Alan is joined by BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, to discuss VinFast, a new Vietnamese automaker. With only 128 registrations in America, BJ suggests that due to the lack of brand recognition and high price tag, VinFast isn’t making much of an impression. The conversation then shifts to GM’s request to the government to allow them to produce a self-driving vehicle without certain standard regulated items such as a steering wheel, mirrors, turn signals, and windshield wipers. What do you think the government’s response will be?

Alan introduces Steven Cole Smith, Editor in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, as they share some sad news. They both express their condolences for the passing of their good friend Jim Scoutten, 30 year broadcast veteran and the voice behind Motor Trend television, Car And Driver, American Shooter and ShootingUSA. Jim’s death is a great loss for the world of car and gun enthusiasts. Steven describes Jim as the modern-day John Wayne. Shifting gears to the motorsports world, Steven mentions that NASCAR has hit a dry spell with only six races remaining in the chase for the championship. Despite the rainout during the race in Chicago, a rookie driver from New Zealand, Shane van Gisbergen, won the race, becoming the first rookie to do so since 1963. Steven informs that Shane will be competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in August.

Next up, Alan is joined by Lauren Fix, the Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. With her usual fiery attitude, she shares her perspective on the hot topic of UAW. Both Alan and Lauren have placed orders for the new Dodge Demon 170. However, with the Order Bank stating that orders must be in by the end of July, those who miss the deadline will be out of luck. Stellantis has until the end of the year to fulfill orders. The Auto Workers Union is unhappy about the government’s mandate for electric vehicles, as it will lead to job losses. Lauren changes the topic to the average time that EV trucks stay unsold on the lot, which is over a hundred days. Despite the mandates, people are still not buying electric vehicles. Before she leaves, Lauren shares a little about the new 2024 Mustang EcoBoost or GT, which she test drove. It has two cool features, the drift brake and the remote rev feature, which make it a desirable vehicle. If you want to find out more, visit Lauren at www.laurenfix.com.

On today’s episode of The Drive with Alan Taylor, Alan’s guest is Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com. Brian discusses the difference between salvaged title and rebuilt titles and advises against purchasing one unless you have access to someone with mechanical expertise or a garage for maintenance and repairs. For more information, visit autotrader.com. Brian also shares the top SUVs for leasing in July, including the 2023 Chevy Blazer, 2023 GMC Acadia, 2023 Honda HRV, 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2023 Mazda CX5, 2023 Nissan Rogue, and the 2023 Subaru Forester. However, leasing may not be the best option unless you’re making a profit. Before saying goodbye, Brian encourages listeners to check out Autotrader.com/oversteer for fun and interesting stories, including the “Forbidden Fruit” section where they showcase vehicles not available in America. That’s all for this episode of “The Drive with Alan Taylor.” Join us next week for more with Alan and contributors Josh Hancock, George Kennedy III, Karl Brauer, and BJ Killeen.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:32] – Total Recall[00:13:01] – Lego[00:20:51] – Contributor Stephen Cole Smith[00:27:24] – Down Under[00:37:22] – Formula 1 in Hungary[00:43:44] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:37] – No One Wants One!