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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 12, 2019 --

New 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Urbana Edition to be displayed at 2019 New York International Auto Show

Urbana Edition offers sporty, unique look and feel with Piano Black-painted exterior elements and Matte Gray interior accents

124 Spider Urbana Edition is available for $995 on 2019 124 Spider Classica models, which start at $25,190 U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) — the most affordable roadster in its class

2019 Fiat 124 Spider offers a number of class-leading features:

Most powerful four-cylinder turbo engine in its class

FIAT is now the only lineup in the market that provides turbocharged power standard

Best-in-class cargo volume

Class-exclusive turbo engine

Class-exclusive quad exhaust tips

Both automatic and manual transmission offerings provide best-in-class highway fuel economy of 36 and 35 miles per gallon (mpg)

Italian-designed, fun-to-drive 2019 Fiat 124 Spider lineup is available in three models: Classica, Lusso and performance-tuned Abarth

2019 Fiat 124 Spider Urbana Edition is now available in FIAT studios

2019 marks 120th anniversary of the FIAT brand and 70th anniversary of Abarth

Just in time for the spring convertible season, the FIAT brand announced today the new 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Urbana Edition.

Acquisition broadens electric two-wheeled portfolio to grow the next generation of Harley-Davidson Riders and lead in the electrification of motorcycling

MILWAUKEE, March 5, 2019 -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announces today that it has acquired StaCyc, Inc., producer of the 12 and 16 EDRIVE, electric-powered two-wheelers specifically designed for kids.

StaCyc, which entered the market in 2016, currently designs, markets and sells their EDRIVE models for kids, with an MSRP range of $649 to $699. StaCyc EDRIVES are sold in the U.S. through powersports dealerships, including 29 Harley-Davidson^® dealerships, online and in specialty bicycle retailers.

"We're thrilled to have StaCyc become part of the Harley-Davidson family," said Harley-DavidsonSenior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Heather Malenshek. "The StaCyc team shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally and we believe that together, we will have a significant impact in bringing the fun and enjoyment of riding to kids everywhere."

The acquisition of StaCyc expands Harley-Davidson's electric portfolio and reinforces its commitment to lead in the electrification of motorcycling. Harley-Davidson previously announced plans to launch LiveWire^™, a premium, high-performance electric motorcycle in fall 2019 and future lightweight and middleweight electric motorcycles at various price points starting in 2021. The StaCyc electric two-wheelers will provide an entry point for the youngest riders to enjoy the thrill of riding.   

As a subsidiary, a Harley-Davidson branded version of StaCyc's 12-inch and 16-inch models will be sold through select Harley-Davidson dealers. The branded products will be available in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2019.

StaCyc branded EDRIVES will continue to be sold through StaCyc's existing distribution network.

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 21, 2019) – From coast to coast, families are gearing up for another year of exciting travel adventures with their loved ones. According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans – 4 in 10 U.S. adults – are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, slightly more than last year. Spring and summer road trips will top many of these families’ vacation plans.

Two-thirds of all family travelers (68 percent) will embark on a summer getaway, while just under half (45 percent) are making plans to travel as a family this spring.

Regardless of the season, the great American road trip remains a major draw for these families; about half of traveling families (53 percent) expect to pack up their cars for a road trip this year.

Travelers in the South are more likely to be making plans for a family trip this year (62 percent) than travelers in the Northeast (35 percent).

A welcome gift to road trippers, gas prices have averaged nearly a quarter cheaper so far in 2019 compared with the first few months of last year. While gas prices are increasing now, summer prices are expected to be cheaper than last year. Another recent AAA survey found that 33 percent of Americans would go on at least one additional summer road trip if gas prices remain low.

“The great American road trip is still one of the best ways for families to relax and reconnect with one another,” said Stacey Barber, executive director, AAA Travel Information & Content. “This is quickly shaping up to be another busy year for family travelers, both on the roadways, as well as other popular travel destinations and attractions. To make the most of their vacations, AAA recommends families plan and research as far ahead as possible to avoid missing out on popular activities and fun.”

To help inspire would-be road trippers, AAA’s travel editors have curated more than 450 pre-planned road trips. The top five routes for summer travel according to AAA member road trip routing data are as follows:

Las Vegas to National Parks – Any road trip through the desert southwest is full of unique twists and turns, regardless of whether you remain on the interstate or head off along enticing back roads. Long the destination for gold prospectors and other dreamers, the mountains and valleys of the Arizona, Nevada and Utah deserts today provide a glimpse of mankind’s historical interaction with the area’s fantastic natural landscapes.

