Overdrive

Can you have function and fashion in the one vehicle

Honda strived to give its Odyssey people mover a sexy image.

You may remember the television advertisement of parents kissing in the front seat only to have the camera pan back and you see the children looking on in disgust.

The message is that you might have children and need a practical car but you can still have comfort and image that fits a feeling of youthful desire.

Errol Smith and I have just driven the latest model which has a mild make over.

Can I use it to drop off the children at the baby sitter then cruise into the city for a night at the theatre?

Errol joins me to evaluate this possibility.

Originally aired on 17 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including:

1. BMW launches car data unit

2. Car Sales

3. New car purchases are more efficient on average but consumer preferences are changing according to a report released by the National Transport Commission.

4. UK's Venturer driverless car project publishes results of first 'handover/takeover' trials

5. Toyota expands safety research for self-drive

Mercedes Benz is not a member of the Australian Electric Vehicle Council just yet but they are going hammer and tongs on electric car development. And they have some advice to the Federal Government for free. We talk to their David McCarthy.

We road test the pocket rocket the Ford Focus RS

And in our panel discussion with Alan Zurvas we take merry look at stories including:

1. Toyota is hoping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Torch will be lit from its flying car

2. ‘Nines-with-light’: Behind the making of theDodge Demon

Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected]

You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service.

Originally aired on 10 June 2017.

For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In this program, we take a look at the latest news stories including:

1. BMW launches car data unit

2. Car Sales

3. New car purchases are more efficient on average but consumer preferences are changing according to a report released by the National Transport Commission.

4. UK's Venturer driverless car project publishes results of first 'handover/takeover' trials

5. Toyota expands safety research for self-drive

Mercedes Benz is not a member of the Australian Electric Vehicle Council just yet but they are going hammer and tongs on electric car development. And they have some advice to the Federal Government for free. We talk to their David McCarthy.

We road test the pocket rocket Ford Focus RS

And in our panel discussion with Alan Zurvas we take merry look at stories including:

1. Toyota is hoping the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Torch will be lit from its flying car

2. ‘Nines-with-light’: Behind the making of theDodge Demon

Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected]

You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service.

Originally aired on 10 June 2017.

For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Fiat Chrysler produces a car that reflects the 1960's muscle car period.

Made for going very fast in a straight line.

Alan Zurvas and David Brown take a merry look atFiat/Chryslers latest super car – the Dodge Demon. Less of a modern complete package and more of the old muscle car street dragster,

Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected]

You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service.

Originally aired on 10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Alan Zurvas and David Brown take a merry look at Toyota who is putting money into a company, Cartivator,to develop a flying car which will, among other things, be used to light the cauldron at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected]

You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service.

Originally aired on10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

Mercedes Benz in Australia reflects on their current state of development of electric vehicles and what the government should really do to help

Fully electric cars have not taken off in Australia yet.

We recently reported on the Federal Government giving a small amount for further research on electric vehicles while Transport for London is giving millions to actually build some more charging stations.

The Electric Vehicle Councilhas kicked off in Australia with a number of car companies and other stakeholders. As yet Mercedes is not a member but they are working in many areas on interaction to promote electric vehicles.

David McCarthy is Mercedes Benz Senior Manager - Public Relations, Product and Corporate in Australia

Originally aired on 10 March 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

A pocket rocket with more power than most competitors.

So far this year 52% of Ford’s total sales in Australia are Ranger utes

Their next best selling car is the Ford Mustang

Those two cars account for over 63% of all their sales.

We’ve said it often in the last few years but Ford just doesn’t sell little cars well.

And the Ford Focus is a good little car

And the Ford Focus RS is a mind-blowing halo car for the model with a turbo engine, all wheel drive and super sharp handling

Alan Zurvas from gaycarboys and Simon Lai from Behind the Wheel and I have each driven this pocket rocket. Alan starts with his reflections.

Originally aired on 10 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

In our panel discussion with Errol Smith we take jovial look at stories including:

1. Northern Territory drivers show personality by pimping their plates

2. Singapore ‘car vending machine’ shape of things to come?

3. Stranded Amtrack train passengers order pizza to stuck train/Cops pulled over man who had made in-car toilet

4. Drunk driver crashes into cops new anti-DUI vehicle

Have a question or comment? Send it to [email protected]

You can listen to longer segments of the each of the features by going to our web site at drivenmedia.com.au or podcast the whole program on iTunes or your favourite podcast service.

Originally aired on3 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

We have been testing a few powerful cars recently which is fine for the rev head but what about the practical runabout.

The Honda Jazz is classified in the Light car class which is the second smallest in the sedan category. Only the Micros are smaller.

In this class there are 14 competitors and in year-to-date terms the Hyundai Accent is the top seller followed by Mazda2, Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Rio.

Errol Smith and I have just been trying out the Honda Jazz and he joins me on the line now.

Originally aired on 3 June 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au

The concept of designing places is not only creating infrastructure for carrying out functions but fashioning locations which create positive emotions and a sense of wellbeing. This might be seen as an evolving art form, but maybe not just an art form. It is not just creative people producing things that they think are aesthetically pleasing.

I can have an opinion but what is really impacting the way I react to a mall, recreation precinct or other community place.

Now you can ask people what they think but that is a response after we have had the experience and that can be affected by the nature of the questions and how we feel we should rationalise our behaviour. Is there a better way?

Jonathan Daly has just presented a paper at the Asian Pacific Conference for Place Leaders. He has a good story to tell.

Jonathan Daly who is an urbanist, a professional who looks at how our towns and cities function and how we can create a better community through informed design.

Originally aired on 3 March 2017. For past programs and individual segments visit www.drivenmedia.com.au