit times for importing manufactured products into the United States. The length of time it takes to move freight varies between two days and 45 days, depending on the mode of transportation. Utilizing statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce and other reputable sources, the team at Intran was able to collect enough data to chart the estimated shipping times and the advantages and disadvantages for each option.

Despite rising fuel prices, average vehicle transaction price increases

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(May 1, 2018) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book today reported the estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $35,411 in April. New-vehicle prices have increased by $710 (up 2 percent) from April 2017, while falling $99 (down 0.3 percent) from last month.

"Average transaction prices moved up another 2 percent in April, with most manufacturers reporting year-over-year increases," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.