The Weekly Driver Podcast

Author Patrick Foster knows as much as anyone about automaker Jeep. With more than 30 years in the automotive industry, Foster is a prolific journalist, particularly when writing about the long history of the utilitarian, four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia interview Foster in episode #120 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

The eight-decade of Jeep is detailed in Patrick Foster's new book.

Foster's latest book is JEEP: EIGHT DECADES FROM WILLYS TO WRANGLER (Motorbooks $32.99.)

Accompanied by more than 200 photographs, the 192-page paperback is described as "the definitive book on the greatest four-wheel-drive vehicle ever."

During our 30-minute interview, Foster details his passion for Jeep and gives an insightful account of the stories behind the design and production of the vehicle. The automaker's well-known World War II presence to current models are all covered.

Military-issued Jeeps, as well as the first post-war JC and now-classic SUVs, are all included in Foster's impressive chronicling of the enduring machines.

The new volume updates Foster's previous Jeep books. It includes five years of new model editions and prototypes, Jeep's return to the pickup market, and recent marketplace successes.

The book's color and black-and-white photographs are complemented by unique Jeep advertisement material from throughout its tenure.

Foster's latest book, as well as his collection of previous works, are available on his website www.oldemilfordpress.com. New buyers receive signed copies.

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The Weekly Driver, published since 2004, has also reviewed many Jeeps. Visit: JEEP REVIEWS

Professional road cyclists were once self-sustaining athletes. Vehicle support wasn't allowed in races like the Tour de France unless via unscrupulous means. Catching a rider getting assistance from a car meant disqualification.

Much has changed. With various other company relationships for bicycles, helmets, sunglasses and energy food, vehicle sponsorship is as much part of a team as its riders.

The Rally Cycling Team supports its men's and women's team with 2019 Acura RDX sport utility vehicles. Images courtesy of Sam Wiebe/Rally Cycling Team.

Race organizers rely on manufacturer vehicles to keep the race intact and safe as it progresses along country roads and into mountain ranges.

Andrew Bajadali, a former pro cycling and director with the Rally Cycling Team, is our guest this week on Episode #119 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. We discuss how pro cycling teams rely on team vehicles to assist their riders.

Co-host James Raia talks with Bajadali from the passenger seat of a 2019 Acura RDX during the opening day of the team's training camp in Oxnard, California. Bruce Aldrich, the broadcast's other co-host, produced the episode from Sacramento.

During more than a four-hour team ride along the Pacific Coast Highways and into the surrounding foothills, Bajadali and I discuss the learning curve of the transition of a pro career into a director's role. It includes learning from other directors the ins-and-outs driving during races that may 150 cyclists and several-dozen team cars

“A team car is really there to support in all ways,” said Bajadali. “I don’t know if people who don’t know the ins-and-outs of the sport know how important it is to have a car there. It’s a major luxury.”

Unlike cycling teams of yesteryear that relied on panel vans or mini cars with questionable reliability, most current teams opt for all-wheel drive wagons or SUVs. One now-defunct team in recent years had two Porsche Panamera sports cars as support vehicles. It didn’t go well.

During training and races, team vehicles transport extra bikes, wheels, various equipment, food, water and medical equipment. If a race includes 20 teams, 40 team vehicles, plus official race vehicles, all advance along the route in an ever-changing processional that also may include 150 riders. Every team’s vehicles are detailed in team colors and have signage for its sponsors.

A road race may advance smoothly for hours on a long, open road. But chaos can occur in an instant after a crash. Team cars require skilled drivers, usually former pro cyclists, who negotiate winding roads often at high speeds to assist riders.

“Basically, you’re just always learning,” said Bajadali who first drove a team car in the early season Dubai Tour. “It was amazing just to see a race on that level. You learn a lot. It was my first day driving solo. You’re just working your way up in understanding. A few years into it, you find your groove and your way of doing things. You just have to get in there and get your hands dirty.”

If a cyclist needs a new bike or medical assistance, the exchange between the team car and rider is similar to a pitstop in auto racing. It’s not uncommon for riders to take advantage of a team car’s speed and hang on too long for a rest. But race officials are watchful for infractions.

“Team cars in road cycling is just part of the game,” said Bajadali, who rode as a passenger in team cars before assuming driving responsibilities. “It kind of equalizes the race where everyone has that kind of support and you can get down to business and do tactics and fast racing.”

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Alex Guberman is a force in the electric vehicle industry. A recent new resident in Sacramento, Guberman publishes the increasingly popular YouTube Channel, E For Electric.

A native of Moscow, Russia, the former resident of the Silicon Valley, is also a former Tesla owner. But he's also passionate about Byton, for which he's worked as an ambassador, and other prominent and pending electric vehicle manufacturers.

Alex Guberman is a prominent electric vehicle expert on YouTube and on other social media platforms.

Guberman is our guest on Episode #118 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Guberman, who moved to the United States in 1992, the current status of the electric vehicle industry and what the future may hold.

Guberman, who in addition to his prominent YouTube, Instagram and Facebook prominence recently joined TikTok, has lots of opinions and he shares them with a keen knowledge of the fast-moving electric vehicle industry.

For example, he appreciates Tesla and its status and the innovation of owner Elon Musk. But he's not a "fanboy." It's the term Guberman uses the describe those who follow the manufacturer without discretion.

Guberman is prolific. He produces a lot of videos per day for his channel. He breaks electric vehicle news. He discusses trends in the industry and talks about his travels to vehicle debuts, including China. He was also our guest on Episode #76 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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The automotive industry is ever-changing. Advancement in technology, autonomous driving and alternative fuels, keep manufacturers moving quickly. Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com and a 25-year automotive expert, knows the industry trends as well as anyone. He's our guest on episode #117 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com, discusses the top-5 auto trends for the next decade.

Wiesenfelder discusses with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia the top five trends in the industry that will shape the automotive future for the next decade.

Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com

The prominent automotive website believes increasing consumer expectations, connected technology, rising loan prices, a pivotal presidential election, and an infatuation with electric and autonomous vehicles will shape the automotive future.

As such, Wiesenfelder believes the consumer marketplace will offer markedly different experiences for buyers and sellers.

The website's editors report:

"As new competitors are entering and disrupting auto retail, car manufacturers are attempting to sell online, and car dealers are adopting new technology to change the car buying process forever.

"But due to the expensive, personal and emotional nature of the car purchase, in the next decade, most consumers will still want and need to 'touch' and 'feel' their new vehicle before collecting the keys. By tapping into advanced technology on the market that better connects the online and in-store experience, car dealers are best positioned to dominate this space."

Wiesenfelder knows of what he speaks. He oversees a digital marketplace and solutions provider for the automotive industry online since 1998. Headquartered in Chicago, Cars.com provides data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

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The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the Kia K900 to the Toyota Camry. These four diverse vehicles are on the list of the 2019 Best Cars and Trucks of the Year, announced by The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss the list on episode #116 of the weekly program that reports on all things automotive.

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is among the top-10 Cars and Trucks of 2019, according to Bruce Aldrich and James Raia, co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Image © James Raia.

As is our logical way, we wait until the end of the year to name our selections. As in previous years, the 2019 choices were selected only from the list of 35-40 cars and trucks manufacturers provided for weekly reviews for my weekly syndicated automotive column. It's published by Bay Area News Group in San Jose, California, Motors Matters in Delaware and Gulfshore Business in Naples, Florida.

Bruce also drove most of the cars on the list and we have a lively discussion during the podcast. Which is to say, we disagreed on some of the choices.

The 10 vehicles on the 2019 Best Cars and Trucks list include manufacturers from the United States, South Korea and Japan.

The Weekly Driver has been writing about our main automotive vent for years. How do prestigious industry publications determine their vehicles-of-the-year selections before the calendar year starts?

Selecting a list of the year’s best at the end of the calendar year makes sense. How can a 2020 list be announced (several have) in December of 2019 when not all of the 2020 models vehicles are available.

Here's the list in alphabetical order of the 2019 Best Cars and Trucks of the Year:

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, GMC Sierra, Honda Civic, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Infiniti QX80, Kia K900, Lexus LS500, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Camry.

The Kia K900 is among The Weekly Driver Podcast's 2019 Best Cars and Trucks.

All of the vehicles on the list are reviewed on The Weekly Driver.com.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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It's difficult to imagine a more impressive integration of charity, automotive history and philanthropic generosity than "The Lost Corvettes" sweepstakes.

The group called Corvette Heroes has launched a national sweepstakes in which 36 classic Corvettes will be the prizes. The collection includes one vehicle from 1953, the year the iconic car was introduced, through a 1989 model.

The Corvette Heroes charity will give away 36 Corvettes in a sweepstakes.

Chris Mazzilli of the Gotham (New York) Comedy Club and a renowned Corvette expert as the owner of Dream Car Restorations on Long Island, N.Y., is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Mazzilli, who's among the group of New York real estate and parking garage professionals who comprise the Corvette Heroes, talks with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia about the project and its usual circumstances.

The collection is known both as "The Lost Corvettes" and the Peter Max Collection because the renowned pop artist once owned the vehicles. He was going to use the cars as canvases for a series of paintings but never pursued the project.

The cars were stored in parking garages throughout New York for more than 25 years. But a few years ago, a representative for Max reached out to Scott Heller, who for two decades helped his friend move the cars to the garages.

The agent asked Heller if he was interested in purchasing the collection. Heller discussed the offer with his sons Michael and Adam Heller, and his cousin Peter Heller, as well as real estate associates Gary, Adam and Fred Spindler.

They contacted Mazzilli to determine what it would take to restore the cars. Mazzilli compiled a detailed analysis for the group on what each car needed and the cost of repairs and then the decision was made to purchase the entire collection.

Among the vehicles is a 1953 Corvette, among the rarest years of the automotive icon. The collection also includes a 1956 Corvette, resplendent in Cascade Green, and a highly coveted 1967 Corvette convertible.

Mazzilli also discusses the restoration details and the idea to make the project into a charity with the podcast co-hosts.

Proceeds from the sweepstakes of what is believed to be the greatest collection of Corvettes in history will go to American military veterans through the National Guard Educational Foundation.

To participate in the sweepstakes, donation entries (ages 18 years of age or older) are $3 each with discounts for multiple entries. Visit www.thelostcorvettesgiveaway.com. The deadline is April 30.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the home to many of motorsports' greatest drivers and races. In less than two years, the renowned racetrack will host another iconic racing event, without drivers.

The speedway (IMS) and Energy Systems Network (ESN) recently announced a two-year, $1 million prize competition that will culminate in a head-to-head, high-speed autonomous vehicle race Oct. 23, 2021, around the Speedway's famed 2.5-mile oval.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host an autonomous car race in 2021.

Matt Peak, director of mobility at Energy Systems Network, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Peak talks with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia about the pending event, The Indy Autonomous Challenge. The competition will be among universities to create software that enables self-driving Indy Lights race cars to compete in a head-to-head race on the IMS track.

The development of the software can help speed the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and enhance existing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in people-driven cars. These technologies help drivers remain in control and avoid accidents by prompting awareness and improving accuracy.

"What we're asking universities to do is hard," said Peak. "Our hope is that by bringing together and offering up to participating teams the world's premier automotive proving ground, performance chassis manufacturer, engineering research center and simulation platform, as well as nearly $1.5 million in total cash awards, universities will see the Challenge as not just throwing down the gauntlet but also extending the helping hand to accelerate innovation and the arrival of new technologies."

The Challenge consists of five rounds. Teams submit a short white paper during the first round, and in the second round, teams must demonstrate vehicular automation by sharing a short video of an existing vehicle or by participating in Purdue University's self-driving go-kart competition at IMS.

Five universities registered for the competition upon its opening this morning: Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), University of Florida, University of Illinois and the University of Virginia.

Registration is open for accredited, tax-exempt colleges and universities (including foreign institutions of higher education) through Feb. 28, 2020.

For more information and to register for the competition, visit www.indyautonomouschallenge.com.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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Where you live and what kind of vehicle you drive has a lot to do with how much your car insurance is going to cost. carinsurance.com has all the data.

It's crunched the numbers and determined the cheapest cars to insure in every state and the cheapest state in which to insure vehicles.

The 2019 Fiat 500 Pop is the least expensive car to insure in 15 states, according to carinsurance.com

Penny Gusner, a Consumer Analyst for the website, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Gusner talks with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia about the cheapest cars to insure in every state and how the results were determined. She details how cars are built and how other factors fit into the equation. Road quality, technology, weather, etc., all contribute to a vehicle's insurance rate.

"Most new vehicles are loaded with technology and that can lead to a safety discount, but all of that technology also comes with increased repair costs," said Gusner. “In luxury vehicles, due materials used, a teak wood interior is much more expensive to repair than a plastic one.”

CarInsurance.com’s numbers determined that 15 vehicles were the cheapest to insure in at least one state during 2019.

Subaru has the best results. It has three models on the list. Fiat, Jeep, Mazda and Honda had two models on the list. The Fiat Pop 500 is the least expensive vehicle to insure in 15 states.

Maine is the least expensive state to insure a car, with the Mazda CX-3 the least expensive vehicle in the state to insure at the cost of $695. Michigan is the most expensive state to insure a vehicle. The Ford F-150 costs $2,501 per year on average to insure.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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iheartradio

The huge banner promotes the 2019 Kia Telluride as the Motor Trend sport utility vehicle of the year. It's a perfect marketing location for the manufacturer since the signage is hanging above the Los Angeles Convention Center, the site of the 2019 LA Auto Show.

Named the 2020 SUV of the year, the Telluride also has a new stablemate, the 2021 Kia Seltos. It's positioned between the Kia Soul and Sportage as an entry-level SUV.

Michael Cole, President of Kia Motors America, unveils the 2021 Kia Seltos at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Image © Bruce Aldrich/2019

Michael Cole, the newly named President of Kia Motors America, is our guest on Day 2 of The Weekly Driver Podcast special episodes from the LA Auto Show.

Co-host Bruce Aldrich and James Raia speak with Cole about two hours after he presided over the reveal of the Seltos to a large crowd of media representatives on Day 2 of this year's show.

While seated in a conference room overlooking a showroom floor, we discuss with Cole the anticipated debut of the entry-level SUV.

According to Kia, the Seltos "combines the SUV capability of available All-Wheel Drive with advanced driver assistance technologies, available Bose premium sound and exceptional cargo space."

While the price of the Seltos hasn't been announced, it's expected to debut next February.

Cole also discusses the history of Kia, how the company decided on its new SUV's name, the status of the industry and the continuing popularity of the SUV segment.

Kia hasn't announced its plans for the electric or autonomous vehicle segment but Cole commented: "We'll be ready, rest assured."

Join us for an engaging episode. Cole is enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of Kia. And he convinced us.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

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Welcome to The Weekly Driver Podcast. We're broadcasting special daily episodes this week from the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center.

It's the day before the showroom floors open for the global and North American debuts of several dozen vehicle debuts. But there's still plenty to see and discuss.

Bollinger Motors is exhibiting the pre-production models of its utilitarian, electric pickups at the LA Auto Show. Image © Bruce Aldrich/2019

Co-hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich conduct interviews with Daniel Sandberg, President and CEO at Brembo North America, Inc., and Robert Bollinger, CEO of Bollinger Motors.

The two executives couldn't be further apart in their respective areas of expertise in the automotive landscape.

Sandberg oversees the industry's most well-known innovator of premium disc brake technology.

Brembo is showcasing its braking systems at the LA Auto Show. Image © Bruce Aldrich/2019.

In addition to its long history in the racing industry, Brembo is the forefront in the design, development and production of braking systems and components for passenger cars, motorbikes, industrial vehicles and machinery.

Sandberg discusses the company's involvement in the various markets. He also talks about the continuation of a previous career. A former radio announcer in Detroit, Sandberg hosts the Brembo Red Podcast. Guests have included Jay Leno, Adam Carolla and Wayne Carini.

Bollinger manufactures the B1 Electric Sport Utility Truck and B2 Electric Pickup Truck. Both are currently in pre-production mode. The company recently announced the aluminum truck's debut MSRP of $125,000, with reservations of $1,000 available for the pending two vehicles.

A 4x4 off-road and street legal, all-wheel-drive electric truck, Bollinger's utilitarian looks challenge the norms of mainstream truck design. Its specs include a 200-mile range, 514 horsepower dual motor and 15-inch ground clearance.

For additional information about Brembo, visit: www.brembo.com.

For additional information about Bollinger Motors, visit: www.bollingermotors.com.

The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts.

Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].

All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast

Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform:

Google Play iTunes Spotify Stitcher iheartradio