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COVID-19 is on everyone’s minds these days as we face a global pandemic. In response, almost every event has been canceled for the duration of this outbreak. Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason, BJ Killeen, discusses the closure of the Geneva Auto show, the push back of the New York Auto Show, and the suspension of other big events like Coachella and SuiteWorld. We also chat about an incredible new regenerative tire concept, and take a lighter turn by checking out the current Presidential candidates rides. Up next, JoshCAR Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, gives us his impressions on the new Batmobile and the new Ford Bronco. Changing lanes, Automotive/Motorcycle Industry Insider, Mike Caudill, fills us in on some of the measures that President Trump has taken during this national crisis and reflects on the hysteria surrounding the pandemic. Perhaps a lot of people are overreacting? Then, Automotive Journalist for Autosense and Roadgear, Brian Armstead, reviews the new Audi Q7 and S4. These vehicles have been heavily refreshed and adopt a set of slick new safety, technological, and aesthetic features. The comparison between these two vehicles is one of comfortability vs speed. Closing out the show, Automotive Analyst for Parade and News Max, and “The Car Coach”, Lauren Fix, discusses how this pandemic may spell the end for big car shows, why companies should be looking to doing more digital reveals to save money, and how these event closures will have a huge impact on the revenue streams for racing and other sporting events. Tune in to get the latest automotive news and reviews.

·[00:00:00] COVID-19 Continues to Shutdown Events
·[00:05:58] Never Have to Replace your Tires Again?
·[00:12:30] What Do the Candidates Drive?
·[00:19:51] New Batmobile and Ford Bronco
·[00:30:36] National State of Emergency
·[00:35:53] Virus Hysteria, Toilet Paper Shortage
·[00:42:14] Audi Q7 vs S4, Comfortability vs Speed
·[00:48:18] Audi A4, S4 Refreshed/ COVID-19 Warning
·[00:54:45] Audi S4 and A4 Changes
·[01:02:06] Audi Q7 Brings On the Tech
·[01:10:53] This the Tipping Point for Auto Shows?
·[01:18:07] COVID-19 Economic Implications

[00:00:00] COVID-19 Continues to Shutdown Events

The Coronavirus continues to shut down major events as it spreads throughout the world. This caused the Geneva Autoshow to cancel and has pushed the New York Autoshow back five months! Other big events, like Coachella and SuiteWorld, have also been cancelled. This begs the question: will this virus affect the Detroit Autoshow in June? When the world is dealing with a pandemic shutting down big events is a smart thing to do. Voice of Reason and Automotive Journalist, BJ Kileen, says that she thinks the coronavirus is a big deal, but it has been blown out of proportion by the media; we all need to take a chill pill. How are you handling the COVID-19 pandemic?

[00:05:58] Never Have to Replace your Tires Again?

Goodyear Tires released a tire concept that will never run out of tread – in fact, it regenerates tread! Voice of Reason and Automotive Journalist, BJ Kileen, breaks down the features of this concept tire. The tire is biodegradable and it regenerates its own tread through capsules; so say goodbye to tire pressure gauges and ever buying new tires again! The concept tire is called Recharge, but how does it work? Well, as the tire rolls down the road, a liquid compound recharges the tire via capsules composed of a mixture of dandelions, rubbers, and fibers akin to spider silk. If this concept becomes a reality, it could really shake up the automotive industry. 

[00:12:30] What Do the Candidates Drive?

Having trouble deciding which candidate to vote for? Why not let their cars speak for them? Voice of Reason and Automotive Journalist, BJ Kileen, gives us the details on what each candidate still in the race drives. First on the list is Former Vice President, Joe Biden, who drives a 1967 Chevrolet Stingray that he got as a wedding gift from his father. Next on the list we have President Donald Trump, who actually owns a very nice collection of luxury performance cars, including a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, a 2011 Tesla Roadster, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Indy500 Pace Car. Last on the list we have Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders, who drives a Chevrolet Chevette, a Subaru Forester, and Chevrolet Aveo. So who’s list wooed you more? Do you go for style or humbleness?

[00:19:51] New Batmobile and Ford Bronco

Pictures of the new Batmobile were released and it looks like a mid-engined 60’s Dodge Charger. It seems like after Ford vs Ferrari they realize people liked cars and made the new Batmobile exotic and it is different to create a buzz. Pictures of the new Ford Bronco were leaked, there are some suspicions that it is just a Jeep and not a Bronco. Alan is wondering if the Ford Bronco press event will be cancelled due to the Coronavirus. Hollywood Car Consultant, Josh Hancock, thinks that it won’t be cancelled because it is a small event.

[00:30:36] National State of Emergency

Automotive/Motorcycle Industry Insider, Mike Caudill, joins us to talk about the political side of the Coronavirus. President Trump declared a National State of Emergency and it loosened up $40 billion to do good with. Wednesday was when everything started to get cancelled, like the NBA, MLB, and more. This is like a life reboot for the world to think about what we’ve been doing and what we haven’t been doing and how we can be prepared. This is not ebola, this is a new virus to America, and it will take time for our immune systems to adjust but it will blow over.

[00:35:53] Virus Hysteria, Toilet Paper Shortage

The Coronavirus is a big deal, and we haven’t gone a day without hearing something about it. Automotive/Motorcycle Industry Insider, Mike Caudill, points out how bad the hysteria is. Everyone knows about the toilet paper craze right now, but the people affected the most are the people in danger – which is the older generations. Older folks can’t run into the store and snatch supply’s as fast as young people, leaving the elderly with no toilet paper, or cleaning supplies.  

[00:42:14] Audi Q7 vs S4, Comfortability vs Speed

Automotive Journalist for Autosense and Roadgear, Brian Armstead, test drove the new Audi Q7 and S4 and shares his thoughts on the comfortability of the driving position. Brian is a bigger guy at six-foot-nine and the Audi Q7 felt natural to get in and out of. A higher sitting stance than the S4 earns the Q7 a better rating in the ease of entry category. Alan compares this experience to his Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and Mercedes-Benz R 350. They have the same engine but it is a completely different driving experience. Tune in to learn more about the Audi Q7 and S4. 

[00:48:18] Audi A4, S4 Refreshed/ COVID-19 Warning

Okay, yeah, so COVID-19 is a big deal, but more people die every year from influenza than have died from the novel coronavirus, right? So should we really be that worried? Well, Automotive Journalist for Autosense and Roadgear, Brian Armstead, used to work as a pandemic response trainer, teaching people how best to report from hot infection zones, and he says it isn’t the current deadliness on display that we need to be worried about. The problem is that we don’t know enough about COVID-19 yet. Does it go away with warm weather? Can you catch it multiple times? When is the vaccine coming, or is a vaccine coming? Changing lanes, Brian tells us more about the extensive Audi A4 and S4 refresh. Tune in to catch more details on this stylish car. 

[00:54:45] Audi S4 and A4 Changes

The Audi S4 and A4 have gone through some changes in the newest model year. One of the first things you might notice is a more up-to-date grill. Automotive Journalist for Autosense and Roadgear, Brian Armstead, discusses some of the features of the new Audi S4 and A4, and what they’ve done to keep the models fresh and powerful. Tune in to get a list of changes for these awesome cars. 

[01:02:06] Audi Q7 Brings On the Tech

If the new Audi S4 isn’t quite your thing and you need a larger, more comfortable vehicle, the Q7 might be for you. Automotive Journalist for Autosense and Roadgear, Brian Armstead, chats about the enhanced safety features, like intersection assist, adaptive cruise assist, and level 2 driving system that works up to speeds of 95 mph. There is a lot to process with the Audi Q7’s suite of tech, and coupled with Audi’s penchant for producing high end, sleeky, comfy interior, you can’t go wrong with the Q7. Are you an Audi fan?

[01:10:53] The Tipping Point for Auto Shows?

Auto show attendance has been in steady decline, even before the emergence of the Coronavirus. Alan wonders if this will be the tipping point for auto shows. Will we see a move to more singular, digital reveals for auto manufacturers? Automotive Analyst for Parade and News Max, and “The Car Coach”, Lauren Fix, thinks the answer is yes. With all of the auto shows canceled, the president of Fiat took matters into his own hands and created a 18 minute video for the release of the new Fiat 500 E. Do you think this marks a trend for automakers going forward?

[01:18:07] COVID-19 Economic Implications

It isn’t just the big auto shows that are being canceled or postponed, almost every other large gathering has been put on hold, including motorsports events. Automotive Analyst for Parade and News Max, and “The Car Coach”, Lauren Fix, says this creates a problem that a lot of people might not be thinking about – it halts a huge part of their revenue stream! We’re also seeing a crash in the price of oil, will that affect the sales of electric vehicles? Tune in to find out what we think. 

Explore More with Helpful Links:

·Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist/ Voice of Reason

·Contributor: Josh Hancock | Hollywood Car Consultant, JoshCAR

·Special Guest: Mike Caudill | Automotive/Motorcycle Industry Insider, Fox News Channel

·Special Guest: Brian Armstead | Automotive Journalist, Autosense/ Roadgear

·Special Guest: Lauren Fix | Publisher, Car Coach Reports

Credits

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Audio Engineer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Cody Castleberry
Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Josh Hancock
Special Guest: Mike Caudill
Special Guest: Brian Armstead
Special Guest: Lauren Fix

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

·Austin Hatcher Foundation

·Brembo

·Dodge

·Foundation of Human Understanding

·Shell

·Subaru

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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.