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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #291

Alan is back from a trip to Spain and he’s ready to talk cars. Autotrader’s Brian Moody was Alan’s test drive co-pilot across the sea, and they review the 2017 Volvo XC60. Brian also talks about the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, HomeLink tech, and the future of autonomous vehicles. Josh Hancock talks Cars III and addresses some car rumors floating around Hollywood. Tim Clyde tells about how Katzkin Leather, Inc. can refresh any car interior from the mid-late 90s on up. Tony Gaunter of Global Transportation Services discuses Ford’s new leadership and why he believes Mark Fields was replaced. BJ Killeen reviews the 2017 Volvo S60 Polestar. And last but not least, we chat with Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book about his visit to the Honda research and development facility. Karl also tells us his thoughts on software companies taking over the automotive industry. Listen now.

• [00:00:00] Volvo XC60 Beckons Raving Fans
• [00:06:49] Is the Chevrolet Tahoe the Perfect Car?
• [00:12:31] Does Technology Come with the Price?
•  [00:19:52] Automakers Debut Cars in Movies
• [00:29:11] Famous Cars’ Auction Prices Rise
• [00:35:53] A Tasty Bite of  Business & Burgers
• [00:42:14] Lingenfelter Chevrolet Silverado Facelift
• [00:48:19] Specialty Interior with Katzkin Leather
• [00:54:46] Stocks Fall After Ford Loses Mark Fields
• [01:02:07] BJ Killeen Reviews Volvo S60 Polestar
• [01:11:28] Honda’s Turbocharged Small Engines
• [01:18:09] Technology is Taking the Wheel

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] Volvo XC60 Beckons Raving Fans

Safety is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Volvo brand and they continue to up the ante. Alan and Brian Moody, Executive Editor at Autotrader, talk about their test drive of the 2017 Volvo XC60 in Spain. They fell in love with this smaller SUV right away; her design and trim were gorgeous. The XC60 is Volvo’s top money maker, and the best-selling SUV in Europe. Are you looking for a ride that handles very well and gives you an excellent drive experience? Meet the 2017 Volvo XC60.

[00:06:49] Is the Chevrolet Tahoe the Perfect Car?

Autortrader’s Brian Moody is obsessed with the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe and while his eternal love for this car makes him a bit biased, his supporting reasons are too solid to deny. When it comes to drive handling and design, the Tahoe gets everything right. The durable Tahoe holds it value even after years of heavy use; they are so indestructible that police departments are enthusiastically purchasing them. Fuel economy has greatly improved in these vehicles as well. While the price tag may be a little high, we think it’s every penny. Could the Tahoe be the perfect car?

[00:12:31] Does Technology Come with the Price?

Technology and infotainment options are plentiful, and consumers need to do a fair amount of homework before spending their hard-earned cash. A high price tag does not always mean an all-inclusive tech package. With this in mind, Autotrader’s Brian Moody shares his favorite aftermarket upgrade options like HomeLink, a vehicle-based wireless control system. Changing gears, Brian also discusses the Renault electric vehicle lineup. Although these EVs are not available in the United States yet, Brain believes they’ll shape the future of the automotive industry as we know it. Learn more.

[00:19:52] Automakers Debut Cars in Movies

Have you ever fallen in love with a car on the big screen? If you have, you understand how important it is for automakers to feature their newest, sexiest rides in movies. JoshCAR Hollywood car consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the cars showcased in the new Spiderman film including the Audi A8 which will debut in the movie before being released to the public. While this is exciting to all of us car lovers out there, it can mean leaked photos for automakers. Josh also tells us about Cars III and its great story line. Do you have a car that you dream of seeing on the screen?

[00:29:11] Famous Car’s Auction Prices Rise

Do you remember Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds? Film buffs and car collectors certainly do! Movie cars are being auctioned off for much more than you would imagine with high prices attributed to nostalgia. JoshCAR’s Josh Hancock recalls the $1-million auction price for the 3rd modified version of the Shelby GT 500, Eleanor. Also, Burt Reynolds’ Trans-Am recently sold at Barrett-Jackson for $250,000. Josh briefly talks about James Garner’s Sierra Gold Firebird from the Rockford Files. Is there a dream movie car that you would drop your savings on?

[00:35:53] A Tasty Bite of Business & Burgers

Entrepreneurs like to eat, too! What better way to talk business than over a juicy burger? Along with co-host Scott Duffy, Alan has launched a new video web series called Business & Burgers. On every episode they travel to a different burger joint in search of a delicious burger. Each stop they interview inspiring entrepreneurs, eat burgers, and get plenty of great advice for starting your own company. Guests like Chase Jarvis, Barry Meguiar, and Chris Stoikos have been on the show, plus many more. Get your entrepreneurial mindset flowing.

[00:42:14] Lingenfelter Chevrolet Silverado Facelift

When you have a quality truck, the seats may wear out before the engine does. Alan has a 2011 Lingenfelter Chevrolet Silverado that was built by Hot Rod Magazine. It has been his daily driver and seen its share of wear and tear. Instead of selling it, he decided to fall back in love with it all over again. How, you ask? It was time to re-upholster with an all new leather interior. From selecting the perfect color (Salsa Red, if your were wondering), to finishing touches, we discuss the interior installation process with Katzkin CEO, Tim Clyde. Find out how it turned out.

[00:48:19] Specialty Interior with Katzkin Leather

Is it time to update your car’s upholstery? Custom design your perfect car interior with Katzkin Leather, Inc. Tim Clyde tells us that you can have a whole new interior for somewhere between $1,500-$2,000. There are many exotic leathers or leather replicas to choose from and they can usually get the job done in under 24 hours. Katzkin’s process combines hand craftsmanship and high-tech cutting equipment, making it possible for them to waste as little leather as possible. If your car was built in the mid-90s or later they can most likely help you out. Alligator seats, anyone?

[00:54:46] Stocks Fall, Ford Loses Mark Fields

The dust has settled after the recent reassignment of Ford Motor Company’s CEO. We still don’t know why Mark Fields retired, but the theories have all started shifting in the same direction. Tony Gauntner of Global Transportation Services quotes the old idiom, “Follow the money.” While former Mark Fields greatly increased the profits of the company, Ford stocks have fell by 40% since the beginning of his term. He kept the company out of bankruptcy and made huge strides in Ford’s mobility program, but that wasn’t enough. Tony believes that the new CEO, Jim Hackett, may make some difficult and quick changes to spike Ford’s stock prices. What are your thoughts on the future of the Ford Motor Company?

[01:02:07] BJ Killeen Reviews Volvo S60 Polestar

Comfort is not always the first thing to come to mind when you think about performance cars. The 2017 Volvo S60 has a different vision for performance and comfort comes naturally. Long time Volvo fan and automotive journalist, BJ Killeen, reviews the Volvo S60 Polestar. This midsize, performance sedan has 362-HP that stems from a supercharged and turbocharged engine. The car is fun and fast making it a great daily-driver. Equipped with Volvo’s iconic safety features and three years of complimentary factory maintenance, this car is hard to pass up.

[01:11:28] Honda’s Turbocharged Small Engines

By 2025 the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) is 54.5-MPG and automakers are working hard to achieve this benchmark. Honda is well on their way to meeting the CAFE standards by putting smaller engines in their cars. Power junkies do not fret, they are turbocharging these cars so you’re not missing out. Kelley Blue Book’s Karl Brauer recently visited Honda’s research and development facility in Japan to see how they are rapidly changing the automotive industry. After driving Honda’s new Accord, Karl has a lot to tell us. Find out what’s in store for Honda.

[01:18:09] Technology is Taking the Wheel

Are you ready for a car made by Apple? Okay, we may not be there quite yet, but we are on our way. In the near future, software companies will be the new automakers. Google and Apple are rumored to have started discussions about designing a car, and we already have advanced technology features like driver assist, radar cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, and so much more. Will your next car be your personal chauffeur? KBB’s Karl Brauer discusses the impending automotive-tech marriage.

Explore More with Helpful Links:

• Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR
• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist
• Contributor: Karl Brauer | Executive Publisher, Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book
• Guest: Brian Moody | Executive Editor, Autotrader
• Guest: Tim Clyde | CEO, Katzkin Leather Inc.
• Guest: Tony Gaunter | Founder, Global Transportation Services
• Featured Car: 2017 Volvo XC60
• Featured Car: 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
• Featured Car: Renault Electric Vehicles
• Feature Car: 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe SVR
• Featured Car: 2017 Volvo S60 Polestar
• Tech Mention: HomeLink
• Article: ‘Gone In 60 Seconds’ Eleanor Mustang Sells For $1 Million
• Web Series: Business & Burgers

Episode Credits:

• Program Host: Alan Taylor
• Producer: Dave Milligan
• Production Asst.: Joanne Bolden
• Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
• Copy Editor: Jess Baumgardner

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• Barrett-Jackson
• Brembo
• Bridgestone
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Go RVing
• Haynes Manuals
• Katzkin
• Patriot Outreach
• Shell
• Subaru
• The Little Rock Foundation

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This episode was produced by Entertainment Right Now (ERN). If you found value in this episode, and you’d like to hear more, please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don’t miss a beat. Your feedback helps us to reach more enthusiasts around the world! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please leave a comment below or e-mail us at info@ernlive.com.