Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Hyundai Motor Group Takes Top Honors in 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

Owners of vehicles from Hyundai Motor Group nameplates report the fewest problems and frustrations compared to owners of other automotive brands in the U.S.

Kia ranks top brand overall and Genesis ranks top premium brand

Hyundai Motor ranks third overall, improving by four positions

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 11, 2022 -- Hyundai Motor Group is the top-ranked automaker in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) with its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis nameplates taking three of the industry's top four brand rankings overall, including the top spot.

Kia is the top-ranked brand overall, including all mass-market and premium brands, and Genesis is the top-ranked premium brand and fourth overall. Hyundai Motor is ranked third overall, based on VDS's PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles) scoring criteria.

Hyundai Motor also took top honors in the midsize SUV and midsize sedan segments with Santa Fe and Sonata, respectively. Kia Sorento took the top honor in the upper midsize SUV segment for the second consecutive year.

New-Vehicle Prices Retreat from Record Highs but Remain Well Above MSRP, According to Kelley Blue Book

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2022 -- New-vehicle average transaction prices (ATPs) decreased to $46,404 in January 2022, according to new data released today by Kelley Blue Book, after reaching a record high in December 2021. Prices fell 1.8% ($839) month over month mostly due to fewer luxury vehicles being sold in January, but prices remain elevated compared to one year ago, up 12.5% ($5,155) from January 2021. With new-vehicle supply holding steady at the same level since Thanksgiving and customer demand remaining strong, dealers continue to hold prices at or above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

"The surge in new-car prices appears to have peaked," said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Cox Automotive. "Yet, while we expect vehicle supply to improve, it will continue to be tight particularly through the first half of the year. Because of this, we expect prices to remain high for the foreseeable future, but car shoppers can rest assured we don't anticipate any more record highs."

Gas Prices March Higher With No Signs of Slowing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 7, 2022) — Blustery winter weather and geopolitical tensions are helping to drive the price of oil higher, which is in the low-$90s per barrel, nearly $30 more than in August. The recent cold weather in the U.S increased the demand for heating oil. Meanwhile, the concern that Russia will react to potential western sanctions by withholding crude oil from the already tight global market puts heavy upward pressure on prices. The national average for a gallon of gas has surged to $3.44, eight cents more than a week ago. Gas was last this expensive in 2014.

“This shows how events on the other side of the globe can have a noticeable impact right here in the U.S,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And unfortunately for drivers, they are reminded of this by higher prices at the pump.”

Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep® Brand and Ram Vehicles Earn Car and Driver Editors' Choice Awards

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 2, 2022 --

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio make the Car and Driver Editors' Choice list for the fifth consecutive year

Chrysler Pacifica continues its run as Editors' Choice for Minivans

Jeep® Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L take Editors' Choice honors for Mid-Size SUV

Ram 1500, 1500 TRX and 2500/3500 continue their presence on Editors' Choice list

A total of eight vehicles from the Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Ram and Jeep® brands are among those selected by the editors of Car and Driver for the 2022 edition of the publication's annual Editors' Choice honors.

Face It: Only One Type of Driver Monitoring System Works, But It’s Not Foolproof

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2022) — As vehicles become increasingly automated, automakers realize some technology may give drivers the false sense that the vehicle can drive itself. To counter this, driver monitoring systems with either a camera or steering wheel detection are used to prevent the deadly consequences of a distracted driver. However, new real-world testing by AAA found systems using a driver-facing camera are best at keeping motorists focused on the road. Unfortunately, the technology is not foolproof and a driver determined to cheat the system can defeat it.

“The key to a safe active driving assistance system is effective driver monitoring that can’t be easily tricked,” said Greg Brannon, director of AAA’s automotive engineering and industry relations. “Vehicle technology has the potential to improve roadway safety, but the last thing we want are ineffective features in the hands of uninformed or overconfident drivers.”

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having trouble passing emissions with their 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.