RoadWorthy Drive Moments: Recent Episodes
RoadWorthy Drive Productions Inc.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is now the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information, and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
B2U Storage Solutions is using 1300 EV batteries repurposed from Nissan and Honda vehicles for stationary storage capacity to support the local electrical grid.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
If hardening its electric grid infrastructure to withstand the evolution of climate change isn't enough, now electric utilities have to be on guard for physical attacks to the system from terrorists and fools.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
The impact of the pandemic continues to affect the economy. Now, it's a rising rate of default for office landlords who now have empty or largely empty office buildings. With millions of Americans now working elsewhere, the need for the traditional office building in a central financial district or large suburban office park has waned. And as almost everything related to the pandemic, this has a direct and indirect effect on your quality of life.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
Big Tech wants to merge your car and home together seamlessly. With major players like Android Auto and Apple Auto vying for space and control within the car, and the companies that provide devices within the Internet of Things-verse trying for a piece of the action, it's only a matter of time. By the way, did we mention bi-directional charging that is now available from your EV, controlled by your cellphone?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
During this episode, we discuss how the evolution of electric vehicles may leave those who would gain the most behind. Low-income Americans often drive the oldest, least efficient, and less safe vehicles. Helping them to transition to electric vehicles would improve safety and quality of life all around. However, current federal incentives do not address this inequity.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
Did you know that every year since 1971, there have been more people dying than have been born in America? According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, with the exception of 2006 and 2007, the United States has been quietly losing its future workforce. With the onslaught of the pandemic, we have only seen the impact of this trend worsen.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
This week Ken reviews the 2023 Lexus UX250h crossover. Available only as a hybrid in the United States, it is also the nameplate's smallest crossover SUV. We see how it stacks up.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
Interestingly enough, it's not what you might think about when you first think about what draws you to your local convenience store. But this one thing is a major topic that is top of mind for c-store execs everywhere.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape. Be sure to add us to your favorites!
Over 30 colors with 240 panels of placement. Are you ready for the multi-colored (change on demand) electric car? BMW seems to think so. We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Ken discusses the hottest concepts from the floor of the 2023 Chicago Auto Show that will be making news this year.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
The Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system, a Level 3 conditionally autonomous hands-free driving technology, is being introduced in Nevada and California later this year.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, property damage caused by fire or the weather are common losses that homeowners generally know will be covered by their insurance. However, there are other events and incidents covered that homeowners may NOT be aware of. We explore some of those unique situations.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Before SUVs took off and became a staple of private American transportation, automakers like American Motors, Subaru, and Volvo had developed vehicles that were based on their current station wagons, but offered consumers more. A more robust frame, higher ground clearance, and other updates and tweaks designed to make these vehicles compatible with off-road use. The Volvo V60 Cross Country is one such wagon.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
For our FIRST-EVER interview, Ken sits down with Brian Armstead - a legendary automotive journalist with a media career that extends for over 45 years! As a jurist on the prestigious North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year panel, he is one of fifty experienced and accomplished automotive media professionals that review hundreds of vehicles every year.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
This segment kicks off the first of several installments of Ken's interview with Sue Mead - self-proclaimed small-town girl, dirt road tornado, and off-road motorsports hall of Famer. Sue has reviewed thousands of vehicles and traveled to countless countries across the globe during her varied and vast experience interacting with people, places, and vehicles.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Welcome to the 2023 Chicago Auto Show! During this episode, Ken talks about the show's 100-plus-year history.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
By order of Congress, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set up the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse to track CDL driver drug and alcohol program violations in 2020, thereby enhancing safety on our Nation's roadways. We take a look at how it works and who exactly it covers.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
The Lordstown Endurance, the Fisker PEAR and perhaps even the Volkswagen Scout? Seems like the Lordstown manufacturing plant will be brimming with production. Question is, can they navigate the challenges of several new vehicle launches and more importantly will there be a market for what they build?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
This week I slide behind the wheel of the very capable Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro pickup truck. Let me be the first to tell you, the less road you have the better this Tacoma is! Just the companion you need in the backwoods when a "road" is more of a slight suggestion than a fact. (and an front bumper mounted aftermarket Warn 6-ton electric winch would be nice to have too!)
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Volvo's EX90 SUV is based on the flagship XC90 and will be the automaker's first pure electric, fully autonomous SUV. The company says that enhancing the driver, not replacing the driver, has always been their objective.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
If you really tried, could you go a full day without plastic in your life? Or for that matter, go without single use plastic? According to a United Nations report, the world produces about 400 million metric tons of plastic WASTE each year - with about 200 metric tons being thrown away after a single use. A study by the Pew Charitable Trusts says that more than 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year. The Organization for Economic Cooperation reports that only 9 percent of plastics are recycled.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Renewable Natural Gas - a biofuel derived from cow manure and the methane that is produced and usually burned off at landfill sites around the country. The industry is turning these emissions into fuel for the benefit of the planet.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
With the coming tsunami of EV models entering the American marketplace over the next few years, EV battery material recycling has become more than the right thing to do for the environment, it has become and economic necessity. A number of American companies are spending big to meet the challenge head on.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
During this segment, we explore the differences in coverage between automotive and motorcycle insurance - and point out coverage that the wise motorcyclist should include in their policy.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Recent legislation has built in incentives for Americans to go green in a big way. Unfortunately, these benefits are not available for all Americans to enjoy equally. We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Is your state on the list? We review the list of the ten states in America with the lowest natural disaster risk as measured over the last seventy years. The results may just surprise you.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a rugged and capable compact SUV with a go-anywhere, do anything persona. Manufactured at the automaker's new joint venture plant with Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama, the CX-50 can tow almost as much cargo as many mid-size pickup trucks. We take this wonder for a spin.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
We have all read and experienced the impact of the ebb and flow of the global supply chain in our everyday lives. While the transportation industry continues to grapple with the implementation of autonomous vehicles on public roads, a subsegment of the trucking industry seems poised to fully implement the technology.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
The Mississippi River. The 13th largest river in the world, impacting ten states and two Canadian provinces, serving as the main transportation waterway for a variety of bulk goods, including grain and coal. Climate change has come to America's heartland, with devasting results.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
For this episode, we tackle the question about EV safety in the event of an accident. We have all seen the footage of stubborn electric battery fires as a result of an crash, but wonder, just how safe is the average EV? We attempt to answer that question with the latest test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Recently, 190 countries met in Montreal Quebec to hammer out a deal to protect biodiversity in thirty percent of our globe. While climate change and extreme weather events seem to capture most of the press and attention, disappearing biodiversity on our planet is also a result of man with even more impact.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Like almost everything else, your local convenience store is changing with the times. Your favorite place to get gasoline and grab a snack now wants to be more of a destination - they actually want you to hang around - and are spending big to entice you to do so.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Hydrogen isn't just for electric fuel cells anymore. A number of the world's automakers are looking at compressed hydrogen as a replacement for gasoline in modified internal combustion engines.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Chevrolet has introduced a sleek EV sedan concept that should be a hit with consumers. The problem is that American motorists will never see the car. It is for the Chinese market. I think that with the right positioning, that concept would also work in the American automotive marketplace.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Officials at Colorado State University and the National Western Center in Denver have developed a methodology that transfers the heating and cooling energy from one of the city's sewage lines into useful form. Its a case of win-win-win.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
I originally did a FIRST LOOK about this amazing vehicle last July. You can listen to my first impressions here. This review is a deeper dive about the upscale automaker's 1st pure EV. Its where pure luxury and pure electric propulsion come together!
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
For years, researchers and scientists have chased after the allure of fusion energy. The challenge has always been that it requires more energy to start the process than energy produced as a result - until now. Call this one small step for man.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
It is estimated that there are over 49 Million people in modern slavery across the world on any given day - and that includes the United States. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month where government agencies along with private and public partners bring awareness to modern slavery. This includes public transit agencies as well as private trucking firms.
