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(WASHINGTON, March 14, 2016) Gas prices have jumped by 12 cents per gallon this week, which is the largest weekly increase since early March 2015. Prices increased by double digits due to a decline in gasoline supplies, relatively strong demand and continued refinery maintenance. The national average has moved higher for 18 of the past 20 days for a total of 23 cents per gallon, and today’s price of $1.94 per gallon is the highest average in two months. Relatively low oil costs continue to provide drivers with year-over-year savings at the pump, and consumers are saving 50 cents per gallon compared to this same date last year.

Prices typically move higher at this time of year as gasoline demand begins to increase and refineries conduct seasonal maintenance. This year’s refinery maintenance season is characterized by lower-than-expected prices for crude oil and ample supplies, which should help keep pump prices relatively low compared to recent years. Prices in some regions may move significantly higher in the near term due to fluctuations in local supply and demand associated with continued maintenance and preparations for summer-blend gasoline in advance of the June 1 deadline for retail facilities to sell the cleaner blend.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will hold a pair of public meetings this spring to gather input as it develops guidelines for the safe deployment of automated safety technology. The meetings, to be held in Washington, D.C., and California, will gather information on a series of issues related to safe operation of automated vehicles as part of NHTSA’s efforts to provide manufacturers with operational guidance.

“We are witnessing a revolution in auto technology that has the potential to save thousands of lives,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “In order to achieve that potential, we need to establish guidelines for manufacturers that clearly outline how we expect automated vehicles to function – not only safely, but more safely – on our roads.”

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y., March 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Finest Automobile Auctions, a new auction house focused on delivering the finest experience for collector car enthusiasts, and Proxibid, the world's most trusted way to connect buyers and sellers of highly valued items, have partnered to bring together some of the most sought-after collector cars available at auction with the most sophisticated online bidding solution to ensure collectors from across the globe can bid and buy with confidence. The Finest Automobile Auctions will make its live auction debut at The Elegance at Hershey, one of the most important Concours events of the season, on Saturday, June 11 at 1:00 pm Eastern. Live online bidding for this auction will be available via Proxibid.
  
"As the Chairman of the Board of the Elegance at Hershey, I am excited to announce our partnership with The Finest and their role as Title Sponsor.  The auction will add another exciting component to what already promises to be a great weekend," said Michael Rich of the Elegance at Hershey.

MCLEAN, Va., March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Wholesale used vehicle prices generally rise in February as dealers prepare for increased spring consumer demand. In fact, up to this year, prices had moved higher in February for twenty years straight. The streak came to an end last month, however, as wholesale prices of vehicles up to eight years in age fell by nearly 1 percent from January.
  
In their March Guidelines report covering the U.S. used vehicle market, analysts at NADA Used Car Guide note above average increases in late auction volume likely played a role in February's depressed outcome. Auction volume of 2014 and 2015 models increased by an average of roughly 20 percent from January to February.

As winter winds down and the weather gets warmer, motorists will see more potholes on the roadways and avoiding them can be a real challenge. If you hit a pothole, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends watching for three warning signs to determine if your vehicle has been damaged.

Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling.

Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear, are symptoms of an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling.

(WASHINGTON, March 21, 2016) Pump prices have climbed higher for two straight weeks, and the national average price of gas may soon climb above $2 per gallon for the first time this year. Gas prices have increased largely due to seasonal increases in fuel demand and reduced production as some refineries conduct maintenance.  Today’s average price of $1.98 per gallon is a the highest daily mark since January, and drivers are paying a nickel more per gallon than a week ago and 27 cents more per than a month ago. Despite retail averages rising, consumers continue to benefit from yearly savings and prices remain 44 cents per gallon cheaper than a year ago.

Gas prices tend to reach the highest levels of the year in the spring before the summer driving season. As the weather turns warmer and days grow longer, people tend to drive more, which results in increased demand. Many families also take spring break road trips this time of year, which means they may use more gasoline than normal. This increase in demand comes at the same time that many refineries conduct maintenance to prepare equipment for the busy summer driving season, which leads to a temporary decline in fuel production. In addition, refineries also begin to transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, but mandated due to the fact that it is causes less air pollution at warmer temperatures. These factors typically lead to higher gas prices this time of year and have helped push prices higher in recent weeks.

McLEAN, Va. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced today a historic commitment by 20 automakers representing more than 99 percent of the U.S. auto market to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on virtually all new cars no later than NHTSA’s 2022 reporting year, which begins Sept 1, 2022.

Automakers making the commitment are Audi, BMW, FCA US LLC, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla Motors Inc., Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car USA. The unprecedented commitment means that this important safety technology will be available to more consumers more quickly than would be possible through the regulatory process.

AEB systems help prevent crashes or reduce their severity by applying the brakes for the driver. The systems use on-vehicle sensors such as radar, cameras or lasers to detect an imminent crash, warn the driver and apply the brakes if the driver does not take sufficient action quickly enough.

LONDON, March 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide demand for tires is projected to increase 4.1 percent per year to 3.0 billion units in 2019. In value terms, sales of tires are forecast to grow 7.1 percent per annum to $258 billion. Increasing incomes in developing regions will spur growth in the number of vehicles in use, fueling demand for tires. Higher income levels and expanding economic activity will also contribute to increases in average annual vehicle mileage, boosting the frequency of tire replacement. However, growth will be constrained somewhat by rising tire quality, which will exert downward pressure on replacement rates.

Motor vehicles to remain dominant market for tires

The motor vehicle market will remain the largest outlet for tire demand, accounting for over half of the total in 2019. Demand for tires in this market will rise to 2.0 billion units, at an annual rate that will trail the global average. Western Europe and North America are particularly significant in the motor vehicle market, representing 40 percent of demand in this market compared to 10 percent in other markets. This is a reflection of the wealth of these regions, which support high levels of motor vehicle ownership and consequently sizable replacement tire demand. Demand for tires in motorcycle and other applications is projected to outpace the global average and reach 990 million units in 2019. Tire sales in this market are concentrated in fast growing developing regions, where motorcycles see heavy use as a low-cost substitute for motor vehicles. Sales of tires in other applications, such as aircraft, tractors, and industrial vehicles, will also grow at a healthy pace as manufacturing and usage of these vehicles increase.

The 2016 New York International Automobile Show is a treasure trove of this year’s most amazing new vehicles that feature every conceivable technological enhancement, making them more fuel efficient, safer, more convenient and more fun to drive than ever before.

Car Care Inspections Reveal 80 Percent of Vehicles Need Service

Bethesda, MD – March 31, 2016 – Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. When it comes to auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair, according to the non-profit Car Care Council.

“With so many vehicles in need of service, National Car Care Month in April serves as an important reminder to take action today so you can depend on your vehicle down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.”