July 2018

Gas prices on the rise as demand remains strong

(July 10, 2018) The national gas price average is $2.87, which is a penny more expensive on the week. Pump prices in nearly 30 states are seeing a jump of as much as eight cents, a dozen states saw prices drop and another dozen states’ gas price averages remain stable from last Monday, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.

Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium fighting tough battle in shrinking segment

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 9, 2018) The midsize family sedan may be a dying breed with the
public’s infatuation with crossovers and smaller SUVs at least putting it on life support, but, with the exception of Ford, apparently that doesn’t mean automakers are giving up on the genre.

The Mustang powerslide guide

(July 7, 2018) The Internet is filled with various epic Mustang powerslide fails, so the team at EuroSport Tuning decided to create the Should You Powerslide Your Mustang? Decision Tree. This handy chart gives Mustang owners enough time to pause and ask themselves a few vital questions before maiming a curb, ripping off a bumper cover, tapping a few innocent bystanders or worse.

"Why are there so many powerslide mess-ups in Mustangs? Possible contributors could be a heavy engine, short wheelbase, and some have an open rear differential,” says Frank Derks, director at EuroSport Tuning.

Edmunds: Auto loan interest rates hit nine-year high in June

(July 5, 2018) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Auto loan interest rates in June are expected to climb to their highest level since 2009 for the second month in a row, according to Edmunds. The annual percentage rate (APR) on new financed vehicles averaged 5.82 percent in June, compared to 4.96 percent in June 2017 and 4.10 percent in June 2013.

Edmunds analysts point to the most recent Fed rate hike as a contributing factor, and note that June marks a 17 percent total increase since January 2018, when APRs averaged just below 5 percent.

Independence Day holiday gas prices highest in four years

(July 4, 2018) At $2.86, gas prices are at their highest point for an Independence Day holiday in four years. However, for the nearly 40 million motorists expected to travel this week, they will find prices at the pump 11-cents cheaper than this past Memorial Day holiday, according to AAA's weekly statistics.

“The national gas price average has held fairly steady for the past 10 days, suggesting that U.S. demand is keeping pace with supply and stabilizing summer gas prices,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

High utility, truck demand fuels new-car price increase

(July 3, 2018) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book today reported the estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $35,511 in June. New-vehicle prices increased by $736 (up 2.1 percent) from June 2017, while rising $118 (up 0.3 percent) from last month.

"Helped once again by robust demand for SUVs and trucks, average transaction prices were up a solid 2 percent in June 2018," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Study: Apple and Google less distracting than built-in infotainment systems

(July 3, 2018) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto are less distracting to drivers when compared to built-in vehicle infotainment systems designed by automakers, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Driving beyond convention — Audi broadens mobility landscape

By Peter Wu
AUDI AG

(July 2, 2018) Behind the headlines and the bright lights of auto shows, automakers such as Audi continue to research and develop alternative energy sources and drivetrain systems. In addition to the well-known e-tron series of hybrid and electric vehicles, Audi has shown several concepts of its hydrogen-powered h-tron vehicles and currently offers several g-tron vehicles powered by Audi e-gas or compressed natural gas (CNG).