Editorial archive

May 2020

2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum — Toyota faithful will love this Highlander

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By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 19, 2020) The ubiquitous Toyota Highlander is the best-selling three-row crossover utility vehicle in the very crowded mid-sized segment. Facing stiff competition from superb all-new or redesigned competitors like the excellent Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, a new generation 2020 Ford Explorer, and others, Toyota has introduced its completely redesigned fourth-generation Highlander for 2020.

Hyundai takes 2020 Sonata into a new design direction

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 18, 2020) A redesign for the 2020 model moves the Hyundai Sonata into its eighth generation as what the South Korean company heralds as its “longest standing and most successful model” globally. With a svelte, coupe-like profile, classy interior, and lots of standard features, the 2020 Sonata makes for a compelling competitor in the affordable midsize sedan segment long dominated by entries from Toyota and Honda.

AAA says pandemic will suppress Memorial Day travel

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(May 18, 2020) ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time in 20 years, AAA will not issue a Memorial Day travel forecast, as the accuracy of the economic data used to create the forecast has been undermined by COVID-19. The annual forecast — which estimates the number of people traveling over the holiday weekend — will return next year.

Anecdotal reports suggest fewer people will hit the road compared to years past for what is considered the unofficial start of the summer travel season.

Consumer fuel demand rebounds last two weeks of April

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(May 15, 2020) BOSTON — According to the latest fuel demand data from GasBuddy COVID-19 continued to affect United States fuel demand in April, with gallons purchased on its worst day, April 12, down 62% compared to the best day of 2020 on March 13. Yet as various states have since re-opened non-essential businesses, demand in the last week of April rebounded 22% from the lowest overall week of gasoline demand in 2020 (April 5 - 11). GasBuddy examined fuel transactions from Pay with GasBuddy used by more than 750,000 Americans.

Edmunds research finds negative equity on trade-ins at all-time high for April

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(May 14, 2020) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A record number of consumers are upside down on their car loans, according to new research released by the car shopping experts at Edmunds. Edmunds data shows that in April an all-time record share of 44% of new vehicle sales with a trade-in had negative equity, compared to 40% in March and 33% in April of 2019. The average amount owed on upside-down loans also climbed to an all-time record high of $5,571 in April, compared to $5,405 in March and $5,036 in April of 2019.

2020 Nissan Sentra — A noteworthy remake

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By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(May 13, 2020) Several months ago we were introduced to the sub-compact 2020 Nissan Versa, which for years wore the title as the "least expensive car in America." It was also one of the least desirable small cars in America unless you were on a very strict budget, but wanted to purchase a new car. We were blown away by the new 2020 Versa, which is attractive and loaded with safety and technology features — a remarkable makeover.

National gas price average more expensive by six cents

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(May 13, 2020) The national gas price average is six cents more expensive on the week at $1.84, but still cheaper on the month and year — three cents and $1.02 less, respectively. Regardless of the national increase, 40 states still have averages of  $2 or less per gallon.

“Pump prices are fluctuating throughout the country as demand increases and gasoline stocks decrease,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

Autotrader names '10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2020'

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(May 12, 2020) ATLANTA — The class of 2020 is facing unprecedented times during this global pandemic.  While bittersweet, graduating is a tremendous achievement and worth commending students' hard work as they move on to the next phase in their lives. With many seniors preparing for the real world, they might find themselves in need of their own car. Keeping practicality and affordability in mind, the editors at Autotrader have identified the 10 best cars for college graduates.

Doppler says OEMs, dealers should look beyond a traditional sales approach

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(May 11, 2020) LOS ANGELES — Despite the incredible personal and economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are starting to see some "green shoots" of an end to the total lockdown. OEMs are now starting to prepare for restarting production and dealers are preparing to be open for sales of the millions of vehicles currently on their lots. What must happen immediately is for OEMs and dealers to create significant demand.

Cadillac completes crossover SUV offerings with introduction of 2020 XT6

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 10, 2020) MIAMI — The short take on Cadillac’s new XT6 crossover SUV: It’s like the XT5 that I recently reviewed, but, as you may deduce from the alpha-numeric tag, a bit bigger. Perhaps you want more details. The Cadillac XT6 is a new vehicle for 2020 and completes the trio of crossover SUVs that replaced the SRX in the company’s portfolio.