Opening the show today with Alan is BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason. BJ announces that Fisker, the automaker, has added a new electric vehicle called the Pear (Personal Electric Automotive Revolution) to its fleet. This is a small crossover electric SUV that comes with two battery options. Fisker will collaborate with Foxconn to build a factory that will produce a vehicle they call, “a glimpse into the future of urban mobility and sustainable transportation.” The Pear has a feature called the “Lounge mode,” where all the seats fold flat and backward into the “Houdini” trunk to create a space for watching a movie or resting. It will also have a 17-inch rotating screen for entertainment. Next, BJ shares a little tidbit about Toyota. They had to suspend production at fourteen of their domestic assembly plants in Japan due to a system failure that prevented them from ordering parts. This caused their stock to drop by $3, but they are now up and running. Tesla is constantly under the microscope. They are now being accused of funneling company funds to a secret project called Project 42. However, it’s been alleged that the funds were actually being used to build a house for Elon Musk himself. On the positive side for Tesla, they are trying to create a drive-in movie theater and diner with 32 charging infrastructures and two movie screens. What a great idea!

Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, has shared some interesting insights about the current state of the used car market. According to him, the inventory of used cars is currently at a high point for the year, making more used cars available for purchase. Additionally, there seems to be a high demand for used cars at the moment. This surge in supply has resulted in a drop of prices by 4%, making it a good time to consider purchasing a used car. Brian also shared the results of a recent Kelly Blue Book study that surveyed 2000 people about their thoughts and attitudes towards electric and hybrid cars. The study found that many people are misinformed about electric cars, with the majority feeling like the average range of an electric car is about 200 miles. Furthermore, 67% of respondents felt that purchasing an electric car would require a moderate or major change in their lifestyle. On the other hand, 63% felt that a hybrid car is a better fit for their needs. When it comes to fully-electric cars, 71% of respondents were concerned about how long it takes to charge them. Additionally, 62% of respondents said that they wouldn’t even know what questions to ask while thinking about purchasing an electric car. Hybrid cars seem to be left out of the conversation, but that could change soon. The full study can be found at www.kbb.com.

We are pleased to welcome George Kennedy, a co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and also writes for The Drive. George is test driving the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. It’s the mid-tier trim that comes with some fantastic visual upgrades and flare, along with an upgraded engine. Although the vehicle has been completely redesigned, the drive trains and engine options have been carried over from the previous model. This car is perfect for your weekend adventures and daily commutes. The Crosstrek starts at $25,000, the premium model at $26,000, and the sports trim at $29,000, which includes an all-weather package. The limited trim, which comes with a moonroof, starts at $30,000. If you’re looking for something more rugged, the Wilderness version might be a good option. It features larger tires and a beefier look and starts under $32,000.

Closing today’s show is Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst,