January 2017

Vintage racing drivers take on 'Drive Toward a Cure' charity rally

(January 18, 2017) LOS ANGELES — Some of California’s more competitive vintage racing drivers have decided to take part in a new type of driving experience — and this time will keep the competition focused on increasing awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. 

Southern California-based co-drivers Richard Cupp and Steve Schmidt, along with Northern California vintage racer Max Jamiesson, have entered two individually owned 1960 Porsche 356 Super 90s to partake in the April 28-30 Drive Toward a Cure lifestyle/rally event, supporting Parkinson’s Disease and benefitting the globally-renowned Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Fuel-cell cars traveled more than 3.7 million zero emission Calif. miles in 2016

(January 18, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — Fuel from True Zero’s hydrogen-charging stations during 2016 powered more than 3.7 million zero emission fuel-cell-car miles in California, eliminating more than 2.3 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, the company announced today.

“That’s the greenhouse-gas equivalent of planting a forest nine times the size of Disneyland,” explained Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel, True Zero’s parent, which is based here.

68th annual Grand National Roadster Show set for Jan. 27-29

(January 18, 2017) RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Cailf. — The world’s longest running indoor car show, the Grand National Roadster Show, is coming to the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., Jan. 27-29.  Now in its 68th year, the three-day show will be packed with over 600 vehicles competing to win one of the show’s many awards, with an additional 1,000 cars joining in on Saturday and Sunday for the 12th Annual Grand Daddy Drive In.

After steadily climbing for weeks, gas prices drop for eight consecutive days

(January 18, 2017) — Gas prices have fallen for eight consecutive days, reaching this week's national average price of $2.34 per gallon. The price of retail gasoline has retreated since last week with this week's average three cents less per gallon than one week ago, but 10 cents more than one month ago and 43 cents more per gallon year-over-year, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles responds to EPA emission charges

(January 13, 2017) The Environmental Protection Agency has charged Fiat Chrysler for failing to disclose engine management software that increases emissions on certain diesel vehicles. EPA says FCA violated the Clean Air Act, although the automaker denies wrongdoing.

The allegations cover roughly 104,000 vehicles sold by FCA. These vehicles include 2014, 2015, and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 engines.

AAA survey finds 42 percent of Americans planning vacation this year

(January 12, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — According to a recent AAA survey, 42 percent of Americans are planning to take a vacation in 2017 — with most planning trips to the warm weather destinations in the U.S. and abroad. All signs are pointing to a busy year for vacationers and the travel industry.

Approximately one-third (30 percent) of U.S. adults say they are more likely to take a vacation this year compared to 2016, and they’re looking for a new kind of travel experience.

Deloitte predicts machine learning capabilities to be part of auto industry

(January 11, 2017) NEW YORK — Deloitte predicts that over 300 million smartphones, or more than one-fifth of units sold in 2017, will have machine learning capabilities within the device in the next 12 months. The 16th edition of the "Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions" showcases how mobile devices will be able to perform machine learning tasks even without connectivity, which will significantly alter how humans interact with technology across every industry, market and society.

National average for gas increases to highest price since June

(January 10, 2017) The national average price of gas continues to increase, reaching today’s average of $2.37 per gallon, the most expensive average since June 2016.  Gas prices have moved higher by three cents per gallon on the week and 17 cents per gallon on the month, according to AAA.

Showdown — Nissan Leaf vs. Prius Prime

(January 6, 2017) A new Nissan Leaf vs Prius Prime comparison chart reveals some almost-identical capabilities as well as some stark differences between the two electrified vehicles. The chart illustrates both perks and limitations of each green vehicle, comparing cargo space, seating, performance, driving range, and a substantial difference in price.

The comparison was co-created by Olathe Toyota Parts Center and Factory Nissan Parts, and both creators have different perspectives on the comparison winner.

New-car transaction prices reach record high

(January 4, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $35,309 in December, an all-time record high.  New-car prices have increased by $521 (up 1.5 percent) from December 2015, while rising $166 (up 0.3 percent) from last month.

"Even though transaction prices are at an all-time high, incentives have grown similarly to counterbalance the increased prices," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.