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In this report, Lauren Fix, the Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, discusses the challenges faced by car manufacturers who are forced to produce specific products by the government. Failure to comply with regulations can result in hefty fines and fees. Even though the government feels that electric vehicles are the future, they are not profitable in the short term. Lauren shares how dealerships want the cars to move quickly to avoid accruing charges. However, the rotation of electric vehicles is taking longer than expected because demand is so low. It’s clear that the car industry needs true car enthusiasts in charge, as many people are still resistant to EV’S. Even with tax credits, it’s challenging to sell electric vehicles. Mandating electric vehicles is not the solution; a bill is on the floor to block such mandates.

Next up is Ed Justice Jr., President and CEO of Justice Brothers, Inc. When purchasing a TESLA, it’s important to note that the company has been caught overstating the range of its cars. Once 50% of battery life is depleted, the range displayed will become more accurate and show a significant loss of range miles. Extreme temperatures also significantly affect batteries, which can negatively impact electric vehicles. According to a Reuters article, Tesla employees were instructed to divert any customers complaining about poor driving range from bringing their cars in for service. In the summer of 2022, Tesla quietly created a team to cancel as many range-related appointments as possible. Tesla uses software to overestimate the range of their vehicles, which in turn understates their emissions. It remains to be seen if the EPA will respond to this. It needs to be clarified why Tesla is getting a pass on this issue.

My friend Brian Moody, the Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, has some exciting updates. Brain shares a list of special edition cars. Firstly, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plugin hybrid is now available, which allows you to save power. Additionally, you can get a $11,500 lease discount in some states. The Chevy Traverse has undergone a makeover and now comes with a Z71 trim to give it more of an SUV look. The Volkswagen GLI now comes with a sportier trim. If you’re an enthusiast, you’ll enjoy checking out the Autotrader/oversteer section of Autotrader.com. Some of the top stories include the final Mopar 23 special edition of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, the first drive for the 2024 Ford Mustang Echo Boost and GT, a 3-wheel Canam Spyder RT, and an article on the new Maserati race car, MXC Extrema. You’ll also find articles on larger-than-life promotional vehicles like the Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile, Red Bull’s Suzuki, Cadbury Crème Egg Car, Peeps Mobile, and Planters Nut Mobile. (see link below) Later on, Brian shares his list of 3-row SUVs under $5K. These include the 2006 Toyota Highlander, 2007 Saturn Outlook, 2007 Mercury Mountaineer, 2007 Honda Pilot, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, and 2007 Buick Rendezvous.

Alan’s friend and contributor, Karl Brauer, closes the show. He is an Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com. Karl got to look at the world debut of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, a vehicle renowned for its versatility and durability. It is an off-road vehicle that can take you anywhere without breaking down and is far more accessible. The Land Cruiser has a hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, and an electric motor. The Grand Cherokee, Toyota Prius, Jeep 4xe, and Rubicon Wrangler were other cars discussed. Karl mentioned that new car pricing has increased by 7.5%, and dealers are asking for an additional 8% above the MSRP. Our dollars are worth less, so it’s essential to visit iseecars.com to see what new cars are selling for. Karl shared a list of vehicles below or at MSRP, such as the Chrysler Pacific Hybrid, Ford Maverick Hybrid, Chevy Silverado, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6. The bottom line is that there are cars available at reasonable prices. Karl participated in the Long Tail Rally, named after the McLaren 765 LT for Long Tail. This year, Porsche 911s dominated the rally, which started in Spokane, Washington, and ended in Park City, Utah.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:06:53] – Last Call Challenger
[00:13:00] – It’s Tech, Not a Car
[00:20:51] – Contributor Ed Justice Jr.
[00:29:38] – Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
[00:37:22] – The Good Guy Pass
[00:43:42] – Contributor Brian Moody
[00:50:43] – Autotrader/Oversteer
[00:56:44] – 3 Row SUV’s for $5000
[01:04:34] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[01:14:27] – Just below MSRP
[01:21:04] – Long Tail Rally

CREDITS

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

Contributor: Lauren Fix
Contributor: Ed Justice Jr.
Contributor: Brian Moody
Contributor: Karl Brauer

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: Lauren Fix | Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. www.laurenfix.com
• 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: Ed Justice Jr. | Justice Brothers, Inc. President and CEO
• Contributor: Brian Moody |  Executive Editor of AutoTrader.com and KBB.com.
  https://www.autotrader.com/oversteer/larger-than-life-promotional-cars

Vehicles Discussed:

2006 Toyota Highlander, 2007 Saturn Outlook, 2007 Mercury Mountaineer, 2007 Honda Pilot, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, and 2007 Buick Rendezvous, Tesla, Dodge Demon, Dodge Challenger, Spyder RT, Maserati MXC Estrema, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Chevy Traverse, Grand Cherokee, Toyota Prius, Jeep 4xe, Rubicon Wrangler, 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, Porsche 911

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

• Austin Hatcher Foundation
• AutoTempest.com
• Brembo
• Dodge
• Foundation of Human Understanding
• Shell
• Subaru