#us-auto-sales

#us-auto-sales

Shipping costs have increased by more than 10 percent in the past month due to the US-Israel war on Iran. The 60-day waiver for the Jones Act aimed to lower energy costs but has had little impact on oil prices, which continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict.

Kia's 2030 EV sales target now stands at 1 million units annually, a reduction of roughly 20% from the previous target of approximately 1.26 million units. This adjustment reflects the impact of eliminated US EV subsidies and a slowdown in battery-electric sales.

The key to getting the most miles out of each gallon is driving efficiently. That means smooth acceleration, soft braking and slowing down. Cars tend to be the most fuel efficient when driven at about 50 miles per hour.

Reliability is broadly defined by how often your car experiences unscheduled failures or malfunctions. A car that is more likely to experience failures is considered unreliable, whereas one that can go for 150,000 miles with nothing but regular maintenance would be considered reliable.

On average, fuel prices are up almost a dollar per gallon, or 25 percent, according to AAA. For a nation as addicted to the automotive as we are, that's bad news. Except, of course, for electric vehicles.

The Ford F-Series, encompassing models like the F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450, claimed the title of best-selling vehicle in 29 states. This dominance underscores the pickup truck's unbreakable appeal across much of the country, particularly in rural, Midwestern, Southern, and Western states where towing capacity, durability, and utility for work or recreation remain top priorities.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but that's pretty demonstrably false. It's a good reminder that consumer sentiment often lags the reality on the ground. Americans don't have a damned clue who makes good EVs. That's what I took away from the January, 2026 edition of the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report, which measures consumer sentiment toward EV brands. Surveyed consumer sentiment toward EV brands seems to be based on vibes and internal-combustion car experience, not anything resembling reality.