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Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

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.

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having an intermittent electrical issue with her vehicle.