Latest News From Bumper Radio

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.

CENTREVILLE, Va., Jan. 28, 2020 -- Car buying season picks up in February as tax refunds start showing up, but you could end up overpaying by thousands of dollars on a used car - and putting your family's safety at risk - if you aren't careful.

Accident history is the No. 1 thing used car shoppers look for in a vehicle's history. CARFAX data estimates that as many as 40% of vehicles on the road have been in an accident or sustained damage; that's about 110 million cars. CARFAX data also shows one in four cars are sold within the first year after an accident or damage. If you're shopping for a used car, it's not always easy to spot the cars with damage and to know whether it was a ding - or a disaster.

Of all the vehicles for sale right now, about one in four have sustained damage. The average impact on retail price is about $500, but that average impact on value jumps to $2,100 for a vehicle with severe damage in its past. If you don't know if a vehicle has sustained damage, you could be overpaying by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. CARFAX has a free valuation tool, History-Based Value, that looks at vehicle specific information for pricing, and it includes accidents as one of the many factors.

It's important to remember not all accidents and damage are created equal. Shoppers looking for used cars need not turn up their noses simply because there's damage reported. In fact, smart shoppers can dig a little deeper and save themselves some money by investigating the severity of any damage. A CARFAX Vehicle History Report can not only show you accidents, but many will detail where the impact was and how severe the damage was. It's also a safety concern, because you want to make sure any repairs were made properly. In addition to a CARFAX report, we recommend you have an independent vehicle inspection. A trained mechanic can spot signs of repairs and also make sure they were done properly so you can keep you and your family safe on the road.

New study pulls back the curtain on the experience of going green and costs of ownership

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2020) – New research from AAA finds that over five years and 75,000 miles of driving, the annual cost of owning a new compact electric vehicle is only slightly more expensive – about $600 annually – than its gas-powered counterpart. The study also revealed that the experience of owning an electric vehicle eases one of the biggest fears associated with these cars – range anxiety.

According to AAA’s survey, prior to owning an electric vehicle, a majority of owners (91%) said that they had at least one concern – things like insufficient range, implications for long-distance travel and finding a place to charge. Post purchase, many of these worries disappeared. AAA believes that if consumers have a better understanding of the real cost and experience of owning an electric vehicle, then the gap between expressed interest and adoption will begin to close.

“Although 40 million Americans have shown interest in buying electric for their next car, actual adoption is happening at a much slower rate,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “AAA wanted to understand what kind of impact the experience of owning an electric vehicle has on perception of these cars and maybe more importantly, if given the chance would consumers choose to go green again.”

AAA’s survey of electric vehicle owners, 71% of whom had not previously owned an electric car, revealed some interesting results:

It's Matt's 50th birthday this year and he wanted to do something big! Bumper to Bumper Radio is asking people to make donations to Saving Amy, a local organization that provides community, support and a new beginning for those transitioning out of homelessness.
 
We are passionate about this organization because Saving Amy focuses on four key programs to address the individualized needs of our families:

• Empowerment Through Therapy (ETT):  The ETT program enrolls adults and children in trauma therapy with licensed trauma therapists from around the valley. Each case is individualized based on the recommendation of the therapist
• Kids Go Program: Mentoring program with Brophy and Xavier College Preparatory to provide year-round tutoring, mentorship and summer camp for our Saving Amy children
• Rolling Forward: Transportation program that provides donated vehicles to allow for reliable transportation to work and school
• Rise Up Moving Program: Two-part program that includes providing rent subsidy, furniture and home supplies; as well as, the opportunity to move from poverty-stricken neighborhoods
• Saving Amy assists families throughout Arizona, with the majority residing in Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Saving Amy provides community and resources so that our families are able to create a life that is fulfilling and life changing. Most importantly, Saving Amy is about relationship. The Journey Partners walk side by side with the families and build relationships based on trust and genuine care. Families then begin to see themselves as worthy and deserving people in society that no longer need the system to support them. They are able to come off government assistance and support themselves on their own. Saving Amy helps families move forward with a realization that they will never be back on the street or in a homeless shelter again. In turn, the families help to support others who are on the path they have traveled, from a life that felt hopeless and out of control to an empowered life lived with dignity and hope. For more information, see their web site at https://www.savingamy.org .

As an added bonus, when you make your donation via this link, Saving Amy will receive a 25% matching grant from Executive Council Charities who will match your donation up to an additional $5,000.

Our goal is to raise $5,000, and Matt is contributing $500 in honor of his mom, who is no longer with us, but had a heart for serving those in need. Please join us in supporting this amazing non-profit. Your donation may qualify for a state income tax credit of up to $400 for individuals (single filers), $800 for married couples (joint filers). See your tax advisor for details.

Click here to donate.

Every penny donated will make a direct local impact!

Dear Listeners,

This Saturday January 25th is my 50th Birthday and I want to do something really big! Not for me, but for our community.  You see, I’m blessed beyond belief with everything I need and more! I have good health, a wonderful wife and children, more food than I need and a roof over my head. But some people in Phoenix don’t even have the most basic of needs and that really bothers me!

That’s why, for my 50th birthday this year, I’m asking people to donate to Saving Amy; a local organization that provides community, support and a new beginning for those transitioning out of homelessness.
 
I would be thrilled if you would make a donation of any amount to Saving Amy. From $1, to $1 million or whatever you like; no donation is too big or small.

Please use one of the links below:

My goal is to raise $10,000 for Saving Amy to celebrate my 50th birthday and I’m donating $500 of my own money to get it started.
 
Friends and family, please help me do something really big this year for my birthday!  Together we will help homeless people in Phoenix get the help they need to get back on their feet!
 
Happy Birthday to me.  (And thank you to you!!)

Matt Allan
Bumper to Bumper Radio Host

P.S. Click here if you need more information about Saving Amy.

DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2020 -- Bollinger Motors has filed for patent protection for its all electric, all-wheel drive, Class 3 vehicles. The scope of the patent includes the entire vehicle, and gives particular emphasis on the specific arrangement of major components and subsystems.

"Our team has created a vehicle that's engineered and packaged unlike anything ever built," says CEO Robert Bollinger. "Filing this patent will help protect that hard work, and help showcase the outstanding engineering capabilities of our company."

The innovative vehicle design, and resulting capabilities and features are highly differentiated from any other volume production vehicle. As just one example, the unique way large components – including motors, inverters, gearboxes, and chargers – are arranged centrally and symmetrically results in a desirable effect on the vehicles' center of gravity.

The patent highlights the vehicle-controls strategy and innovative software solutions used to achieve performance targets including adjustable ride height, variable payload responses, virtual front and rear differential, and various modes of operations, including outboard power usage.

The technical content contained in the application provides substantial competitive advantage and adds to a growing portfolio of intellectual property for Bollinger Motors.