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Karl Brauer, an automotive industry analyst, Forbes Autos contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror, and board member, as well as the Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com, joins Alan to open the show today. Environmentalists are the new threat to the auto industry, as they suggest that we may have to stop driving cars due to the newest emissions. According to activists, tires are emitting harmful substances that we inhale, and as they come apart, they release toxic fumes and by-products into the air. Even electric cars are not immune to these issues, as they are heavy due to their batteries and cause more wear and tear on the tires. Amid the ongoing UAW strike, Alan and Karl discuss the production of the Dodge Demon 170, which has just completed its first round of production. Only 3300 units are being built, with 3000 for the US and 300 for Canada. So far, 1100 units have been completed, and everything needs to be done by December 31st when production stops.

Up next is Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. Until the United States starts producing its own oil instead of relying on imports from countries like Russia, we will continue to see rising gas prices. As a result, people may be forced to buy electric vehicles. Companies like Rivian are losing $33,000 per vehicle, despite their very cool and unique R1T and R1S models. Unfortunately, it is not currently profitable to produce electric vehicles. Ford is facing a similar situation with their Lightning truck, which has had to cancel all 2023 models and plans to release a cheaper 2024 version. Lauren then switches topics to discuss the World Economic Forum’s 2030 plan, which aims to take everything away from individuals. There are a lot of strange things happening in the world that are affecting the price of everything. For example, Klaus Schwab wants to eliminate driving altogether in California, and an advisory committee has suggested that owning a car is a privilege that causes systematic racism and negative environmental impacts. They eventually hope to create “15-minute cities,” where everything an individual needs is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home. Before Lauren ends her segment, she shares some breaking news: the California legislature has adopted HR Bill 1435, also known as the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which stops the state’s gas vehicle ban.  Fingers crossed!

George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, took a quick pit stop with Alan. George is a contributor to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and The Drive. He recently test-drove the 2023 Lexus RX350H Hybrid luxury SUV crossover. The car features a 4-cylinder engine, 2 electric motors, 246 horsepower, and standard all-wheel drive. With a fuel efficiency of 37mph in the city and 34mph on the highway, the car provides a smooth and efficient ride. The steering is light, making driving effortless and comfortable. The luxury trim model is priced at $62k, making it a well-rounded, comfortable, and efficient choice for anyone looking for a luxury vehicle.

Brian Moody, Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com, is closing out the show from the Orange County Auto Show, which is a regional show with a lot of cool stuff. At the event, several 2024 cars were showcased, including the Lexus TX, Lexus GX, Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Kia EV9, and the Honda Prologue. Brian shares a list of vehicles that perform well on the highway, which includes the gasoline-powered Honda Accord EX with 37 mpg and the Nissan Sentra with 39 mpg. In the hybrid category, the new Toyota Prius gets 57 mpg, and the Toyota Prius Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid, gets the equivalent of 127 mpg. That’s it for this show! Thank you to all the car enthusiasts for joining us and stay tuned for more of “The Drive with Alan Taylor”.

[00:00:00] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:06:57] – The Boogeyman
[00:13:00] – Top Popular Colors for Vehicles
[00:20:51] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[00:29:15] – World Economic Forum 2030
[00:37:21] – HR Bill 1435
[00:43:41] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:50:35] – 2023 Lexus RX350H
[00:56:42] – Smooth and Effortless
[01:04:32] – Contributor Brian Moody
[01:12:32] – Orange County Auto Show
[01:21:02] – MPG on the Highway

CREDITS

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

Contributor: Karl Brauer
Contributor: Lauren Fix

Contributor Brian Moody
Contributor: George Kennedy III

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: Laruen Fix |  Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports. www.carcoachreports.com
• Contributor: 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. 
• 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: Brian Moody |  Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com and KBB.com.

Vehicles Discussed:

2023 Dodge Demon 170, 2023 Lexus RX350H, Lexus TX, Lexus GX, Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Kia EV9, Honda Prologue, Honda Accord EX, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius Prime

OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTED CHARITIES:

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