Last Updated on May 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Rising Fuel Costs

(Feature Impact) If you’re feeling pain at the pump, you’re not alone. However, it’s not just rising gas prices that can impact your wallet – it might be your own habits on the road that negatively impact fuel efficiency and add extra strain to your vehicle.

With gas prices fluctuating by more than $1 per gallon nationally in recent years, Mercury Insurance is highlighting how driver behavior can significantly influence fuel costs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving – rapid acceleration and hard braking – can reduce fuel economy by up to 40% in city driving and 30% on highways, increasing annual fuel expenses by hundreds of dollars.

For the average American driver, that inefficiency adds up quickly. AAA estimates that annual fuel costs can exceed $2,000 depending on vehicle type and region. A 30-40% reduction in fuel economy can translate into hundreds of dollars in additional fuel expenses each year – before factoring in the added wear on key vehicle components.

“Most drivers think of aggressive driving as a safety issue, but it’s also a cost issue,” said John Dicken, director, material damage claims at Mercury Insurance. “From a claims standpoint, we see how habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration accelerate wear on brakes, tires and suspension components. Smoother driving isn’t just more efficient – it helps reduce preventable damage over time.”

The Hidden Cost of Driving Aggressively

Fuel is only part of the equation.

• Brake replacement can range from $300-800 per axle, depending on the vehicle.
• A new set of tires can cost $600-1,200 or more.
• Poorly maintained or underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by roughly 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure, according to federal transportation data.

Over time, inconsistent maintenance and aggressive driving habits compound these costs.

“Driving behavior directly impacts how often certain parts need to be replaced,” Dicken said. “When drivers anticipate traffic, maintain steady speeds and keep up with routine maintenance, they reduce strain on their vehicle and potentially avoid unnecessary repair expenses.”

Practical Eco-Driving Tips That Make a Measurable Difference

Consider these strategies recommended by Mercury Insurance to improve efficiency and reduce vehicle wear:

Accelerate gradually: Avoid rapid starts and jackrabbit acceleration, which significantly reduce fuel economy.

Brake smoothly and anticipate stops: Looking ahead and easing into stops reduces stress on brake systems.

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Maintain consistent speeds: Using cruise control on highways can help improve fuel efficiency.

Keep tires properly inflated: Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips. If you’re unsure what your vehicle’s tires should be inflated to, locate the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb for the proper PSI inflation or refer to the owner’s manual.

Remove excess weight: Extra cargo and unused roof racks reduce efficiency and increase drag.

Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that transportation accounts for roughly 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While vehicle technology continues to improve, individual driving behavior remains one of the most immediate ways drivers can reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact.

“Small, consistent changes in how we drive can produce meaningful savings over time,” Dicken said. “It’s one of the simplest ways drivers can protect both their budget and their investment.”

For more information about efficient driving and other cost saving measures, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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Gas prices have a $5 tipping point: New research shows when Americans start looking at EVs

(Tiffany Miller for Hyundai) There is a moment at the gas pump when the number staring back at you stops feeling routine.

You expect the total to land somewhere familiar. And then, one day, it doesn’t. Not dramatically higher. Just high enough to feel different. Enough to make you pause before tapping your card.

According to new research from Hyundai Motor America, that moment is not hypothetical. For more than a third of American drivers, it has already happened. And for many, once it does, something shifts that does not quite shift back.

For 42% of Americans, pulling up to a pump now brings frustration or outright dread. Most have made peace with the routine, even if 39% describe their gas spend as “frustrating but expected.”

The experience at the pump hasn’t changed. The emotional weight of it has.

Most drivers have a number in their head where the math shifts. For 23% of those surveyed, $5 per gallon is where they would seriously start considering alternatives to a gas-powered vehicle. Not everyone will be moved by price, and 29% say they would not consider alternatives based on gas costs at all. But for a meaningful share of Americans, the tipping point is specific. It is a number on a sign, and many have seen it before.

More than one-third of Americans surveyed say a recent fill-up has already prompted them to research electric vehicles, and 23% say it has happened more than once.

What comes next is rarely dramatic. Some compare models or brands. Some search online. Some find themselves on an automaker’s website, further along than they expected to be. Most do not act on this impulse right away. But for a growing number, the pump is where the question starts.

The shift is real but uneven. If gas prices rose significantly and stayed high, 46% of those surveyed say they would be likely to seriously research an EV. Yet most Americans are still somewhere between curious and committed.

The pitch for electric vehicles is simple. Never stop for gas again. Nearly half of Americans say they would absolutely take that deal.

The transition is not frictionless. Charging access and range anxiety remain the top concern for 28% of potential buyers, and simple comfort with the status quo runs just as deep.

The desire to leave the pump behind is real. So is everything standing in the way.

The move toward electric vehicles is often framed as a long-term decision made with spreadsheets and incentive calculators, but for many Americans, it begins somewhere smaller. A routine fuel stop. A number that lands differently. A moment of hesitation before the receipt prints.

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Methodology

Hyundai Motor America commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 1,000 adults throughout the United States. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between April 3 and April 6, 2026.
Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman at gas pump)

SOURCE:
Hyundai

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Nissan’s New Strategy

As the global auto industry pivots toward electrification and smarter technology, Nissan is taking a more measured approach—introducing new innovations while trimming its lineup to focus on core models that drive sales and long-term value.