AAA Forecasts Spring National Gas Price Average to Reach $2.75

WASHINGTON (March 28, 2019) – Spring fever may be in the air, but American motorists already have summer road trips top of mind. AAA’s latest Gas Price survey found that if gas prices remain low, 1 in 3 Americans (33 percent) would likely plan another summer road trip while 27 percent would increase the distance of one – with Generation X more likely to do both than Baby Boomers. AAA expects the national gas price average this spring to reach $2.75, a savings of nearly 20-cents compared to last spring’s high of $2.92.

“Cheaper crude oil prices have helped to keep pump prices lower this winter,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “While we are seeing the national gas price average increase and mirror prices from this time last year, spring pump prices for the majority of motorists are not expected to elevate to the nearly $3/gal level of last May.”

However, motorists on the West Coast and in the Rockies region will likely see prices reach or exceeded $3/gal, which is similar to last year.

In addition to increasing the number or mileage of summer road trips, the AAA survey shows that Americans said lower gas prices would encourage them to spend or save more, but this varies based on generation and region:

The majority of Millennials (53%) and Gen X (49%) would put aside money for savings as compared to Baby Boomers (44%).

Generation X is more likely to increase shopping/dining out, drive more on a weekly basis or use more expensive gas as compared to compared to Baby Boomers.

Motorists in the South (11%) and West (10%) say they would use more expensive gas while five percent of those in the Mid-West (5%) and seven percent in the Northeast (7%) would be willing to upgrade fuel type.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Mar. 14, 2019) – A year after a number of high-profile automated vehicle incidents, American attitudes toward fully self-driving cars have not rebounded. AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey found that 71 percent of people are afraid to ride in fully self-driving vehicles – indicating that overall sentiment has not yet returned to what it was prior to these incidents occurring (63 percent). AAA believes the key to helping consumers feel more comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles will be bridging the gap between the perception of automated vehicle technology and the reality of how it actually works in today’s cars.

“Automated vehicle technology is evolving on a very public stage and, as a result, it is affecting how consumers feel about it,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “Having the opportunity to interact with partially or fully automated vehicle technology will help remove some of the mystery for consumers and open the door for greater acceptance.”

Experience seems to play a key role in impacting how drivers feel about automated vehicle technology. Many cars on the road today are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are considered the building blocks for fully self-driving vehicles. AAA’s recent survey revealed that regular interaction with ADAS components like lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and self-parking significantly improves consumer comfort level. On average, drivers who have one of these four ADAS technologies are about 68 percent more likely to trust these features than drivers who don’t have them.

Even more promising, AAA found that Americans are receptive to the idea of automated vehicle technology in more limited applications. About half (53 percent) are comfortable with low-speed, short distance forms of transportation like people movers found at airports or theme parks while 44 percent are comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles for delivery of food or packages. However, once the passengers become more personal – in particular, transporting their loved ones – one in five remain comfortable.

“Despite fears still running high, AAA’s study also shows that Americans are willing to take baby steps toward incorporating this type of technology into their lives,” continued Brannon. “Hands-on exposure in more controlled, low-risk environments coupled with stronger education will play a key role in easing fears about self-driving cars.”

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 20, 2019 -- Used vehicle sales in 2019 are poised to hit the highest level since the recession, according to a new report from the car shopping experts at Edmunds. In 2018, 40.2 million used vehicles were sold in the U.S.; in 2019, Edmunds analysts predict used vehicle sales could approach 41 million. Edmunds experts say rising vehicle prices and high interest rates are pushing buyers out of the new market, and a record number of lease returns this year will give shoppers more options than ever in the used market.

"Typically sales of new and used vehicles follow the same pattern — if sales of new vehicles rise or fall, so do sales of used vehicles, and vice versa," said Ivan Drury, Edmunds' senior manager of industry analysis. "But now we're seeing new vehicle sales fall while used rise, indicating the market has reached a flash point. New cars are getting so expensive that they're out of reach for many car shoppers, but there are so many more affordable used vehicles coming off lease that the market is naturally shifting in that direction."

