ORLANDO, Fla. (January 24, 2018) – American drivers are beginning to embrace self-driving vehicles, according to a new study from AAA. The annual survey reveals that 63 percent of U.S. drivers report feeling afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle, a significant decrease from 78 percent in early 2017. Millennial and male drivers are the most trusting of autonomous technologies, with only half reporting they would be afraid to ride in a self-driving car. To ensure that American drivers continue to be informed, prepared and comfortable with this shift in mobility, AAA urges automakers to prioritize consumer education.

“Americans are starting to feel more comfortable with the idea of self-driving vehicles,” AAA Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations Director Greg Brannon said. “Compared to just a year ago, AAA found that 20 million more U.S. drivers would trust a self-driving vehicle to take them for a ride.”

While riding in a fully self-driving vehicle is a futuristic concept for most, testing of these vehicles in the United States means that sharing the road with an automated vehicle is an increasing near-term possibility. In this situation, drivers remain leery of self-driving vehicles.

RAAMSDONKVEER, Netherlands, January 31, 2018 -- On the 6th & 7th of March (press only) and between the 8th and 18th of March (public days) at the Geneva Motor Show in booth 1210, PAL-V will unveil the world's first flying car production model - the PAL-V Liberty. Not only a decisive milestone for PAL-V, but also a historic breakthrough in the evolution of flying cars altogether.

About the importance of this milestone, Robert Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V, stated: "The production model is the moment of truth. The moment where the wall between fiction and facts is torn down. A production model is the last stage in the R&D process before starting full production and delivery. All certifications required for commercialization will be granted on the basis of this production model. It is the pivotal point that separates pioneers from dreamers."

The certification not only guarantees the safety of the flying car but also is the approval that the vehicle can be driven on the roads and flown in the air. Dingemanse said: "Once full certification is granted in 2019 we will hand over the keys of the PAL-V Liberty to our first customers."

2018 MDX Sport Hybrid features an upgraded user interface with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration

Two new sporty red exterior colors

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2018 -- The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid begins arriving at Acura dealerships tomorrow, boasting an upgraded user interface and additional in-vehicle technology plus two new exterior colors, Basque Red Pearl II and San Marino Red. Pricing begins at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) of $52,100 (excluding $995 destination and handling). Distinguishing the Sport Hybrid from the rest of the MDX lineup is the brand's signature three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ system, which it shares with the 2018 NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time2 and has recently claimed AutoWeb's 2018 Buyer's Choice Award for the Luxury SUV category.

The 2018 MDX Sport Hybrid showcases Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA with its 3.0-liter, i-VTEC™ V6 engine and three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. With 321-peak horsepower3 and 289 lb.-ft. total peak torque on tap, the MDX Sport Hybrid is Acura's most powerful production SUV ever built. And, despite turning out 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating as compared to the conventionally-powered MDX SH-AWD, the MDX Sport Hybrid carries a nominal premium of only $1,500 over the conventional MDX SH-AWD®.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 23, 2018 -- Move over polluters, the Toyota Mirai, one of the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, has surpassed 3,000 sales in the Golden State. Having reached this new milestone, Mirai make up more than 80% of all hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the United States.

Move over polluters, the Toyota Mirai, one of the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, has surpassed 3,000 sales in the Golden State.

"Toyota remains at the forefront of developing and deploying hydrogen fuel cell technology, and we believe strongly in its potential to help realize a more sustainable and zero-emissions society," said Bob Carter, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

"From our success in launching the Mirai to our work in building the world's first megawatt-scale carbonate fuel cell power generation plant, Toyota is proud to bring to market new uses for this versatile technology."

The Toyota Mirai, a four-door, mid-size sedan, is a zero-emission hydrogen vehicle with an EPA estimated driving range rating of 312 miles and 67 mpge city/highway/combined. Its performance fully competes with traditional internal combustion engines – but uses no gasoline. With a refueling time of approximately five minutes, the Mirai creates electricity using hydrogen, oxygen and a fuel cell, and emits nothing but water vapor in the process.

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).