April 2022

Catalytic converter thefts skyrocket across country



(April 29, 2022) There has been a big increase in the number of catalytic converters thefts across the country forcing car owners to endure costly and lengthy repairs, and manufacturers, police and legislators searching for a way to curb the thefts, according to Automotive News.

Auto sales forecast — April will be off 23% compared to 2021



(April 27, 2022) New-vehicle retail sales for April are expected to decline when compared with April 2021, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive. Retail sales of new vehicles this month are expected to reach 1,076,200 units, a 23% decrease compared with April 2021 when adjusted for selling days. April 2022 has one more selling day compared to April 2021. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 20.9% from 2021.

Gas prices edge higher on oil market volatility



(April 26, 2022) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The recent dip in pump prices has reversed, with the national average for a gallon of regular gas rising four cents over the past week to $4.12. Upward pricing pressure on concerns that less Russian oil will enter the global market is countered by fears of a COVID-induced economic slowdown in China, the world’s leading oil consumer. These opposing forces are causing the oil price to hover around $100 a barrel.

Toyota’s new Corolla Crossover — What took you so long?



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 22, 2022) For over 50 years, one of the most well-known and popular new car choices has been the reliable Toyota Corolla. Now, for 2022, Toyota has an all-new option for shoppers, extending the Corolla brand with the small, fuel-efficient Corolla Cross crossover that slots neatly between the smaller and quirky Toyota C-HR and the larger, best-selling RAV4. It will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

2022 Mazda CX-30 – Here’s why we absolutely love this vehicle



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 21, 2021) Based on the Mazda3, the sub-compact CX-30 tested here slots just below the larger CX-5 and the smaller CX-3 that was discontinued for the 2022 model year. Its stylish exterior design and premium interior cabin renders the CX-30 a close competitor to subcompact luxury crossovers such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA, but for thousands of dollars less.

Autotrader names 10 Best Electric Vehicles for 2022



(April 20, 2022) ATLANTA — In an industry that boasts more than 300 new-car models available to the public each year, perhaps nothing has more radically changed the face of automotive than the rapid rise in production and popularity of electric cars. Fueled by both environmental and economic pressures, automakers have overhauled their lineups to include more and more electric vehicles (EVs) with each passing year.

BMW 2-Series takes role as gateway to luxury automotive class



By Pul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 19, 2022) For years, decades even, BMW’s 3-Series served for many as an introduction to the luxury automotive segment. Its popularity even led to a nickname for its competitors: BMW fighter. But after reaching six figures in U.S. sales in 2001 and hitting that mark in 13 of the next 16 years, U.S. sales of the 3-Series have failed to reach even 50,000 over the last four years, falling from 72,290 in 2016 to less than 40,000 for the Covid year of 2020 to 49,458 in 2021.

Pump prices stabilize as demand and oil costs rebound



(April 19, 2022) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The slide in gas prices slowed to a crawl over concerns about increased global oil prices and the return of seasonal domestic gas demands. The war in Ukraine and fear of less Russian oil entering the market caused the price of crude to creep back above $100 a barrel. Meanwhile, as more places in the U.S. see pump prices fall below $4 a gallon, demand is ticking back up. Domestically, the national average for a gallon of gas has fallen to $4.08.

2022 Polestar 2 — A fully electric vehicle with Volvo heritage



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 18, 2022) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Polestar is a new stand-alone car brand from the Chinese automaker Geely, that has owned Volvo since 2015.  The name comes from a Swedish team that races Volvo’s. Polestar is the all-electric vehicle brand for Volvo that sells its cars through its own dealer network and online. You can’t buy a Polestar at a Volvo dealership but it’s where Polestar vehicles will get serviced by specific Volvo dealers if you own one.

Six reasons why proper vehicle maintenance is important

Tips from Toyota

(April 16, 2022) Keeping your vehicle well maintained is one of the best things that can be done to help keep it on the road for years to come. Many drivers might not realize the impact regular maintenance can make on the longevity and performance of their vehicles. Outside of oil changes and checking tire tread, there are a lot of things a trained mechanic will know to look for that could otherwise go unnoticed. So, this National Car Care Month, drivers should schedule that service appointment they may have been putting off.