January 2018

Hyundai earns highest fuel economy gains in EPA study

(January 12, 2018) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai achieved the automotive industry’s largest fuel efficiency improvement from 2015 to 2016, according to a report released Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA’s 2017 CO2 and Fuel Economy Trends Report, one of the automotive industry’s most recognized vehicle tests, determined Hyundai had the largest industry fuel improvement.

Autotrader names best semi-autonomous driving systems now available

(January 10, 2018) ATLANTA — Autonomous cars may have once seemed like something out of a futuristic movie, but there's no doubt that they are coming. While fully autonomous cars are undoubtedly still years away, several automakers are bringing semi-autonomous systems to market that assist with some of the driving. The editors at Autotrader have listed the top semi-autonomous driving systems to help car-shoppers navigate their tech options in 2018.

Gas prices hold steady after the holiday season

(January 9, 2018) The national gas price average has held steady at $2.49 for nine straight days. Many motorists across the country are seeing more expensive gas prices at most six cents on the week, while prices are cheaper for a select few states: Indiana (-10 cents), Ohio (-7 cents), Michigan (-6 cents), Kentucky (-4 cents), Illinois (-2 cents), Colorado (-1 cent), Montana (-1 cent), New Mexico (-1 cent) and Washington, D.C. (-1 cent), according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.

Fiat adds performance model to 500C portfolio with Abarth Cabrio

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 8, 2018) — Fiat returned to the U.S. market with lots of fanfare and a clever advertising campaign about six years ago after an absence of nearly three decades, but I have to wonder just how far entertaining commercials and cutting prices will carry the Italian automaker this go-around.

U-Haul migration trends — Texas top growth state for 2017

(January 8, 2018) HOUSTON — Texas continued its reign as America's No. 1 Growth State during 2017, according to U-Haul data analyzing the past year's U.S. migration trends. Year-over-year arrivals of one-way U-Haul truck rentals rose 1 percent while departures climbed 3 percent from Texas's 2016 numbers. Some of the state's increase in overall U-Haul transactions can likely be attributed to an active hurricane season.

Six tips for bad winter weather driving

(January 5, 2018) BETHESDA, Md. — When it comes to winter car care, many motorists think of antifreeze and batteries, but vehicles need extra attention in winter, especially when a blizzard hits and temperatures drop.

"Most people never heard of 'bombogenesis" until heavy snow and dangerous cold recently hit many areas of the country, including several states that usually don't experience this type of severe weather," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

GasBuddy warns that 2018 gas prices to be highest since 2014

(January 5, 2018) Motorists will be digging a bit deeper for the second straight year as the yearly national average will rise 19 cents versus last year to $2.57 per gallon, the highest since 2014, according to the 2018 Fuel Price Outlook released today by GasBuddy.

Subaru encourages winter warriors to seize the snow days at WinterFest

(January 3, 2018) Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the return of Subaru WinterFest, the automaker’s mountain destination and lifestyle tour that brings together winter warriors across the country for a one-of-a-kind experience. Featuring a blend of entertainment and adventure in amazing places, the 2018 tour will celebrate the winter season, while encouraging attendees to seize the snow day with an array of memorable activities.

Average new-car prices set record high in December

(January 3, 2018) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book today reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $36,113 in December. New-car prices have increased by $583 (up 1.6 percent) from December 2016, while climbing 66 (up 0.2 percent) from last month.

"Average transaction prices closed the year on a strong note, rising nearly 2 percent in December to set a record high," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

2018 kicks-off with most expensive gas prices since 2014

(January 2, 2018) At $2.49, the national gas price average is the most expensive seen at the start of a new year since 2014, when gas prices were more than $3/gallon. High travel volumes over the holidays drove gas prices up five cents on the week, according to AAA.

At the start of 2018, motorists in the Northeast, South and the upper Midwest are seeing pump prices as much as 13 cents more expensive than last one week ago.