The Drive with Alan Taylor

BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist, and the voice of reason. BJ Killeen talks about the latest automotive news, particularly on electric vehicles. She says that the general public has mixed feelings about them – some love them, while others hate them. However, the government seems to favor them. Volkswagen has announced that its vehicles are no longer competitive, as the cost of producing them is too high. BJ notes that Volkswagen used to have popular cars but not anymore since electric vehicles came to the market. Mazda feels the same way. With Tesla having a 57% share of the electric vehicle market, there is little room left for the rest. Many car dealerships have a high supply of electric vehicles. Consumer Reports suggests that buying electric vehicles may lead to problems. BJ had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Lexus LC500, and it was perfect. She even joked that this would be the one if she could marry a vehicle. It’s a luxurious sports car convertible, perfect for everyday driving. Three models are available: LC, LC Hybrid, and LC Convertible. The car is low, sleek, and beautiful, with a 5.0L V8 engine that is both powerful and sexy. It can produce up to 471 horsepower and 398 ft-lb of torque, and the shifts are incredibly smooth and silky. The car sounds great, looks fantastic, and drives like a dream.

Karl Brauer is an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. He recently shared interesting data that shows electric vehicles have lost 33.7% of their value within a year. Karl breaks down the challenges of owning an electric vehicle, from range anxiety to charging anxiety.

Karl Brauer test drove the Maserati Gran Turismo and found it to be a very comfortable high-speed cruiser. The car is available in two versions – the pure electric “The Folgore” and the gas-powered “Nettuno”. It features a V6 engine that provides plenty of power, a beautiful exhaust note, and a gorgeous interior. The starting price for this car is $205,000. For more information about this car, you can visit Forbes Autos.

George Kennedy III is a co-founder of Cartender.com and also serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Recently, George test drove a 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country and shared his experience.

According to George, the small wagon is fantastic, except for the infotainment system. He says that he would definitely own this car as it offers a ton of space with a stunning and comfortable interior. The car drives great with a mid-tier power train, providing great power on the highway and excellent handling. This sport utility vehicle can accommodate all your gear and family in style, making it a perfect luxury car with its mild hybrid and turbocharged features. Later, the discussion moves on to the 2024 Kia Seltos, a subcompact SUV starting at $24,390. It is an affordable all-wheel-drive SUV with a great infotainment system.

During a discussion about the TESLA Cyber Truck, Alan and Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, share their thoughts. Alan expresses his dislike for the truck, while Brian explains where the dislike comes from. Despite the mixed opinions, TESLA is still the number one electric and luxury car seller in the U.S. and people will continue to buy their cars. For those interested in certified pre-owned luxury vehicles, Autotrader.com offers information on the best luxury certified pre-owned programs. Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo provide different tiers of unlimited miles on certified pre-owned vehicles, some with a $0 deductible. Acura, Audi,

Alan attended the F1 race in Las Vegas, NV, and starts the show with special guest, Mark Wang – President and Chief Executive Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations. Mark shares how the spirit of experience and hospitality drives the Hilton brand, as people are looking for a connection. Mark loves cars, and his first Formula 1 experience was in 1979 in Long Beach, California. Now, he is attending his 27th Formula 1 race. He believes bringing F1 to Vegas was a wise investment, especially considering the 4000 events that Hilton hosts, having F1 be a part of that experience is phenomenal. Hilton is focused on providing ultimate experiences for customers and members, including access to sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment. 

BJ Killeen is an automotive journalist and a voice of reason. The F1 race on the strip has been a nightmare for the locals and workers. However, it brings in around a billion dollars, which is

not all of Vega’s benefits. The Fremont Strip and its surrounding hotels and casinos were mostly quiet as everything was focused on the opposite side of the strip for the event. Max Verstappen, the winner of the F1 race, wasn’t a fan of the location or the track, and his negative commentary and attitude could have been more helpful. BJ also shares that Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazine will be transitioning to quarterly issues instead of monthly ones starting next spring. Magazines have been struggling for years since the rise of the internet. BJ is currently test-driving the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Limited all-wheel drive, the top-of-the-line model priced at $57k. It’s a big vehicle with seven trims and three gas models, with the Platinum Max being the top model. It has seven-passenger seating, and the interior is almost as lovely as the Lexus. The vehicle has excellent ergonomics, a big screen, 11 speakers, 362 horsepower, 400 # ft of torque, and 21 mpg.