🚗 A Leaner, More Focused Nissan

In recent years, Nissan has begun reshaping its global strategy, reducing the total number of models while strengthening key vehicles across major segments. The goal is clear: prioritize profitability, streamline production, and invest in technology where it matters most.

Rather than flooding the market with new nameplates, Nissan is concentrating on a smaller, more competitive lineup—particularly in high-demand categories like SUVs and crossovers.

🔋 Innovation Where It Counts

Hybrid Technology Takes Center Stage

One of Nissan’s most important developments is its e-POWER hybrid system, which is set to debut more broadly in the U.S., particularly in the next-generation Nissan Rogue.

Unlike traditional hybrids, e-POWER uses a gasoline engine solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are driven by an electric motor. The result is a driving experience that feels closer to an EV—without requiring a charging station.

This technology reflects a growing industry reality: while electric vehicles are expanding, hybrids are emerging as a practical bridge for many consumers.

EV Evolution, Not Explosion

Nissan isn’t abandoning electric vehicles—it’s refining its approach.

The iconic Nissan LEAF is expected to return in a redesigned, crossover-style format, aimed at improving range, comfort, and mainstream appeal. However, Nissan is avoiding an aggressive all-electric push in favor of a balanced portfolio that includes gas, hybrid, and EV options.

Smarter Vehicles Through AI

Another key pillar of Nissan’s future is AI-assisted driving technology. The company plans to integrate advanced driver assistance and semi-autonomous features into a majority of its vehicles over the next several years.

These systems are designed to enhance:

• Safety
• Driver awareness
• In-car connectivity

While less visible than a new engine or redesign, this shift could become one of Nissan’s most impactful long-term innovations.

🚙 The Core Lineup: What’s Staying

Nissan’s future lineup is built around a group of proven, high-demand models that continue to evolve with new technology and features.

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SUVs and Crossovers (The Backbone)

• Nissan Kicks – Entry-level, affordable, and recently redesigned
• Nissan Rogue – The brand’s best-seller and innovation leader
• Nissan Pathfinder – Family-focused with growing tech upgrades
• Nissan Armada – Large SUV with premium and performance appeal

These vehicles form a complete SUV ladder, covering nearly every price point and lifestyle.

Sedans (Reduced but Relevant)

• Nissan Sentra – Recently updated and positioned as the primary sedan
• Nissan Altima – Still available, though its long-term future is less certain

As consumer demand shifts toward SUVs, Nissan is scaling back—but not eliminating—its sedan offerings.

Trucks and Performance Models

• Nissan Frontier – A key player in the midsize truck segment
• Nissan Titan – Still present, but facing stiff competition
• Nissan Z – A modern revival of Nissan’s performance heritage
• Nissan GT-R – Nearing the end of its lifecycle, with a successor anticipated

These models help maintain Nissan’s identity beyond everyday transportation.

⚠️ Models Being Phased Out or Reevaluated

Not every vehicle is making the cut.

• The Nissan Versa is being discontinued after 2025
• The Nissan Ariya is seeing strategy adjustments depending on market demand
• Some low-volume global models are being eliminated as part of a broader consolidation effort

This reflects a broader industry shift: automakers are prioritizing efficiency and profitability over sheer volume.

🔍 The Role of the Nissan Kicks

One standout in this transition is the Nissan Kicks, which represents Nissan’s practical, value-driven approach.

Recently redesigned, the Kicks offers:

• Modern infotainment and safety features
• Improved comfort and available all-wheel drive
• Strong fuel efficiency at an affordable price point

While it doesn’t showcase cutting-edge hybrid or EV technology, it plays a crucial role as an entry-level gateway into the Nissan brand.

🧭 Industry Context: Why This Shift Matters

Nissan’s strategy mirrors broader trends shaping the automotive industry:

• EV adoption is growing—but unevenly
• Hybrids are gaining traction as a transitional solution
• SUV demand continues to dominate global markets
• Cost control and profitability are now top priorities

By focusing on fewer, stronger models, Nissan aims to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

🧾 Bottom Line

Nissan is not simply cutting models—it’s redefining its identity.

• ✔️ Investing in hybrid technology, AI, and core SUVs
• ✔️ Maintaining key sedans, trucks, and performance vehicles
• ❌ Eliminating underperforming and low-demand models

The result is a lineup that is leaner, more technologically advanced, and better aligned with today’s market demands.

Sources

• Nissan to trim global car lineup, boost use of AI driving tech – Reuters
• 2027 Nissan Rogue Revealed with New Design and e-POWER Hybrid – Car and Driver
• 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Preview – Autoweek
• Nissan CEO Confirms Xterra Return – Road & Track
• Nissan Kicks Official Page – Nissan USA

Related External Links

• Explore the Nissan Rogue – Official Site
• Nissan LEAF Electric Vehicle Overview
• Latest Nissan News and Reviews – Car and Driver
• Nissan Vehicle Reviews and Comparisons – MotorTrend
• Nissan News Coverage – Autoweek

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner