June 2019

2019 Mercedes E450 4MATIC Cabriolet — 'Here Comes the Sun'

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 29, 2019) Few things in life are as magical as the sun breaking out on a warm spring day after a long winter. The Beatles’ George Harrison said, “It was one of those beautiful spring mornings in April after a long hard, and dismal winter that led me to writing "Here Comes the Sun."

Automakers confront an uncertain new vehicle market in 2019

(June 27, 2019) SANTA MONICA, Calif.. — So far 2019 has been a year of contrasts for automakers as they struggle to find a new normal amid rising interest rates, waning demand, dramatic growth in the used market and uncertain government policies. Edmunds analysts break down these issues and the major factors influencing the new vehicle market this year in the Midyear Update of the Edmunds 2019 Automotive Trends Report.

Jeep Cherokee named 'Most American' vehicle by cars.com

(June 26, 2019) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — For the second consecutive year, Jeep Cherokee is ranked first on Cars.com’s annual American-Made Index (AMI).
 
“The Jeep Cherokee tops Cars.com’s American-Made Index for the second year in a row, taking the number-one position, thanks to high scores across the five major factors analyzed in the index,” said Kelsey Mays, senior consumer affa
irs editor, Cars.com.
 

Bucking the trend, demand drives gas prices even lower

(June 26, 2019) U.S. gasoline demand hit its highest level at 9.93 million barrels a day last week, the highest level ever recorded since the Energy Information Administration (EIA) began publishing data in 1991. Counterintuitively, as motorists drive demand to new heights, pump prices pushed even cheaper across the country on the week.

This is due to the recent trend in cheaper crude pricing and because crude comprises roughly 60 percent of the costs people pay at the pump, drivers are seeing summer savings.

Record-breaking 49.8 million Americans to travel over July 4th

(June 26, 2019) ORLANDO, Fla. — More Americans than ever recorded by AAA, more than 49 million, are making plans to honor the red, white and blue with an Independence Day getaway this year. AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. Overall travel volume for the holiday is expected to rise 4.1% over last year, with an additional 1.9 million people planning road trips and other vacations to celebrate America’s birthday.

Survey finds car shoppers concerned over privacy of their data

(June 25, 2019) A new survey by Autolist.com found that 83 percent of consumers believe automakers and tech companies should not be allowed to sell the personal data collected by their vehicles. And 70 percent of respondents said it should be the vehicle owners — not the automakers or tech companies — that own and control the data collected in the vehicle.

Mercedes raises the bar in luxury with 2019 AMG S63 Coupe

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 24, 2019) If somebody ever would give me $200,000 with the stipulation that I had to spend it all on my next car, at least I know now where I would start. I would head for the nearest Mercedes-Benz showroom and asked the first salesman to take me to the 2019 AMG S63 Coupe. I just might stop shopping there.

Updated for 2019 — Nissan Maxima falls far short of a sports sedan

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 21, 2019) It’s been over three years since I last drove and reviewed the current eighth-generation Nissan Maxima. Back then, Nissan did a complete makeover and reprised the 4DSC (four-door sports car) logo it sported as far back as the days when Nissan was known as Datsun.

Korean brands Genesis, Kia and Hyundai again top J.D. Power quality ratings

(June 21, 2019) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Korean brands Genesis, Kia and Hyundai ranked highest for the second straight year in the J.D. Power 2019 Initial Quality Study released this week. The Hyundai Accent, Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, and Veloster all ranked tops in their respective segments. The Genesis G80, manufactured by Hyundai was named the top midsize premium car.

Americans don't think they will get arrested for driving 'high'

(June 21, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Nearly 70% of Americans think it’s unlikely a driver will get caught by police for driving while high on marijuana, according to a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey. An alarming finding shows that an estimated 14.8 million drivers report getting behind the wheel within one hour after using marijuana in the past 30 days.

The impairing effects of marijuana are usually experienced within the first one to four hours after using the drug. And marijuana users who drive high are up to twice as likely to be involved in a crash.