Although the average interest rate on a new-vehicle loan is expected to drop year over year, analysts say rates will hit 3-month high as automakers curtail promotional deals, 0% finance offers

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 3, 2020 -- The average interest rate for a new vehicle loan saw a slight lift in January, according to the car shopping experts at Edmunds. The annual percentage rate (APR) on new financed vehicles averaged 5.7% in January, compared to 5.4% in December and 5.5% in November. Edmunds data reveals that the share of sales with 0% finance deals dropped to 3.6% in January, hitting their lowest level since April of 2019.

"January is a bit of a hangover month for auto sales given that it follows some of the biggest holiday blowout events at the end of the year," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights at Edmunds. "Automakers typically rein in the incentives at this time of year, so it's not unusual to see auto loan interest rates creep up. The good news is that interest rates are still much lower than they were a year ago."

Edmunds data also shows that the average monthly payment, amount financed, and down payment for new vehicles were down month over month in January, which Edmunds experts attribute to a drop in purchases of luxury and larger vehicles.

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 3, 2020 -- Much to the excitement of fans across the country, the marketing campaign for the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander has officially kicked off. The "GO HIGHLANDER" campaign will highlight the best-selling retail model in the midsize SUV segment standing apart from the rest thanks to its unique combination of power, sophistication and functionality.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here

The "GO HIGHLANDER" campaign for the fourth-generation benchmark SUV will feature Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models that speak to the vehicle's performance, dramatic new design and sophisticated detailing, making it the ultimate vehicle for those who are at the center of making memories.

"We hope the campaign inspires our guests to live their lives with no compromises while going above and beyond for their version of 'family'", said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. "The all-new Highlander gives our guests the ability to go wherever they're needed, which inspired the 'GO HIGHLANDER' campaign."

"Heroes", a humorous and action-packed :60-second spot featuring actress Cobie Smulders and the all-new Highlander, ran in this year's Big Game and officially kicked off the campaign. The spot was created by Saatchi & Saatchi.

The fully-integrated Highlander campaign was developed using the Total Toyota (T2) model which provides multicultural insights aimed at a transcultural mainstream audience. T2 features a blended and cohesive marketing approach inclusive of multicultural marketing, bringing together its agencies into a total market model. The T2 agency team includes Saatchi & Saatchi, Burrell Communications, Conill Advertising and Intertrend, with Zenith placing TV and outdoor media buys.

Matching opening and closing sequences and production features showcase a unified style across all creative throughout the campaign spots, which are highlighted below:

In Burrell Communications' "Top Hat", directed by Daniel Azancot, a group of fashionable women use the all-new Highlander to 'show up and show out' at a premier event. In "Home Team", a family featuring four generations and baseball legend Jim Robinson celebrates togetherness, baseball, and their proud family legacy. The spot was directed by Antony Hoffman.

According to a recent survey, it is estimated that 85 million families in the United States own at least one pet. That makes up 67% of the population. Many new pet owners are choosing pet ownership over starting families, and love and treat their pets as children. Being a responsible pet owner means being prepared. We’ve put together a useful guide on how to keep you and your pet safe in an auto emergency.

You may be a good, responsible driver, but accidents happen. Auto insurance may give you peace of mind when hitting the road, but does that protection cover your pets? People aren’t the only ones that can get hurt during an auto emergency. Pets are just as vulnerable to sustaining injuries caused by car accidents as we are, so whether you make a quick trip to the vet or take your pet along on a fun-filled road trip, you need to be sure they are as protected as you are.

Pet safety and driving safety tips go a long way in avoiding damage or injury during auto emergencies. However, when push comes to shove, can you rely on auto or pet insurance to cover the costs involved?

Possible Dangers Your Pet Faces

Possible emergency situations with pets in your car are endless, but let’s cover some of the most common scenarios.

Most dogs absolutely love the open road. Once that window is down, that head pops out, and it’s all ears and tongues flapping in the wind. But have you considered the potential dangers of letting your dog hang its head out the window?

Debris, insects, and other foreign objects can cause havoc when they hit your dog’s eyes, ears, or mouth. Things can go very wrong for your dog when something hits them at the right angle or speed.

Open car windows also create an opportunity for your pet to jump or fall out of the vehicle. Needless to say, once that happens, your pet faces serious dangers that are entirely out of your control. They could get hit by oncoming traffic or run away and get lost.

Choking on treats or toys is another danger your pet faces. You may think treats and chew toys are great for distracting your pet in the car, but dogs are as likely to choke on foreign objects while driving as they are anywhere else. The only difference is you may not notice your attention is focused on the road.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2020 -- What would you tell a younger you trying to make your way through the world? For Josh Jacobs, who rose from homelessness in middle school to football stardom, it is an inspiring message of hope and determination in Kia Motors' Super Bowl spot for the all-new 2021 Seltos SUV.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here

Debuting today, "Tough Never Quits" finds Jacobs driving a Kia Seltos in his home state of Oklahoma and reflecting on a time when life was much more challenging, and the odds were stacked against him. As he asks, "I wonder what I would tell my younger self if I ever saw him?" he notices a young man – representing a younger Josh Jacobs – running on the streets. The voiceover continues, "I'd tell him, Josh, it's going to be hard growing up homeless…but you have to believe in yourself." Cut to both the younger and current day Josh's together in the Seltos as the two pull up to a football field and the final piece of advice given: "Push yourself to be someone and I promise someday you will."

Sharing Jacobs' incredible story on advertising's biggest stage inspired Kia to create the Yards Against Homelessness charitable initiative, an extension of the brand's "Give It Everything" brand personality. Yards Against Homelessness continues Kia's efforts to support and elevate America's youth following the creation of "The Great Unknowns" scholarship last year. With Yards Against Homelessness, Kia is pledging a $1,000 donation for every yard gained in the Super Bowl divided among three charity partners: Covenant House, Positive Tomorrows and StandUp for Kids.

The national gas price average is $2.51, which is three cents cheaper than last week, four cents less than last month, and 25 cents more than a year ago. Gas prices have continued to drop over the last week as gasoline stocks grew again, measuring at 260 million bbl – the highest stock level ever recorded by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) since it began recording the data in 1990.

“Increased total domestic stocks of gasoline have helped to ease pump prices,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Typically, we see lower demand during this time of year. When combined with higher stock levels, pump prices usually decrease in response.”

EIA estimates that demand grew slightly from 8.56 million b/d to 8.66 million b/d. However, the current rate is lower than last year’s 8.87 million b/d at this time.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases are: Florida (-8 cents), Michigan (-8 cents),Pennsylvania (-6 cents), South Carolina (-6 cents), Delaware (-5 cents), North Carolina (-5 cents), Maryland (-5 cents), Louisiana (-5 cents), Texas (-4 cents) and West Virginia (-4 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Missouri ($2.17), Texas ($2.19), Mississippi ($2.21), Oklahoma ($2.22), Louisiana ($2.22), South Carolina ($2.23), Arkansas ($2.24), Kansas ($2.24), Delaware ($2.25) and Alabama ($2.27).

West Coast

Pump prices in the region have mostly dropped. On the week, Washington (-2 cents) saw the largest decrease in the region, while Hawaii (+1 cent) saw the only increase. Hawaii ($3.66) and California ($3.52) remain the most expensive markets in the country. Washington ($3.10), Oregon ($2.98), Nevada ($2.97), Alaska ($2.95) and Arizona ($2.81) follow.

According to EIA’s report for the week ending on January 17, total gas stocks in the region dropped 1.4 million bbl to 32.4 million bbl. The current supply level is in line with last year’s level at this time, which will likely help prices to stabilize throughout the week.