July 2019

Toyota clarifies recall of some Prius C vehicles

(July 7, 2019) Toyota is committed to the safety and security of our customers. As part of this commitment, we monitor field information, investigate identified issues, and take action to address them as appropriate. In some instances, this involves issuing voluntary safety recalls.

On July 2, The Los Angeles Times published a story that misrepresents a recent recall filing involving certain Model Year 2018 and 2019 Prius c vehicles as an “expansion” of previous Prius inverter recalls filed in 2014, 2015 and 2018. This is inaccurate and has generated additional misleading reporting.

Volvo poll — Americans believe driver's ed isn't good enough

(July 5, 2019) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — The quality and accessibility of driver education is declining, with Americans seeking a more modern and comprehensive approach to learning how to drive, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Volvo Cars.

To better understand the effectiveness of today’s driver’s ed programs, Volvo set out to explore how Americans of all ages learned to drive, what information was available and retained, and what they think needs to be changed or updated in the process.

Young and old name each other as biggest safety threats on the road

(July 4, 2019) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — According to a new survey by The Harris Poll on behalf of Volvo Cars, Gen Zs1 and Baby Boomers2 point the finger at each other when naming the most significant safety threats on the road today.

In a wide-ranging survey of Americans across a broad range of generations, Volvo set out to explore the effectiveness of driver’s ed programs in developing safer and more confident drivers.

Fireworks at the pump as gas prices jump just in time for July 4

(July 4, 2019) BOSTON — Millions of Americans have hit the road for Independence Day just as gasoline prices have risen for the first time in nearly two months, according to GasBuddy. While gas prices stand an average 15 cents lower than Memorial Day, oil prices have rebounded by $9 per barrel in recent weeks, leading the national average to begin rising again, reaching $2.75 per gallon for this weekend.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — Is it possible to fall in love with a minivan?

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 3, 2019) Say what you will about the minivan and the stigma associated with owning and driving one, it’s undeniably the most versatile family-friendly vehicle you can buy. And, when it comes to flexibility, cargo and passenger capabilities, and ease of overall use, any three-row crossover — regardless of size — pales in comparison. And I haven’t even begun to laud plaudits regarding ease of mid- and third-row entry and exit.

2020 Kia Telluride — The top ranked #1 midsize SUV you can buy

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 3, 2019) Kia has just introduced its all-new Telluride three-row midsized SUV with seating for up to eight people. The largest Kia ever offered, the 2020 Telluride, when compared to the hugely popular Sorento, is larger — much larger. The newcomer is eight inches longer and four inches wider, and a wheelbase that stretches nearly five inches farther.

2019 Nissan Kicks — Feature packed, efficient and value priced

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 3, 2019) Last year, we drove Nissan’s then all-new and smallest utility vehicle, Kicks, a replacement for the quirky Juke. Kicks carries strong DNA from the brand’s other utility-vehicle offerings, most noticeably Rogue Sport. This week, Nissan dropped off the 2019 Kicks in the top-level SR Trim for a week of test driving. All-new last year, Nissan hasn’t changed anything on the 2019 model.

Gas prices jump a nickel ahead of Independence Day holiday

(July 3, 2019) Following weeks of steady pump price declines, gas prices are starting to increase across the country. On the week, a gallon of regular unleaded is, on average, a nickel more expensive with nearly 25 states seeing an increase of a nickel or more since last Monday.

“For the more than 41 million motorists hitting the road this week to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, they will find gas prices cheaper than Memorial Day weekend, but more expensive than they’ve been paying the last few weeks,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

Average new-car prices up 3% year-over-year for June

(July 2, 2019) IRVINE, Calif. — The valuation analysts at Kelley Blue Book today reported the estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $37,285 in June. New-vehicle prices increased $1,131 (up 3.1%) from June 2018, while decreasing $67 (down 0.2%) from last month.