June 2021

Gas shortage looms as fuel truck driver shortage worsens



(June 30, 2021) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A widespread shortage of truck drivers is posing threats to delivery services and retailers across the U.S., as well as raising the possibility of higher delivery fees for consumers and higher prices at checkout. To offset demand, according to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry will need to hire roughly 1.1 million drivers over the next decade, or an average of 110,000 per year.
 

No freedom from high gas prices for the Independence Day



(June 29, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — At $3.09, the national gas price average is at its highest of the year and not stopping. That average will increase, possibly as much as another nickel, in the lead up to Independence Day as AAA forecasts a record-breaking 43.6 million Americans will hit the road for a holiday getaway. This year’s Independence Day holiday weekend is defined as Thursday, July 1 – Monday, July 5.

July 4th travel expected to increase 40% over pandemic year 2020








(July 29, 2021) ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 47.7 million Americans will take to the nation’s roadways and skies this Independence Day (July 1–5), as travel volumes are expected to nearly fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, this will be the second-highest Independence Day travel volume on record, trailing only 2019. Overall, just 2.5% fewer Americans are expected to travel this year compared to Independence Day in 2019. This represents an increase of nearly 40% compared to last year, when total travel fell to 34.2 million, according to AAA.

Infiniti cuts Limited trim for QX80, adds two new trims for 2021



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica

(June 28, 2021) It assumed its present designation when the Japanese automaker adopted a new naming strategy for  its product line. Starting with 2014 models, Infiniti labeled its sedans, coupes, and convertibles as “Q” and crossovers and SUVs as “QX” with the number that follows not based on engine size but rather representing its status in the portfolio — essentially the bigger the number the bigger the vehicle.

Autotrader names 10 best used cars of 2021



(June 28, 2021) ATLANTA — Despite the auto industry turmoil and high prices of 2021, the used car market still has excellent options. Whether shoppers are looking for a practical crossover, a rugged pickup truck, a fun performance car or anything in between, there's a used car, truck or SUV out there for everyone — even if they have to look a little harder than usual in the current marketplace. To help consumers find that perfect match, the experts at Autotrader recently named the 10 Best Used Cars of 2021 that are great alternatives to buying a new car.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Plug-in Hybrid — Electrifying off-road fun



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 28, 2021) Recently Jeep unveiled its 2021 Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid version of their iconic off-roader that combines the capabilities expected when the pavement ends, with all-electric capability and the most performance of any production Wrangler in its nearly 80-year history.

Gas prices to remain highest since 2014 for 4th of July weekend



(June 25, 2021) BOSTON  — Rising gas prices have become the theme for the 2021 summer travel season. According to GasBuddy, many drivers will see prices remain above the $3 per gallon mark in time for the upcoming holiday weekend. Even with some relief from a recent small drop in prices, the national average price of gas on July 4 is still expected to be $3.11 per gallon,  43 percent or 93 cents more than last year’s Covid-induced price of $2.18.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 — Ford resurrects Mach 1 with 480 HP



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 25, 2021) Since it was first introduced back in 1964 — almost 60 years ago — Mustang has been on the short list of cars most everyone wants to own. For decades Ford has created its own Mustang ecosystem with an interconnected stable of high-performance offerings like the Boss 302 and 429, Mustang Bullitt offered three times — 2001, 2008 and 2019, Mach 1 and the super rare SVT Cobra R, with only 300 copies ever built — all in red, to name just a few of many over the years.

2022 Hyundai Tucson now a serious player in compact SUV segment



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 23, 2021) Move over Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and other popular compact crossovers. Another player has upgraded its game with Hyundai giving its best-selling vehicle, the Tucson SUV, a major refreshing for 2022 following the “Sensuous Sportiness” concepts espoused by the company’s Global Design Center in South Korea.

2022 Kia Carnival is the MPV for your family's VIPs



By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(June 24, 2021) One of my favorite cars is the Moderne-style 1936 Stout Scarab  — a rear-engine aluminum forerunner to the mini-van that was aimed at Hollywood’s elite as a more fashion-forward limousine.  Drivers worked in an airplane-inspired cockpit while passengers lounged in the rear.  Kia harbors the Scarab’s spirit to create a glamorous and obscenely comfortable multi-purpose vehicle for all you carry.  Just don’t call the 2022 Carnival a minivan.