Latest News From Bumper Radio

Today’s national gas price average is $2.54, which is only one cent more than last week. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that while gasoline demand modestly decreased (146,000 b/d), gasoline inventory increased by 3.6 million bbl. Combined, these two factors resulted in minimal impact on the national average this week. On the week, gas prices increased for 41 states with Florida seeing the largest jump at the pump with a nine-cent increase.

“For consumers, the questions is how high are gas prices going to go in 2018,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Since 2014, gas prices decreased as much as 20 cents in the first three weeks of the year. This year, gas prices are five cents more than on January 1 of this year, a possible indication that prices in 2018 will likely be more expensive than last year.”

Today, motorists can find gas for $2.50 or less at 58 percent of gas stations nationwide.

Quick Stats

The largest yearly changes in the top ten markets are: California (+39 cents), Indiana (+37 cents), Michigan (+32 cents), Alaska (+30 cents), Oregon (+28 cents), Hawaii (+28 cents), Montana (+28 cents), Ohio (+27 cents), Illinois (+25 cents) and Tennessee (+25 cents).

The nation’s top ten least expensive markets are: Texas ($2.29), Missouri ($2.30), Alabama ($2.30), Mississippi ($2.31), South Carolina ($2.32), Arkansas ($2.32), Arizona ($2.34), New Mexico ($2.35), Oklahoma ($2.35) and Tennessee ($2.36).

Watch All The Action on Velocity Beginning at 1 p.m. MST and During a Special Six-Hour Simulcast on Discovery Channel and Velocity From 4-10 p.m. MST Saturday, Jan. 20

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 16, 2018 – The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction is poised for a historic “Super Saturday” this weekend as some of the most high-profile vehicles are scheduled to cross the auction block. Viewers at home can catch all of the heart-pounding action beginning at 1:00 p.m. MST on Velocity, and then during a special, unprecedented six-hour simulcast on Discovery Channel and Velocity from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. MST.

“We are off to a spectacular start this week at our 47th Annual Scottsdale Auction with a record opening weekend and, with more than 1,700 cars on the docket, we are building up all week to a ‘Super Saturday’ that is going to absolutely rock the house,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “For the first time ever, Discovery Channel will broadcast live on Wednesday in prime time, and Saturday’s simulcast will bring a historic day to viewers at home on Discovery Channel and Velocity.”

Among the highlight vehicles included in Saturday’s simulcast are four high-profile charity vehicles:

New fuel efficient, clean diesel car, pickup, SUV choices debuted at NAIAS

DETROIT, Jan. 17, 2018 -- Clean diesel technology got a major boost at the 2018 North American International Auto Show as six auto manufacturers announced new clean diesel options for passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks.

"These announcements demonstrate a strong commitment to clean diesel technology as a fuel-efficient choice for consumers, and for achieving cleaner air and fuel economy targets," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

"This new generation of clean diesel vehicles has been more scrutinized and evaluated than ever before. Consumers that choose diesel in their next vehicle will experience the unmatched combination of no-compromise driving performance, very low emissions, fuel efficiency, operating range and towing capacity. In the lineup of available alternative fuel vehicles, diesel is the only one with choices in all vehicle segments – sedans, light trucks, SUVs, vans and luxury performance.

ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2018 -- It's officially 2018 and what better way to start the new year than to snap up some of the best incentive deals that January has to offer? While many car shoppers tend to see their purchasing options as black and white, new or used, a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle can be the perfect blend for those who are on a strict budget, but are not willing to compromise on the reliability and comfort that comes with purchasing a new vehicle.

"While CPO vehicles are often lightly used, with a long manufacturer-backed warranty, they come at a great discount from the new price," said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. "Enticing car shoppers further, many automakers also offer special deals and incentives on CPO vehicles. And to ring in the new year, a number of automakers have added January exclusive incentives to their already strong programs."

The editors at Autotrader have rounded up some of the top CPO deals this month to help welcome in 2018 and guide car shoppers.

Autotrader Editors' Top Picks for CPO Deals for January 2018

- 3rd straight year for Honda to win a North American "of the Year" award following Civic (2016) and Ridgeline (2017)

- 2018 Accord honored for bold "new from the ground up" approach to remaking America's best-selling car over the past 41 years

- More than 11 million Accords made in America

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 15, 2018 --The all-new 2018 Honda Accord, the 10th generation of America's most popular car, has earned the prestigious 2018 North American Car of the Year award. Accord's win marks the third consecutive year that a Honda model has received top honors from the North American jury of automotive journalists, with the Honda Civic and Honda Ridgeline winning the car and truck awards in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

"Honda took a clean-sheet approach to reinventing America's most popular car, and we couldn't be prouder to receive this honor for Accord as the North American Car of the Year," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of the Automobile Division and general manager of Honda Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We're especially proud for the production associates in Ohio where Accord has been built to the highest quality standards for over 35 years."

