June 2020

Gas demand sees significant one-week increase

(June 30, 2020) On the week, gasoline demand, as estimated by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), increased 10% from 7.8 million bbl to 8.6 million barrels. While the demand rate is much lower than a typical summer reading, it’s the highest recorded since late March showing continued signs that Americans are filling up more.

COVID-19 ushers in lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2004

(June 30, 2020) BOSTON — While many firework displays have been cancelled, motorists may be drawn to hit the road this Independence Day weekend by the lowest July 4 gas prices since 2004, according to GasBuddy. With concerns of a new wave of COVID-19 cases, oil prices have recently turned south, which could lead the national average to cease rising for now, keeping the holiday weekend under 2017’s level of $2.22 per gallon, thus resulting in the lowest prices in at least 15 years.

Mercedes fills out SUV portfolio with addition of AMG GLS 63

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 29, 2020) After updating the GLS with new GLS 450 and GLS 580 models for 2020, Mercedes-Benz is now out with the AMG version of its largest SUV with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. The Germans say it “is more dynamic and versatile than ever before” with “plenty of space for seven people” and “improved driving dynamics” powered by a 4.8-liter biturbo V8 engine that boosts horsepower to 603 and torque to 627 pound-feet over the 577/561 numbers of its predecessor.

2020 Chevy Bolt — An EV for the masses

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(June 27, 2020) Spending a week with the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt didn't sway me from my conviction that a fully electric vehicle isn't the sensible choice for the majority of one-vehicle households. Despite its impressive government-estimated 259-mile range, Bolt is still limited in where it can carry you before demanding more juice. And there's my beef with EVs.

2020 Honda CR-V — Best compact SUV now with hybrid option

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 27, 2020) The original Honda CR-V was one of the first vehicles to pioneer the small, car-based SUV segment, back in the mid-1990s. Today the CR-V is the category’s best seller, and the second best-selling passenger vehicle in America. It’s also one of the best among all small SUVs with a roomy interior, loads of standard safety features and amenities, excellent reliability and resale value. Now, for the first time ever, it is offered as a hybrid model.

Edmunds forecasts second down quarter in a row for new-car sales

(June 26, 2020) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The car shopping experts at Edmunds say that June will be another down month for auto sales as the industry continues to combat market challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, forecasting that 1,080,656 new cars and trucks will be sold in the U.S. in June for an estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 12.8 million. This reflects a 28.7% decrease in sales from June 2019 and a 3.6% decrease from May 2020.

Dodge first domestic brand to take top spot in J.D. Power quality report

(June 25, 2020) DETROIT — Dodge became the first domestic brand to claim the top spot in J.D. Power's annual report card on new-vehicle quality, while Tesla unofficially finished last in its debut appearance in the study, now in its 34th year. Genesis was the top-ranked luxury brand for the fourth year in a row.

Following back-to-back podium sweeps by Korean brands, Detroit automakers claimed three of the top four slots in the closely watched Initial Quality Study, released Wednesday. The study measures the number of problems reported over the first 90 days of ownership.

Survey finds nearly two-thirds of people have altered travel plans

(June 23, 2020) SAN FRANCISCO — The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic chilling effect on consumers’ travel plans for the summer, a recent survey by Autolist.com has found. Nearly two-thirds of car shoppers — 61 percent — say they’ve canceled or significantly changed their summer travel plans as a result COVID-19, with worries about contracting the virus while traveling being cited as the biggest factor in their decision.

Dip in gasoline demand slows price increases

(June 23, 2020) The rate at which gas prices are increasing across the country is slowing. Thirty states only saw an increase of a penny or two, causing the national average to push more expensive by three cents to $2.13 since last Monday.

The slower rate can be tied to demand. Measuring at 7.87 million barrels a day, gasoline demand saw a small week-over-week decline and continues to be significantly lower (21%) compared to this week last year.

2020 Ram 1500 Limited Diesel — This is the diesel powered pickup to buy

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 22, 2020) For 2019, the folks at Ram did a full-on redesign of its 1500 half-ton pickup, resulting in nothing less than a tsunami of accolades, “best of” awards — including numerous “Truck of the Year” awards — and record smashing sales success. It also did what no one thought it could do, outselling the Chevrolet Silverado, making Ram not only the second best-selling truck in the segment behind Ford, but also the second best-selling vehicle in the country.