July 2019

Sport model gives updated 2019 Hyundai Elantra boost in performance

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 22, 2019) Launched nearly two decades ago with Mitsubishi power, Hyundai Elantra has overcome a shaky past that earned it a reputation for unreliability and sloppy workmanship to become a viable competitor in the compact market.

2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 — Outrageously spectacular

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 20, 2019) I’ve always had a soft spot as well as a passion for old vehicles. I guess they are a fresh breeze of the past, blowing through our minds to remind us of truths of times long forgotten. Some of those vehicles were nothing more than shooting stars, debuting to raves then quickly flaring into oblivion, to be completely forgotten. Others, like the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, introduced in 1979, are an immediate conflagration, developing a rock-star presence and a cult-like following that burns on. The word “legendary” could easily preface its name.

Honda named most awarded brand; Jeep Wrangler most awarded vehicle

(July 20, 2019) IRVINE, Calif. — With more than 350 automotive models available in the marketplace and new nameplates being introduced each year, the process of choosing a new car can be overwhelming. To provide shoppers with helpful, bite-sized lists they can use to start their new-car research with confidence, the editors at Kelley Blue Book have named the 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2019 and the 10 Most Awarded Brands of 2019.

Chevy Corvette's journey to mid-engine

(July 19, 2019) TUSTIN, Calif. — The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the culmination of 60 years of mid-engine experimentation. While the eighth generation Corvette marks a radical leap forward in terms of capability from the seventh generation, it also incorporates lessons learned from past engineering exercises such as the Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicles (CERVs) I-III, the Aerovette and others.

Zora Arkus-Duntov, considered the father of Corvette, first encountered early mid-engine vehicles in his youth, including the Auto Union Types C and D Grand Prix racing vehicles.

Car Care Council urges periodic spark plug replacement

(July 17, 2019) BETHESDA, Md. — That little engine part called the spark plug performs a huge job in delivering a vehicle's power, performance, dependability and fuel efficiency and, according to the non-profit Car Care Council, should be replaced periodically.

"Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four-cylinder engine," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Auto loan interest rates hit 2019 low in June, according to Edmunds

(July 16, 2019) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The average interest rate for a new-vehicle loan dropped for the second month in a row in June, hitting its lowest level so far this year. According to the car shopping experts at Edmunds, the annual percentage rate (APR) on new financed vehicles averaged 6% in June, compared to 6.1% in May. Edmunds data reveals that more shoppers received interest rates between 2 to 5% in June compared to any other month so far in 2019.

Toyota outlines five ways to make a cleaner world

(July 15, 2019) For Toyota, sustainability is about more than just cars. It’s about embracing emerging technologies that give people more opportunities to move — safely, responsibly and in harmony with the environment. And Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050 offers a comprehensive roadmap to achieving these core goals.

Autotrader lists top certified pre-owned deals for July

(July 11, 2019) ATLANTA  — As car shoppers grill, chill and watch the fireworks this July, summer buying season continues to heat up at dealerships across the country. Dealers are looking to add the latest 2020 models to their lots, so this is a great time for consumers to find a good deal on their next vehicle. Focusing on certified pre-owned vehicles can help car shoppers find their dream car with even more cash saved for those weekend summer trips.

GasBuddy debuts new consumer ranking for fuel, convenience brands

(July 11, 2019) BOSTON — GasBuddy has debuted its new consumer ranking of fuel and convenience store (c-store) brands with 4,000+ locations in the second quarter report card based on more than 2 million ratings submitted by GasBuddy users in the app between April 1 -  June 30, 2019.

The rankings for the 4,000+ locations as well as four additional number-of-location segments examine fuel and c-store retailers in the six categories of cleanliness, coffee, customer service, outdoor lighting, restrooms, and overall experience.

Summer gas prices heating up across the country

(July 9, 2019) Gas prices are heating up alongside summer temperatures. In the last 15 days, state averages have jumped, pushing up the national average nearly a dime to $2.75. In addition to rising gasoline demand, 13 states this month have introduced new gas taxes that have contributed to the national average increase.

Those states include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont.