1st Gear: The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has dropped about 9 cents over the past two weeks. A gallon of regular gasoline at about 2,500 filling stations nationwide averaged about $3.91, according to a survey by Trilby Lundberg, a California-based fuels analyst. Prices fell last week as economic reports indicated the U.S. economic recovery is sputtering and fuel demand may decline.
2nd Gear: BMW's 5-series Gran Turismo was meant to be a stylish alternative to minivans and crossovers when it debuted in November 2009. But sales of the tall, quirky five-door have been disappointing. Who knew people would prefer a wagon over a car with a big ass and no rear seat headroom?
3rd Gear: Bloomberg reports this morning that Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, overtaken by Volkswagen AG's Audi in the luxury-car industry this year, is "pepping up" its lineup of small cars with cameras, radars and Web access to give younger buyers the feel of the S-Class flagship. So basically, they're just going to make their small cars feel like they're as good as big car. Sure, we'll bite.
4th Gear: Honda workers are taking 14 additional days off during June through to August because of production reductions caused by parts shortages, but will make up for those days later in the year. Well, what else were they going to do? Sit around and play pinochle? Euchre?
5th Gear: Toyota is setting up a social networking service so drivers can interact with their cars in ways similar to Twitter. Somehow we don't think this will end well.
6th Gear: And on the topic of "social media" and cars, Don Romano, Mazda's top marketer in North America, describes the way consumers digest information these days as "media chaos." In particular, he says young consumers are "addicted" to on-the-go information available on their mobile devices. Speaking of mobile devices, have you checked out our new Jalopnik mobile site yet? If you haven't, go ahead and flip open your mobile phone now and head on over to check it out. Then let us know what you think below? We'll be adding commenting ability in the next week or so, but play with the format and tell us if you like it.
Reverse:
⏎ Watch the Ferrari Superamerica 45 drop its top this weekend at the 2011 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. How hot is a topless 599? [Motor Authority]
⏎ Speaking of going topless, my Fiat 500 C review runs today at noon. How cute does that car look in New York City? Amirite?
⏎ The "Ultimate Minivan Shootout" [Cars.com]
⏎ Town has Cadillac dreams of record-breaking car parade. [Detroit News]
⏎ Saab's Dutch parent firm Spyker will rename itself Swedish Automobile NV once Chinese authorities approve Pang Da Automobile's investment in the firm. [Autocar]
Today in Automotive History:
On this day in 1934, wanted outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker are shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police officers as they attempt to escape apprehension in a stolen 1934 Ford Deluxe near Bienville Parish, Louisiana. [History]
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