Edmunds data shows that in 2013, the price gap between new and 3-year-old used vehicles was 56 percent, amounting to more than $11,000 in savings on average. In 2018, that number grew to 62 percent, totaling nearly $14,000 in savings on average. Edmunds data also reveals that new car interest rates jumped by 17 percent in 2018, whereas rates for used vehicles have risen at a slower clip, with interest rates increasing by 9 percent in the same period.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti unveiled its latest creation: a one-of-a-kind hypercar called La Voiture Noire. It was created to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the brand's founding.

At $18.9 million, La Voiture Noire is also now the most expensive new car ever sold, Bugatti said, eclipsing the $13 million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail in 2017.

"Bugatti arouses passion and emotions throughout the world," the company's president, Stephan Winkelmann, said in a statement. "Customers expect us to continually surprise them and to raise the goalposts beyond the limits of their imagination. We have just succeeded in doing so with 'La Voiture Noire.'"

La Voiture Noire, French for "the black car," is an homage to a Type 57SC Atlantic of the same name designed in the late 1930s by Jean Bugatti, the son of the company's founder, Ettore Bugatti.

- Honda sets the bar for fleet average fuel efficiency at 29.4 mpg

- Fleet average CO2 emissions also lowest at 302 g/mi

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2019 -- Honda ranks as the most fuel-efficient automaker in America in a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released today. Honda has the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any major automaker for the 2017 model year (MY2017), the latest year for which full data is available, according to the report.

The 2019 EPA Automotive Trends Report ranked Honda first with a U.S. fleet average fuel economy of 29.4 miles per gallon (mpg), a five-year improvement of 3.1 mpg, and 4.5 mpg above the industry average for MY2017. Similarly, Honda's fleet-average CO2 emissions reached an industry low of 302 grams/mile, an improvement of 36 grams/mile from 2012 results and 55 grams/mile better than (below) the industry average for the 2017 model year.

"Honda is proud to play a leading role in the move toward a more efficient, low-emissions mobility future and it's encouraging to see the industry as a whole making significant gains, despite low fuel prices and the market trend toward trucks and SUVs," said Robert Bienenfeld, assistant vice president of Energy and Environmental Policy for America Honda Motor Co., Inc. "There's a lot of work still to be done, but with record sales and production of Honda electrified vehicles and more planned, we are committed to continue improving our fuel economy performance."

In 2018, Honda set new all-time records for sales and production of electrified vehicles in America1, spurred by the introduction of the 2019 Insight hybrid sedan at the Greensburg, Indiana plant, and the start of production of the redesigned 2019 Accord Hybrid in Marysville, Ohio. The company added production of its two-motor hybrid power unit in Russells Point, Ohio, and assembly of the hybrid battery packs for both the Insight and Accord Hybrid at its Marysville, Ohio plant.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27, 2019) – Americans spend an additional 20 minutes driving each week compared to 2014, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Over the course of the year, Americans collectively spent 70 billion hours behind the wheel- an eight percent increase since 2014. Each week, drivers travel more than 220 miles. Add it up and Americans drive an average of 11,498 miles each year- the equivalent of making two roundtrip drives from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

“The more time drivers spend behind the wheel, the greater their exposure to risks on the roadway” said Dr. David Yang, executive director for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Longer time behind the wheel could lead to issues such as fatigue, distraction, and impatience for drivers, which are all contributing factors for vehicle crashes. Drivers need to stay alert and focused on the key task at hand, driving. This can save your life and the lives of your passengers and people with whom you share the road.”

The AAA Foundation’s American Driving Survey shows that on average, U.S. drivers spend nearly an hour behind the wheel each day and travel 31.5 miles- a five percent increase from 2014.

H&I Automotive is Celebrating 10 Years of Serving their East Valley Neighbors!

H&I Gilbert is also celebrating their 1st anniversary!

Join them for Cars 2 Show We Care!

There will be vendors, a 50/50 raffle, prize raffles, demonstrations, bounce house for the kiddos, refreshments available for purchase - and of course the cars!

All proceeds will go to support Military Assistance Mission. Don't miss out on this momentous occasion!

When:
Saturday March 2nd from 10 AM - 2 PM

Where:
4550 S Higley Rd Gilbert, AZ 85297

Trophy Categories:

• Best Car
• Best Truck
• Best Modern
• Best Hot Rod
• Best Import
• Best Paint