December 2020

Gasoline demand sees four straight weeks of declines



(December 15, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since the beginning of November, U.S. gasoline demand has softened. The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) data shows demand measured at 8.7 million barrels a day for the week ending Nov. 6. In their latest report, for the week ending Dec. 4, demand measured at 7.6 million barrels a day. That is the lowest reading since the end of May and marks four weeks of straight decline.

2021 Toyota Venza — Venza returns as an upscale hybrid only crossover



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 15, 2020) Back in 2008, Toyota launched the Venza, a two-row crossover utility vehicle that some described as a Camry wagon, aimed primarily at the empty nester market. It was designed in the United States, with an elevated driving position, big, wide doors and seats that were, well, a bit wider to better fit the average American consumer. But the Venza never caught on and was discontinued in 2015.

Lincoln, Mini rank highest in J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Study


Mini Countryman

(December 11, 2020) Mini is the highest ranked mass market brands in the 2020 J.D. Power U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index Study released on Thursday with a score of 824 out of a possible 1,000 points. GMC was second with an 804 score and Buck ranked third with a score of 803. Lincoln is the highest ranked brand with a score of 827 points out of 1,000. Lexus and Mercedes-Benz tied for second place with a score of 826.

Land Rover gives old name to new SUV — The Defender



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 10, 2020) The 2020 Land Rover Defender is a new SUV sporting an old name. First introduced in 1983 as the Land Rover 110 with a Land Rover 90 coming a year later — the designations were based on the vehicle’s wheelbase, not engine size — the name was altered to Defender in 1990, but it wasn’t too survive very long in the U.S. market.

Kia Seltos named best new model in Kelly Blue Book awards


Kia Seltos

(December 9, 2020) IRVINE, Calif. — What better time than end-of-year to expand your horizons and embark on the car shopping journey? Following head-to-head testing, evaluation and data analysis of 2021 model-year vehicles across 17 major categories, Kelley Blue Boo revealed today the 2021 Best Buy Award winners—with the coveted trophy for the Best New Model for 2021 awarded to the Kia Seltos.
 

Crude oil prices hit highest price point in nine months



(December 8, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pump prices increased on the week despite U.S. gasoline demand falling below 8 million barrels a day, the lowest weekly reading since June and the softest demand reading for the week of Thanksgiving since 1997. At $2.16, the national gas price average is more expensive on the week (+4 cents) and the month (+5 cents), but cheaper (-42 cents) compared to last year at this time, according to AAA.

Hagerty unveils its annual 'Bull Market' of enthusiast cars



(December 8, 2020) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Hagerty’s fourth annual Bull Market list features the enthusiast cars, trucks, and motorcycles that the company’s market experts predict will increase in value over the next 12 months. But the list isn’t tailored to get-rich-quick flippers, it’s aimed at prospective owners who want to find, buy, and drive a cool vehicle they love.

Make the whole world your playground with LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler



(December 7, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Jeep brand and the LEGO Group have revealed the newest LEGO Technic model, the one-of-a-kind Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Designed to emulate the iconic look, design and legendary off-road capabilities of the actual vehicle, this first-ever LEGO model of a Jeep SUV — the LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler — is ready to face any epic adventure.
 


AAA survey finds men are more aggressive behind the wheel


AAA photo

(December 7, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Data gathered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms the perception that men tend to speed, tailgate, merge dangerously, and make rude gestures or honk at other drivers more than women. The survey finds that women also admit to some dangerous driving habits, such as running red lights. Overall, younger male and female drivers tend to be more aggressive than older drivers.

2021 Mazda CX-5 beckons drivers, elevates luxury



By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(December 6, 2020) So, I was sitting at my desk the other day, just dreaming of sunshine and curvy roads, when my co-worker came to visit.  Apparently, he and his wife are trying to decide which compact crossover to adopt.  She wants a luxury model from Audi or Volvo while my friend is more concerned about payments.  Both agree they want something fun to drive and ready for their first offspring.  I may have the answer for marital bliss:  The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature.