IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2020 -- The valuation analysts at Kelley Blue Book today reported the estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $39,259 in November 2020. New-vehicle prices increased $499 (up 1.3%) from November 2019, while falling $480 (down 1.2%) from last month.

"COVID-19 began its second surge with cases on the rise this past month and right before for the holiday season," said Kayla Reynolds, industry intelligence analyst at Cox Automotive. "Consumer confidence has been faltering and unemployment remains stubbornly high. Still, consumers in the market for new vehicles are demonstrating an ability to pay premium prices. While average transaction prices are down from last month, they remain historically elevated, with November forecasted to be the third-highest month on record."

The only automakers with both month-over-month and year-over-year gains included Fiat Chrysler, Hyundai Kia, and Subaru, with Fiat Chrysler reporting the largest year-over-year growth at 6%. Nissan North America and Volkswagen Group were down from last month and this time last year.

Winter is quickly approaching and that means fewer hours of daylight. To be sure you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, check your vehicle’s lights and wipers, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“The days are getting shorter, so it is a good time to check that your vehicle’s wipers and lighting are working properly because the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so check all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out. Also, be sure to inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits.”

The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers and sunny weather. In fact, wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 30, 2020) – Following the Thanksgiving holiday, the national gas price average is more expensive. At $2.12, it is two cents more than a week ago, but remains cheaper compared to last month (-2 cents) and last year (-46 cents). Across the country, motorists in nearly 30 states are paying more at the pump on the week with states along the I-95 corridor seeing the largest jump: Delaware (+15 cents), Maryland (+8 cents), Pennsylvania (+7 cents), New Jersey (+6 cents) and North Carolina (+6 cents).

Despite the small increase at the pump, U. S. gasoline stocks increased and demand decreased, according to the Energy Information Administration’s reports for the week ending November 20. Demand dropped to 8.1 million b/d, a five month low, and stocks built by 2.2 million bbl to total 230.1 million bbl.

“As COVID-19 cases increased, the national gas price average saw it’s cheapest November in 12 years,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson. “Motorists can expect gas prices to mostly decrease in the days ahead, especially with demand showing the lowest reading since June.”

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases: Delaware (+15 cents), Maryland (+8 cents), Pennsylvania (+7 cents), New Jersey (+6 cents), North Carolina (+6 cents), Indiana (+6 cents), Washington, D.C. (+5 cents), Virginia (+4 cents), Tennessee (+4 cents) and Oklahoma (+3 cents).

DETROIT, Nov. 18, 2020 -- At a time when many Americans are adapting to a lifestyle with fewer places to go, a new survey from Ally finds that cars and personal transportation are more essential to people's lives than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seventy-two percent of car owners say that going for a drive alone allows them to clear to their head, according to a survey of 2,000 American adults conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ally Financial. Nearly three-quarters of men (73%) and more than half of women (53%) consider their car to be their personal "fortress of solitude."

Ally survey finds that the essential value of cars is increasing during pandemic, along with financial anxiety.

In addition, the pandemic has caused Americans to rethink their desired mode of transportation. Nearly 3 out of four Americans, 72%, are wary of using public transportation because of COVID-19. This isn't just a short-term trend—69% of car owners say they plan on driving more after the pandemic ends rather than use public transportation.

TOMS RIVER, N.J., Nov. 18, 2020 -- Specialty Vehicle Engineering is pleased to announce the availability of its all-new 2021 YENKO/SC® Silverado Off Road Truck, powered by a custom built 800HP 378 C.I.D. supercharged LT-1-based engine. This is the most powerful limited production 2021 Full-Size GM truck available today, and only available from your Chevy dealer. Only 50 of these Limited Edition YENKO/SC® trucks will be built in any factory available color, and will be available in crew cab and double cab Custom models in 4WD. The YENKO Off Road comes equipped with a heavy-duty 6 speed automatic transmission with performance upgrade, Brembo's larger front brakes that include 6 piston calipers and 16.1" Duralife™ vented rotors, our BDS lift kit that raises the truck 4" and includes higher-rated front and rear Fox® performance shocks, and HD rear sway bar to properly balance the awesome power of the 800HP supercharged engine.

The YENKO® Silverado exterior features include YENKO Off Road 1/4 panel graphics, hood insert manufactured from OEM-quality high-impact composite material finished in gloss body color with flat black louvers, Unique 12-spoke 20" x 10" aluminum alloy front and rear one piece wheels in matte finish with rim edge finished in silver, black, or body color, Nitto Ridge Grappler LT295/60R20 off road performance tires that offer a quiet ride, a custom high-impact composite tailgate panel overlay with embossed YENKO/SC logo in gloss finish body color, a custom front grille bar with the YENKO/SC logo stamped in, also in gloss finish body color, and much more! Each of these 50 vehicles will include a numbered power badge, two numbered key fobs, a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, and a 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty on engine and supercharger assembly, transmission upgrade and non-powertrain components. For more information contact Specialty Vehicle Engineering at (732) 240-3696 ext. 173 or visit www.specialtyvehicleengineering.com.