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New AAA Foundation study shows more teens are obtaining their license before the age of 18

WASHINGTON (Oct 21, 2019) – More than 60% of teens got their driver’s license before the age of 18, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. An 11% increase since 2012.

The new report reveals a changing trend in teen licensure from when the Foundation first evaluated the issue in 2012. At the time, the country was just emerging from a recession and many young people cited their family’s inability to afford the high cost of driving as a reason why they did not obtain their license sooner.

“The trend for teens to acquire their driver’s license has changed over the past 10 years,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Many are getting licensed before the age of 18, which means more of Generation Z is learning to drive under the protection of state graduated driver licensing programs and parental supervision.”

The new AAA Foundation study surveyed young adults ages 18-24 to determine when they obtained their license and found that nationally, 40.8% got their license at or before age 16 and 60.3% got their license before the age of 18. Other findings show:

Only half (49.8%) of teens in large cities obtain their license before the age of 18, compared with nearly two-thirds of those in less urbanized areas.

Teens living in the Midwest tend to be licensed at younger ages — 55% at or before age 16 and 70% before age 18. While only one-third (32.2%) of teens living in the West and fewer than a quarter (22.3%) of teens in the

Northeast reported getting their license at or before age 16, only 56% (Northeast) and 48% (West) did so before age 18.

Past AAA Foundation research found that for every mile driven, new teen drivers ages 16-17 years old are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash. All states have in place graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems for teen drivers ages 16 and 17 to help them gradually learn the rules of the road under less risky conditions. The programs require minimum holding periods and practice requirements for teens with learner’s permits, followed by restricted licenses that limit driving at night or with peer passengers.

“Peak refinery maintenance season has caused volatility across the country,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Motorists can expect fluctuations at the pump likely through the end of the month due to ongoing maintenance and tighter gasoline supply.”

Today’s national average of $2.64 is one penny more than last week, two cents more than last month and 21-cents cheaper than last year.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets are: California ($4.14), Hawaii ($3.64), Nevada ($3.44), Washington ($3.40), Oregon ($3.33), Alaska ($3.07), Arizona ($2.90), Idaho ($2.84), Pennsylvania ($2.75) and Utah ($2.74).

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Kentucky (+10 cents), Oregon (+7 cents), Idaho (+6 cents), Delaware (+6 cents), Illinois (-6 cents), South Carolina (+6 cents), Michigan (+6 cents), Alaska (+5 cents), Washington (+5 cents) and Florida (+4 cents).

West Coast

Pump prices in the West Coast region are fluctuating after a number of refineries in the region underwent planned and unplanned maintenance. Adding to the challenge, operations at Marathon Petroleum’s San Francisco Bay Area 170,000 b/d refinery halted last week as a result of the earthquake that occurred last Monday. Production has resumed at the refinery, but continuing refinery challenges have put pressure on supply, which has contributed to the increases some motorists are seeing at the pump.

California ($4.14) and Hawaii ($3.64) are the most expensive markets in the country. Nevada ($3.44), Washington ($3.40), Oregon ($3.33), Alaska ($3.07) and Arizona ($2.90) follow. Oregon (+7 cents), Alaska (+6 cents) and Washington (+5 cents) saw the largest increases, while California (-3 cent) saw the largest decrease on the week.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) report for the week ending Oct. 11, showed that total West Coast gasoline stocks took a slight draw from 26.25 million bbl to 26.23 million bbl. The current level is approximately 1.42 million bbl lower than this same time last year. Tighter supplies will continue to keep prices high this week, but as refineries resume normal gasoline production levels and imports enter the region, pump prices are expected to continue stabilizing.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 16, 2019 -- Hyundai will unveil the Veloster "Grappler" concept at the 2019 SEMA show. The Grappler concept boasts increased ground clearance, combining superb approach and departure angles for confident off-roading capability, while custom front and rear brush guards were developed to ensure the Veloster Grappler is protected whenever the terrain turns unpredictable. Oversized all-terrain tires and rally-themed Method Racing® wheels yield a menacing demeanor and functional capability, while Borla® cat-back exhaust components add a visceral audible resonance.

For extra cargo capabilities, a roof-mounted Thule® utility basket includes a high-output lighting system from Baja Designs®. A full host of roof-mounted utility lights allow for versatility on the go.

