July 2021

It's a cruel summer at the gas pumps



(July 20, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since Memorial Day weekend, the national gas price average has increased 13 cents to $3.17. That is 98 cents more than a year ago, but 41 cents cheaper than this time in July 2014, when the national average was last above $3/gallon.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible — Escaping in top-down luxury



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.ccom

(July 18, 2021) When first introduced for 2018 almost everything about Lexus’ new flagship coupes screamed “irresistible.” Inspired by the 2012 LF-LC concept car, the LC 500 and LC 500h hybrid have presence and savoir-faire that are nearly off the charts. Now for 2021 Lexus has dropped the top on the LC introducing a gorgeous grand touring 2+2 convertible, a fantastically well rounded, tasteful, luxurious automobile-and it is thrilling.




Americans cut driving nearly in half in early stage of COVID crisis



(July 17, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions in the spring of 2020, such as stay-at-home orders, led to a drastic drop in U.S. road travel and a sharp increase in the number of people who chose to stay home all day. While the dramatic change in traffic patterns was widely noted last year, new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s New American Driving Survey (2020) provides compelling month-by-month data that examines the types of trips and the characteristics of the people who altered their driving habits.




Subaru, Lexus rank highest for third straight year in J.D. Power loyalty study


2021 Subaru Crosstrek

(July 15, 2021) Vehicle owners remain vastly loyal to their specific brands, in part due to the effects of pandemic lockdowns, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study, released today. With many vehicle shoppers hesitant to venture out to showrooms, they often relied on their relationship with their current dealer.

Vehicles with more than 100,000 miles commanding high prices



(July 15, 2021) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car owners with older, higher-mileage vehicles sitting in their driveway might be a bit shocked to see how much their vehicle is worth right now. According to the car shopping experts at Edmunds, the average transaction price (ATP) for all vehicles sold at dealerships with mileage between 100,000-109,999 miles climbed to $16,489 in June, compared to $12,626 last year, which is a 31% year-over-year increase and the highest ATP that Edmunds has on record for those vehicles.

Gasoline demand reaches record, prices continue to rise



(July 13, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — At 10 million barrels a day, gasoline demand reached a new Energy Information Administration (EIA) record last week, and that number only partially reflects Independence Day holiday weekend travel. The nearly 1 million barrel a day jump in demand drove down gasoline supplies by 6.1 million barrels to 235,000 million barrels and consequently pushed the national average pump price up to $3.14.

Corsair stands out from imports among compact luxury crossovers



By Paul Borden
Motorwayamerica.com

(July 12, 2021) If you are in the market for a compact luxury crossover SUV and are in a “buy American” mood, you’re going to find your choices somewhat limited. Imports from Germany and Japan pretty much have taken over the segment. Fortunately, however, one of the best — a couple of sources even rate it No. 1 — choices among the compact luxury crossover SUVs is as American as complaining about election results. It also carries a well-known American name.




Kelley Blue Book offers service and repair tips for your car



(July 8, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — With prices for both new and used vehicles hitting all-time highs, it can be daunting to think about trading in your car for a new set of wheels in the current marketplace. On the one hand you could get more for your trade-in, but on the other hand you would have to pay more for its replacement. The best scenario may be to just hold on to the vehicle you have and use this time wisely to maximize its value in the long run.

Edmunds says used vehicle prices expected to climb to record highs



(July 7, 2021) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Consumers seeking relief from new car prices in the used car market might be a bit dismayed by used car prices as well, according to the car shopping experts at Edmunds. Edmunds data reveals that the average transaction price (ATP) for used vehicles climbed to $25,410 in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $22,977 in the first quarter and $20,942 in the second quarter of 2020, marking the highest quarterly used ATP Edmunds has on record.

Crude oil prices to hit seven-year high this week



(July 7, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national gas price average has increased 40% since the start of the year, from $2.25 on Jan. 1 to $3.13 today. Moreover, it is not stopping there. Motorists can expect gas prices to increase another 10–20 cents through the end of August, bringing the national average well over $3.25 this summer.