Editorial archive

April 2024

BMW conjures an Ultimate Driving Machine from its X5 M60i crossover

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By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(April 6, 2024) Back in the waning days of the last century when the BMW X5 began production in South Carolina, the vehicle was intended to be an “ultimate driving machine” marinated with American spirit — an SUV that could go flat-out on the Autobahn…or Eisenhower’s Interstate.  Through four generations, the X5 has been a staple of the German automaker.  But what if we crossed an M5 super sedan with the X5 and threw in a hybrid system for extra kicks?  Then, you’d have the 2024 BMW X5 M60i.

Storm clouds abroad have gas prices on edge

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(April 5, 2024) Despite ominous overseas news, a pop in domestic gasoline demand, and oil prices rising to the mid-$80s per barrel, the national average for a gallon of gas climbed just three pennies to $3.56 since last week.  

Elevated auto loan rates hinder car shoppers in Q1 2024

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Analysts say return of incentives not
enough to combat high interest rates

(April 3, 2024) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Affordability challenges highlighted by stubbornly high interest rates are impeding growth in the new and used car markets, according to the car shopping experts at Edmunds. Tied to wider hurdles from the current high inflationary environment (such as the near-extinction of the $20,000 new vehicle), auto financing is hampered even with the return of new-vehicle incentives.

Depictions of dangerous speeds in auto ads undermine progress on safety

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Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety decries TV ad messages

By Chuck Farmer
Vice President
Research and Statistical Services, IIHS

(April 2, 2024) A sleek, silver sedan races through the aisles of a shipping container storage yard, pursued by a menacing motorcycle. The sedan windows are tinted just enough that you can imagine yourself as the driver. The motorcycle is gaining ground, so you turn down an aisle currently being worked by a crane. As you blow past the crane, it lowers a shipping container, blocking the motorcycle. You’re safe. Or are you?