The Drive with Alan Taylor

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,

Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, has warned that if the United Auto Workers (UAW) decide to go on strike, it could cause major trouble. UAW is demanding an increase in wages of up to $150 an hour, which could significantly increase the cost of vehicles. However, it’s important to note that the majority of these raises won’t go to the workers, but rather to the UAW. This has been criticized as a money-grab by the union, who are threatening to strike if their demands aren’t met.

To help consumers save money, Lauren has provided a list of the top 20 lowest-priced brand new cars you can buy. The list includes the 2023 Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Ford Maverick, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Subaru Impreza, Mazda CX30, Toyota Corolla, Buick Envista, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Tracks, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra, Honda Venue, Kia Soul, Kia Forte, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Versa. You can find the full report on her website CarCoachReports.com.

Up next is George Kennedy III. George is a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. George recently test-drove the 2023 Ford Raptor R, which boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with 700 horsepower, larger tires, higher ground clearance, unique shock tuning, and a starting price of $107k. It’s a fantastic vehicle, and there’s no replacement for the sound of a V8 engine. Compared to the Dodge Ram TRX, the Raptor R would win in a race. However, regarding everyday driving, the Raptor R’s gas consumption is relatively high. Lastly, George mentions he also test-drove the newest Toyota Sienna Mini Van, a hybrid, and says he would gladly take this vehicle any day. It’s like driving a cruise ship, very comfortable.

Our good friend BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, shares some interesting updates from the world of automobiles. London has implemented ultra-low emission zone cameras that scan the registration number of your vehicle and access your emissions-related information. If your vehicle does not comply with the emission standards, you will receive a fine of around $16.00. California may also adopt a similar system in the future. VINFast has opened a stock offering and while it initially went up, BJ advises getting out now before it crashes. Mitsubishi is discontinuing the Mirage, which was the only vehicle priced under 20k, making affordable cars increasingly rare. Fisker Automotive has introduced the Alaska, the world’s most sustainable electric pickup truck. It boasts the world’s biggest cup holder and can extend cargo space up to 5 feet. The truck is also incredibly fast.

On the show today, Alan was joined by Karl Brauer, an Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. During their discussion, Karl shared the latest findings from ISeeCars that revealed the scarcity of affordable used cars priced at $20,000 or less in the market. According to the study, there has been a 47.7% increase in the average price of a used car, with 20% more mileage compared to 2019. For instance, a used Honda CRV or Toyota Rav 4, which were previously available for slightly over $20k in 2019, have now gone up by 37 to 41% with twice the mileage. As they closed the show, Karl and Alan talked about the Concord at Pebble Beach. Karl noted that there was a lot to see, ranging from the Hennessy Roadster to Infiniti’s newest concept car, a QX80 3-row SUV, and other cool stuff.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:06:33] – Top 20 Cheap New Cars[00:13:01] – Carcoachreports,

In this report, Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, discusses the challenges faced by car manufacturers who are forced to produce specific products by the government. Failure to comply with regulations can result in hefty fines and fees. Even though the government feels that electric vehicles are the future, they are not profitable in the short term. Lauren shares how dealerships want the cars to move quickly to avoid accruing charges. However, the rotation of electric vehicles is taking longer than expected because demand is so low. It’s clear that the car industry needs true car enthusiasts in charge, as many people are still resistant to EV’S. Even with tax credits, it’s challenging to sell electric vehicles. Mandating electric vehicles is not the solution; a bill is on the floor to block such mandates.

Next up is Ed Justice Jr., President and CEO of Justice Brothers, Inc. When purchasing a TESLA, it’s important to note that the company has been caught overstating the range of its cars. Once 50% of battery life is depleted, the range displayed will become more accurate and show a significant loss of range miles. Extreme temperatures also significantly affect batteries, which can negatively impact electric vehicles. According to a Reuters article, Tesla employees were instructed to divert any customers complaining about poor driving range from bringing their cars in for service. In the summer of 2022, Tesla quietly created a team to cancel as many range-related appointments as possible. Tesla uses software to overestimate the range of their vehicles, which in turn understates their emissions. It remains to be seen if the EPA will respond to this. It needs to be clarified why Tesla is getting a pass on this issue.

