ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2017) – According to new research from AAA, premium gasoline offers some benefit to select vehicles, but is becoming increasingly expensive for drivers. In recent years, the price gap between premium and regular-grade gasoline has risen from a historically steady 10 percent to 25 percent or more per gallon. While past AAA research has shown no benefit in using premium gasoline in a vehicle designed to operate on regular fuel, new testing indicates that some vehicles – those that recommend, but do not require premium gasoline – may see increased fuel economy and performance under certain driving conditions when using the higher-octane gasoline. Unfortunately, the high cost of premium gasoline may outweigh that advantage for many drivers. As a result, AAA recommends drivers weigh the potential benefits against the cost of using premium gasoline, if their vehicle does not require it.

“AAA’s testing reveals that drivers could see modest gains in fuel economy and performance when opting for premium gasoline in vehicles that recommend, but do not require, the higher-octane fuel,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “Those seeking the maximum capabilities of their performance-focused or utility vehicle may see some benefit from using premium gasoline, particularly over the long haul.”

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. 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.

“Although prices at the pump shot up over the holidays, now that the holiday season in the rearview mirror, motorists can expect gas prices to trend cheaper this month as we are likely to see a significant drop in gasoline demand,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) report measures gasoline demand at a strong 9.5 million b/d, which is typical of the holiday season. However, historical data shows that in early January demand typical drops and stays below the 9 million mark for the first few months of the year.

Uniquely built for the coming era of truly shared, smart mobility and autonomous driving.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 2, 2018 -- BYTON's all-new smart intuitive vehicle will make its global debut at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, U.S.A. on January 7, 2018. A next generation smart device, the car is uniquely built for the coming era of truly shared, smart mobility and autonomous driving.

BYTON's press conference will be held at 3:00 PM (PST) on January 7, and will be broadcasted globally on BYTON's official website: http://www.byton.com. Registered CES media can RSVP for the press event via this link: http://bit.ly/2CiSkVP. Test drive experiences will be available outside the Las Vegas Convention Center starting on January 8. BYTON's booth in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center will be open to the public on January 9.

Up Nearly 2 Percent In December 2017, According To Kelley Blue Book

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 -- 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 2017. 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 2017 to set a record high," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Incentive spending was a concern in 2017, averaging 10.4 percent of MSRP, but encouragingly, this figure held relatively flat over the final quarter of the year. In 2018, interest rate hikes could be another concern, as they threaten to increase monthly payments for consumers; however, Kelley Blue Book anticipates they will help contribute to another down year of new-vehicle sales more than impact prices, which have steadily risen along with the economy since the recession."

Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, SUV of the Year, and Person of the Year recipients awarded

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2017 -- MOTOR TREND today announced the Motor Trend award winners of the "Golden Calipers" for Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, SUV of the Year, and Person of the Year. One of the most prestigious and sought-after honors by automotive manufacturers worldwide, the award winners were announced during a red carpet ceremony at a gala event featuring an audience of industry insiders and celebrity guests at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

"We are thrilled to announce the best of the best in the industry," says Edward Loh, editor-in-chief of MOTOR TREND. "This year's coveted Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, SUV of the Year, and Person of the Year are being presented to some of the most well-deserving and innovative recipients we have had since the founding of the award in 1949."

Finalists this year were evaluated against six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, and performance of intended function. Judges for each program came from the MOTOR TREND staff and also included two special guest judges for Car of the Year (legendary car designer Tom Gale and product development guru Chris Theodore) and one special guest judge for SUV of the Year (auto engineering expert Gordon Dickie). The Person of the Year was chosen from MOTOR TREND's annual Power List of the automotive industry's 50 most influential people.

The details of the awards are: