Overdrive

Hello and welcome to Overdrive, a program that looks at the latest trends in motoring and transport for serious and not so serious issues.

I’m David Brown

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

News

• Australia’s governance is going backwards (1:23)

• Audi RS 7 (2:56)

• Fortuner (4:06)

• WRX (5:08)

• Rogue (6:30)

Feature Item

• In the first of a series Barry Green takes us on one of his Best Drives: a great car in a great location (7:34)

• Ken Dobinson tells us what it is like to work in a transport department with heavy political pressures (15:03)

Motoring Minute

• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (20:51)

Interview

• David Rowley tells us why going to Subaru as the PR manager was a decision helped by knowing they had the WRX – and his children loved it. (22:01)

Motoring Minute

• Fiat 500

You can find more information at Driven Media or previous programs are available as podcasts on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ah6JZN8LTYURIfNs1IIBs

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overdrive-cars-transport-and-culture/id1001084679

Our Facebook page OverdriveCity – Driven Media

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Our YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyx5sv6cgF4URRmNq2JiXg/videos

So, let’s start with the news

Originally broadcast 31 July 2021

Hello and welcome to Overdrive, a program that looks at the latest trends in motoring and transport for serious and not so serious issues.

I’m David Brown

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

News

1. Nissan Z Proto concept at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show (1:28)

2. Toyota Rhombus – a brave new world (2:16)

3. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross (3:19)

4. BMW and RMIT University’s second edition of YourMelbourne competition (3:44)

5. Grattan’s zero-emissions push (4:28)

Feature Item

• We talk to an Australian company that has done research that shows a shift attitudes to finance and funding cars in the younger generations, that could favour car subscriptions rather than outright ownership (6:21)

• We continue our look at pedestrian controls at traffic lights and hear some of the history of the many things that have been tried to get a better solution (15:13)

Motoring Minute

• Hyundai Palisade (23:59)

Quirky

• And Brian Smith again talks about what Elon Musk is saying and the nuances of motoring (25:11)

Motoring Minute

• LDV G10 (28:09)

You can find more information at Driven Media or previous programs are available as podcasts on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ah6JZN8LTYURIfNs1IIBs

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overdrive-cars-transport-and-culture/id1001084679

Our Facebook page OverdriveCity – Driven Media

https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveCityDrivenMedia/?modal=admin_todo_tour

or

Our YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyx5sv6cgF4URRmNq2JiXg/videos

So, let’s start with the news

Originally broadcast 24 July 2021

Hello and welcome to Overdrive, a program about cars and culture

I’m David Brown

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

News

1. VW strategy single platform, battery cell and software systems (1:39)

2. Spain to invest big in EVs and batteries (2:32)

3. Squad Mobility’s urban vehicle – an upmarket golf buggy with solar panels (3:35)

4. BMW electric Scooter for Australia (4:09)

5. Campaign to rid Britain’s pavements of clutter (4:58)

6. Wales seeks 20mph local street speed limit (5:43)

Feature Item

• Are you frustrated by the time you have to wait for pedestrian signals, either in a car or when walking, how little time you have to cross, or if the lights change an no one is there?

We investigate the developments in traffic signals to measure and react to pedestrian movements. (6:56)

Feedback

• Some pictures on our social media sites have resonated strongly (20:24)

Motoring Minute

• Volkswagen Passat 206 Wagon (22:26)

Quirky

• Brian Smith discusses hyper performance cars like Bugattis – which the VW groups has pushed to the side. (23:33)

Motoring Minute

• Toyota Prado (27:29)

You can find more information at Driven Media or previous programs are available as podcasts on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ah6JZN8LTYURIfNs1IIBs

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overdrive-cars-transport-and-culture/id1001084679

Our Facebook page OverdriveCity – Driven Media

https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveCityDrivenMedia/?modal=admin_todo_tour

or

Our YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyx5sv6cgF4URRmNq2JiXg/videos

So, let’s start with the news

Originally broadcast 17 July 2021

Hello and welcome to Overdrive, a program where we put the world of motoring and transport under the microscope.

I’m David Brown

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

News

1. Nissan Patrol (1:26)

2. Car Sales figures (2:45)

3. Tesla touchscreen wiper controls land driver with fine after crash (3:34)

4. Bugatti-Rimac combines the genes of strong brands (4:32)

5. Struck by lightning, voodoo priests exorcising Ethiopian airline

Interview

• We chat in more detail to Ged Bulmer about the latest Nissan Patrol and the market for very large four-wheel drives (5:46)

Feedback

• The posts that have got the most responses on our Facebook page (14:48)

Interview

• Dave Jones tells us about an Australian product that puts luminescent line marking material on the road to glow at night (15:53)

Motoring Minute

• Citroen C3 (23:11)

Quirky

• Brian Smith gives his assessment of evoking the supernatural to enhance transport safety. (24:16)

Motoring Minute

• Kona N-Line (28:12)

You can find more information at Driven Media or previous programs are available as podcasts on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ah6JZN8LTYURIfNs1IIBs

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overdrive-cars-transport-and-culture/id1001084679

Our Facebook page OverdriveCity

https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveCityDrivenMedia/?modal=admin_todo_tour

or

Our YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyx5sv6cgF4URRmNq2JiXg/videos

So, let’s start with the news

Originally broadcast 10 July 2021

Overdrive: VW’s new electric push and Cupra model; Subaru WRX STI; Managing Traffic light controls

Welcome to Overdrive, a program where we put the world of motoring and transport under the microscope.

I’m David Brown

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

News

1. Nissan JUKE Energy Orange model (1:20)

2. New way for Honda in Australia starts now (2:26)

3. MINI Vision Urbanaut: the virtual vision now becomes reality (3:29)

4. New SCATS (4:28)

Interviews

1. We have some reflections from Kurt McGuiness who is the PR and Brand Electric Vehicle Manager for the Volkswagen group in Australia (6:03)

2. We have spin in the last of the current model Subaru WRX STI (14:27)

Motoring Minute

• Genesis GV80 (21:05)

Interview

3. Brian Smith ruminates about the man found to be driving from the rear seat. (22:11)

Motoring Minute

• Mazda MX-30 (27:50)

You can find more information at Driven Media or previous programs are available as podcasts on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ah6JZN8LTYURIfNs1IIBs

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overdrive-cars-transport-and-culture/id1001084679

Our Facebook page OverdriveCity

https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveCityDrivenMedia/?modal=admin_todo_tour

or

Our YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyx5sv6cgF4URRmNq2JiXg/videos

So, let’s start with the news

Originally broadcast 3 July 2021

Buses are often seen as the poor cousin of public transport with little given to providing a whole of journey positive experience.

In New Zealand, an off-street Bus Exchange, opened in 2000, provided a dramatic demonstration of the benefits of providing airport-quality waiting areas for bus passengers.

In 2006 transport planning expert, Brian Smith introduced the concept of shopfront bus passenger lounges to Christchurch.

In 2020 cost pressures threatened this initiative.

This concept is not only practical but engages the public in a broader understanding of what a good bus system needs.

Following is an extract from a regular interview on ABC Central West radio which broadcasts to 20 areas such as Orange, Bathurst, Parkes, Lithgow, Mudgee, and Goulburn

The Questions are being asked by the breakfast presenter Ewan Gilbert.

Quote from Brian Smith

The city council there was suffering some budget problems as a result of COVID and they were looking for ways to cut spending.

The operating costs of the Riccarton bus lounges made them a candidate. But they consulted with the community, and they received overwhelming support for the retention of the bus lounges.

So it's great to see the council both listening to its community, but also recognising the benefits to customers of operating these high-quality passenger waiting spaces. It really does treat bus passengers in Christchurch as very valued customers.

Hello and welcome to Overdrive a program that broods over the world of cars and transport

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

I’m David Brown

News

1. NSW State government pushes electric vehicle tax reform (1:12)

2. Rex breaks records in Australia (2:24)

3. Genesis is expanding in models and sales (3:21)

4. Can the station wagon make a comeback? - Peugeot Unveils the 308 SW (4:23)

5. Bus lounges help make public transport more effective (5:32)

Interviews

• Tim Robson from MG gives some frank opinions on their success and their approach to electric vehicles (7:01)

• Guido Shenken from Genesis prestige vehicles discusses their fast-improving model range (15:57)

Motoring Minute

• Isuzu D-Max (21:04)

Quirky News

• And Brian Smith covers the unusual subject of residents installing their own speed humps on public roads. (22:14)

Motoring Minute

• Audi RSQ8 (28:08)

Hello and welcome to Overdrive a program that samples and savours the world of cars and transport

The times each story appears in the program are noted (mm:ss)

I’m David Brown

News

• Audi e-tron (1:22)

• MG HS (2:29)

• Converting car washes to EV charging stations (3:27)

• Ferrari Fashion(4:28)

Interviews

Three interviews from the sublime to the ridiculous well at least the quirky

• Liz Ampt tells us the benefits of surveys to determine why people are travelling not just how they are making trips. (5:32)

• Stuart Sharp – historian - has some wonderful reflections on transport and the animosity in our early history between politicians and the Queens representatives. (14:59)

• And Brian Smith gives his take on just another wild scheme to transport people in cities (26:08)

Motoring Minute

• Toyota Kluger (13:56)

Motoring Minute

• Subaru XV (25:05)

You can find more information at Driven Media or previous programs are available as podcasts on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ah6JZN8LTYURIfNs1IIBs

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overdrive-cars-transport-and-culture/id1001084679

Our Facebook page OverdriveCity

https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveCityDrivenMedia/?modal=admin_todo_tour

or

Our YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyx5sv6cgF4URRmNq2JiXg/videos

So, let’s start with the news

Originally broadcast 19 June 2021

We have talked recently with Roland Rivero Kia’s product manager, about their Niro in particular, their car that has electric options to it. While there are many specific product features, introducing electrification vehicles into the Australian market requires understanding and finesse.

In our chat Roland discusses

• The split between the different versions from the car which in percentage terms will be: 20% for the fully electric model; 70% for the mild hybrid and 10% for the plug-in hybrid

• Why is a plug-in hybrid percentage so low when it can do over 50km on batteries, which is good for many trips in the urban area and then have the flexibility of a petrol engine for long trips.

• When does the petrol engine come in? When the battery runs out or when you need a surge of power (more than 70% of the throttle) or for holding a high speed (over 129 km/hr).

• The value of a plug-in hybrid is an indication of an evolving nature of helping the customer understand how they might choose and use a vehicle to their advantage.

• The key element is the customer's circumstances

• The Niro they have now imported into the country was launched overseas some years ago and it is due for an update within a year. How does that affect the sales now?

• Kia is not just putting its toe in the water but is implementing a long-term strategy with the electrification of vehicles.

The relatively recent developments in the electrification of vehicles, most particularly starting in 2000 or so with the Toyota Prius hybrid, did not sell itself on the elegance of its outward appearance. Although the need for environmental considerations is becoming even more critical, hybrids and electric vehicles can no longer look like a science experiment. Later this year, Hyundai will launch in Australia the next generation of their all-electric sedan, the Ioniq. It doesn't look like a catch-up vehicle, but one that is very futuristic in its design, not only its technology.

• The new Ioniq 5 – built as an electric car from the ground up

• A modern looking product

• By being built as electric cars, vehicles will change shape in the years ahead as they are no longer bounded by the powertrains of old.

• Ioniq 5 looks modern but pays homage to a futuristic design concept from the past

• Same power train as the Hyundai Kona but there will be a modular platform

• There are strong indications they are working on a performance version which will be part of the electric car vision

• Range anxiety is real but there is a poor understanding of how many cars do not travel great distances.

• Current electric vehicle buyers are well informed and focused on the broader issue. There is not a situation of people walking into a dealer to buy an internal combustion engine car and being talked into an electric one.

• The quietness of an electric car can produce a much calmer driving environment.

• If there is a consistent need for doing long trips then a plug-in hybrid is potential the best of both worlds at the moment. The Ioniq is purely an electric vehicle but plug-in hybrids will be part of the fleet.

• The first question should be “How will you use the car?” and then “How much range do I need?”

• Federal Government is not giving incentives at the moment but State governments are being more active.

• Bill was most struck by how electric vehicles can produce a much more pleasant ride when he rode in a hydrogen bus. It makes it feel like a luxury ride.