The Drive with Alan Taylor Entertainment Right Now

Welcome back to, “The Drive” with Alan Taylor. His first contributor is friend, Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports. Lauren stressed the importance of AM radio for local news, sports, weather, and emergency updates. There’s a bipartisan effort to require AM radio in vehicles by 2024 to ensure crucial information reaches a wide audience. In the 2021 infrastructure bill, a law was introduced requiring vehicles to have kill switches to prevent drunk driving. However, concerns have been raised about the reliability of these kill switches due to potential false positives from everyday substances and questions about the practicality and effectiveness of this technology, as well as skepticism about the data collection capabilities of vehicles. Toyota’s new line of vehicles, including the 2025 Crown sedan, which Lauren is currently test driving, and the Sienna SUV, aims to offer a luxurious driving experience with premium features such as heated seats, panoramic glass roofs, and modern technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models come with all-wheel drive and electronically controlled CVT. The SUV version provides ample storage, is larger than the Venza, and includes air-cooled seats, heated seats, and standard safety features.







George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, recently test-droved the 2024 BMW Z4 Convertible. He found it to be a great cruiser and a fun car to drive, particularly liking the heated seats, steering wheels, and the clever features for driving with the top down in colder weather. The Z4 Convertible starts at $53k for the four-cylinder turbo model and can go from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. Customers can also opt for the dynamic chassis package for a few thousand







Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst, discussed Hertz’s decision to sell off a large portion of their EV fleet due to higher upfront costs, maintenance expenses, and increased accidents. The move aims to cut costs and boost profits. According to Karl, EVs were less reliable than expected. He also shared the top 25 cheapest cars that last the longest, with the Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, and Honda Accord topping the list. Alan shared news about his 2023 Dodge Demon 170, with Karl also expecting delivery soon. The car offers 1020 horsepower and exceptional performance.







Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, talked about Henrik Fisker’s career as a designer at BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen. He highlighted the struggle for new companies like Fisker Automotive to become well-known in the auto industry, especially compared to established companies like Ford. Brian also mentioned the challenges faced by startups like Koda, Aptera, and Better Place. He expressed doubt about Fisker’s efforts to restructure and mentioned the unsuccessful history of Better Place, an Israeli company that converted Renaults into electric cars. Brian also discussed the declining popularity of full-size pickups, possibly due to high prices, and the rising interest in smaller options like the Ford Maverick. He mentioned that despite this, the Ford F series and fleet sales remain popular. Brian also highlighted the shift towards small crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, and the continued success of quality sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic. Brian and Alan also talked about the updated electric Fiat 500, describing it as a cute city car with nice design details, such as the rose gold color option and embroidered “Fiat” on the seats. They mentioned its estimated 175-mile range and the pricing for the base and premium models. Lastly, they shared a story about a friend benefitting from owning a small electric car for city driving and mentioned the upcoming feature of the rose gold Fia...

Welcome back car guys and gals. Today we start off with Lauren Fix – Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports In today’s auto news, there is a concerning report about several car makers in the United States violating their privacy agreement by sharing personal computer data with the government and law enforcement agencies, contradicting a federal policy from 2014. This breach is worrisome as it includes sharing driving behavior data that could potentially be used by law enforcement and insurance companies. For more details, you can visit Lauren’s website at carcoach.com or laurenfix.com. Additionally, there is an exciting development in oil technology from Valvoline, with the introduction of their new oil called “Restore and Protect.” This innovative oil can remove up to 99% of deposits from gasoline and oil within four oil changes, showing promising results in races and prolonging engine life. Finally, the discussion touches on the high prices of new and used cars, emphasizing the advantages of certified pre-owned cars, which undergo rigorous inspection processes and come with extended warranties.







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, discussed the Corvette’s struggle to compete with European luxury sports cars due to its aging customer base. He emphasized the importance of Chevrolet targeting younger audiences for long-term success. Also, a study from iseecars.com revealed a significant drop in prices in the used electric vehicle market, making used electric cars less desirable than traditional used cars. Karl Brauer is set to embark on the Long Tail Rally, an exotic car rally starting with a boat ride around the Statue of Liberty. The rally will showcase an impressive lineup of exotic cars and include kart racing, dining at the Pittsburgh Pirates stadium, and a visit to the Fallout Shelter. The rally will then proceed to the Tail of the Dragon road in North Carolina before concluding in Nashville.