From tech upgrades to redesigned exteriors, Kelley Blue Book's Micah Muzio highlights some of the big unveilings of 2018 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 17, 2018 - Now in its 30th year, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) serves as the global stage for companies to debut brand-defining vehicles and industry-shaping. This year, the 2018 North American International Auto Show runs from January 13-28th at the Cobo Center in Detroit. NAIAS is unmatched in the industry in presenting six unique shows in one, including: The Gallery, an ultra-luxury automotive event, AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms, Press Preview, Industry Preview, Charity Preview and then concluding with a nine-day Public Show. Take a look at some of the hottest cars coming out of this year's show!

Hot Unveilings: Massive things are brewing at Hyundai.  The all-new 2019 Veloster and Veloster Turbo. The Veloster retains its unique two-plus-one door asymmetrical body style configuration. It has available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque and standard multi-link rear suspension for agile dynamics. It also boasts a generous cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features.  They're also unveiling the first U.S. Market N-brand performance model. The Veloster N model demonstrates performance potential for Hyundai N-brand in the U.S. and its N model integrated body design details clearly differentiate from Veloster line. It's loaded with electronically-controlled suspension with track-tuned driving modes and 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with up to 271 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque.

Company shows brake system that eliminates need for hydraulic fluid

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 17, 2018 -- Chassis Brakes International, one of the world's largest manufacturers of automotive brake systems and components, will present a broad range of current and future braking technology for its customers during this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Company executives will host technology presentations on advanced and autonomous braking systems at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront hotel during supplier days (Jan. 17-18) at the show.

"Many in the industry think of Chassis Brakes International as a manufacturer of traditional braking products," said Dennis Berry, president for the company's Americas region. "We're here to showcase our current braking technology, but also to stake our claim in the electronic, brake-by-wire and autonomous vehicle realms, as well."

The company's new Smart Brake™ technology, for example, has been designed for tomorrow's vehicles. This electro-mechanical brake system completely eliminates the use of hydraulic fluid and simplifies vehicle-system architecture. It also simplifies vehicle assembly and end-of-line testing for automakers.

Gas prices jumped four cents on the week landing today’s national average at $2.53. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased 164,000 bbl on the week to register at 8.8 million. The demand measurement is the highest demand for the first EIA report of January since 2011. The demand increase is a contributing factor to this week’s higher pump prices.

“The EIA’s gasoline demand measurement is higher than any week in January last year,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “If demand continues to climb, motorists are likely to see pump prices increase too, paving the way for even more expensive fill-ups. This month’s average is already 19-cents more than last January.”

Motorists in the Great Lakes and Central states are seeing the largest increase in gas prices on the week. Only two states, Alaska (-2 cents) and Rhode Island (-1 cent), in the country carry pump prices that are less than last week’s price.

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 21, 2017 -- Hyundai Motor Company took a major step towards equipping future connected vehicles with the voice recognition technology necessary to keep pace with growing, real-time data needs of drivers. Hyundai's "Intelligent Personal Agent," a voice-enabled virtual assistant system, will be deployed in new models set to roll out as early as 2019.

Co-developed by Hyundai and Silicon Valley-based SoundHound Inc., the leading innovator in voice-enabled AI and conversational intelligence technologies, Intelligent Personal Agent allows drivers to use voice commands for many different operations and real-time data, which connected cars of the future demand.

The Intelligent Personal Agent is unique in that it acts as a proactive assistant system, predicting the driver's needs and providing useful information. For instance, the system may give an early reminder of an upcoming meeting and suggest departure times that account for current traffic conditions.

These personal features combine with an array of driver conveniences, such as the ability to make phone calls, send text messages, search destinations, search music, check weather and manage schedules. It also allows drivers to voice-control frequently used in-vehicle functions such as air-conditioning, sunroofs and door locks, while gathering various information about the vehicle. What's more, the Intelligent Personal Agent supports a "Car-to-Home" service, enabling the driver to control electronic devices at home with simple voice commands.