On today’s episode of “The Drive,” automotive expert Alan Taylor and Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, discussed the challenges facing the automotive industry, particularly Nissan. With the disappearance of brands like Pontiac and Saturn, concerns about support and replacement parts are rising. Nissan, which has been in the U.S. market since 1958, faces uncertainty over its future following controversies involving former CEO Carlos Ghosn. BJ noted significant drops in Nissan ($5.41) and Ford ($9.56) stock prices, while GM remained steady at $46 and Toyota led at $183. The show also touched on the United Auto Workers’ surprising support for President Trump’s tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances. BJ emphasized the need for better organization in business, highlighting concerns about the U.S. losing manufacturing power to countries like China and the implications for national security.

Next up with Alan is George Kennedy, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, recently drove the 2025 Nissan Nismo Z. He was impressed by its 420 horsepower, enhanced brakes, and stiffer chassis, calling it one of the most enjoyable cars he’s driven, especially for its acceleration and cornering capabilities. Although it only has a paddle-shift automatic transmission, its precision and quick downshifts make up for the lack of a manual option. He also compared the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, two mid-size luxury sedans. He described the 5 Series as performance-focused and the E-Class as comfort-oriented, noting the E-Class’s sleek redesign for 2020. However, he criticized its tech-heavy interior, suggesting certain controls should be physical buttons instead of touch-screen functions. He appreciates the E-Class’s clean design but believes its usability could be improved. The 2024 E-Class is priced from $62,000 for the four-cylinder model to $68,000 for the E4Matic 450 sedan, which includes various luxury features.

Josh Hancock, a Hollywood car consultant, visits Century City Mall in Beverly Hills, surrounded by luxury vehicles. He drives a 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4, appreciating its 250 horsepower and versatility for his family. While he enjoyed a hybrid version’s features during a Pebble Beach trip, he prefers the non-hybrid model for its simplicity and 30 mpg on the highway. Despite a friend’s hybrid suggestion for LA traffic, he humorously views the Maverick as a truck that feels like a car with a bed. Josh noted the Ford Maverick’s payload capacity of 2,400 pounds, surpassing the Toyota Tacoma’s 1,800 pounds, while praising American brands like Ford, Ram, and Chevy for their reliability. In industry news, Tim Kuniskis, former Dodge CEO, has returned to lead the Ram brand with plans to enhance their lineup.

Lauren Fix from Car Coach reports notable changes in the automotive industry, especially at Nissan, where CEO Mercado Ichita has stepped down. This could pave the way for a merger with Honda planned for April 1st, after difficult negotiations. Ivan Espinoza has been appointed as the new CEO, potentially reviving merger talks amid challenges like a 5.9% sales drop in China and plans to cut 9,000 jobs. Historically, non-Japanese executives, like Carlos Ghosn, have led transformations at Nissan. Meanwhile, Foxconn is considering acquiring Nissan as the industry remains competitive. In environmental news, new EPA Director Lee Zeldin has begun rolling back over two dozen climate regulations in an effort known as “deregulation day.” This initiative aims to boost energy, lower living costs, and enhance the domestic auto industry, while also shifting power back to the states. The outcome of Congress’s potential repeal of California’s clean air waiver will have significant implications for various industries. Additionally, the speaker attended car shows, highlighting the Aston Martin Calgary at the Amelia Island event, known for its carbon fiber design, while expressing excitement for the upcoming Formula One season. Overall, the weekend intertwined political developments with automotive enthusiasm.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:06:00] – Automotive Stocks
[00:12:30] –  America Is A Business
[00:19:20] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:29:58] – 2025 Nissan Nismo Z
[00:35:20] – 2024 Mercedes-Benz E
[00:41:09] – Contributor Josh Hancock
[00:47:53] – 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4
[00:53:40] – Evil Kinevil
[01:01:29] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[01:10:23] – Clean Air 2
[01:16:29] – Aston Martin Calgary

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen

Contributor: Josh Hancock

Contributor: Lauren Fix

Contributor: George Kennedy III

Vehicles Discussed:

2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4, 2025 Nissan Nismo Z, BMW 5 Series, 2024 Mercedes-Benz E, Aston Martin Calgary

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru

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