Up next is Josh Hancock-JoshCAR, a Hollywood Car Consultant, recently discussed the declining resale value of the Cybertruck and shared thoughts on the automotive industry, including the retiring figure Tim Kuniskis and the impact of influential personalities like Alan Mulally and Jim Farley. Additionally, he mentioned being impressed by the new 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, but suggested that a more powerful engine would be beneficial, and noted that the Nautilus had a very good first quarter.







Closing the show with Alan is long time friend and contributor, George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. George recently test drove the 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel and was impressed by its features. The truck is now equipped with a twin-turbo hurricane inline 6 and boasts off-road features such as performance shock absorbers, skid plates, and crawl control. The interior is designed for heavy use and includes a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android, and a Harman Kardon stereo. Positioned in the middle of the lineup, the Ram 1500 Rebel is known for its affordability compared to the top-tier trims and offers a comfortable driving experience with superior fit and finish. George also expressed his excitement about watching the 24 Hours of Le Mans and enjoys the different classes of racing, highlighting Team Andretti’s success at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the unique presence Cadillac has in endurance racing.















[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:07:00] – Valvoline “Restore and Protect”[00:13:01] – New vs. Pre-Owned[00:20:51] – Contributor Karl Brauer[00:31:14] – EV’s Not So Desirable[00:37:21] ...

Welcome to “The Drive” with Alan Taylor. First contributor is George Kennedy III 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 here on The Drive. George gave a great review of the GMC Canyon AT4X AVE and the 2024 Hyundai Kona on “The Drive” with Alan Taylor. The GMC Canyon AT4X AVE is a mid-size truck with impressive off-road capabilities, priced between $36,000 and $65,000. It offers a refined interior and good towing capacity. The 2024 Hyundai Kona has been completely redesigned and now includes an N Line model with a turbo four engine, addressing previous criticisms and making it a great car overall.







Next up is Karl Brauer, an Automotive Industry Analyst and Forbes Autos Contributor, discusses Ford’s 2024 Raptor, a high-performance version of the F-150 or Ranger, and its competition with the Ram TRX. The Ford Ranger Raptor features a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 405 horsepower and advanced Fox shocks for off-road capability. The 2024 full-size F-150 Raptor has 450 horsepower, while the Raptor R boasts 720 horsepower. ISeeCars.com conducted a study on car colors, finding that grayscale colors accounted for 80% of car sales in 2023. Additionally, the luxurious 2024 Genesis GV80 SUV, offered in two-row and three-row options, is known for its stylish design and interior comfort, starting at $60,000.







Lauren Fix- Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports joins us next. Lauren read an interesting survey about how the car you drive can reflect your political affiliation. Democrats tend to drive import vehicles like Toyota, while Republicans prefer German luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It’s fascinating to see how our choice of vehicle can reflect our political beliefs. The next topic is Odometer fraud, which is a concern for both mechanical and digital odometers. To avoid this, have a trusted technician inspect the car thoroughly before purchasing. Studies have shown over 2.1 million vehicles on the road today have rolled-back odometers, indicating a significant increase from previous years. I’ve been test-driving the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with the new I-Force Max engine. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new vehicle.







Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, and Alan discussed the top 10 best new cars for recent college graduates and the importance of considering used cars. Safety features and modern technology like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are important for used cars under $15,000. Brian also mentioned the best new cars for recent college graduates priced at about $28,000, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Civic, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, Kia Niro, and Mazda 3. He also shared an interesting conversation about a woman in Colorado who bought a used electric car for less than $700 after applying state incentives.















[00:00:00] – Contributor George Kennedy III[00:06:55] – 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV[00:13:00] – 2024 Hyundai Kona[00:20:51] – Contributor Karl Brauer[00:31:14] – 2024 Ford Raptor[00:37:21] – 2024 full-size F-150 Raptor[00:44:10] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:52:34] – Odometer Fraud[00:57:10] – 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD[01:05:00] – Contributor Brian Moody[01:15:40] – Top 10 Best New Car for Graduates[01:21:31] – State Incentives







CREDITS







Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi















Contributor: George Kennedy III







Contributor: Karl Brauer







Contributor: Lauren Fix







Contributor: Brian Moody

Welcome to The Drive with Alan Taylor. His first contributor is BJ Killeen- Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason discusses the impact of tariffs on Chinese imports, with a focus on electric vehicles and semiconductors. President Biden’s decision to impose $18 billion worth of tariffs on imports from China, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and medical products, has drawn attention. The tariffs are affecting major companies like Volvo, owned by the Chinese car manufacturer Geely, and specifically impacting Polestar, a brand under Volvo, which has exported 2200 cars. The broader impact on industries like solar panels and medical equipment, mostly made in China, is also significant, highlighting the substantial impact of Chinese imports on various industries, particularly the automotive sector.







In addition, mention was made of insurance companies no longer insuring certain Hyundai and Kia models due to a security issue. A TikTok video demonstrated how easy it was to break into and steal these cars because of a missing security feature. As a result, some insurance providers have stopped offering coverage for these models, although Hyundai and Kia have addressed the problem with a software-based fix. However, it was noted that some insurance companies, such as AAA and State Farm, are still not insuring the affected vehicles. BJ Killeen also had the opportunity to drive the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, a hot hatchback designed for both track and everyday use, which comes in three trim levels: Core, Premium, and Circuit. This top-of-the-line Circuit Edition competes with the Volkswagen Golf R and the Honda Civic Type R, featuring a unique design and limited production.







Lauren Fix, Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, shared information on toxic chemicals in new cars, particularly the presence of flame retardants in car seat foam, with 99% of cars containing this toxic material. She emphasized the need to open car windows and park in the shade to reduce exposure to these chemicals. Lauren also mentioned the best and worst sports cars on her YouTube channel and other platforms, and discussed driving the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST and the Chevrolet Equinox V, both featuring exciting progress in the EV industry.







Josh Hancock, a Hollywood car consultant, expressed concerns about product placement in the movie “The Fall Guy,” particularly regarding the portrayal of a GMC truck and a Hummer EV. Additionally, he mentioned the slower than expected return of TV and film production in Hollywood, despite new sound stages being built in preparation for a comeback. Before leaving, he added that some early adopters are having second thoughts about the Cybertruck due to poor visibility caused by large A-pillars and sub A-pillars obstructing the view while driving.







Closing the show with Alan is 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. George drove the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Hybrid. It is the performance version of the GLC, which is the compact SUV in the Mercedes lineup. The GLC is popular for its refined and functional interior. The AMG GLC 43, being the speedier version of the GLC, is equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter engine and a mild hybrid assist, producing 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s fun to drive and has an athletic suspension, making it great for cornering without being punishing for everyday use. This well-rounded vehicle accelerates quickly, corners well, and is very comfortable on the highway, making it an excellent choice for various driving conditions. The AMG model starts at $65,000, and our model, with optional upgraded wheels and interior enhancements, amounts to about $72,000.

Welcome back as BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason.BJ Killeen has some exciting news in the world of automobiles. The Chevy Malibu will no longer be produced, and the 2025 Toyota Camry will be a hybrid. Toyota has decided to phase out gas engines, and the Camry will be exclusively a hybrid model from its ninth generation onwards. While the gas engine option will no longer be available, sticking to the hybrid model will likely keep the Camry successful. Sedans are becoming increasingly rare, and not everyone wants an SUV. So, there is still a demand for comfortable sedans that can get the job done. Additionally, the Camry’s appearance has been revitalized, and it now looks better than ever. It has a modern style, improved performance, and plenty of space. Fisker, the manufacturer of the Ocean SUV, is struggling financially. Production has been halted by Magna International, and it’s unlikely to resume anytime soon. The electric vehicle market is tough, and smaller companies like Fisker and Faraday Future are struggling to make a profit. Even Lucid Motors is facing significant losses. It’s a difficult industry, and we hope these companies can survive and thrive in the future.







Up next is Karl Brauer, 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 talks about the new Dark Horse Mustang from Ford, featuring a naturally aspirated 5-liter V8 coyote engine that delivers 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. The car has undergone significant changes inside and out, resembling a Mercedes Benz with advanced performance on the road. The car weighs 3875 lbs and includes advanced technology like MagnaRide. Karl also shared a study from ISeeCars.com, stating that electric cars are the most expensive to own per 1000 miles driven per year, especially when driving less.







Next is Brian Moody – Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com. Brian Moody is back to discuss The Dark Horse, the appeal of the Mustang is that it’s an affordable performance car and Its Mustangs 60th Anniversary. Alan noticed silver being popular at this year’s auto shows. Brian shares how It’s interesting to see color trends in cars. For example, gray is becoming more popular, with 25% of SUVs sold now being gray. White used to be the most popular, but by 2023-2024, gray will be more popular. On the other hand, gold, beige, orange, and brown are less popular, usually accounting for about 0.5% of sales. If you have a unique color like orange on a Corvette, it may hold its value, but for more common cars, it may not add value and could take longer to sell. Brian and Alan discuss how important it is that you must like the interior of your car to enjoy the ride. Which bring the next discussion as to the best car interiors under 50k. Here are some top choices: Chevy Blazer, 2024 Genesis G70, GMC Acadia, Hyundai NFA, and Lincoln Nautilus. Car interiors have notably improved, with brands like Mazda, Lincoln, and Toyota offering luxurious options. While 50k may seem like a lot, features such as a sunroof and leather in a three-row SUV can easily reach that mark.







Closing the show is automotive journalist Steven Cole Smith who works with Haggerty and grassroots Motorsports about the upcoming NASCAR race at Darlington. He mentioned that the race is on Sunday at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and it’s called the Goodyear 400. Darlington is known for its throwback race, where teams use paint jobs that honor past drivers. We also discussed the challenges NASCAR is facing in attracting new fans, and Smith mentioned that other racing series like sports car racing may be growing more than NASCAR due to their appeal to a younger audience. At the Indy Motor Speedway,

BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason starts the show with a lil bit of news. The Automakers are losing money on electric vehicles due to the expensive research and development and lack of demand from consumers. The government’s demands for additional features are also adding to the cost of vehicles. As a result, sales numbers for many manufacturers have been down recently.







George Kennedy III, a co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, test drove the 2024 Nissan Altima SL trim and found it affordable, comfortable, and reliable with decent power. The car boasts a 182 horsepower 4-cylinder engine and can deliver nearly 40 miles per gallon on the highway. The BMW X2 subcompact crossover, on the other hand, impressed George with its interior refinement and advanced technology, despite its higher price tag and less cargo space than its predecessor, the X1.







Up next is Lauren Fix is the Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. The UAW is expanding its reach to the South and unionizing non-union plants, including Volkswagen, with the help of government and Democrat senators. This move threatens to increase the cost of cars and lead to job cuts as companies automate and move factories to non-union locations. The government wants to control the auto industry, but this has happened before in the UK and resulted in automakers being sold to companies in other countries. Jennifer Granholm, the energy secretary, admires the Chinese industry and plans to follow their lead, but this could lead to higher car prices and poor treatment of workers. Lauren recently participated in the International Female Ride Day on May 4th. Can-Am invited her to test drive their new three-wheeled motorcycles, the Spider F3 and the Breaker. They drove from San Diego to Julian, which was a great experience for Lauren as an avid motorcyclist. Riding a three-wheeled motorcycle is a comfortable option for those who lack experience on two wheels. Lauren test-drove the entry-level Riker, which has a Rotax engine, and later, the luxurious Spider, which had all the safety features and luxurious amenities one could want.







Closing the show with us today is Brian Moody-Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com. According to Brian, the best time to buy a car is at the end of a period – the end of the month, quarter, or year. During these times, dealerships may have more room to offer discounts. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has introduced a new safety standard that requires all passenger cars and trucks in the US to have automatic braking as a standard feature by September 2029. This move is expected to reduce accidents and save lives. However, there are concerns that adding new requirements to cars may increase costs and pressure consumers.















[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen[00:06:43] – Government Demands[00:13:00] – Hydrogen Is The Answer[00:20:51] – Contributor George Kennedy III[00:29:42] – 2024 Nissan Ultima[00:37:22] – 2024 BMW X2 sub compact[00:44:12] – Contributor Lauren Fix[00:50:48] – Government Controlled Industry[00:57:10] – International Female Ride Day[01:05:02] – Contributor Brian Moody[01:16:39] – Automatic Brake System[01:21:32] – Best Time To Buy A Car







CREDITS







Host: Alan TaylorProducer: Dave MilliganCopy Editor: Colleen Mahi















Contributor: BJ Killeen







Contributor: George Kennedy III







Contributor: Lauren Fix







Contributor: Brian Moody























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