January 2017

National gas price average drops for 21 consecutive days

(January 31, 2017) Continual growth in the number of U.S. oil rigs and the increased drilling it implies are raising expectations for a climb in domestic oil production. Additionally, increased U.S. crude oil production coupled with lower driving demand has kept downward pressure on the national average price at the pump, which has fallen for 21 consecutive days, according to AAA's weekly report.

True or False: Americans know it all about winter driving

(January 30, 2017) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Winter is here in full force, and with it comes a variety of winter-weather hazards on the roads. Half of Americans have found their car stuck or buried in snow; therefore, it is important to keep your car care knowledge as fresh as the snow on the ground. The latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index took a look at some of the major misconceptions that Americans have when it comes to winter car care and driving.

Mardi Gras comes early for NADA convention goers

By Mike Geylin
Special to MotorwayAmerica

(January 29, 2017) NEW ORLEANS – Mardi Gras came early for the more than 23,000 attending the annual National Automobile Dealers Association Convention here Jan. 26-29 as they celebrated both the organization’s 100th Anniversary, as well as the biggest year in U.S. new-car sales.

Kelley predicts January new-car sales will be down 3 percent

(January 27, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to decrease 3 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.13 million units in January, resulting in an estimated 17.4 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.

"After a record December capped a new record year of vehicles sales in 2016, January figures appear to be enduring a hangover effect, potentially falling more than half a million units from the previous month," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

Mercedes-Benz advances design idiom

(January 27, 2017) Mercedes-Benz designers have restyled the product range with great success. The upcoming compact class generation marks the dawn of an even more rigorous implementation of the design idiom of "sensual purity." The "Aesthetics A" sculpture provides a first indication.

Increased U.S. oil production pushes pump prices lower

(January 25, 2017) The national average price of gas continues to decline as U.S. oil production increases. Monday's average price of $2.31 per gallon represents a decrease of three cents per gallon on the week, four cents per gallon on the month, and prices have moved lower for 14 of the past 15 days, according to weekly statistics by AAA.

Paul Borden review: A minivan wins North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 25, 2017) MIAMI — In case you missed it, the North American International Auto Show, more commonly called the Detroit auto show, announced its selections for vehicles of the year earlier this month. The new Chevy Bolt EV received Car of the Year honors. Not surprising, considering the media's infatuation with electric vehicles.

Think an auto care career is only vehicle repair? Think again

(January 24, 2017) BETHESDA, Md. — When people think of the auto care industry, vehicle repair often comes to mind. The truth is that this dynamic industry is comprised of over 500,000 businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, parts stores and repair shops, and employs over 4.5 million people in a wide variety of roles.

New Nissan Rogue leads Kelley Blue Book's 10 best car deals for January

(January 24, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — For car shoppers who are looking for a terrific new-car deal as dealerships continue to push out new model-year vehicles, the experts from Kelley Blue Book have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals for new vehicles available in January from a mix of automakers.

"The holidays may be over, but if you're looking to buy or lease a new vehicle, this month's list presents a wide variety of appealing deals," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Scotiabank predicts record global auto sales in 2017

(January 19, 2017) TORONTO — Global car sales accelerated sharply in the final months of 2016, with sales supported by stronger global economic growth. Gains are expected to continue, albeit more slowly over the coming year with purchases increasing to an eighth consecutive annual record, predicts Scotiabank of Canada.

Increased replacement demand in the U.S. will be complemented by a renewed sales upturn in most emerging markets; however, China is the exception, with an expected slowdown.