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The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Turns out, Marty McFly wasn't wrong. We take a look at Hagerty Insurance's annual Bull Market list of hot vehicles that are worth owning in 2023.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Every year, upto one billion birds dies as a result of collisions with cities. In fact, a 2019 study by Cornell Lab concluded that the North American bird population has declined by 29 percent over the previous half century. What does this mean for our environment?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
OK, so I have to ask, who thinks its a good idea to offer a manual transmission with an electric car? At least one automaker is planning to offer this on an upcoming vehicle in the next two years. Is it smoke and mirrors, or the real thing?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Will a trip to the dealer be as rare as a rotary dial telephone? With the move to electric vehicles, its possible to fix glitches, equipment defect and enhance safety features with an over the air update - eliminating a trip to the dealer. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Climate change is also impacting Big Tech, specifically their data centers . More occurrences of extreme weather and drought is impacting the ability of the centers to operate within the optimum temperature band required for the electronics and thousands of servers. Big Tech is responding to the challenge in a variety of ways.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
With a more powerful version in the works for release soon, the question is not what ChatGPT can do now, but what this general-use AI may help to usher in the near future. Neural networks, deep machine learning, natural voice processing - these are just a few of the associated technologies being developed and incorporated into this evolving tech. Question is, where do us humans fit in?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
REVIVER, the company behind California's new digital license plates that were launched last year, was hacked, allowing hackers to track the physical GPS location of all Reviver customers. Given that these fancy plates are usually sold to luxury and ultra-luxury vehicle owners, this isn't ok, for so many reasons.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Mazda is partnering up with a number of suppliers in order to catch up with the marketplace with a variety of EV offerings later this decade. The automaker is pledging $11 Billion in funding across its updated partnerships to get Mazda branded EVs on the road. Is it too little, too late?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Green hydrogen, the most promising alternative for carbon-free fuel or use in an electric fuel cell, is also the most expensive and difficult to produce. Recent legislation passed by the US Congress and signed into law, has offered tax incentives to industry in order to make it a reality. AES Corp a power generator and Air Products and Chemicals Inc, a hydrogen producer have recently announced a joint venture to produce green hydrogen on the site of a recently shuttered coal-fired power plant - in North Texas. How ironic.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
During this episode, the all-new 3rd generation Honda HR-V crossover is reviewed. Now based on the 11th generation Honda Civic, the HR-V is larger and even more capable.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
After years of rumors, Chevrolet may be ready to spin off Corvette as a separate sub-brand, featuring an all-new pure electric SUV. Chevy may be ready, but are you? We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Ram Trucks has decided to make a late but stylish entry into the full size EV pickup truck arena, showing off its Ram Revolution EV pickup prototype at the 2023 CES in Las Vegas. We review.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
For the last twenty years, the American automotive industry has been waiting with baited breath for the arrival of the Chinese automakers. While names like BYD, Great Wall and Chery Motors are not household names in America just yet, it might surprise you that Americans have purchased some $300 Million of Chinese-built vehicles during the past year. While some are still looking for their "official" arrival, the truth is that Chinese built vehicles are already offered for sale in the American auto marketplace.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
While it's a fact that public transportation is a lifeline for many who have limited or very often no other dependable transportation option for school, work or medical appointments, the growing fleet of electric buses many in fact benefit these communities in other ways. Imagine each electric bus as a large energy storage facility. Add in an ability for bi-directional charging and you have a new resource to power community centers, hospitals and other "mission critical" facilities in the event of extreme weather events that may knock out the traditional power grid for hours or days at a time.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Babcock Ranch, Florida. Designed for sustainability - engineered to withstand extreme climate events. This town was ten years in the making - with resilience and sustainability built in long before the first residents moved in. We take a look at how the town survived Hurricane Ian, as other towns around this community didn't fair so well.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
The 5th generation Kia Sportage is all-new, and now manufactured at the automaker's sprawling complex in West Point, Georgia. With aggressively handsome good looks inside and out, the all-new Sportage offers something for just about everyone - from gasoline to hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain choices to the aggressive X-Mode models and luxury focused SX-Prestige. What's not to like?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
The coming wave of electric vehicles will impact how insurance companies price their automotive insurance policies in the near future. The challenges are many - for example - should a car line that offers traditional gasoline engine, hybrid and pure electric powered models across its model line, be priced the same when it comes to insuring them? Also, while the level of safety equipment is typically greater in the new EVs, so is the complexities when it comes to accidents and repairs. Which should receive more weight when considering pricing an automotive insurance policy?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
In recent years, most of the media attention has been focused on the evolution and improvement of EV batteries. However, its the EV motor that drives the need and performance of the batteries. The more efficient and economical the EV motor, the smaller and lighter the battery pack can be, resulting in a slew of performance and range advantages. We take a look at what's going and why.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Subscriber-only episode
Guest Host Vance Hawthorne asks Ken about what may be coming down the pike relative to the future of transportation. In some cases, it may be life imitating fiction.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Subscriber-only episode
What should be of concern for a driver of a 60-ton Class 8 big rig, should be of concern for you too. We review several of the common causes of truck accidents - its a cautionary tale.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Between 2011 and 2020, over 350,000 souls died in US traffic accidents. In 2020 alone, 38,680 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, of which an estimated 6,200 were people walking. What's going on here? We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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December was National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. And while the holidays are over and we are at the start of a brand new year, safety on the road should be at the top of every driver's mind, EVERY MONTH! We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Cars and trucks are not the only powered vehicles that ply our nation's roads. Often seen but rarely talked about are the 8.6 million registered motorcycles in America that account for 3% of all registered vehicles but 14% of all traffic fatalities. Contrary to popular belief, single vehicle crashes, that is, just the motorcycle is almost as deadly as colliding with another vehicle - which is still the leading type of motorcycle crash.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Driving after going for more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol level concentration of 0.08%, the US legal limit. While the signs of fatigue may not be easily identified by the driver in question, it is a fact that you are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued. We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Ken returns to the F-150 Lightning EV pure electric pickup truck to offer a more complete review to complement his FIRST LOOK of the vehicle back in November. https://roadworthydrivemoments.buzzsprout.com/1610647/11655413-first-look-2022-ford-f-150-lightning-ev-pickup-truck
It is indeed a game changer for both the automaker and the full-size pickup truck segment.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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The one-time founder of Fisker Automotive, who created the Karma luxury hybrid vehicle about 11 years ago, is back at it again, this time as Fisker Inc and its first SUV, the Ocean. To be built by industry veteran Magna International, the company has a better chance to make it this time around. We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Ford has introduced the Ford Transit Trail: a four-wheel drive full-size van that can be customized for RV'ers while offering the potential of an off-road experience.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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With vehicles now not much more than rolling computers, the demands of data transfer and interaction due to the development and roll out of more comprehensive safety systems (i.e. V2X), over-the-air updates, critical system monitoring and self-driving vehicles, the development of 6G maybe just what the automotive industry needs to take things to the next level. We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Call it the Great resignation, quiet quitting, or just plain old burn out. These industries experienced the most loss of employees over the past year. To be honest, some of it is churn due to the "worker centric" economy that the pandemic has produced over the last few years, while others have taken their toll on workers to the point that they have chosen to do something completely different.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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The automaker says, "Experience Amazing" and the Lexus LC 500 Coupe is all that and more. I spent a week with the amazing head turner - come along for the ride and experience luxury with me!
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Over $160 Billion has been spent in recent years to get autonomous cars onto the roadways and into the mainstream for consumers. Save for a lone bright spot in the over-the-road trucking industry, it seems that self-driving cars are a bust. We discuss.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Catastrophic Failure of Mega Dollar Investment? Even within the electric power industry, there is debate about what is needed when to support the increasing demands for electric power and distribution from the nation's electrical grid. Question is, while the need is more than demonstrated, the way to pay for it is not, so how do we get there from here?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Miles per kilowatt hour (kWh) will replace miles per gallon when consumers begin to evaluate the economy of the coming tsunami of electric vehicles to the American marketplace in the next few years. We explain.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Hyundai has recently demonstrated an EV powered hotel suite, reimagining how EVs can be utilized for benefits beyond mere transportation.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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The CEO of Volvo Cars predicts that electric vehicles will reach price parity with gasoline powered passenger vehicles by the year 2025. Bold prediction or hype?
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Personal pods, elevators that turn left, autonomous tugboats. Just a few of the ideas bouncing around as transportation planners consider how to move people around in the future. We discuss a few of the concepts being considered.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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What do you do when you don't have water available for livestock or row crops? If you live in the Canary Islands, you farm the fog for water. Yes, its a real thing!
