June 2017

National Safety Council predicts nearly 600 deaths over holiday weekend

(June 30, 2017) ITASCA, Ill. — National Safety Council calculations indicate 582 people may be killed on the roads during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period, and an additional 66,900 may be seriously injured in crashes. It is the highest estimate the Council has issued since 2006 for a four-day July 4 holiday period, which are relatively rare. The holiday period begins at 6 p.m. ET Friday, June 30, and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Tuesday, July 4.

U.S. to see lowest average July 4th gas prices since 2005

(June 29, 2017) BOSTON — Motorists taking to the road for the July 4 holiday weekend will be benefitting from the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2005, paying an average of $2.21 per gallon, well under the 10-year average of $3.14, according to GasBuddy, the smartphone app connecting more than 65 million drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop.

Gas prices hovering at yearly low heading into 4th of July weekend

(June 27, 2017) Despite a surge in gasoline demand over the last week, the national average price for gasoline is nearing an all-time low for the year at $2.26 a gallon. February was the last time the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was this low nationally, according to AAA.

On the week, gas prices fell in all but three states (Indiana, Ohio and Michigan) while all regions, except the Southeast, saw gasoline inventories drop. This is good news for people planning to travel for the Independence Day holiday.

Two Jeeps top Cars.com's 2017 American-made index

(June 26, 2017) CHICAGO — Cars.com has released its American-Made Index, an annual ranking of the "most-American" vehicles. For the first time in the list's history, the Jeep Wrangler has topped the index as the overall "most-American" vehicle for 2017.

The 2017 Cars.com American-Made Index is in fact topped by two Ohio-built SUVs from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the Jeep Wrangler (including the Wrangler Unlimited four-door) and second-place Jeep Cherokee.

2017 Ford Escape a solid entry in competitive compact SUV segment

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica

(June 26, 2017) You probably are well aware that Ford’s F-Series pickup truck is the America’s top-selling vehicle. The company rarely misses the opportunity to pass on that information through print and over-the-air ads. But what do you think is the company’s No. 2 seller?

Kelley predicts June new-car sales to fall nearly 4% year-over-year

(June 24, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — New-vehicle sales are expected to fall nearly 4 percent year-over-year to a total of 1.46 million units in June, resulting in an estimated 16.3 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.

"Kelley Blue Book projects June will be yet another down month of sales with expected declines in both fleet and retail," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

The mobility paradox for cities

By John Kwant
Vice President, Ford City Solutions

(June 23, 2017) Here’s the reality: People keep moving to cities because they offer a wealth of cultural and entertainment options, places to eat, and a variety of ways to connect with others. It’s no surprise people want to move to places that provide fun and exciting things to do.

AAA predicts record travel over Independence Day weekend

(June 23, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — This Independence Day, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home, taking to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways to honor the red, white and blue. With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever.

Kia ranks highest among brands in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

(June 22, 2017) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Kia ranked highest in overall initial quality for a second consecutive year with a score of 72 PP100 in J.D. Powers 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study, released on June 21. Initial quality in this iconic study is measured by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100).

Growing octane needs widen price difference between premium, regular gas

(June 21, 2017) The difference between U.S. average retail prices for premium and regular gasoline reached 50 cents per gallon in late 2016, and it has remained near that level so far in 2017. This price difference, or spread, has been generally increasing since 2000. Many factors on both the supply and demand sides are influencing this trend, according to an analysis by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.