September 2020

Manual transmissions fading, but Genesis offers one on G70 sedan

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 4, 2020) With automatic transmissions coming with Sport and Sport+ modes and manual gear selection via paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel or, in some cases, the steering wheel column, vehicles equipped with manual transmissions continue to fade from the market.

Survey finds road trips among happiest times for Americans this summer

(September 4, 2020) DETROIT — The challenges of quarantine and social distancing helped spur a resurgence in the American road trip, a new survey from Chevrolet and The Harris Poll shows. In fact, nearly 80 percent of Americans credited road trips as helping to keep their sanity during the pandemic.

In advance of Labor Day — typically one of the nation’s busiest travel weekends — Chevrolet worked with The Harris Poll to survey over 1,000 Americans to discover exactly how they spent their time on the road over the past six months, and the effect it had.

Road trips become more popular as travelers shy away from flying

(September 3, 2020) HOUSTON — Seventy-two percent of respondents have cancelled a vacation since the onset of COVID-19 restrictions, a survey commissioned by Conoco found. The brand surveyed 2,000 Americans to gauge their travel concerns and plans in a year unlike any other.  Despite these setbacks, however, travelers are still turning to the road — 58% said they had changed travel plans from flying to driving since March and 60% of those surveyed said they felt comfortable taking a road trip this fall.

Labor Day gas prices lowest since 2004, according to GasBuddy

(September 2, 2020) BOSTON — Gasoline prices this Labor Day are set to be the lowest since 2004 according to GasBuddy, the travel and navigation app. The company predicts a national average of $2.19 per gallon, down nearly 37 cents from last year and the lowest priced Labor Day since 2004’s $1.82 per gallon average.

“With Hurricane Laura now behind us and many refineries returning to service, gas prices will begin to head lower just in time for the Labor Day weekend,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis.

Kelley — New-vehicle prices jump nearly 4% year-over-year in August

(September 2, 2020) 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 $38,635 in August. New-vehicle prices increased $1,442 (up 3.9%) from August 2019, while raising $72 (up 0.2%) from last month.  
 

Demand and gas pump prices jump across the country

(September 1, 2020) The national gas price average spiked by a nickel on the week to $2.23, but is expected to push cheaper in the week ahead. Pump prices jumped as a result of Hurricane Laura and an increase in demand for one of the highest measurements of the year, according to weekly statistics by AAA.

“It’s typical to see increased demand and more expensive gas prices ahead of a storm, especially one that threatens rigs and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico region,” said AAA's Jeanette Casselano.