June 2018

Sedans, SUVs and group think

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 20, 2018) In July 1990, Car Magazine ran a cover showing the front ends of various European cars with the headline: “Euro-car Clones: Who’ll Put a Stop to Dead-end Design?” It was a provocative question, one that took eight pages to answer, but its ultimate result was to give mankind the fish-mouth Ford Scorpio and oval grilles on every Ford that followed. Variety is, as the saying goes, the spice of life, but for all of the perceived variety in the auto industry, it is a business very much steeped in Group Think.

Korean brands lead field in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

(June 21, 2018)  The Korean trio of Genesis, Kia, and Hyundai achieved a clean sweep of the top three nameplate rankings this year, leading the charge in terms of overall brand quality in the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). New-vehicle quality — measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership — is at its highest level ever, having improved by 4% in the past year.

Auto Alliance cautions Colorado governor about imposing California standards

(June 20, 2018) WASHINGTON — Gov. John Hickenlooper signed an executive order this week that commits Colorado to adopting California's low emission vehicle (LEV) standards. In response to this development, the Auto Alliance released a statement expressing opposition to the move.

Gas prices trend cheaper, but increases likely looming

(June 19, 2018) On the week, the national gas price average is two cents cheaper at $2.90. Today’s national average is only one cent more expensive than a month ago, but 60 cents more expensive than a year ago. Nationwide, 44 states have less expensive or steady gas price averages compared to last Monday. However, the cheaper trend may be reversing, according to AAA.

Top certified pre-owned deals for June according to Autotrader

(June 15, 2018) ATLANTA — As car shoppers are enjoying warmer temperatures across the country, automakers are enticing the market with certified pre-owned deals. Start your summer shopping off strong, as these offers could help those looking to buy for dads or grads this month.

"Automakers continue to make it more attractive and affordable for car shoppers to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader.

Paying at the pump is taking up more of motorists’ paychecks

(June 18, 2018) WASHINGTON — Consumers are spending $69 more a month to fill-up compared to last summer. According to AAA, gasoline expenses are accounting, on average, for 7 percent of an American’s 2018 annual income, a one and half percent increase since summer of 2017.

With strong summer consumer gasoline demand expected in the months ahead, AAA says motorists can expect little relief at the pump with the national gas price average ranging between $2.85 – $3.05 through Labor Day.

Used vehicle prices hit record high according to Edmunds' study

(June 14, 2018) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Shoppers seeking bargains on used vehicles might find them harder to come by when they head to the dealership this summer, according to the latest Used Car Report released by Edmunds. In the first quarter of 2018, the average transaction price for a used vehicle was $19,657. This reflects a 2.2 percent increase in sales price from the first quarter of 2017 and a 17.6 percent increase from the first quarter of 2013.

With 603 horsepower, AMG E63 checks in as most powerful E-Class

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 13, 2018) I’m just guessing here, but it must be fun to be an engineer assigned to design AMG versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. While many automotive thinkers today are concerned with computers for self-driving vehicles and/or getting extra mile out of a gallon of fuel, the AMG guys keep amping up the horsepower and taking Mercedes-Benz products to a new level in performance, looks, and handling characteristics.

Airbag recall effort launched in San Fernando Valley

(June 12, 2018) LOS ANGELES — Members of Airbag Recall: Southern California and automakers affected by the ongoing airbag recall announced the launch of Airbag Recall: Operation Find & Fix, a new intensive, collaborative outreach program aimed at remedying potentially deadly, recalled airbags in San Fernando Valley vehicles.

According to the Independent Monitor of Takata and the Coordinated Remedy Program, California ranks highest in unrepaired airbag inflators impacted by the airbag recalls, with more than 2.5 million defective inflators still in need of repair across the state.

Kelley Blue Book lists 10 Best Car Deals for June

(June 11, 2018) IRVINE, Calif. — From smart SUVs and compact cars to fun-to-drive luxury models, this month's Kelley Blue Book 10 Best deals run the gamut. 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 June to help car buyers narrow down their summer shopping list.