Up next is Brian Moody, Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com. Brian attended the L.A. Auto Show where he saw the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5N, the electric version, with an impressive 641 horsepower output. Starting in 2025, you will be able to buy a Hyundai on Amazon and shop dealer inventory. By 2025, all Hyundai cars will have Amazon Alexa software included. The Lucid Gravity SUV, 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Camry are now all hybrid, which is great news for the environment. At the L.A. Auto Show, Brian saw some exciting concept cars, such as the KIA EV4 and KIA EV5, as well as the KIA EV3 and KIA Forte. Brian’s favorite was the Genesis GV80 Coupe, which has impressed him every time he’s driven it. Brian also shared a list of the 10 best-used cars that get at least 40 miles to the gallon. If you’re in the market for a used car, consider the following: the 2017-2022 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid Blue, which gets an impressive 60 MPG, the Toyota Prius L Echo at 56 MPG, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue at 54 MPG, the 2019-2022 Honda Insite at 52 MPG, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at 2020-2021 52 MPG, the 2018 Camry Hybrid at 52 MPG, the 2021 Kia Nero SE at 50 MPG, the 2017-2021 Honda Accord Hybrid at 48 MPG, the 2017-2019 Malibu Hybrid at 46 MPG, and the Rav4 Hybrid at 40 MPG.

Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, test drove the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, an electric car, and was impressed with its performance. The synthetic sounds installed in the program were designed to give the driver the experience of an exhaust, which was well-designed and highly creative. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has suggested several measures to curb speeding, including speed limiters, more severe penalties, and more restrictions. They propose that if a driver exceeds the speed limit, their steering wheel and seat will vibrate, and lights will flash to alert them.

Alan starts off the show with Lauren Fix – Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. Lauren shares her experience of the L.A. Auto Show where Toyota showcased its new 2025 Toyota Tacoma, 2025 Toyota Camry, 2025 Toyota Crown SUV,  “The Signia”. Lauren also drove some exciting vehicles, including an electric Hyundai Ioniq 5N, which produces V8 exhaust sound in ignite mode. The car handles smoothly and powerfully with its rev-matching synthesized sound. The L.A. Auto Show featured the new 2025 Subaru Forester 5th generation, 2025 Lucid Gravity SUV, Ford Gamer Van, and 2025 Mustang GTD. Lauren also announced her new channel “Car Smarts” showcasing car reviews and more which can be found on YouTube. Later, the duo discussed the National Transportation Safety Board’s call for a policy speed limiting technology in cars. This policy will restrict vehicles from going over the speed limit, which Lauren considers a bad idea. She encourages people to raise their voice and talk to their politicians about it.

Ed Justice Jr. is the President and CEO of Justice Brothers, Inc. In a recent conversation, Ed shared his experience of interviewing Richard Petty, “The King”, of stock car racing, whom he had interviewed back in 1967. Petty won 27 out of 45 races, setting a record. He won a total of 200 races during his 34-year career. The interview took place at The Napa Valley Reserve winery, where Ed spoke about the challenges that Petty had to endure throughout his career, which was nothing short of amazing.

Special Guest, CEO of Dodge, Tim Kuniskis, shares how Dodge’s new Demon is being sold at $500,000 over the window sticker, with 3,300 cars produced. The aim is to expand the customer base and sell 2 million Demons. The brand positioning strategy creates a problem with supply and demand. Before the car is built, the buyer has to sign an acknowledgment form that includes language about the car’s design and limitations. The pricing policy is serious, with the market determining the value. The name “Demon” caused some controversy, but the company decided to keep it. If you own an original Demon, they will match the VIN numbers of the new cars to the original ones.

