The Drive with Alan Taylor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributor: BJ ...

In the latest episode of “The Drive,” host Alan Taylor spoke with automotive journalist BJ Killeen about the Grand National Roadster Show’s 75th anniversary at the Pomona Fairgrounds. The event attracted a record turnout, with BJ walking about 20,000 steps through the exhibits. Highlights included a timeline of past winners and George Barris’s iconic vehicles, such as the Batmobile. Bill Ganahl was honored as Builder of the Year, while Troy Trepanier received the MBR award for his 1976 Ford. BJ and Alan compared top builders like Trepanier and Chip Foose, and discussed their views on Tesla and its CEO, appreciating efforts to combat government corruption but expressing mixed feelings about Tesla vehicles, especially the Cybertruck. In industry news, Honda and Nissan have ended their partnership, leading Nissan to implement cost-cutting measures. Meanwhile, Hon Hai Precision Industry has acquired a stake in another manufacturer, and Georgia is developing smart traffic lights for emergency vehicles, while Illinois tests a GPS-based roadway fee collection system.

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, highlighted the most reliable cars for the money based on vehicle lifespans and ownership costs. The Honda Civic stands out as the top choice, priced around $27,560 with an average lifespan of 13.7 years and an annual ownership cost of about $2,006. The Toyota Corolla follows closely at around $25,218, lasting 11.6 years with an annual cost of approximately $2,166. Other notable mentions include the Mazda 3, Honda Accord, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota RAV4, among others. This analysis used consistent criteria for evaluating reliability and value. Recently, Karl drove the 2025 Lexus LX700H, an exciting new luxury SUV built on the LC300 platform. It features a turbocharged V6 engine with hybrid technology, boasting 700 horsepower and priced between $115,000 and $142,000. Karl also test drove the 2025 Bentley Continental GT, priced around $350,000. With 771 horsepower, it accelerates from zero to sixty in just 2.8 seconds. This model is Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid, capable of 40 miles on electric power. It combines a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with advanced suspension for a remarkable driving experience.

George Kennedy, co-founder of Cartender.com and VP of the New England Motor Press Association, recently test drove the 2026 Toyota Crown, which replaces the Avalon. Built on the Highlander chassis, the Crown combines Japanese and American design elements, offering SUV-like ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and a hybrid option well-suited for Northeastern driving. Kennedy praised its luxury feel and ride quality, though consumer response remains uncertain. He also tested the 2025 Hyundai Sonata, a strong contender in the mid-size sedan market, often compared to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Sonata offers a practical array of features, including a 191-horsepower engine and a sportier M line model with 290 horsepower. Despite the SUV trend, the Sonata stands out for its handling and low center of gravity. Its 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty enhances its value, reflecting Hyundai and Kia’s evolution into serious competitors in the automotive market. During a recent winter vehicle testing event by the New England Motor Press Association, vehicles were evaluated for performance under challenging conditions. Notable models included the GMC Sierra EV, which impressed with its mid-gate functionality and handling in heavy mud, and the Land Rover Defender, known for its advanced features such as locking differentials and adjustable suspension. One tester likened the Defender’s versatility to that of a Billy goat, highlighting the reliability differences among brands. The event highlighted the importance of year-round functionality in winter vehicles. Results will be featured in “Up Shift,” the Lars Anderson Auto Museum’s official magazine, and on the Nampa website.

Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com, recently announced the 2025 Best Buy awards, now in their 11th year. This year, the Toyota Camry won the Best New Model award for its exclusive hybrid design, praised for its comfort, large touchscreen, JBL audio system, panoramic sunroof, and heads-up display. In the Best in Class categories, the Kia Telluride was awarded both Best Midsize SUV and Best Three-Row Electric Vehicle for the new Kia EV9. The Telluride excelled with strong resale value, while the EV9’s long-term potential is still being assessed. Moody reminisced about the Telluride’s debut at New York Fashion Week. Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy awards highlighted the Ford Maverick as the best compact truck, commended for its hybrid and gas options, impressive payload and towing capacity. Other winners included the Toyota Tacoma (best mid-size truck), Ford F-150 (best f...

Revolution is underway as technology revolutionizes the way we live our daily lives. From robotic kitchens to autonomous driving, the advancements in technology are changing the way we communicate, work, and play. It’s an exciting time to be alive, and every day, we witness new innovations that make our lives easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. We must embrace these changes and learn to adapt to them because the future is now and technology is leading the way.

Alan welcomes Scott Bocarnick is a Policy and Executive Communications Specialist at Consumer Technology Association. CES is a trade show where over 130,000 attendees gather to explore the latest technological developments in different industries. A.I. technology is being used in vehicles to scan for dangers, slow down cars, and provide alerts. Innovations such as A.R. windshields, gaming vests that deliver pain, and self-driven tractors are being introduced. Companies such as L’Oreal is launching “Beauty Tech,” which includes an infrared light blow dryer and an A.I. that adjusts makeup colors to suit one’s face. In terms of start-ups, Eureka Park showcases innovative products such as a rolling robotic ramen kitchen. Technology is on the move!

Coming up next at the CES, Alan interviews Stefano Genco – the Global Head of Super Audio and Nuance Audio at EssilorLuxottica. EssilorLuxottica is well-known for its brands, Ray-Ban and Oakley, and has created a pair of glasses that come with integrated unit solutions for mild to moderate hearing loss. Around 1.2 billion people have mild to moderate hearing loss, and these glasses are designed to recover missed conversations caused by ambient noises or hearing problems. They are lightweight, stylish, and cost a fraction of the price of traditional hearing aids. Stefano is utilizing glasses with built-in technology that enables recording and video capturing, music playback, texting, and conversations with A.I. Furthermore, these glasses can connect to the internet, allowing for internet browsing on the go.

Next is Chris Sheldrick is the co-founder of What3Words, a company that has developed a location precision technology capable of mapping the entire world using 3-meter squares. Each square has been assigned a unique combination of 3 words, making it easier to share your exact location, particularly in emergency situations.

Let’s talk about tractors! Alan is joined by Troy Aberle, a former salesman for John Deere, to discuss the autonomous tractor currently being showcased. Troy explains that equipment has had to become larger and more capable of performing various tasks due to the challenges faced by the agriculture industry, such as labor and safety standards, performance and profitability, and accommodating high land prices and input costs. All these factors have contributed to John Deere’s current position in the market. Alan asks Troy what stands out the most regarding all this new technology. Troy replies, “Making people’s lives easier.”

Up next is Luke Aberle is a YouTube influencer who tests products and provides feedback from a kid’s perspective. He has been doing it since he was nine. When asked about his first impression of CES, he said that it was incredible to see major companies innovating and creating a better lifestyle and experience for the average consumers. The AI side of things, from agriculture to coffee-making and autonomous driving, excites him the most so far.

Joining Alan next is, Sterling Pratz is the Chief Executive Officer at Car IQ. It’s a company developing innovative technology allowing users to make purchases through their vehicle for in-car entertainment options. The technology also enables the car to connect with merchants and pay for services like fuel, EV charging, or even invoices at brick and mortar stores without requiring a credit card. This technology creates a one-touch payment experience for drivers and helps create an identity for their vehicles.

BJ Killeen – an automotive journalist and the Voice of Reason – joined Alan in wrapping up the show. They shared their thoughts on the highlights of the 2024 CES event, where technology once again proved its mind-boggling capabilities. One notable innovation is Amazon’s partnership with a car manufacturer that offers language technology to explain all the features of the car, similar to a virtual user manual. Alan was impressed by a flying car, while BJ was fascinated by the Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL, a flying supercar that doubles as a personal transport vehicle and offers an extended range for electric vehicles. They also discussed the “See Beyond Tires” from GoodYear, which provides drivers with real-time information about their tires, the road conditions, and the need for air, among other things. LG and Amazon are also making strides in the car in...

In this episode of “The Drive,” 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. Welcome to another episode of “The Drive,” which discusses the redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry, a strong contender for North American and World Car of the Year awards. The Camry now features a standard hybrid drivetrain across all models, with the AWD version achieving 44 mpg and the FWD model reaching 51 mpg. Brauer praises its engaging driving experience, highlighting electric assist power steering and regenerative braking. Brauer then talks about Stellantis brands, focusing on the Maserati Grand Cabrio, which celebrates Maserati’s Italian heritage as it nears its 100th anniversary. The Grand Cabrio offers a 542-horsepower gasoline version and an 818-horsepower electric variant, priced at around $204,995, with the electric model going from 0 to 60 in 2.7 seconds. He also mentions a study by Iseecars.com that found the Hyundai Venue had the highest fatality rate at 13.9 deaths per billion miles, indicating the risks smaller vehicles face in crashes with larger ones. Other high fatality rate models include the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, while the Tesla Model Y has increased accident involvement due to high sales.

Lauren Fix from Car Coach Reports highlights roadside safety issues, especially the dangers of changing a tire. She shares a tragic story of a friend’s death during a tire change and introduces Frank Buscemi, CEO of Help Alerts. Buscemi discusses that around 23,000 people are injured or killed annually on U.S. roadways, with many incidents underreported. Help Alerts is developing advanced lighting systems and collaborating with Volkswagen on digital alert systems to improve roadside safety.

At the LA Auto Show, Brian Moody of AutoTrader.com praises Hyundai’s new Ioniq 9, an upscale all-electric SUV, while expressing skepticism about the electric performance of traditional cars. He highlights the new Toyota 4Runner and the Bronco’s heritage edition and emphasizes the ongoing trend toward electrification, while recognizing the lasting appeal of gasoline vehicles.

Automotive journalist BJ Killeen reflects on changes in the industry, including the closure of Motor Trend’s production company and the impact of its founder’s death. They discuss GM’s decision to phase out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of an in-house software strategy, and recent layoffs at GM that raised concerns about communication and market awareness. BJ test drove the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, especially the limited Circuit Edition, whichstands out in a market where manual transmissions are rare. While designed for the track, it also serves well for everyday driving. Buyers receive a complimentary one-year subscription to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), which includes a performance driving experience and event discounts, highlighting the car’s fun factor. Although the Circuit Edition isn’t available for 2025, dealerships can help locate one through searches or trades. The updated 2025 model features advancements like a redesigned front bumper for better aerodynamics and enhanced styling, including side intakes and a carbon fiber roof. Pricing starts around 38860 for the base model, with higher trims nearing $45,000, competing well against the Civic Type R. The GR Corolla combines youthful styling with strong performance, appealing to a wide range of drivers..

[00:00:00] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:06:38] – Maserati Cabrio
[00:12:30] – High Fatality Vehicles
[00:19:20] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:29:30] – Rebranding Jaguar
[00:36:21] – L.A. Auto Show
[00:43:11] – Contributor Brian Moody
[00:50:27] – Logo 2.0
[00:56:42] – Consumer Choice
[01:03:31] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[01:11:29] – GM’s Future
[01:19:31] – 2024 Toyota GR Corolla

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

Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: Brian Moody

Contributor: BJ Killeen

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason.
• 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.,
• Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, Laurenfix.com
• Contributor: Brian Moody | is a co-founder of Cartend...

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, that could impair their driving. If any impairment is detected, the car will not start, or it will pull over and shut off. Lauren also talks about California’s attempt to eliminate gas-powered vehicles through the CARS Act (Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act), which has caused outrage among the people. Lauren advises everyone to contact their Senators and local representatives to express their concerns about the government’s intervention in private industry.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:07:04] – Strike is Over
[00:13:01] – Pulling Sales Forward
[00:20:51] – Top 10 Vehicles That Retain Their Value After Five Years
[00:29:44] – Top 10 Vehicles That Lose Their Value After Five Years
[00:37:22] – 2024 Mustang GT 500
[00:43:42] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:50:43] – 2024 Audi RS E-Tron GT
[00:56:42] – 2024 Honda Civic Type R
[01:04:32]