From high-speed desert off-roading high beams to basecamp work lights, Veloster Grappler is ready for the unexpected from any adventure. The utility basket serves as a base mount for the removable solar panel from Goal Zero®, powering an all-electric portable power station mounted inside the cabin for remote journeys. A custom vinyl exterior body wrap features a ghosted Hyundai-themed livery. Finally, a Seibon® carbon-fiber hood effectively vents excess engine bay heat when things heat up out on the road.

Inside the cabin, the functional ruggedness theme continues. An integrated roll bar provides occupant protection and facilitates mounting for a full-size spare wheel and tire. Further outfitting the interior are traction mats, an oversized utility shovel, a Goal Zero® portable power station, roadside assistance kit, first aid kit, Napier® outdoor dome tent, Scosche® Mounts, Goal Zero® crush lights and premium Recaro® seats finished in a vintage hounds tooth check pattern. Exterior lighting is modulated through a custom-designed switch panel. Hyundai genuine accessories round out the functionality of the vehicle, adding sport pedals, a sport shifter, all-weather mats, ambient footwell lighting and cargo blocks.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 16, 2019 -- Attendees at this year's AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo), taking place Nov. 5-7 in Las Vegas, will have the opportunity to see how the auto care industry is staying competitive in the age of advanced vehicle technologies. The aftermarket will soon be maintaining the cars of tomorrow and the Auto Care Association's Emerging Technologies Booth at AAPEX will present the latest solutions for standardization of the maintenance and repair of automated systems—ensuring safe and dependable vehicle operation long after the warranty expires.

The Emerging Technologies Booth will feature three informational kiosks highlighting vehicle technology progression, what the latest technological developments mean for the consumer and what the aftermarket industry is doing about it today. The Auto Care Association, in partnership with Q-Free, Concepts & Services Consulting (CSC), Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), OnBoard Security and Coolfire Solutions, will provide a wide range of information on the technologies, including: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs); V2X; Automotive Embedded Systems and the Secure Vehicle Interface (SVI) through video demonstrations; live presentations; discussions; and more. Implementations of recently approved international standards that were sponsored by the association will be demonstrated, showing that direct, local access to vehicle data can be secure, safe and authorized by vehicle owners.

"In less than five years, 90% of new cars will be wirelessly transmitting real-time driver behavior and vehicle data," said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. "These advanced vehicle technologies will have a lasting influence on our industry, which means securing the authentication and standardization of accessing vehicle telematics will be vital to the aftermarket's ability to maintain and repair these vehicles down the road."

"The importance of being able to control your own vehicle's data cannot be stressed enough," said Joe Register, vice president, emerging technologies, Auto Care Association. "The development of technical solutions based on SVI—standardizing the safe, secure and direct exchange of vehicle data—is ultimately what will give consumers lasting control over their data and their vehicles, allowing them to choose exactly which shop they want to have their vehicles serviced and repaired."

Despite an unseasonal spike in demand, according to the Energy Information Admiration’s (EIA) latest data sets, gas prices are decreasing for the majority of motorists across the country as crude oil prices (WTI) remain under $54/bbl. Today, the national average gas price is $2.63, which is two cents less than last week and 26 cents cheaper than last year, but six-cents more expensive than last month.

“The national gas price average has been gradually decreasing the past three weeks and we expect this trend to continue, barring any major industry or geopolitical events,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “But the real savings we’re seeing is when prices are compared to this same time last year. Drivers in some states are paying 40 cents less per gallon than they were last October.”

The largest weekly volatility with gas prices continues to happen in West Coast states, but that could be tapering off. EIA’s data shows that the region’s refinery utilization jumped up 10% and gasoline stocks were relatively stable for the week ending Oct. 4, meaning there could be some relief in sight.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Michigan (-10 cents), Oregon (+10 cents), Kentucky (-7 cents), Washington (+7 cents), Florida (-6 cents), Alaska (+ 6 cents), Indiana (+5 cents), Georgia (-4 cents), Texas (-4 cents) and New Mexico (-3 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: South Carolina ($2.25), Louisiana ($2.26), Mississippi ($2.26), Texas ($2.27), Alabama ($2.29), Missouri ($2.30), Virginia ($2.31), Arkansas ($2.31), Delaware ($2.31) and Oklahoma ($2.33).

West Coast

Most pump prices in the West Coast region have increased on the week. However, prices in the region appear to be stabilizing after a number of regional refineries experienced unplanned outages that reduced supply over the last few weeks.

California ($4.17) and Hawaii ($3.65) are the most expensive markets in the country. Nevada ($3.44), Washington ($3.35), Oregon ($3.26), Alaska ($3.01) and Arizona ($2.91) follow. Oregon (+10 cents) and Washington (+7 cents) saw the largest increases, while Hawaii (-2 cents) and California (-1 cent) saw the largest decreases.

The EIA report for the week ending October 4, showed that total West Coast gasoline stocks decreased from 27 million bbl to 26.25 million bbl. This level is approximately 2 million bbl lower than this same time last year. Tighter supplies will continue to keep prices high this week, but as refineries resume normal gasoline production levels, pump prices are expected to stabilize.

Automakers Provide Assistance to Owners of Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Equipped with Theta II GDI Engines

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Oct. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America have entered into an agreement to resolve class action litigation with owners of certain vehicles equipped with Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines. This agreement will provide various cash compensation options, lifetime warranties, free inspection and repair of the covered engines, and installation of a software update Hyundai and Kia introduced after the case was filed to enhance safety and address this engine's performance. It also provides additional remedies to address engine concerns and assist customers with these vehicles.

Vehicles in the settlement include 2.3 million Hyundai (2011-2019 Sonata, 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe, and 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 Tucson) and 1.8 million Kia (2011-2019 model year Sportage, Sorento and Optima) vehicles with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter GDI engines.

Terms of the settlement include:

- Cash reimbursement for certain past repairs and related expenses, such as towing and rental cars;

- Cash compensation for certain past trade-ins, sales, and in lieu of certain repairs;

- Free inspection and repair or replacement of damaged engines;

- Lifetime warranty coverage for short block assembly repairs for original and subsequent owners;

- Free installation of the knock sensor detection system software update;

- Various goodwill compensation for customers inconvenienced by previous lengthy engine repair times, denied warranty coverage, and vehicle loss of value, among other provisions

- ILX is retail #1 and fastest-growing model in the premium compact sedan segment[1]

- ILX captures the most first-time, millennial and multicultural buyers in Acura lineup[2]

- ILX combines sporty styling with array of high-tech and premium features, including available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration and standard AcuraWatch™

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 11, 2019 -- Arriving today in Acura showrooms, the 2020 ILX looks to continue its success as the retail best-selling model in segment. ILX is a critical gateway to the Acura brand, capturing the most first-time, millennial and multicultural buyers of any model in the Acura lineup. Receiving major upgrades for the 2019 model year, ILX became the fastest growing model in its segment and earned its best sales month in more than three years this August. The 2020 Acura ILX will be offered at a starting price3 of $25,900 (excluding $995 destination and handling), unchanged from the previous model year.

Just a year ago, Acura completed a design transformation of its lineup – introducing a significantly updated ILX with sportier styling, standard AcuraWatch™ technology as well as updated cabin tech, including available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. In the first eight months of 2019, ILX has picked up more than nine points of retail segment share1 and captures the largest percentage of sales from under-35 buyers of any model in the premium compact sedan segment.

Additionally, for the past two years, ILX has earned the top spot in Kelly Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own rankings among entry-luxury cars, indicative of the Acura brand's strong reputation for high quality and strong value retention.

2020 ILX

The 2020 Acura ILX is available with three distinct packages: Premium, Technology and the popular A-Spec sport appearance package – each powered by a 201-horsepower (SAE net), 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC™ engine and quick-shifting 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Every 2020 ILX receives an EPA fuel economy rating of 24/34/28 mpg (city/highway/combined)4.

Additionally, all 2020 ILX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 3, 2019) – New research from AAA reveals that automatic emergency braking systems with pedestrian detection perform inconsistently, and proved to be completely ineffective at night. An alarming result, considering 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. The systems were also challenged by real-world situations, like a vehicle turning right into the path of an adult. AAA’s testing found that in this simulated scenario, the systems did not react at all, colliding with the adult pedestrian target every time. For the safety of everyone on the road, AAA supports the continued development of pedestrian detection systems, specifically when it comes to improving functionality at night and in circumstances where drivers are most likely to encounter pedestrians.

On average, nearly 6,000 pedestrians lose their lives each year, accounting for 16% of all traffic deaths, a percentage that has steadily grown since 2010.

“Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise, proving how important the safety impact of these systems could be when further developed,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “But, our research found that current systems are far from perfect and still require an engaged driver behind the wheel.”

While time of day and location are contributing factors to pedestrian fatalities, vehicle speed also plays a major role. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that pedestrians are at greater risk for severe injury or death the faster a car is traveling at the time of impact. For example, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph has an 18% risk of severe injury or death. Increase that by just 10 mph to 30 mph and the risk more than doubles to 47%. AAA’s latest study found that speed impacted system performance as well, with results varying between testing performed at 20 mph and 30 mph.

In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA evaluated the performance of four midsize sedans equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection to determine the effectiveness of these systems. Testing was conducted on a closed course using simulated pedestrian targets for the following scenarios:

NATICK, Mass., Oct. 9, 2019 -- In the LED lighting industry, large businesses in the commercial and industrial sectors were hesitant to integrate the technology at scale in their operations. Now that LED technology has had over a decade's worth of maturation and refinement, two of the auto industry's leading manufacturers are continuing their large-scale installation projects.

In 2014, Ford invested in a $25M LED retrofit project aimed at manufacturing facilities in the US and worldwide, resulting in an annual energy savings of 56 million kilowatt-hours – enough electricity to power 6,000 average-sized homes every year. Similarly, GM is enjoying a 60% reduction in costs over 32 project sites. Between them both, the savings is nearly $10 million annually.

ThinkLite LLC, an established LED lighting manufacturer headquartered in Natick, MA, has serviced the automotive industry for nearly a decade. ThinkLite has seen an uptick in the number of RFPs for commercial and retail installations in the last year, a number they think is only going to rise.

"Since 2018, we have experienced an increase in market demand by over 25%. Corporations, property managers, and manufacturing facilities, now understand the real-world cost savings, light quality improvement, and simplified maintenance afforded by our LED solutions," says Danny Wadhwani, COO-CFO of ThinkLite. "State and Federal energy incentives, paired with efficient lighting, allows for a positive ROI in as little as 15 months."

ThinkLite is well-known in the automotive industry, having recently come off a NASCAR win at The Magic Mile in Loudon, NH in September. The #36 ThinkLite car was driven to Victory Lane by Bobby Santos III, leaving Mr. Wadhwani very pleased:

Two weeks after attacks on major Saudi Arabian oil facilities, the majority of Americans are starting to see signs of gas prices trending cheaper. While the national average may have only decreased by a penny on the week, 10 states saw pump prices decline by a nickel or more.

“Crude oil prices have dropped close to where they were right before the drone attacks on the Saudi oil facilities,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “This is helping to push gas prices cheaper in most of the country. Americans can expect this trend to continue, except for those filling-up on the West Coast, where refinery disruptions are causing spikes at the pump.”

On the week, all West Coast region states saw prices increase with California (+28 cents) seeing the largest spike, which drives the state average to $4.02 and is likely to push more expensive this week.

Today’s national gas price average of $2.65 which is the same price as last week, and is seven cents more expensive than last month, but 22-cents cheaper than a year ago.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: California (+28 cents), Ohio (-15 cents), Nevada (+13 cents), Michigan (-12 cents), Kentucky (-11 cents), Illinois (-10 cents), Delaware (-9 cents), Indiana (-7 cents), Iowa (-7 cents) and Minnesota (-6 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Louisiana ($2.30), Mississippi ($2.30), South Carolina ($2.32), Arkansas ($2.32), Alabama ($2.33), Texas ($2.35), Virginia ($2.35), Oklahoma ($2.35), Missouri ($2.36) and Tennessee ($2.37).

West Coast

Pump prices in the West Coast region have increased on the week, following a number of refinery outages that have tightened supply in the market. Robust demand is contributing to price increases, and prices are unlikely to subside until supply is strengthened. California ($4.02) and Hawaii ($3.67) are the most expensive markets in the country. Washington ($3.23), Nevada ($3.28), Oregon ($3.10), Alaska ($2.96) and Arizona ($2.91) follow. California (+28 cents) saw the largest increase, followed by Nevada (+13 cents).

The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) report for the week ending on September 20, showed that total West Coast gasoline stocks decreased significantly by 1.5 million bbl to 27.1 million bbl. This level is approximately 800,000 bbl lower than this same time last year. Tight supplies will continue to cause prices to increase, but imports and increased deliveries from nearby states are expected to help to ease increasing prices.