Steven Cole Smith, the Editor in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, leads a brand that lives by its motto “Domestic not Domesticated”. With a focus on the most expensive cars, like the Hellcats and Build Demons, they have built a community of 13 million fans who feel like family. Dodge’s marketing strategy is centered on calling itself a “Brotherhood of muscle” and creating a passion for driving its cars. While they are just beginning to explore electric cars, they haven’t forgotten the traditional muscle car experience of acceleration off the line. Dodge is bringing back the “Hornet” and has racing events like the Bristol Race. Every purchase of a new Dodge SRT vehicle comes with a class at the Radford racing school in Chandelier, Arizona. Additionally, Porsche has an experience center in Atlanta, where visitors can tour the museum and drive any Porsche car on the race track for around $450.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:07:05] – L.A. Auto Show[00:13:01] – Restricting Speed[00:20:52] – Contributor Ed Justice Jr. [00:29:42] – “The King”[00:37:22] – Hybrid Is The Way To Go[00:43:42] – Best of Show Special Guest Tim Kuniskis[00:50:54] – Brand Positioning[00:56:41] – Name Game[01:04:32] – Best of Show Contributor Stephen Cole Smith[01:13:04] – Brotherhood of Muscle[01:21:02] – Porsche Race Track

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Joining Alan today is Karl Brauer, an Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, board member, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. The good news is that the strike is over, and workers will now receive a 25% pay raise, lots of incentives, reduced time for tier advancements, and access to working in the battery plants. However, Toyota sales are not going well, as EV cars are taking longer to sell. Elon Musk started dropping prices, forcing other players to lower theirs. This strategy of “pulling sales forward” is like taking three months of organic purchasing and crunching them all in two weeks by lowering the price, but it can result in not having anything to sell for the next two months. Significant cuts in the production of new plants to produce batteries and cars have also been made.

The latest study from iSeeCars is about “Retained Value,” which essentially means what a car is worth five years later. The average car retains around 61.2% of its value, which is excellent for consumers. To see the complete list of top 25 cars that retain their value, (see link below). The top 10 cars that hold their value the most are Porsche 911, Porsche 718, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler & Unlimited, Honda Civic, Subaru BRZ, Chevrolet Camaro, Toyota CHR, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Sedan. On the other hand, the top 10 cars that didn’t hold their value so well are all luxury cars, namely Maserati Quattroporte, BMW 7 series, Maserati Ghibli, BMW 5 Series Sedan Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade ESV, BMW X5, Infiniti QX80, Maserati Levante, Jaguar XF, and Audi A7.

Alan talks about his GT 500 Mustang that he purchased and inquires about the 2024 Mustang. It turns out that it’s not all new, as they’ve only tweaked the suspension while using the same platform. Karl drove the six-cylinder convertible Mustang, which had a nice drive with 315 horsepower. He enjoyed driving it as it was nicely equipped.

Coming up next is George Kennedy III, the 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. In a recent segment, George and Alan discussed the 2024 Audi RS E-Tron-GT, a sharp-looking, sharp-handling performance electric car that is hotter than hot.

The standard GT is priced around $105K, and the cost is naturally higher based on performance. Alan mentioned that with the Dodge Demon 170, which has 1020 horsepower and good fuel economy, the internal combustion engine has reached its limit. George was impressed by the presence of the Audi car, which is a blast to drive. It is a top-of-the-line car with 637 horsepower, 4-wheel steering, and can go from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds.

George also drove the 2024 Honda Civic Type R, which he found fantastic. It is more focused, with a turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 315 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission. It is a refined yet punchy daily driver, and a reliable vehicle that comes with a factory-backed warranty.

Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, discusses a concerning issue about the amount of data that cars are collecting about their drivers. According to her, car manufacturers such as Nissan and Kia have been collecting personal information, including sexual activity, politics, race, and religion, and selling it to third parties. Even when you plug your phone into your car, they collect data from it. Mozilla Foundation is one of the organizations responsible for this. Lauren also sheds light on the 2026 kill switch mandate, where cars will scan drivers’ eyes or as you push the start button detect if they have consumed alcohol or any other substance,

Alan and BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason start todays episode of “The Drive” discussing Stellantis’ withdrawal from the Consumer Electronics Show due to the UAW strike’s impact. They talk about the challenge automakers face to meet the fuel economy standards set by the Biden-Harris administration and the lack of success in promoting electric vehicles. BJ shares her experience of test-driving the 2023 Lexus Ultra Luxury, which comes in five trims, has three rows of seats, can tow up to 8,000 pounds, and features a 3.4 twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower. The car has sold about 5,300 units and costs around $133K.