My friend Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, has some exciting updates. Brain shares a list of special edition cars. Firstly, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plugin hybrid is now available, which allows you to save power. Additionally, you can get a $11,500 lease discount in some states. The Chevy Traverse has undergone a makeover and now comes with a Z71 trim to give it more of an SUV look. The Volkswagen GLI now comes with a sportier trim. If you’re an enthusiast, you’ll enjoy checking out the Autotrader/oversteer section of Autotrader.com. Some of the top stories include the final Mopar 23 special edition of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, the first drive for the 2024 Ford Mustang Echo Boost and GT, a 3-wheel Canam Spyder RT, and an article on the new Maserati race car, MXC Extrema. You’ll also find articles on larger-than-life promotional vehicles like the Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile, Red Bull’s Suzuki, Cadbury Crème Egg Car, Peeps Mobile, and Planters Nut Mobile. (see link below) Later on, Brian shares his list of 3-row SUVs under $5K. These include the 2006 Toyota Highlander, 2007 Saturn Outlook, 2007 Mercury Mountaineer, 2007 Honda Pilot, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, and 2007 Buick Rendezvous.

Alan’s friend and contributor, Karl Brauer, closes the show. He is an Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. Karl got to look at the world debut of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, a vehicle renowned for its versatility and durability. It is an off-road vehicle that can take you anywhere without breaking down and is far more accessible. The Land Cruiser has a hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, and an electric motor. The Grand Cherokee, Toyota Prius, Jeep 4xe, and Rubicon Wrangler were other cars discussed. Karl mentioned that new car pricing has increased by 7.5%, and dealers are asking for an additional 8% above the MSRP. Our dollars are worth less, so it’s essential to visit iseecars.

We are excited to have BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, back on The Drive. There is currently a competition between GM, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis to install 30,000 new DC fast charging stations by 2030. However, there seems to be some disagreement over where these charging stations will be placed. In other news, Tesla has been accused of exaggerating the driving range of their vehicles by rigging the range estimated software on the car dashboard. Instead of projecting the real driving range, it showed something different. Tesla even hired a secret team to delete hundreds of complaints. This is a serious issue because many people purchased Tesla vehicles specifically for their driving range. Reuters investigated and uncovered this issue, and it has been reported that Tesla sold 172,000 vehicles to unknowing customers.

Our next guest today is Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst and contributor to Forbes Autos. He’s also a juror and board member for the North American Car and Truck of the Year, as well as an executive analyst for ISeeCars.com. Currently, Karl is getting ready for the Longtail Rally 2022, driving a 2022 Acura NSX on a 9-day, 3000-mile journey from San Francisco to Scottsdale, Arizona. He’s sitting on the side of Lookout Mountain in Denver, taking in the view. Recently, Karl was in Italy, where he saw the convertible version of the new MC20 mid-engine Maserati, known as the Maserati MC20 Cielo.

Karl tells us about his passion for cars and how high gas prices won’t stop him from pursuing that passion. He says that you can reset the benchmark for supercars for way less money. Moving on to the Acura NSX, Karl talks about its hybrid powertrain, electric motor, and combustion engine. He describes it as super refined, all-wheel drive, and freaky capable. You can switch to a quiet mode, which is like a Lexus, or sport mode, which makes all the noise you need. Alan agrees that it’s a lot of car for the money.

Josh Hancock, the Hollywood car consultant of JoshCAR, has returned with some exciting news. The market will soon see the removal of ICE (internal combustion engine) Challengers and Chargers. In the meantime, Josh has been given a Mercedes EQE mid-size sedan to drive by his local Mercedes dealership sponsor. Unfortunately, there are only a few fast-charging stations available. Efforts are being made to create an infrastructure that caters to everyone, no matter where they are located. While California does not seem to have any issues, other areas are struggling with charging station availability. Switching gears, Josh talks about the upcoming Barbie movie and the importance of matching a car with a character. The movie has made the pink Corvette an emblematic car, and even Mustangs have been replaced by it. Google searches for the car have increased by 450%, ever since it was featured in the movie. It is evident how important it is to showcase a car in a film.

Our final guest on the show today is George Kennedy III, a long-time friend and contributor. George is a co-founder of Cartender.com and holds the position of Vice President at the New England Motor Press Association. He also contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and shares his insights here on The Drive.

In today’s episode, George test drives the 2023 Infiniti Q50, a small compact luxury sedan with rear-wheel drive. Although it’s not as daring or bold and doesn’t draw attention, it’s affordable and the smallest sedan available with a base MSRP of $42k. The car features a touch screen infotainment system, driver system features, and George drove the sensory trim with a V6 engine that performs well and handles nicely. The car’s double-screen infotainment system is a plus,

Alan is joined by BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, to discuss VinFast, a new Vietnamese automaker. With only 128 registrations in America, BJ suggests that due to the lack of brand recognition and high price tag, VinFast isn’t making much of an impression. The conversation then shifts to GM’s request to the government to allow them to produce a self-driving vehicle without certain standard regulated items such as a steering wheel, mirrors, turn signals, and windshield wipers. What do you think the government’s response will be?

Alan introduces Steven Cole Smith, Editor in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, as they share some sad news. They both express their condolences for the passing of their good friend Jim Scoutten, 30 year broadcast veteran and the voice behind Motor Trend television, Car And Driver, American Shooter and ShootingUSA. Jim’s death is a great loss for the world of car and gun enthusiasts. Steven describes Jim as the modern-day John Wayne. Shifting gears to the motorsports world, Steven mentions that NASCAR has hit a dry spell with only six races remaining in the chase for the championship. Despite the rainout during the race in Chicago, a rookie driver from New Zealand, Shane van Gisbergen, won the race, becoming the first rookie to do so since 1963. Steven informs that Shane will be competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in August.

Next up, Alan is joined by Lauren Fix, the Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. With her usual fiery attitude, she shares her perspective on the hot topic of UAW. Both Alan and Lauren have placed orders for the new Dodge Demon 170. However, with the Order Bank stating that orders must be in by the end of July, those who miss the deadline will be out of luck. Stellantis has until the end of the year to fulfill orders. The Auto Workers Union is unhappy about the government’s mandate for electric vehicles, as it will lead to job losses. Lauren changes the topic to the average time that EV trucks stay unsold on the lot, which is over a hundred days. Despite the mandates, people are still not buying electric vehicles. Before she leaves, Lauren shares a little about the new 2024 Mustang EcoBoost or GT, which she test drove. It has two cool features, the drift brake and the remote rev feature, which make it a desirable vehicle. If you want to find out more, visit Lauren at www.laurenfix.com.

On today’s episode of The Drive with Alan Taylor, Alan’s guest is Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com. Brian discusses the difference between salvaged title and rebuilt titles and advises against purchasing one unless you have access to someone with mechanical expertise or a garage for maintenance and repairs. For more information, visit autotrader.com. Brian also shares the top SUVs for leasing in July, including the 2023 Chevy Blazer, 2023 GMC Acadia, 2023 Honda HRV, 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2023 Mazda CX5, 2023 Nissan Rogue, and the 2023 Subaru Forester. However, leasing may not be the best option unless you’re making a profit. Before saying goodbye, Brian encourages listeners to check out Autotrader.com/oversteer for fun and interesting stories, including the “Forbidden Fruit” section where they showcase vehicles not available in America. That’s all for this episode of “The Drive with Alan Taylor.” Join us next week for more with Alan and contributors Josh Hancock, George Kennedy III, Karl Brauer, and BJ Killeen.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:32] – Total Recall[00:13:01] – Lego[00:20:51] – Contributor Stephen Cole Smith[00:27:24] – Down Under[00:37:22] – Formula 1 in Hungary[00:43:44] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:37] – No One Wants One!

During a brief conversation, Alan and BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and friend, discussed the possibility of a strike with the United Auto Workers. Stellantis, Ford, and GM need to renegotiate a list of demands before their contract ends. Some of the demands include different wage tiers and a 32-hour work week to allow workers to spend more time with their families. Additionally, BJ mentioned that Tesla is currently seeking part-time drivers. Tesla would like individuals to drive around their vehicle to gather data and enhance drivability and performance.

Next up is George Kennedy III, Co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He’s a regular contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive with Alan Taylor. George recently test drove the 2023 Toyota Tundra LTD IForce Max, which boasts three different drivetrains. He found the truck to be both utilitarian and modern, with strong acceleration and smart design. While it looks and feels like a truck, it’s also packed with modern features. The starting MSRP for this model is $38,000.

Next on the show, Alan welcomes Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports and a friend and contributor. Recently, Lauren wrote an article on Carcoachreports.com about the confusion surrounding gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles. According to Lauren, hybrid cars offer the best of both worlds, with a smooth transition from electric to gas and no need to worry about range when driving above 35mph.

Joining Alan for the show’s finale is Karl Brauer, an expert in the automotive industry. He is a Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and a board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. Karl provides more insight into the potential UAW strike, which could lead to difficult times for the auto industry and limited options for consumers due to low inventory. If you’re eagerly waiting for the new limited edition Dodge Demon 170, Stellantis has until December 31st to produce 3,000 units for the US and 300 for Canada. Time is running out!

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:29] – Twitter vs. Facebook[00:13:01] – Tesla Hiring Drivers[00:20:52] – Contributor George Kennedy III [00:28:50] – 2023 Toyota Tundra XL Limited[00:37:24] – Utilitarian and Modern[00:43:44] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:37] – Battery Life[00:56:45] – Auto Transfer[01:04:35] – Contributor Karl Brauer[01:13:53] – Used EV’s Down 29.5%[01:21:05] – Ruby Red Beaut

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen Contributor: George Kennedy IIIContributor: Lauren Fix Contributor: Karl Brauer

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

* Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive. 

* Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.

* Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com

Vehicles Discussed:

My friend and contributor BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and voice of reason, has returned from a quick visit to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas. According to BJ, the auction had fewer cars than usual, and none of the vehicles sold for over a million dollars, which is unusual. However, a 2019 Ford GT lightweight model and a Ferrari F90 were sold for 990k and 594k, respectively, and did well collectively. On a lighter note, BJ also shared some comedy by mentioning that Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have agreed to a cage fight, which should be interesting.

Next up is Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst and contributor to Forbes Autos. He’s also a North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and a board member, as well as an executive analyst for ISeeCars.com. Karl recently tested the 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV, which boasts 791 horsepower and a two-speed transmission attached to the motor with a nine-speed automatic in the front. He describes it as wild, fast, and powerful. Additionally, Karl confirms the rumor that GM is investing a billion dollars in a new diesel powerplant as a backup plan for the automakers.

Lauren Fix, the Editor in Chief of Car Coach Reports.com, made a brief stop to discuss the disappearance of dashboard AM radio. She has taken up the cause to save AM radio for several reasons. AM radio plays a critical role during emergencies and serves as the only source of news for many people in their communities. When asked if the issue was politically motivated, Lauren surprisingly responded that it was not. Instead, automakers aim to eliminate free entertainment and push for subscription-based music services. Ultimately, it’s all about the money.!

Alan is joined by Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, who shares his insights on the top ten used compact vehicles for under five thousand dollars. The list includes popular models such as the Volkswagen Jetta and Chevy Cobalt. For the complete list, visit Brian’s website at www.autrotrader.com. Brian also highlights the top ten eight-seater SUVs, which includes the Nissan Armada, Toyota Grand Highlander, Mazda CX90, 2023 Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevy Traverse, and the 2023 Subaru Ascent. To see the full list and more, click on the link below.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:29] – Memorabilia[00:13:01] – Ready to Rumble[00:20:52] – Contributor Karl Brauer [00:28:50] – 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV[00:37:24] – Billion Dollar Power Plant[00:43:44] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:37] – Save AM Radio[00:56:45] – Chevy Silverado E[01:04:35] – Contributor Brian Moody[01:13:53] – Day Supply Is Up[01:21:05] – Eight Passenger SUV

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen Contributor: Karl BrauerContributor: Lauren Fix Contributor: Brian Moody

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

* Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com..

* Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports.

* Contributor: Karl Brauer | Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Anal...

Today on the show, Alan is joined by BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and trusted friend. They begin by reflecting on fond memories before diving into the latest news. Recently, former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn filed a lawsuit against Nissan, two other companies, and 12 individuals for defamation and libel. Ghosn is seeking over a billion dollars and 5% of Nissan’s worth to clear his name. This ongoing legal battle has had a significant impact on Ghosn’s life, and he believes Nissan needs to take responsibility for their actions.

Up next is contributor Brian Moody – Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com. Brian is here to give us a list of June’s top best truck deals and the top ten most fun SUVs. To find more information on the vehicles on these lists, visit his website at www.autotrader.com/oversteer. Before he exits, Brian gives us a little tidbit about another issue electric vehicles face. Tires! Due to the car’s weight, the battery, and the instant torque, tires on EVs are wearing out faster than usual. So before buying a used EV, you should check the tread on the tires.

George Kennedy III is a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He writes for U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. Currently, he is test driving the all-electric Mercedes EQS SUV. The ride is incredibly smooth with powerful acceleration and an adaptive air suspension. But the real highlight is the luxurious and world-class interior, making it a treat to sit behind the wheel.

Our final guest today is Josh Hancock, a Hollywood car consultant known as JoshCAR. Josh has some international news to share. The Chinese government is investing heavily in electric vehicles (EVs), using government funds to build as many as possible in order to become the top EV manufacturer. However, they have ended up with excess inventory and have abandoned over 10,000 cars on an island. On the other hand, Elon Musk’s TESLA has secured $7.5 billion in subsidies for sharing its charging infrastructure with other manufacturers. What will be the next venture for this innovative entrepreneur?

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:35] – Carlos Ghosen[00:13:02] – Charging stations[00:20:53] – Contributor Brian Moody [00:28:57] – Ten most fun SUV’s[00:37:24] – Tires, Tires, Tires[00:43:44] – Contributor George Kennedy III[00:50:28] – Mercedes EQS SUV[00:56:46] – Tesla Shopper[01:04:37] – High Quality[01:10:57] – Contributor Josh Hancock[01:21:08] – Subsidizing

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen Contributor: Brian MoodyContributor: George Kennedy III Contributor: Josh Hancock

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

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

* Contributor: Brian Moody | Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com..

* Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive.

* Contributor: Josh Hancock | JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant.

This week, Alan is joined by BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and a voice of reason. Barrett-Jackson 2023, known as the ‘World’s Greatest’ auction, is scheduled to take place on June 22-24th in Las Vegas. BJ highlights some of the top vehicles that will be up for auction, such as the McLaren MP4 12C, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak, the 2021 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Hennessey Custom Edition called ‘Exorcist’, and the Challenger SRT Hellcat ‘Black Ghost’, among others. BJ also reveals that Toyota is bringing back their Land Cruiser, while Volkswagen is discontinuing its Arteon Sedan after selling only fifteen thousand units. Additionally, Ford and GM have partnered with Tesla, allowing their drivers to use Tesla’s charging stations. However, this might cause problems, such as waiting lines, for Tesla owners in the future.

Our next speaker, Brian Moody, is a valued contributor and friend. He holds the position of Executive Editor at Auto Trader.com and KBB.com. During his talk, Brian highlights some positive trends in the automotive industry. In May, Americans were able to purchase vehicles for prices below MSRP, and incentives have increased. Some auto manufacturers are even offering discounts or cashback of up to $19,000. However, Brian also shares some concerning news. The federal government has instructed automakers not to comply with a Massachusetts law that would allow consumers to choose third-party repair shops by sharing telemetric data. To learn more about these topics and gain further insights, please visit Brian’s link below.

The President and CEO of Justice Brothers, Inc., Ed Justice Jr., took a break to enjoy the prestigious 24-Hour Le Mans race in France from the comfort of his living room. He described it as an incredible race, especially since it marked the 75th anniversary of Porsche, the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans, and the 89th race at Le Mans. Ed also shared some interesting history about the significance of this event. Additionally, he was present at the Indy 500, which drew a massive crowd. The race was so thrilling that anyone could have won, but Joseph Newgarden, sponsored by Shell, was the one who triumphantly crossed the finish line. Great job and amazing talent!

Closing out the show with Alan is Steven Cole Smith, a longtime friend and contributor and Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports. Steven shares about the exciting Le Mans race, which was packed with a sea of people. The race featured impressive cars like Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, and even a NASCAR car that was built specifically for this track. It was a thrilling race, and even Jimmy Johnson had a chance to drive the Camaro, an exhibition vehicle, until it experienced transmission issues and ended up in 39th place. Despite the setback, they had a great time and shared many laughs.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:43] – Barrett Jackson[00:13:01] – Ford, GM, and Tesla Together[00:20:51] – Contributor Brian Moody [00:29:51] – Improved Quality[00:37:23] – Oversteer[00:43:44] – Contributor Ed Justice Jr.[00:50:44] – 24 Hours Le Mans [00:56:45] – Indy 500[01:04:35] – Contributor Steven Cole Smith[01:13:36] – Garage 57[01:21:07] – Serial Number 00008

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen Contributor: Brian MoodyContributor: Ed Justice Jr. Contributor: Steven Cole Smith

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Here’s some automotive news from 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. A study was conducted comparing the annual mileage of electric vehicles versus gas-powered vehicles. It was found that EV’s drive around 9000 miles, while gas-powered cars drive around 12,758 miles. This difference can be attributed to range anxiety, which affects the EV’s. The most driven electric car models are from Tesla, with the Tesla X being the most popular. This is due to their good range and charging network. The new trend in the industry is subscriptions, which cater to the younger generation’s preference for them. Manufacturers now offer subscriptions for various features, such as increased power, stereo, and heated seats. This provides continued revenue for the manufacturers to make up for their loss in the manufacturing of EV’s.

Our next contributor is George Kennedy III, a co-founder of Cartender.com and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. His work can be found on U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. George has been driving the 2023 Nissan Z, which he considers his favorite car of the year. He also had the opportunity to test drive the 2023 Nissan Ariya, a small electric crossover with ample cargo space and a maximum range of 304 miles. Despite its decent range, George notes that there is still a lack of infrastructure to support electric vehicles.

Our next guest is Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, who has some interesting insights to share. According to Lauren, a recent study suggests that it takes five years to recover the initial cost of an electric car, as manufacturers make it challenging for consumers to consider alternatives. She points out that in today’s high-tech world, the focus is on control, with concepts like “fifteen-minute cities” and electric vehicles being prime examples.

Alan’s guest for the final segment today is Brian Moody, a contributor and friend who serves as the Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com. Brian shares his insights on the top ten most affordable convertibles and the top ten cheapest new cars that will be available in 2023. You can find the complete list on autotrader.com. During his test drive, Brian reviews the new Volkswagen ID Buzz electric bus, which will be released by the end of this year. He praises the vehicle’s exceptional interior and exterior design and the inclusion of various standard features. Brian predicts that the price range for this model will likely be around fifty thousand dollars or more.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Karl Brauer[00:06:36] – Most to least driven cars[00:13:01] – Tesla Takes the Cake[00:20:52] – 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S [00:30:15] – Contributor George Kennedy III[00:37:23] – Nissan Ariya[00:43:43] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:25] – Lexus[00:56:45] – 15 Min Cities[01:04:35] – Contributor Brian Moody[01:12:54] – Top 10 New Cheap Cars[01:21:06] – Volkswagen

CREDITS

Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: Karl Brauer Contributor: George Kennedy IIIContributor: Lauren Fix Contributor: Brian Moody

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* Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. www.carcoachreports.