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Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Ruedas ESPN Selects 2019 Genesis G70 As

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 8, 2018 -- The all-new 2019 Genesis G70 was awarded Ruedas ESPN's "Best Luxury Sedan." The G70 luxury sport sedan was selected by the Ruedas ESPN Executive Committee, a jury composed of industry experts.

"Receiving this award from Ruedas ESPN is further proof of the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the launch of G70," said Erwin Raphael, Executive Director, Genesis Motor America.

Ruedas ESPN is the leading Spanish language automotive radio show in the United States, broadcast live on ESPN Deportes Radio, a network of 44 radio stations in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as SIRIUS and XM Channel 157.

Also last week, on Friday, October 5, the Genesis Essentia concept was chosen as "Star of the Show" at the Miami International Auto Show by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA): the highest honor bestowed upon a vehicle at the Miami International Auto Show. Five judges unanimously decided that the all-electric, high-performance Essentia should receive the award. This was the first time the SAMA judges have rendered a unanimous decision for "Star of the Show."

"Essentia is not only a breathtaking design, it's a breath of fresh air," said SAMA head judge Juan Gregory Robbin. "It's unlike any other concept car we've ever seen. We hope this concept becomes a reality someday."


Genesis Motor America
Genesis Motor America, LLC is headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. Genesis is a global luxury automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design and innovation. A total of six new Genesis models, including the flagship full-size G90 luxury sedan, mid-luxury G80 and G80 Sport sedans and the all-new G70 entry-luxury sport sedan, will launch by 2021 and compete with the world's most renowned luxury car brands. All Genesis vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by an industry-leading warranty with enhanced roadside assistance and concierge services. In just the first half of 2018, Genesis has won highest-ranked brand in the automotive industry awards for quality and owner satisfaction from highly-respected, third-party experts Consumer Reports, JD Power and AutoPacific.

Gas Prices Seeing Resurgence

The national gas price average increased three-cents on the week to $2.91. All but seven states are paying more on the week. Today’s national gas price average is six-cents more than a month ago and 41-cents more than a year ago.

“The September switch-over to winter-blend gasoline ushered in cheaper gas prices compared to the summer, but that drop was short lived,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Crude oil accounts for half of the retail pump price and crude is selling at some of the highest price points in four years. That means fall and year-end prices are going to be unseasonably expensive.”

Crude oil has priced higher amid concerns of global crude supply and geopolitical tensions, including pending sanctions with Iran and Venezuela’s unstable economy.

As a result, fall gas prices have not been this expensive since 2014. At that time, motorists were paying on average more than $3/gal and crude oil was selling well above $70/bbl. This year, despite stocks increasing in the U.S. by 8 million bbl on the week, crude oil is selling at a good $25/bbl or more than last year, hitting $75/bbl last week.

North American premiere at Rennsport Reunion VI in California

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept Fascinates U.S. Audience

ATLANTA, Sept. 27, 2018 -- The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept received an enthusiastic welcome at its third public appearance. Following its world premiere on June 8 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany, as part of the "70 years of Porsche Sports Cars" anniversary celebration, and first demonstration drives at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, the open-top concept car is now celebrating its U.S. debut at  Rennsport Reunion VI in California. The 911 Speedster Concept is based on the current 991 generation and offers a preview of a potential new equipment range from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. With Heritage Design packages, the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is considering providing a modern interpretation of the distinctive themes and colors of its history from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. In addition to the 911 Speedster Concept, Porsche is presenting another unique product at the Laguna Seca Raceway as part of Rennsport Reunion VI: the Porsche Design '911 Speedster' concept chronograph. A decision about a possible production version of the 911 Speedster Concept will be made very soon.

Painted in a two-tone GT Silver Metallic and White, the concept car reflects the core of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer in precise clarity and historically accurate design. It was developed at Porsche Motorsport in close cooperation with Style Porsche and the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. It is powered by a naturally aspirated flat-six engine developing over 500 horsepower and capable of revving up to 9,000 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual transmission. The development focus was on creating a pure and exhilarating driving experience.

Pump Prices Trend Lower for Majority of Motorists

Motorists in 32 states are welcoming cheaper or stable gas prices at the start of the workweek. Today’s national gas price average is $2.85, which is the same price as last Monday, one-cent more than last month and 27-cents more expensive than this time last year.

The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data reports that both U.S. gasoline demand and stocks declined signaling supply and demand are in sync post the summer. This is true for most regions, except in the Great Lakes and Central region where prices are increasing due to maintenance at a handful of refineries.

While the national gas price has remained stable throughout September, the price of crude oil started to increase in the last week.

“Crude oil prices pushed past $70/bbl for three days last week,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “If they trend above this level for a sustained amount of time, we could see a trend reversal in pump prices meaning it may cost more to fill-up as we get closer to the end of the year.”


Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Alabama ($2.53), Mississippi ($2.53), Louisiana ($2.57), South Carolina ($2.58), Tennessee ($2.58), Arkansas ($2.59), Texas ($2.59), Virginia ($2.61), Missouri ($2.61) and North Carolina ($2.68).
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Delaware (-8 cents), Kentucky (+6 cents), Michigan (-5 cents), North Dakota (+5 cents), Oklahoma (+5 cents), Indiana (+5 cents), Iowa (+5 cents), Minnesota (+5 cents), Illinois (+4 cents) and Nebraska (+4 cents).

Drivers Rely Too Heavily on New Vehicle Safety Technologies In Spite of Limitations

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 26, 2018) – More and more, drivers are recognizing the value in having vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like blind spot monitoring systems, forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. However, while many of these technologies are rapidly being offered as standard, many drivers are unaware of the safety limitations of ADAS in their vehicles, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. For example, researchers found that nearly 80 percent of drivers with blind spot monitoring systems were unaware of limitations or incorrectly believed the system could accurately detect vehicles passing at very high speeds or bicycles and pedestrians. In reality, the technology can only detect when a vehicle is traveling in a driver’s blind spot and many systems do not reliably detect pedestrians or cyclists. Lack of understanding or confusion about the proper function of ADAS technologies can lead to misuse and overreliance on the systems, which could result in a deadly crash.

“When properly utilized, ADAS technologies have the potential to prevent 40 percent of all vehicle crashes and nearly 30 percent of traffic deaths. However, driver understanding and proper use is crucial in reaping the full safety benefits of these systems,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Findings from this new research show that there is still a lot of work to be done in educating drivers about proper use of ADAS technologies and their limitations.”

In 2016, more than 37,400 people were killed in traffic crashes- a five percent increase from 2015. “With ADAS technologies offering proven safety benefits when properly used, it is important that automakers and others play a greater role in educating motorists about the technology available in the vehicles they purchase,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “AAA also urges drivers to take charge of learning their vehicle technology’s functions and limitations in order to improve safety on the road.”

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety commissioned researchers from the University of Iowa to survey drivers who recently purchased a 2016 or 2017 model-year vehicle with ADAS technologies. Researchers evaluated drivers’ opinions, awareness and understanding of these technologies and found that most did not know or understand the limitations of the systems:

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

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