George Kennedy III is the co-founder of Cartender.com and also holds the position of Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is also a contributor to several publications including U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. In his recent review, the author discusses two fantastic lightweight sports cars with rear-wheel drive and great cornering abilities – the 2023 Toyota GR86 and the 2023 Subaru BRZ. The Toyota GR86, with its 220 horsepower, boasts a fantastic clutch and transmission. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ offers similar handling capabilities and is renowned for its “blissful” driving experience, especially in the premium trim with padded seats that provide a comfortable ride. The Toyota GR86 starts at $30,000.

In a recent episode of Car Coach Reports, Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief, discussed an upcoming law known as the “killswitch” bill. This law mandates that all cars manufactured from 2026 will have a “killswitch” to prevent drunk driving. The button to start the car will scan the driver’s finger for any signs of substance abuse. However, the infrastructure bill (Section 24:2:20) includes a provision that allows the car to listen, scan, and record your every move, as the automakers collect and sell the driver’s information to a third party, eliminating privacy altogether. This law raises concerns about the loss of privacy and the implications for individual freedoms.

Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and board member, as well as an Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com, Karl sympathizes with striking auto workers but urges the UAW to balance fairness for both workers and companies. He notes that financing high interest rates make new cars unaffordable but used and electric cars are becoming more affordable. Karl also points out that self-driving vehicles need to improve their ability to recognize their surroundings, but for now they are more of a nuisance.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:29] – Fleet Wide Fuel Economy[00:13:01] – The Flagship[00:20:52] – Contributor George Kennedy [00:30:46] – Toyobaru[00:37:22] – Blissful Driving[00:43:42] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:51] – Killswitch[00:56:45] – French Stellantis[01:04:35] – Contributor Karl Brauer[01:12:25] – Affordable Cars[01:21:05] – Self Driving Nuisance

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ KilleenContributor: George Kennedy III

Contributor: Lauren FixContributor: Karl Brauer

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

* Contributor: BJ Killeen |  Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason

* Contributor: George Kennedy III |  Co-founder of Cartender.com,

BJ Killeen is a well-known automotive journalist, known for her fair and balanced reporting. In recent news, Subaru of America has announced their “Share the Love” event, where they will donate $250 to charities when you purchase or lease a vehicle between November 16th and January 2nd. This annual event has raised over $256 million for charities over the past 16 years. Moving on to the latest developments in the electric vehicle world, there is a shortage of technicians to fix charging units, causing over 4,000 charging stations to be out of service. In other auto news, the labor dispute between Ford and UAW continues, with one of the main sticking points being UAW’s demand to control the new battery plants that Ford is building. Ford is not willing to let them dictate what they can do with their batteries and has started to shift production to Mexico. Before signing off, BJ shares her impressions of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross SXE Hybrid, a small SUV available in both gas and hybrid models. The $36,600 model she test-drove was loaded with features such as a moon roof, cross bars, adaptive headlamps, and all-wheel drive. The interior is nicely laid out and high quality and the power is more than adequate. Overall, BJ is very impressed with this small compact SUV and recommends it as a great option for those in the market for one.

Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, recently shared some automotive news about the Ford Super Duty strike. The Kentucky plant, which employs 8,700 workers and produces three vehicles including the Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, and Ford Super Duty, has reached a point where the disagreement has become contentious. Ford was surprised by this strike, as they thought they were making progress, but not so much. Ford has made it clear that they are not going to agree to a deal that doesn’t work for them, even if the outcome could potentially mean losing 100,000 jobs. Statistics show that if Super Duty were a stand-alone company, it would generate more revenue than Southwest Airlines, Nordstrom, or Marriott International. The Kentucky plant contributes over $12 billion dollars to the local economy, and more than 600 suppliers feed into that plant. This raises an important question: will the automakers be moving south where the incentives are?

George Kennedy, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, spoke about the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV, an electric SUV with a range that tops the charts. The interior of the EQS SUV is beautiful, with customizable lighting. Although it is closer in size to a midsize GLE, it is an electric vehicle. There are three tiers for this model, with the base model starting at 104k and the 580 model at 126k. The EQS SUV also has DC fast charging and is designed to be as quiet as possible with sound-deafening features. It is incredibly smooth and silent during operation. Kennedy believes that the sales of this SUV will be the proof in the pudding for automakers who want to attract Tesla shoppers and new EV buyers. The EQS SUV also comes with adaptive air suspension, which gives a confident swell during acceleration. The real treat is sitting behind the wheel, with a lavish, high-quality, world-class interior and craftsmanship, including massaging seats.