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Billed as the automaker's first all-new purpose-built electric vehicle, the Volvo C40 Recharge hits the streets. We spend time behind the wheel of this very impressive vehicle.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Thor Industries, the nation's largest maker of RVs, has recently joined together with EV start up Harbinger Motors to develop all-electric versions of the company's various RV lines, including its large Class A motorhomes.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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This year between 30 to 35 Million American families will purchase a live Christmas tree for the holidays. Do you know how to get it home safely, without damage to the tree or your vehicle? We share some tips.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Hertz Global Holdings, is paying out $168 Million to customers that it falsely accused of theft of its vehicles. Its as bad as it sounds.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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The base model starts with 455 horsepower and rises from there. Then there's the top-of-the-line Banshee Edition!
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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We discuss the all new Mullen Five EV from Mullen Automotive, the same folks who just spent $148 Million for a controlling interest in EV truck chassis manufacturer Bollinger Motors.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Ready for anything, the Ford Bronco Wildtrack Sasquatch is a true off-roader with amazing capabilities.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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The challenge in the production and use of "green" hydrogen, that is, hydrogen derived from water using renewable energy, is getting the product to the places where it can be utilized. One man has a better idea for transport at a much lower cost than railroads, aircraft, cargo ships or even pipelines.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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When it comes to car insurance, where you live is a major factor in the rates that you pay. Insurance companies consider location, and the statistics of frequency and the types of claims filed, in setting rates. This list of most expensive states may surprise you.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Blended wing, transonic truss-braced wing, double bubble wing - these are some of the concepts being developed for the next generation of commercial aircraft. Inspired by funding from NASA, a competition launched by the agency this past June is seeking US companies to design and build a full-scale demonstrator. The prototype must by airworthy by 2027 and be about the size of a Boeing 737 that can carry 150 passengers.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Nissan Rogue Sport, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Accent. It's ok if you didn't realize that these vehicles were still available for sale in the American marketplace. That is, of course, through 2022. Just a few of the vehicles being discontinued for 2023.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
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Surveillance Marketing, otherwise known as Commercial Surveillance is defined by the Federal Trade Commission as "the business of collecting, analyzing and profiting from information about people." In the absence of meaningful legislation, the FTC is stepping into the fray to protect consumers.
The RoadWorthy Drive Moments podcast is changing! Starting March 1st, it will become the TechMobility Topics podcast! While the weekly podcast will continue to feature the same great news, information and perspective that you have come to expect, TechMobility Topics will also include interviews of newsworthy and unique individuals across the technology and mobility landscape.
Sony Honda Mobility has announced plans to start selling cars in 2026, that are built in America. Imagine that!
As a member of the Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi combine, the Japanese automaker is making a comeback in the United States!
The Toyota Tundra Capstone pickup truck is the line's first hybrid. As the range topper for the truck line, it leaves no stone unturned.
If current trends continue through the end of the year, America's best selling vehicle will not be from a traditional automotive manufacturer, nor will it be a pickup truck or even powered by gasoline or diesel fuel.
The Transportation Security Administration, better known as the TSA, has recently issued cybersecurity guidelines to the nation's passenger rail systems and public transit authorities. The TSA Security Directives established minimum standards for cyber incident reporting and contingency planning.
General Motors is collaborating with SunPower, a solar power company, to setup home systems for vehicle-to-home power (V2H), starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV.
Other than playing make believe when we were kids, did you ever imagine that you might someday actually drive a REAL vehicle made from cardboard? French automaker Citroen has just introduced the Oli, the world's first automotive concept made from paper products. Talk about sustainability!
MINI, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and BMW. All currently have vehicles for sale that offer a manual gearbox as an option for motorists. In the case of MINI and Ford, the manual gearbox was actually returned to the line-up in the case of MINI, the 2-door hardtop, and Ford for a no-holes barred version of its popular Bronco SUV. But with just an industry average take rate of just 3 percent (it had been as high as 9 percent in recent years), can automakers continue to make a business case to keeps the manual shifters in production?
During Hurricane Ian, millions of Floridians were without power for days at a time. However, three communities - employing a combination of hardened power infrastructure, microgrids, solar power, energy storage and bi-directional power, managed to keep the lights on during the worse of the storm.
In India at the Bowenpally Vegetable Market in Hyperabad India,, some ten metric tons of produce spoil each and every day. However, instead of being trucked to a landfill, the market employs a low tech method to use the rotten produce to resolve two environmental problems.
Performance, Luxury, SUV. It seems that now more than ever, the lines between those three attributes are blurry at best. Ever since the introduction of the first ever Porsche Cayenne, the automaker's first SUV, and especially after the introduction of its performance variants, more and more automakers are using that recipe to seduce consumers to park one in their driveway. The Acura MDX Type-S is the latest to make a solid case for ownership.
With its 8R farm tractor as the basis, Deere & Co. is moving into the autonomous tractor market. Building on systems already available to the farmer, such as the company's Starfire receivers, AutoPath guidance precision technology, and TruSet-enabled chisel plow, the company believes that farmers would be comfortable uploading maps, tillage prescriptions and machine and field data to and from the tractor in the John Deere Operations Center. We have questions.
Chicago. A city of over 230 square miles and a population of almost 2.75 million people. The leadership of the Windy City wants to combat segregation and gentrification within the city limits with a sweeping transit-focused development ordinance dubbed "Connected Communities".
The heavy end of the light duty truck market requires special solutions that are just beyond the grasp of current EV tech. We explore why.
IT'S HERE! I spent some quality time with the first-ever electric F-150. And what a ride it was!
Beverage giant PepsiCo will get the first of a fleet of Tesla Semis starting this December. Also production of the commercial EV Class 8 truck has been delayed several times over the last few years, industry sources report that it is now in production with deliveries to Pepsi slated to begin in December.
While driving on our nation's highways and byways is challenging enough, its possible that the person driving in a vehicle next to you has no legal business on the road. Problem is that despite the accumulation of moving and severe violations that may have occurred outside their home state where their license is issued, the state department of motor vehicles may not have taken action to suspend or revoke that individual's right to drive. And that, has had some very dire consequences.
If you are a person of color, elderly, low income or otherwise in need of special assistance to travel - you are more dependent on public transportation than ever. According to industry observers, low income riders represent more than 35 percent of transit rides and are harder hit by transit costs than other riders. How should public transit agencies work to meet the needs and resolve the challenges of this at risk community?
There was a time in recent memory, that when people talked about Subaru performance, they were talking about the fire-breathing direct descendant from its World Rally Competition Car - the WRX STi. But with the STi out of the picture for 2022, Subaru has tweaked its near cousin, the WRX to fill the role. All I'm sayin is high speed fun, low altitude flying is the experience behind the wheel. The joys of a short throw six speed manual gearbox!
What happens when the water level is so low that the river can't flow? Not only does that pose problems for water consumption, in the case of the Colorado River, it means that hydroelectric plants at Lake Mead and Lake Powell can't generate electricity. It isn't pretty.
This is not the American definition of a four-day work week, which usually is defined as four 10 hour days. Rather, there is a global effort to bring the four eight hour day week to the mainstream. Spearheaded by 4 Day Week Global, a non-profit coalition, the effort is to encourage companies worldwide to adopt a 32-hour workweek with no cut in pay. In America, an amended Fair Labor Standards Act codified the 40-hour workweek with overtime pay for hours worked beyond that - some 82 years ago!
Lucid Motors is heading for AMG territory with the introduction of the Lucid Air Sapphire performance sedan. A British chemical company is throwing its hat into the automotive ring with the introduction of the Ineos Grenadier SUV - with 5,000 units already spoken for.
Ken is excited about what's in his driveway this week; and a Canadian listener adds to the hydrogen conversation and then some by sharing some history and additional facts.
Led by such industry heavyweights as Brunswick Corporation and Mercury Marine Corp.; boatmakers new and old are reimagining boat manufacturing without the use of an internal combustion engine. With a host of benefits that line-up with industry goals and conservation efforts, the boat manufacturers are also tackling the unique challenges that developing an electric boat presents, that sets it apart from its land traveling cousins - the motor vehicle.
We have chronicled the ups and downs of these two EV manufacturers - Lordstown Motors and Faraday Future. We have even declared them dead - several times. But in the spirit of Halloween, it appears that rumors of their demise may have been exaggerated - but not by much. We update you on the latest.
