Which will be the best-selling vehicle of 2022?

(Our Auto Expert)- 2022 has been a unique year for the automotive industry. Coming out of the pandemic and straight into parts shortages. How did the hurdles of the year impact sales?

Usually, at the end of the year, there is a significant rise in sales, but this year has been slightly different. The Ford F-150 had been the number-one vehicle in America for many years. 

Over 44 years, to be exact, it is on track to keep the title for 2022 but with fewer trucks sold due to inventory issues. However, by the time you’ve read this, Ford has sold another F-150.

General Motors have been clever in maneuvering around the chip shortage. The Sierra 1500 AT4, Denali, and Silverado can all take the same chip, and catering to consumers’ wants was smart. 

Chevy has always taken Second place in the sales chart with the Silverado. But this year, Ram may have outpaced them for second place.

Vehicle availability is much more plentiful than it was earlier this year. Thanks to semiconductors being produced at an increased rate. 

Toyota has taken advantage of its resources and has not been able to make its trucks fast enough. They are selling everything they make. 

Electric vehicles have invaded every category, including trucks. But the popularity has taken a turn for the worse. Over one specific thing. 

That one thing is Gas Prices. In some parts of California right now, it can cost more to Run your Electric car than your gas car if you recharge it at the wrong place at the wrong time of day.  

The best-selling vehicles at the end of this year will likely be the same as last year. The Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado, and the Ford F150.  Ford wins this, but who will take second and third place? Ram vs. Chevy may come down to the last day of sales for the year.

Oklahoma man dies in Kansas crash on US 69 Alt

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. – A Grove man loses his life in a head-on crash in Cherokee County, Kansas.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash happened Monday around 3:00 pm on Highway 69 Alt north of Hwy 166. That’s near Baxter Springs.

Investigators say Trey Cunningham was going north in a Pontiac G6 car and crossed the center line. He hit a GMC truck driven by Shannon Taft.

There were two people in the Pontiac. EMS took Cunningham, 20, of Grove, to Freeman West in Joplin where he died from injuries. The second occupant, Valeria Lerma, 21, of Miami, Oklahoma, also suffered a “suspected serious injury.” EMS took her to Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

The driver of the GMC, Taft, 51, of Baxter Springs, suffered a “suspected serious injury,” according to KHP. EMS took him to Freeman West in Joplin.

70-year-old dies in crash south of Pittsburg

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. – A single-vehicle crash claims the life of a Pittsburg resident.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, it happened around 11:20 pm last night, Dec. 5, 2022. An SUV was driving along 1065 S. 220th Road in Crawford County, Kansas.

The KHP says the driver was going south, left the roadway to the west and hit a concrete culvert. The vehicle overturned into a field.

70-year-old Robert E. Shaver, of Pittsburg, died at the scene.

KDOT announces bid approval for local highway projects

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Transportation announced that bids were recently approved for local state highway construction projects.

Bids were approved on November 16 in Topeak, according to the press release from KDOT.

The following projects were approved:

  • Bourbon ‑ K‑39, bridge over Owl Creek located 2.14 miles east of the east K‑3 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,992,442.43.
  • Bourbon ‑ K‑3, bridge over Paint Creek located 1.58 miles north of the Crawford County line, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,824,955.40.
  • Crawford ‑ K‑47, from the Neosho/Crawford county line east to the west city limits of Girard, recycle and overlay, 12.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,520,005.77.
  • Neosho ‑ K‑47, from the west city limits of St. Paul east to the Neosho/Crawford county line, recycle and overlay, 5.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,765,476.74.
  • Neosho ‑ K‑47, beginning at the U.S. 169/K‑47 junction east to the north U.S. 59/K‑47 junction, overlay, 11.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,863,827.07.
  • Allen ‑ Bridge over stream, located 1.0 mile south and 2.0 miles east of Carlyle, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, J & J Contractors Inc., Iola, Kansas, $235,798.30.
  • Montgomery ‑ Bridge over Illinois Creek, located 2.0 miles north and 0.1 mile west of Havana, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, B & B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $988,276.50.

Click here to stay up to date with upcoming KDOT projects

Related articles

Part of US 400 shut down due to hazardous spill in Wilson County

WILSON COUNTY, Kan. – Drivers will be redirected around a portion of US 400 in Wilson County due to a hazardous spill.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the highway is closed from the south junction of US 75 continuing north to K-47 at Fredonia.

“Hazardous materials have been spilled on the highway. Use alternate routes while the clean-up is in progress.”

You can find road closure updates on KOAM’s list of Road Resources here.

KOAM has called the Kansas Highway Patrol for more details. We’ll update this article once additional information is released.

Anderson Police ramp-up holiday weekend patrols

 ADERSON, Mo. – The Anderson Police Department says they are stepping up their patrol this holiday weekend with great success so far.

According to deputies, two subjects were arrested last night with DUI charges.

Police say one of the drivers was involved in a hit-and-run traffic collision, while the other had a Blood Alcohol Content of almost four times the legal limit.

Deputies say this is one way they can help keep citizens safe while 4-Staters hit the road this Thanksgiving weekend.

Funding for the increased patrol came thanks to a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The Department encourages all travelers headed home today to stay safe and buckle up.

KDOT prepares for a harsh winter as temperatures drop

SE KANSAS – The Kansas Department of Transportation says they are ramping up operations to prepare for a harsh winter.

KDOT Officials in southeast Kansas say they prepare for a harsh winter every year, just in case.

“We prepare the same every year,” said Priscilla Petersen with KDOT. “We prepare for a potentially harsh winter and we try to have everything in place and everyone trained properly by October 15th.”

Operators make sure the salt domes are full and their equipment is in working order in case of heavy snowfall.

>U.S. 169 to open north of Chanute on Wednesday

Those interested in seasonal job openings can click here.

U.S. 169 to open north of Chanute on Wednesday

NEOSHO COUNTY, Kan. – KDOT officials say U.S. 169 is expected to open on November 23 to traffic between K-39 at Chanute and U.S. 54 at Iola.

The Department says this section has been closed for reconstruction since December 2021.

KDOT says the reopening should occur later in the afternoon on the 23rd.

>Gas prices fall in Missouri ahead of Thanksgiving

Click here to stay on top of road closures and conditions.

 

Gas prices fall in Missouri ahead of Thanksgiving

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Experts say the statewide gas price average in Missouri is now the lowest it has been since February.

The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.22 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch.

“Drivers hitting the road for Thanksgiving will be met with some of the lowest gas prices of the year.” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “As the holiday approaches, drivers in some areas could see local station prices below $2 per gallon – a price not seen since January 2022.”

The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.64, which is twelve cents less compared to this day last week and 23 cents more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.

Officials say drivers in Missouri are paying the 10th lowest gas price average in the country.

Police: Fatal crash in McDonald County claims one life

MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo. – One man is dead following a two-vehicle crash about 3 p.m. Sunday, November 20th on Route E, 7 miles northeast of Bella Vista, Ark. in McDonald County, Mo.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 2021 Toyota 4Runner was being driven by Carolyn Hayes, 77, of Springdale, Ark. She was transported to Mercy Rogers with minor injuries.

Michelle McKeever, 57, of Seligman, was operating the second vehicle, a 2018 Kia Soul. She was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center in NW Arkansas with serious injuries.

Passenger Thomas McKeever, 56, also of Seligman, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The MICU (Major Incident Crash Unit) of Troop D responded to the scene assisting with crash investigation.

Gardner’s Wrecked removed the crashed vehicles from the scene.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more.