We have a special guest today, Josh Hancock, who is a well-known Hollywood car consultant, also known as JoshCAR. Josh has some international news to share about the electric vehicle (EV) market. China’s government is investing heavily in EVs and using its funds to build as many cars as possible to become the top EV manufacturer. Unfortunately, due to excess inventory, they have abandoned over 10,000 cars on an island. In contrast, TESLA, owned by the innovative entrepreneur Elon Musk, has secured $7.5 billion in subsidies for sharing its charging inf...

Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and board member, as well as the Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com, joins Alan to open the show today. Environmentalists are the new threat to the auto industry, as they suggest that we may have to stop driving cars due to the newest emissions. According to activists, tires are emitting harmful substances that we inhale, and as they come apart, they release toxic fumes and by-products into the air. Even electric cars are not immune to these issues, as they are heavy due to their batteries and cause more wear and tear on the tires. Amid the ongoing UAW strike, Alan and Karl discuss the production of the Dodge Demon 170, which has just completed its first round of production. Only 3300 units are being built, with 3000 for the US and 300 for Canada. So far, 1100 units have been completed, and everything needs to be done by December 31st when production stops.

Up next is Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. Until the United States starts producing its own oil instead of relying on imports from countries like Russia, we will continue to see rising gas prices. As a result, people may be forced to buy electric vehicles. Companies like Rivian are losing $33,000 per vehicle, despite their very cool and unique R1T and R1S models. Unfortunately, it is not currently profitable to produce electric vehicles. Ford is facing a similar situation with their Lightning truck, which has had to cancel all 2023 models and plans to release a cheaper 2024 version. Lauren then switches topics to discuss the World Economic Forum’s 2030 plan, which aims to take everything away from individuals. There are a lot of strange things happening in the world that are affecting the price of everything. For example, Klaus Schwab wants to eliminate driving altogether in California, and an advisory committee has suggested that owning a car is a privilege that causes systematic racism and negative environmental impacts. They eventually hope to create “15-minute cities,” where everything an individual needs is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. Before Lauren ends her segment, she shares some breaking news: the California legislature has adopted HR Bill 1435, also known as the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which stops the state’s gas vehicle ban.  Fingers crossed!

George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, took a quick pit stop with Alan. George is a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. He recently test-drove the 2023 Lexus RX350H Hybrid luxury SUV crossover. The car features a 4-cylinder engine, 2 electric motors, 246 horsepower, and standard all-wheel drive. With a fuel efficiency of 37mph in the city and 34mph on the highway, the car provides a smooth and efficient ride. The steering is light, making driving effortless and comfortable. The luxury trim model is priced at $62k, making it a well-rounded, comfortable, and efficient choice for anyone looking for a luxury vehicle.

Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, is closing out the show from the Orange County Auto Show, which is a regional show with a lot of cool stuff. At the event, several 2024 cars were showcased, including the Lexus TX, Lexus GX, Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Kia EV9, and the Honda Prologue. Brian shares a list of vehicles that perform well on the highway, which includes the gasoline-powered Honda Accord EX with 37 mpg and the Nissan Sentra with 39 mpg. In the hybrid category, the new Toyota Prius gets 57 mpg, and the Toyota Prius Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid, gets the equivalent of 127 mpg. That’s it for this show! Thank you to all the car enthusiasts for joining us and...

Today’s show features George Kennedy, the co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. George is a prominent contributor to various publications including U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive with Alan Taylor. In today’s segment, George shares with us a list of the most expensive trucks, starting with the Dodge Ram TRX, Ford Raptor R, GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, Rivian RI, Ford F150 Lightning Platinum, and finally, the most expensive, the Hummer EV First Edition. Ranging from 85,000 on up. Moving on, George talks about the 2023 Infiniti QX60, which boasts a premium interior, and advanced technology, and is a great all-around 3-row SUV. The V6 engine packs a punch with 295 horsepower and is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The mid-size luxury SUV starts at $50,000, and the Sensory model with added options starts at $55,000. While it may not be the sportiest or most comfortable SUV in its class, the Infiniti QX60 offers great value for a luxury vehicle.

Coming up next is Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. She is here to talk about the recent strike by the UAW. On Thursday night at midnight, the UAW went on strike, demanding a 44% increase in pay as one of their stipulations. Stelantis, Ford, and GM offered a counter proposal which the UAW declined. Lauren believes that CEOs make excessive amounts of money, but that is the board members’ responsibility, and workers shouldn’t be blamed for asking for a wage increase. Most UAW workers make $17.00 an hour, which is less than what McDonald’s pays. The UAW has done a “Targeted Strike,” focusing on the Jeep Plant, Bronco Ranger Plant, and the Colorado Plant. Although not all employees left, the majority did go home. Interestingly, the impact of the UAW’s strike goes beyond the car manufacturers to their suppliers. Lauren thinks that if the UAW targets the “Cash Cow” which includes the F150 plant, Silverado Plant, and the Ram Plant, this will force the manufacturers to make quicker decisions. Before Lauren leaves, she shares a little tidbit: the average price of diesel in the US is $5.01, and the average for gas is $3.88. Could this be the government’s way of encouraging people to switch to electric vehicles?

John Clay Wolfe is not only the CEO of GiveMeTheVin but also the host of The John Clay Wolfe Show. He holds a Guinness World Record for selling a whopping 1585 cars in a single day. In the last two years, his business has generated nearly $5 billion, making him the largest wholesale dealer in the country. When asked how he manages to do so much business, John explains that he started wiring an automated system to bid cars for the masses. He now has a team of 250 people spread throughout the country that helps manage the mayhem.  Alan then switched topics and asked about the Ultimate Barn Find in Birmingham, Alabama. John managed to purchase 25 cars from a widow, including a 1996 C4S Manual Porsche with only 600 miles on it, a 1997 C5 First year with just 80 miles on it, a 1990 ZR1 with only 20 miles on it, a 454 SS Chevy truck, and a 1971 Stingray, among others. The late husband, who originally purchased these cars, did not trust banks and Wall Street and chose to invest in cars instead. Many of them still had plastic wrapped around the interior. The collection also included a ’56 Cadillac, ’65 Short bed Chevy Truck, ’98 Corvette, and ’01 Firebird Trans am W6. They are not for sale as John intends to keep these collectibles to admire. The next question from Alan is, have you ever had a car you were forced to sell because, well, you needed to make ends meet?  Dealing with an injury, the wife leaving, and an associate embezzling money, John had no choice but to do a controlled bankruptcy. Still, before he does,

Alan welcomes Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, to the show. Alan asks the question on everyone’s mind: why are gas prices skyrocketing? It’s all politics. The US oil reserve has hit a minimum thanks to the current administration, causing fluctuating prices. The duo also discusses Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford, and his uncomfortable interview on Fox regarding his drive with The Ford F150 Lightning. With only 40 minutes for a 40% charge, Farley realized there was a problem. Not enough charging stations, and that’s only the beginning.  Before Lauren leaves, they revisit the question of why gas prices are rising. The cost of oil goes up, and so does gas. New regulations and lower production rates mean we will be paying more at the pumps if we turn to leases in third-world countries like Russia.

Karl Brauer is an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year, board member, member, and executive analyst for ISeeCars.com. According to Karl, the hot topic in the industry is that the UAW strike is unavoidable. The workers are chanting the mantra of mistreatment and abuse from the automakers. They are demanding a 40% raise and a golden pension, wanting it all. For the past decade, the automakers have been making profits, and the workers now want a share of it. However, the automakers being forced to make electric vehicles, which are yet to be profitable, may make the next five to ten years less profitable. This is an example of capitalism at play. Before leaving, Karl shared his thoughts on three new electric vehicles. Karl test-drove the new 2024 KIA EV9 3-row SUV. The vehicle boasts a large, boxy shape with ample interior space. It delivers decent power and has an impressive range of 300 miles, making it a great option at a great price. Another outstanding vehicle is the 2024 Hyundai Kona, which offers excellent value, a stylish appearance, and an enjoyable driving experience. This model comes in both electric and combustion engine options. Additionally, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 EV won the World Car of the Year award and is a genuinely stunning vehicle inside and out.

Best of 4/29/2023 Show-Steven Cole Smith, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, test drove the Ford F150 Lightning and found that it had several advantages. With a range of 320 miles, one must always do the math to figure out how far they can go and know where the charging stations are located. The vehicle has 580 horsepower, good payload capacity, and can tow almost anything you want. However, it is quite expensive at $80,000. In the world of motorsports, the Miami Grand Prix is coming up, which is a peak in Formula 1 popularity. It was a success last year and will take place on the streets of Miami, around the Miami football stadium. The streets will be transformed into a track, much like Las Vegas. There is a lot to watch out for, and more people are becoming interested in NASCAR. Tony Stewart won his first race last weekend, and Alex Bowman, number 88, is learning sprint cars. Unfortunately, he crashed in Iowa and flipped head over heels, coming down so hard that he broke a vertebra. Hendrick drivers seem to be getting hurt often. NHRA is at the 4 wide nationals in Charlotte, and there is a lot to watch, from F1 to drag racing. Everyone is on the track.

Best of show 4/29/2023-George Kennedy III is a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive with Alan Taylor. In his latest article, George test-drives the 2023 BMW M2 and shares his experience. The coupe exceeded all his expectations with its lightning-quick response and excellent cornering provisions. Although it was a bit awkward to get in and out of the optional...

Today, Alan’s guest and contributor is BJ Killeen. BJ is an automotive journalist and a voice of reason. She joins the show to discuss the latest news from the automotive industry. The Mercedes Benz G Wagon is a status symbol machine that is incredibly capable off-road. In fact, the company is planning to introduce a new baby G Wagon model in 2026. Moving on to the political landscape of the industry, the UAW is requesting a 46% pay raise over a couple of years, a 32-hour workweek with pay for 40 hours, and a return to traditional pensions. If the workers go on strike, it will cost the three largest automakers a billion dollars within ten days. This would lead to a loss in production, which could result in dealerships marking up their vehicles. Before BJ signs off, she shares that Mini has announced they will no longer be offering manual transmissions in their vehicles. Even though they recently opened a school to teach people how to drive a stick shift.

Coming up next on Alan’s show is George Kennedy, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He is also a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Today, George is test-driving the 2024 Acura Integra Type S. This is a much-awaited car for him, and it looks like a four-door coupe, but it’s a sedan. Acura and Honda are known for making very practical cars. This particular car has quite a bit of headroom and legroom. The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is a performance luxury car with a manual transmission that costs around $50,000. It’s a great all-around car, smooth and very easy to use.

Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, will be the final speaker. As hurricane season approaches, there are several precautions you can take to keep your car safe from Mother Nature. Firstly, avoid driving into floods. Prior to the storm, make sure to fill up your tank or charge your electric car to its maximum capacity. Also, store your car in a garage or move it to higher ground if you anticipate flooding. AutoTrader’s enthusiast page www.autotrader.com/oversteer features stories on car anniversaries such as Bentley Continental GT, Audi TT, Honda Civic CRX, Jeep Cherokee, just to name a few. Let’s shift our focus to the Ford Maverick. If you’re one of the people who purchased or reserved a 2022 Ford Maverick and are still on the waiting list, you may be able to take advantage of a few discounts. You can get $1750 off the gas-powered version or $2700 off the echo boost hybrid. Ford is aware that people are having to wait for a long time, so it’s offering some discounts. Alternatively, you could explore if there is a discount for switching to a 2024 model. The Ford Maverick is a great truck that can handle all the needs of the average person. Here’s some interesting information for you. Jim Farley, the President and CEO of Ford, recently test-drove the Ford F150 Lightning electric truck and had an eye-opening experience. He had to wait for 40 minutes to get a 40 percent charge, which made him realize the need for more charging stations. Before Brian left, he shared some findings from a JD Power study. The study found that 21% of people in the United States plan on adopting an electric vehicle. The top 10 states that are most interested in electric vehicles are California, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Massachusetts. This year, more electric cars have been sold than ever before. However, there are also 10 states that are declining in electric vehicle adoption. For more information on this study, you can check out JDPower.com.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:51] – UAW Strike [00:13:01] – Bye, Bye, Mini Manual[00:20:52] – Contributor George Kennedy III ...