It has all the makings of the debacle in Texas earlier this year - a region overly dependent on one fuel for heating and power generation, a gap between enough renewable energy and available base load power generation, and perhaps a colder than normal winter season, made worse by climate change. YIKES!
Experience Amazing! The folks at Lexus have just introduced the all-new 4th generation of their flagship, the LX 600 SUV. This is the vehicle designed for those who want to make a statement and an entrance while leaving a memorable impression. This is the pinnacle of Lexus luxury.
Imagine a system that can detect a fall by an elderly adult living alone and having the ability to send help, all without the interaction of the person in need of assistance. Researchers are exploring the possibilities of that reality which may already be in the network of your home Wi-Fi system.
A sobering fact: 911 emergency services are not deemed essential by a large number of rural communities cities and towns in America. As a result, the service is funded largely by transport fees, the monies paid when they transport a patient. This funding methodology has resulted in a plethora of unfortunate outcomes as a result.
The title for this segment is not a misprint - a Kia EV has outrun the best of Ferrari and Lamborghini. The results were certified by AMCI Testing, an independent automotive research firm committed to unbiased, comparative evaluations of automotive products. AMCI Testing evaluates, tests and critiques more than 150 cars and trucks each year at their test facilities in Southern California and private proving grounds worldwide.
The information that you find on the window sticker of today's new passenger cars and light duty trucks is a result of passage of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958. The information on the sticker continues to evolve, where now there are eight different versions.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, just placing a female crash dummy in the driver's seat during crash evaluations will not resolve the nuanced issues of why women sustain greater injuries than men in similar crashes.
During this segment, we review the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. As the automaker's most popular vehicle in the world as well as the best-selling SUV in Europe, the Tiguan is slotted above the entry level Taos and below the Atlas Cross Sport in the automaker's domestic line-up.
Tesla Model S, Y, X, and 3; Semi, Cybertruck, Roadster. According to Elon Musk, 2023 is the year for a major roll out of a slew of promised vehicles. Can he deliver?
You can be forgiven if you think that with today's digital dashboards that odometer fraud has been consigned to the dust heap of history. You would be wrong. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 450,000 late model passenger cars and light duty trucks have had their odometers tampered with, costing Americans over a $1 Billion in increased costs.
Solar panels and row crops. Seems that when it comes to land use, it used to have to be one or the other. Not so fast! Since the 1980's researchers have been studying ways for both to co-exist on the same land, with benefits for both!
Economics. Even though the technology is new, the economics that are driving the growing EV industry are not. See why affordable EVs are the next big thing from the world's automakers.
A number of the nation's top automakers have partnered with the Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG), a distinguished group of Black reporters, publishers, writers and entrepreneurs representing over 100 years of combined experience in automotive journalism within the radio, television, print, experiential marketing and social media spaces to begin an internship program at a number of America's historically black college and universities (HBCU). The Driving Force is a ten week internship designed for students interested in covering or working in the automotive industry in the field of journalism, corporate communications, marketing, and public relations.
To learn more about The Driving Force HBCU internship program, please visit AutomotiveRhythms.com
The demand for hydrogen - both in stationary and mobile applications, continues to increase - so does the need and construction of additional hydrogen storage facilities. We take a look.
We cover this subject at the request of one of our regular listeners - because they wanted to know if a highly pressurized hydrogen tank, like the one onboard the fuel cell powered Toyota Mirai, could blow up if involved in a crash.
Is there room for a bulletproof family car with a performance bent? This is what we sought to find out by spending a week with the Toyota Camry TRD. Aggressive exterior looks and a lower stance sets it apart from the standard Camry, but the story is more than skin deep.
The feds recently introduced a "Bill of Rights" for the implementation of artificial intelligence, a set of voluntary guidelines that companies that are developing or deploying AI can follow to better protect users. We review.
The insurance industry is sounding the alarm over the increasing sophistication of deepfake tech and its ability to harm and disrupt in the hands of malicious actors - both private and state-sponsored. There are a number of common deepfake techniques as well as dire implications of a number of industries and individuals.
When it comes to hydrogen, electric fuel cells are not the only application that is being researched by the world's automakers. Turns out, there is more than one way to get to zero emissions - and it doesn't always involve an electric vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz and Rivian are teaming up to manufacture EV vans in Europe. Do they really need each other? We explore.
With the introduction of the 7th generation Ford Mustang, the automaker has said that it would be the last Mustang that would be powered by gasoline. How do you feel about this?
EV truck maker Bollinger Motors was one of the first in the EV industry that we discussed when our program first started. Over the years, we both have changed. We bring you an update on just how Bollinger has evolved to stay competitive in the fast changing EV space.
Yes, you read the title right. Due to local zoning laws that favor single residential dwellings, a lack of infrastructure that makes large tracts of land unsuitable for home construction and a dearth of multi-family buildings continue to place upward pressure on the available land and housing stock, making even apartments unaffordable for a growing number of Americans in many parts of the country.
Much has been made about the need to transition to cleaner forms of fuel over the years. While much of the electrical power generation in the United States has converted to natural gas, coal fired electric plants and steel manufacturing still use quite a bit of the dirty black rock. But what about the workers? We discuss.
Solar power, bidirectional charging, microgrids. All components for a future where electric power generation and distribution will be decentralized, saving consumers billions of dollars while at the same time improving the reliability and dependability of available electric power - and reducing the carbon footprint for all involved.
The natural rubber compound that is one of the materials used in the manufacturing of vehicle tires accounts for 40 percent of the total. Currently, it is sourced in the tropics and is one of the leading contributors to the deforestation of the Amazon rain forest - only adding to the severity of climate change. Bridgestone Americas, a leading tire manufacturer, is looking to the lowly Guayule plant that grows in the United States, as a possible alternative.
During this episode, I talk about the week I spent with Ford's first pure electric vehicle - the Mustang Mach-E. While there is a lot to like and I share the pros and cons.
The challenges of finding good, qualified and affordable daycare for your children is not limited to the big cities. Rural America is grappling with the challenges and in some cases it has impacted parents' ability to work and choose where to live.
This next generation of EV's will have the ability to also feed the electrical grid as energy storage systems, lessening the need for new generation plants and transmission facilities. Imagine your EV generating cash for you! Its a sleeper issue.
The lowly fuel cell. While EV batteries get all the attention, fuel cell development continues and is starting to show up in some unusual places. We discuss the likely future and applications for the electric fuel cell.
The Western Industrialized World finds itself in an energy conundrum: old, inefficient high polluting plants are being taken out of service at a rate faster than the industry's ability to add renewable energy and energy storage systems to the electric grid. This is causing concerns about the ability to support base load requirements and has led many to consider extending the service life of nuclear power plants.
I have been impressed with and in awe of General Motors and their pivot to the EV industry. GM (and to a lesser degree Ford too) has decided to invest in the manufacturing of the building blocks that support the entire EV industry - battery development and manufacturing, domestic material sourcing, concurrent fuel cell development, and all the associated components - like controllers and battery management systems. By creating this infrastructure, GM in a way has assured that a variety of new vehicle manufacturers will be successful, since they will not have to reinvent the wheel so to speak. In that same spirit, GM is now turning to the electrification of some of its most classic internal combustion engined vehicles from the past.
The newest version of Apple Car Play seeks to literally take over the dashboard of your new vehicle - in look, feel, interaction and the collection of vehicle data. This means that automakers will lose both the ability to differentiate the look and feel of system interfaces as well as the access to the treasure trove of data your vehicle generates. Who will win and why might it matter to you?
Ken reviews the Kia Sorento SUV. Back in 2009, Sorento manufacturing moved stateside to a sophisticated new assembly plant in West Point, Georgia. The plant was so impressive, that the History Channel featured a segment about the facility on its Modern Marvels program. Today's Sorento is even more accomplished now more than ever.
A recent J.D. Power survey measures consumer's level of frustration with the cornucopia of high tech in today's new vehicles. We discuss.
In this episode:
We discuss the end of the line for EV wanna be maker Faraday Future and:
Production Hell: Lucid Motors cuts production in lieu of supply chain challenges.
In this episode:
- We officially learn the fate of the Ram ProMaster City Van
- Nissan Rogue Sport joins the scrap heap
- Buick Offers Dealers Cash Not to Go EV
With a tsunami of EV models poised to hit the American marketplace over the next few years, we thought it was a fair question - are EVs safe in a crash? In exploring that question we start with a conversation about Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 305 - one you should become familiar with if you are considering an EV purchase.
Ken and Chase discuss the attempt by a number of large, globally known new vehicle shows to open in person. Question is, if they build it, will the automotive manufacturers come?
Every year, Americans waste between 80 to 108 billion tons of food. That rotting mass ends up in the nation's landfills, generating the same amount of greenhouse gasses as 37 million passenger cars!
Its a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. Right now, there are more than 70 research projects active around the world to refine artificial general intelligence and lay the ground work for artificial super intelligence. How might we deal with something that is much smarter than us?
With the resurgence of the midsize pickup truck market, I spent some time behind the wheel of the 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.
The federal Bureau of Reclamation has now declared a "level 2a shortage condition" for Lake Mead on the Colorado River. Mandatory water reductions are coming, and the feds have given the states involved additional time to agree on just how those reductions will be imposed.
The Ford Transit Connect. Chevrolet City Express. Ram ProMaster City. Nissan NV200. These vans were the vanguard of a segment that was to offer consumers a choice that fit between the traditional passenger car and SUV or even full size van. Problem is, they created a market and nobody came.
This week from the parts bin, Ken shares a rare moment about his experience and credentials; We discuss GM's commercial and medium duty EV truck plans.
In the effort to battle climate change, a number of cities around the world are taking a look at congestion pricing, to influence traffic behaviors in and around a city's business core, while raising money to fund other portions of the transportation infrastructure like mass transit. New York City is in the throes of implementing its own brand of congestion pricing for lower Manhattan.
We have reported at length the movement across the globe to ban the sale of new fossil fuel burning vehicles over the next 10 to 20 years. In the next chapter to combat climate change, a number of states, cities and towns are looking to move the needle by impacting new building construction with a ban on the use of fossil fuels for heating, cooking and sanitation.
For 2022, Subaru has introduced its Wilderness trim level across a number of its vehicles. Designed to be more off-road in nature, the series boasts higher ground clearance and an optimized suspension system, as well as other enhancements. We take the Forester version of the Wilderness for a spin.
To the casual observer, it seems that EV adoption and infrastructure is concentrated in America's major metropolitan areas. What is being missed is the groundswell of EV interest, sales and infrastructure that is gaining momentum in the rural parts of America. Electric utilities, EV manufacturers and other 3rd party organizations are moving forward to electrify the heartland for EVs. We take a look.
With all the changes occurring in the Class 8 big rig space with regards to autonomous trucking, we thought we would bring you upto date on the latest goings on.
Automated coffee making, smaller stores, quicker service. If this sounds like coffee utopia to you, then Blank Street Coffee has just the thing. We take a look at "Coffee Shop 2.0", and its potential impact for the future of coffee and commuting.
Things are changing at Dodge. The Charger and the Challenger have come to the end of the line, but not without a few mouth-watering limited editions, including a convertible! The Durango SUV will see the return of the Hellcat - and the Dodge Hornet becomes the nameplate's first "electrified" vehicle.
Scott Keogh, the new CEO of Volkswagen's Scout brand, attended the 2022 Harvester Homecoming Festival in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the home of the original International Scout. It was an important trip to Mecca of all things International Harvester.
Amtrak's Empire Builder train traverses some of the most beautiful parts of America, across the northern tier of states. Traveling on rails that were laid by the Great Northern Railroad well over 100 plus years ago, it offers passengers scenic and breathtaking beauty of our great country. But I am just scratching the surface of what is going on.
While these two entities are not the only ones with projects under development, it seems that this combination could offer consumers a compelling choice by the end of this decade.
In this tech heavy world, being a pedestrian or a cyclist doesn't mean being cut off from the benefits of tech when in motion. One example is the capabilities of the Apple Watch, which may have the ability to save your life, even if you can't.
This week, I drive the Audi Q3 subcompact luxury crossover SUV to see how it stacks up. Based on the impressive A3 sedan, the Audi entry enters a segment with plenty of worthy competition.
With the passage of the recent Inflation Reduction Act came sweeteners for the domestic EV vehicle industry in the way of tax credits for certain purchasers. Domestically sourced content, price caps and income limits are working to bring the core of the EV industry onto US soil.
After two years, working remotely is not only still around, its become a major issue for many American office workers and others. American businesses and the domestic workforce is grappling with the question that I asked at the start of the pandemic - if your job could allow you to live ANYWHERE, where would you live? And more importantly, why?
Nissan's flagship sedan, the Maxima, is the latest casualty of America's love of trucks, crossovers and SUVs. Although the company has doubled down with its Altima sedan, which is seeing sales increases, the Maxima has not faired as well.
Replacing the CX-3 in the lineup, Mazda has doubled down on the subcompact crossover SUV segment with its introduction of the CX-30. Ride with me as we discover the new Mazda's capabilities.
From San Antonio, Texas: The DeLorean Motor Company has officially introduced the all-new DeLorean EV. We take a deeper dive.
While Honda motorcycles were reported as the most stolen last year by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, California was the number one state for motorcycle thefts. Can you guess which month saw the most motorcycles stolen? We report.
3D printing may be one of the leading solutions for the challenge of providing affordable housing stock. Offering cost savings of anywhere from 7 to 50 percent of a traditional built home, a growing number of companies are answering the call and working to master the process.
The pandemic accelerated what has become a growing trend in America's metropolitan areas: the increase in the number of bike lanes that share asphalt with motorized vehicles. These efforts are often coupled with traffic calming strategies to make city streets more accessible for different types of mobility. But how does that sit with our car-centered culture?
While our reporting in the past has centered on the extreme drought conditions in the West and Southwestern United States, extreme drought is also impacting places that until recently had not been negatively impacted. This situation has big implications for drinking water and quality of life across a big part of our country.
According to its annual Hot Wheels vehicle theft report, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says that popular full-size pickup trucks lead the list in the most stolen. But not to be overlooked, midsize passenger cars from two Asian automakers factor prominently on the list as well.
The Latest Tiktok crave involves stealing Hyundai and Kia motor vehicles. Meanwhile, Honda and Sony have teamed up to build electric and eventually autonomous cars.
Is there a place in the American market for a half-ton diesel pickup truck? I drive the 2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to learn more.
Congress has recently passed the Chips and Science Act of 2022. The new legislation will spend $52.7 Billion on direct financial assistance for the construction and expansion of semiconductor manufacturing facilities, as well as other programs. It adds $24 Billion in tax incentives and other provisions.
Vietamese automotive manufacturer VinFast is coming to the United States and opening the first of its new vehicle dealerships in California. In addition, the automaker is also building a major manufacturing plant in North Carolina.
Confronted with a number of car flippers and franchised new car dealers who are adding thousands to the sticker price of the automaker's hottest vehicles, General Motors has taken steps to discourage the practice.
We discuss new EV start-up Lucid Motors as they set up "pop-up" stores around the country to introduce those who have placed a deposit for their vehicles to the Lucid Air sedan.
According to industry veterans, although EV buses have been around for almost 20 years, EV commercial bus fires are rare. Hence, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) together with Connecticut state and local transit agency officials are looking into a recent EV bus fire of one of their first EV buses at a maintenance depot last month. Also, what is an e-bus vapor cloud explosion anyway?
Toyota is taking sustainability to the next level with its commitment to water - a precious manufacturing resource, that many manufacturers don't take seriously enough. Focusing in on the company's Baja California Mexico plant, one that the company says is one of the most "water-stressed plants in the world", Toyota sought to first understand its relationship to the local and regional watershed. Toyota is now sharing what its learned about water with other manufacturers.
This week, I slide behind the wheel of the 5th generation Toyota RAV4, powered by a hybrid powertrain. After some quality time at speed, I have plenty to share.
Amazon Ring has shared personal data, gleaned from private Ring doorbell devices with law enforcement without permission. This revelation is a result of a formal request by a US Senator. Eleven times this year alone. There was no disclosure of how often this has happened in prior years. Its not ok.
Rising home prices, rising apartment rents, the pandemic and low income and even middle class Americans - are finding it a challenge, if not down right impossible to find affordable housing. What was largely regarded as an urban problem in the nation's coastal cities has come home to roost in smaller communities in America's heartland. Its a vicious cycle.
We talk about industry speculation concerning the future of the full-size Nissan Titan pickup truck and what it could mean for the automaker. Will it also impact the two full size SUVs that also ride on that platform?
It seems that Buick's recent market successes have been largely under the radar in recent years. According to the sales numbers, the legendary GM brand has been on an uptick - not to mention unveiling dramatic plans to go 100 percent electric in the next few years. Meanwhile Volvo continues to migrate its powertrains to hybrids and pure electrics on a more pronounced schedule.
Have new car prices reached a tipping point when it comes to affordability? An increasing number of new vehicle owners are paying $1,000 a month for their shiny new wheels - not including insurance, licensing fees and maintenance.
For those looking for more range when considering an EV, you might consider a vehicle that includes solar-power as part of the power mix. An increasing number of EV manufacturers are engineering this renewable energy into the vehicles that will be coming to the American marketplace in the near future.
E15 gasoline. What is it and can I use it in my vehicle? We explore this latest option that is being made available to American motorists at 2400 stations in 30 states.
A group of American renewable energy developers is making a $6 billion dollar offer to solar panel manufacturers: build them in the USA and we will buy them.
I have seen the future, and its luxurious! Genesis has reimagined both the luxury crossover and EV transportation with its introduction of the all new GV60. We spend a week with one to learn of its goodness.
The US Department of Transportation has launched a pilot program to address cities and neighborhoods that have been racially segregated or divided by road projects, predominately urban interstate highways. The Reconnecting Cities program seeks to rectify harm caused by roadways that were built primarily through lower-income Black communities after the 1950s creation of the Interstate Highway System.
After languishing for a number of years within the Ford stable of brands, the Lincoln Motor Company has shared with the public its rendition of the future when it comes to personal mobility. It's Star Concept takes transportation to the next level in so many ways. We discuss.
Lincoln continues to evolve with the introduction of the Aviator hybrid. Part of the automaker's push toward fully electric vehicles, the Aviator offers drivers the best of both worlds. We spend a week behind the wheel to learn for ourselves.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley found that some 23 percent of public chargers in the San Francisco Bay area were non-functioning. This is not good for the future of EV vehicle adoption.
We check in on the progress toward job one production of the Tesla Cybertruck. With new EV pickup truck entries already in the market such as the Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T, Tesla will be playing catch up even as other EV trucks enter the market in the next few years.
While there is plenty of talk and debate surrounding the coming of fully autonomous vehicles plying our nation's highways and byways in the near future, little is being discussed about the current number of semi-autonomous vehicles that are already on the roads of America. With systems such as Tesla's Autopilot and GM's Supercruise, technology has made things tougher when it comes to assessing risk and evaluating fault in a crash.
Despite the haters, automakers new and old have started to release their first generation pure electric full size pickup trucks into the American marketplace. The numbers will only grow from here. We discuss GM and Ford's current activity to meet the growing demand.
There is a passenger car built in the United States that continues to literally defy gravity when it comes to its sales numbers. With sales up some 19 percent over last year, the Nissan Altima continues to defy the naysayers when talking about the demise of the modern passenger car. We review the numbers and discuss.
You would have thought that two years in, that this has been decided by now. Its a simple question that results in a not-so-simple answer. As businesses navigate the "new normal" or work, home and quality of life for their employees, employees are weighing in with an increased amount of leverage in the marketplace that isn't always favorable to the employer. We explore.
Kia's largest offering in the United States, the midsize Telluride SUV, continues to influence people to the brand. We spend a week with the impressive wheels to discover why the formula works in a marketplace crowded with competitive offerings.
At the intersection of climate change, post-pandemic demand and supply chain challenges sits King Coal. And while coal demand continues to fall across most of the industrialized Western world, it is seeing a resurgence globally as countries attempt to meet the outsized demand for energy as their economies attempt a return to normal. This is the gap between the promise and delivery of renewables vs the demand and current needs for energy and electricity. There are no easy answers and the long term impact of this quandary is murky.
Commercial farming is slated for some of the largest changes in daily operation in at least 100 years. The move toward swarms of smaller, electric and often autonomous tractors - replacing the behemoth machines currently used in the row crop and livestock operations promise to be a gamechanger for farmers and farm equipment manufacturers alike.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently collected an increasing amount of data about crashes involved with cars using advanced driver-assistance technologies like Tesla's Autopilot to determine how safe they really are. The results may surprise you.
Already this year, one out of every ten drivers have received a speeding ticket in the United States - according to Insurify, an insurance shopping comparison site. The National Safety Council reports that speeding was a factor in one out of three traffic fatalities in 2020. So why do we speed? And more importantly, which car brands are linked to the most speeding tickets? Its not who you think. We review.
Here is one real fact about where EV batteries are being manufactured: over the next four years, its all about the United States - and that includes lithium mining too! We share the lowdown on who is building what where.
Thirty one years ago I sat in a brand new ticket-me-red 1991 Acura NSX. Parked in the middle of the showroom of the local Acura dealer, the car was like no other. And while I was not allowed to take the fancy car for a test drive back then, I always wanted to. Fast forward to 2022 - Atlanta, Georgia. An Acura event. Lo and behold, a pristine 1991 Acura NSX was parked out front of our event - and they let me drive it! (with a rep from Acura in the passenger seat of course)! Wow.
In-car entertainment is posed to enter a new era. With 31-inch screens and even 8K resolution, automotive and mobility companies are seeking to create more immersive, connected vehicle entertainment experiences. Are you ready for this?
Experience Amazing! The Lexus LS 500 sedan is a vehicle that easily lives up to the automaker's tagline. We take one for a drive to discover why its still iconic after all these years.
This is our second segment about what "Made in America" means when it comes to motor vehicle manufacturing. While the federal government mandated source labeling to be included on all passenger cars and light duty trucks sold in the United States starting with the 1994 model year, the federal requirements are problematic with respect to how and what information is aggregated. Enter American University's Kogod School of Business and their annual Made in America Auto Index. Championed by Frank Dubois, the Kogod Index attempts to resolve a number of the shortcomings in the federal data, while including several data points that make the Kogod Index more relevant to American motorists.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, some 1100 traffic crashes occur between drivers and farming equipment in Midwestern states each year. We share some common sense tips for motorists when encountering these large slow-moving pieces of farm machinery.
This is the last installment of our MADE IN AMERICA special - where we take a look at what it means today when the term "Made in America" is used relative to new vehicle sourcing. The feds took a swing at this challenge with the American Automobile Labeling Act back in 1994, but the information falls short in many areas. The annual Cars.com American Made Index attempts to build on the AALA with additional relevant information that consumers may find helpful.
This is first installment of our look at what "Made in America" really means when it comes to motor vehicle manufacturing. We start by taking a look at the federal American Automobile Labeling Act - otherwise known as 49 CFR PART 583 in federal parlance. Beginning with the 1994 model year, the nation's automakers were required to displace content information on each and every passenger car and light truck which gave consumers a better ideas about where major vehicle components were manufactured and where final assembly of the vehicle took place. It was a great first step, but continues to have problems. We discuss.
With Volkswagen's recent purchase of Navistar, the former truck division of what was then International Harvester, they also got the rights to the iconic Scout name. Now, the German automaker is considering launching Scout as a light truck brand in the United States.
From a recent South Korean publication by way of The Detroit Bureau - Hyundai and Kia may be consider dropping several of its formally popular family cars.
A recent industry survey ranks the top three domestic automotive manufacturers and the top three foreign automotive manufacturers as to their relationship with their direct suppliers. This relationship is important due to the vast investment across the industry and what the suppliers choose to share with which automaker. In most cases, these relationships can result in who gains an edge in the marketplace and therefore profits. We examine the results.
Jeep joins the rarified air of large luxury SUVs with the introduction of the Grand Cherokee L. A new SUV in a completely new assembly plant, Jeep makes the financial commitment to be a player in the segment. I spend some quality time behind the wheel to learn more.
Many people believe that you don't need insurance for your ATV, especially if its operating on your own private property - but you would be wrong. Some even assume that under those circumstances, that their home owners or automotive policies would cover any injuries or damage as a result of an accident or injury while on an ATV. You would be incorrect again. These are several of the myths that we discuss during this segment.
These are NOT your garden variety drones! Meet the Drone Racing League, where competitors race for fun and profit. We take a look.
Increased gasoline demand combined with restricted oil refinery capacity has driven up gasoline prices. Extreme weather in recent years coupled with falling demand during the pandemic have combined to reduce available capacity. Like the automotive industry, oil refining is a capital intensive, long lead time business. Confronted with high investment requirements and an uncertain future, older facilities were retired from service rather than invest the billions needed to keep them in service. We explore why the "not-in-my-backyard" syndrome when it comes to new refineries coupled with the growing green energy movement is causing the current pain at the pump.
We bring you upto date on how things turned out between Foxconn and Lordstown Motors. Will their Endurance EV pickup truck ever be built?
Chevrolet introduces its entry into the growing full-size EV pickup truck segment with the Silverado EV.
Recent side-impact testing results released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show how a number of popular midsize SUVs faired poorly. The recently revised side-impact crash test was designed to better represent real world crashes in weight, shape and speed.
Porsche has introduced "Privacy Mode" on its new Taycan - allowing motorists to completely opt out of sharing data from the vehicle with ANYONE - including the automaker. Why does this have to be an OPTION?
Abandoning its strategy to offer German luxury to the masses at a lower price point, Mercedes-Benz is going exclusively where the profits are - in the upper reaches of the luxury vehicle market. To the automaker, electric vehicles mean high luxury and high profits. Niche brands like AMG performance and uber luxury Mercedes-Maybach will receive renewed attention in the years to come - while its A-Class, B-Class and CLA models will most likely be phased out.
Monarch Tractor, an EV tractor company based in Livermore, California, plans to bring AI and a robust platform for "smart" farm implements to small farms with its MK-V tractor. Using off-the-shelf parts, the tractors cost a fraction of the large special purpose machines currently manufactured by the nation's major farm equipment companies.
According to the 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment issued by the North American Reliability Corporation, a non-profit organization created by the electric utility industry to promote the reliability and adequacy of bulk power transmission in North America, several parts of North America are at elevated or high risk of energy shortfalls this summer due to predicted above normal temperatures and drought conditions over the western half of the United States and Canada.
The sixth-generation Ford Bronco SUV is much, much more than merely another rugged looking entry in the SUV marketplace. This one has real skills that require more than this modest review to explain.
From the parts bin - Nascent EV manufacturer Bollinger turns toward commercial medium duty EV truck platforms, while Lordstown Motors runs out of time.
Beginning with the 2026 model year, the State of California will require that 35 percent of all new privately owned passenger vehicles to be powered by electric batteries of hydrogen fuel cells. This requirement will have far reaching consequences outside of California.
In response to the increase in rail deaths along several busy lines in South Florida, the state's Department of Transportation has teamed with passenger rail operator Brightline and the Florida East Coast Railway to reduce the carnage - and they are asking the Federal Government to chip in to help.
You would think in this atmosphere of supply chain challenges, it would be all hands on deck when it came to recruiting qualified, capable drivers - regardless of background or gender. While female industry veterans say it has improved, there is still a need to combat this problem.
Wallethub has come out with its list for the least reliable airlines for 2022. How did your favorite carrier fare?
Back in the day, the term "hot hatch" was coined in reference to a growing sub segment of the passenger car market that featured performance-oriented hatchbacks - often straight from Europe - on American streets. Today, our truck and SUV crazy market continues to mark the demise of the traditional passenger car. However, Volkswagen has doubled down with the recent introduction of its latest generation of the original "hot hatch", the Golf GTI.
Despite being one of the first automakers to bring a pure EV to the American marketplace in the form of the Nissan Leaf, the automaker has been largely MIA in the recent move to bring a fleet of all-new EVs to market (the Ariya notwithstanding). According to Nissan, that is going to change - starting now.
It might seem counterintuitive at first, but there are plenty of reasons why gas station owners and operators hate high gas prices too - and the reasons might surprise you.
Carvana continues to shake up the used car industry with its pending purchase of ADESA, the nation's 2nd largest automotive wholesale auction house. See why buying a used car is no longer business as usual.
Volvo Group, a major heavy truck manufacturer has teamed with SSAB, a steel maker to create a commercial vehicle from fossil fuel free steel.
The rise in the use of hydrogen for electric fuel cells in the trucking industry continues to gain momentum. Find out how the nation's leading Class 8 heavy truck manufacturers are moving to develop, test and launch all new Class 8 FCEV trucks.
Say what you will about Elon Musk and Tesla Motors. In the hard truth of sales and profits, the company is firing on all cylinders. We take a look at how they have done.
As mobility continues to evolve, the nation's automakers are looking for ways to diversify revenue by offering products and services for a recurring monthly fee. From infotainment choices to turning on different features in your new vehicle, the automakers are finding that consumers are a lot less willing to fork over the rising monthly fees that they are banking on.
This important river is the source of drinking water for some 40 million residents, as well as the primary source of water for irrigation for over 5.5 million acres of agricultural land. A first ever Tier I water emergency declared by the US Bureau of Reclamation last year has put much of this at risk. Could climate migration finally be a thing in the United States?
Ken drives the all-new Lincoln Corsair hybrid. In an effort to separate itself from the pack, Lincoln is taking a different tack at the intersection of hybrid power and luxury.
Fun Fact: The United States holds almost 8 million metric tons of the metal in reserve, making it among one of the top five countries in the world. However, it mines less than one percent of global demand. More than eighty percent of the world's raw lithium is mined in Australia, Chile and China. We expose the truth about this important resource.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast unveils its battery lease pricing for its VF8 and VF9 SUVs; British ultra-luxury marque Rolls-Royce introduces the Spectre, the automaker's first battery electric vehicle.
Even while the United States is in the midst of converting to 5G tech, the industry is already discussing the impact and implementation of 6G - due to roll out to the world by the end of the decade. It promises to change everyday life in ways that planners are just now beginning to imagine.
Suspicious auto loan applications are on the rise, and in some cases are impacting unsuspecting consumers. Find out how fixing your credit may land you in jail.
This is about one rural transit agency's approach to providing mobility equity to underserved, low income, elderly, and immigrant populations in its service area. Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency's all-hands on deck approach uses some "out of the box" thinking to make the most of its available people, vehicles and services. We take a look.
Even though you own a fairly sophisticated vehicle - be it car, truck, SUV, crossover or even a minivan - basic vehicle maintenance is still important. Checking fluids, the condition of things like windshield wipers, tire condition and tread wear and brakes - yup - all that mundane stuff still counts. Not to mention any irregular smells, noises or control issues when you drive. Its the small things that add up to the big stuff.
Current market conditions have finally reached what many would consider the "bottom of the barrel" when it comes to vehicle offerings: the ultra high mileage vehicle. Limited supplies and improving vehicle quality has the used car operations of many new car dealers not only keeping these vehicles for retail sale, but actually and actively seek them out. In the opinion of one industry veteran, 200,000 miles is the new 100,000 miles. But is it?
We have been here before. Only back in the 1950's, it was the move from 6-volt to 12-volt systems. However even as EVs move from 400 volt to 800 volt systems, much of the reasoning is the same. In this case, it is to support a power-hungry vehicle infrastructure designed for performance, entertainment and creature comforts. Recharging times, range and battery space are also driving the move.
MY 100th Episode for 2022! Thanks for your support. The original Outback crossover is what literally saved the Subaru brand in America back in the 1990's. As one of the oldest continuous nameplates in the automaker's US line-up, it is safe to say that it has had an outsized role in its continued success. For 2022 Subaru adds the Wilderness Edition model to the Outback family. I spent a week with it and share my impressions.
The feds are tripling the fines that the automakers will have to pay for falling short of CAFE requirements over the next several years, even as they ramp up production of all-new electric vehicles.
The Federal Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory released a study that finds continued improvements with zero emissions vehicles will make medium and heavy-duty EV trucks cheaper to buy, operate and maintain.
Ken shares his first impressions from time behind the wheel of the next generation Kia Sportage CUV.
A recent EV concept traveled over 620 miles on a single change - with 87 miles of range left! We discuss.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Germany have been studying the leg structure of the Ostrich, a flightless bird that has the ability to move at speeds of upto 45 miles per hour. The researchers believe that the bird's leg function holds the key to more efficient robot mobility. We review.
I was first introduced to the all-new Audi A3 sedan back in 2013 as it debuted in California for the North American market as a 2014 model. Updated for 2022, I take one for a spin to see how it has evolved with time.
The material is called mass-timber, with 18 North American plants having been built in the last ten years to meet growing demand. We discuss the future of this engineered renewable material and its growing use in multi-story buildings.
We review the sleep pod concept being championed by Brownstone Shared Housing, to provide affordable living alternatives in high-cost rent areas. Is this the future?
According to a recent Forbes Advisor survey, American motorists are confused when it comes to the type and amount of automotive insurance that they need. We take a look at the facts.
A recent survey conducted by Truckers Against Trafficking found that the number one way that drivers were solicited for sex was by a knock at the door of their cab. There is so much that the industry can do to break the entrapment of vulnerable people who are trapped in the sex trade.
Described as one of the most carbon resistant industries in the world, the aviation industry is looking toward sustainable aviation fuel as the bridge from a carbon intense environment to a completely electric one. See how the use of SAF is cutting emissions by as much as 25 percent.
Cadillac is placing all of its chips in the all-new Lyriq, the luxury nameplate's first-ever all-electric model. Industry pundits call the new Cadillac the most important model in decades. Will it burnish or tarnish the automaker's reputation?
During this episode, Ken reviews the 2022 Genesis G70 sedan. A midcycle facelift incorporates design cues from the all-new GV80 SUV and second generation G80 sedan. Hold on to your driver's license!
Let's face it, Ram's electric pickup truck is at least two years behind Rivian and Hummer, and over a year behind Ford and Chevrolet. The truck maker is betting that it can learn enough from those who have entered the market ahead of it in order to develop a really amazing pickup truck. Problem is, the auto industry has long lead times when developing new products - might they have to freeze the design too early in order to put this new information to use? Or might that require further delay?
American utilities that are currently operating coal fired power plants are advocating a conversion to nuclear power as their plants age out and retired. The technology is called small modular reactors (SMRs) that could theoretically be retrofitted into retired coal plants. This new tech has not been tried in the US as of yet, but small test plants are planned for the near future.
Hey, motorcycle riders need insurance too. With the average age of motorcycles increasing, along with a dramatic increase in motorcycle registrations in the last twenty years - one can never be too careful. Do you need insurance if you are just riding a scooter?
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee recently signed a bill into law that would end sales of new internal combustion engined vehicles starting in 2030 in his state. This would make Washington the first state to ban by legislation the sale of new ICE fueled vehicles. We discuss.
Automakers are working with companies up and down their supply chain to develop electric vehicles that cost less, safer and go farther than those now coming to market. See what the future holds.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced its picks for its coveted 2022 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus awards for small SUVs. In the absence of Federal standards for a number of things they test, the IIHS awards are stringent and constantly updated. The result has been safer vehicles across the board. The best news is that some of the vehicles on this list may surprise you.
Not to be confused with the F-Super Duty Tremor introduced by the automaker in 2020 or even the recently introduced Ranger Tremor pickup trucks, Ford has introduced a Tremor model for the 2021 model year, coinciding with the introduction of the 14th generation of its wildly popular F-150 pickup truck. While it includes a lot of hardware from the more aggressive Raptor, the Tremor carves out its own capabilities and potential - on and off road.
I know, government regulations and state regulators - boring right? However, your access to the electrical grid and your next interstate trip in an electric vehicle will be directly impacted by the actions of state utility regulators in each state, along with guidance from the federal government. We explore.
The pandemic has pushed the automotive industry in a direction that automakers have been seeking for years - getting the public to order vehicles, rather than just buy them from dealer stock. New vehicle dealers have had to pay millions of dollars in interest to maintain large fleets of new vehicles for sale on their lots. With the shortage of vehicles and intermittent factory schedules, some forty-one percent of vehicle buyers now expect to order their next vehicle. The factory wins because its only building sold orders, the dealers win because they are not incurring massive expenses to support vehicles that may not sell and the consumer wins because of the potential savings received from an optimized sales channel.
If you were ever in the market for an older used vehicle - say seven years old or older - it was largely an issue of "buyer beware". Protections like extended factory warranties, checkpoint inspections and the like were mainly limited to "late model" used vehicles that were upto 3 years old - until now. Much the same way that Lexus changed the used car landscape in 1989 with the introduction of the Certified Pre-Owned Car program, automakers like Ford, Honda and Acura are extending a number of these benefits to used vehicles upto ten years old - sometimes without a mileage limit!
Volvo and Starbucks are teaming together to build an EV network that will run between Denver and Seattle. Considered an "EV Charging Desert" by the companies, they see mutual benefit in this undertaking. We explore and discuss.
In its quest toward an electric future, General Motors is taking the axe to two small gasoline powered SUVs and a gasoline subcompact passenger car; Honda and GM are collaborating on EV development. We discuss.
Despite the heavy fines that both drivers and their companies can be subject to by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration per infraction, commercial drivers are still involved in a disturbing number of accidents due to distracted driving. A number of insurance companies like Nationwide have teamed up with distracted driving management platform NoCell to give fleet managers the tools to combat this problem with their drivers.
Automotive system designers are striving to develop the next interactive systems for passenger vehicles. However, they face a number of challenges as the systems, the apps and the tools they need to accomplish this feat are often yet to be developed. So how do they get from here to there? We attempt to take a look.
So, do you need a cargo robot? The folks at Piaggio Fast Forward believes that you do. They have introduced the Gitamini, a small robotic personal porter that will carry upto 20 pounds of your stuff and follow you at a respectable distance. Its pricey, but is it worth it? Ken and Chase discuss.
The folks at GMC have expanded their rugged AT4 "go anywhere" sub-brand with the introduction of the Yukon AT4; a full-size body-on-frame four-wheel drive SUV that takes the Yukon's already impressive capabilities to the next level. We spend some quality time with one to learn more.
Hyliion is a company that produces electrified powertrain systems that can augment or fully replace traditional diesel- or natural gas-fueled powertrains. They are pursuing a unique plan to help commercial truck fleets make the transition to clean electric power in a cost effective way. We take a look at how they plan to accomplish these goals.
Quaise Energy, a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, plans to dig some of the deepest boreholes in history to tap into the kind of heavy steam that has the potential to provide enormous quantities of clean energy. This latest attempt to wean the world from fossil fuels will use a special laser that they say is powerful enough to blast through granite and basalt. We discuss the pros and cons of this effort.
This is my driving impressions of the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50 compact crossover SUV. If you are looking for a small SUV with flair and capabilities, you need this one in your life! Tune in to find out why.
British company Flowcopter, has developed a drone with heavy lift capabilities that uses digital displacement hydraulic pump technology in place of EV batteries to propel its multicopter concept. We take a look at their novel approach and the solid engineering behind it.
We lament the loss of the Subaru WRX STi sedan and talk about VinFast; a Vietnamese automaker that will start selling SUV's in the United States later this year with an all-new American assembly plant to be built in North Carolina next year.
As battery electric vehicles start to flood the American automotive marketplace, more and more attention is being given to the "afterlife" of what will be millions of EV batteries in the years to come. The good news is that because there will be plenty of life left, the possibilities as they say, are nearly endless. We explore a few of the more popular potential applications.
With the push toward electrification and automation of the nation's over the road trucks, is there an increased risk of hacking or other nebulous activity by cybercriminals? While no commercial vehicle in the United States has been directly hacked, it doesn't mean that it won't happen. We take a look.
When considering the oceans, many people think that they are more the victims of climate change, than a solution. Covering approximately 70 percent of the earth, oceans are actually already a major carbon sink, absorbing and trapping carbon from the atmosphere. Researchers wonder if the oceans can do more. We discuss a few of their proposed projects.
Verizon and AT&T have largely rolled out their 5G platform across the United States. While they have made some accommodations for the nation's airlines near busy airports, the FAA and the FCC are working with both the airlines and the telecommunications industries to determine if there are any ill effects as a result of the roll out on airport operations and airliners themselves. We bring you up to date with the facts.
When it busted out on the scene back in 2018, the Kia Stinger was seen as a game changer for the brand. For 2022, the Stinger continues to evolve and maintain its position as Kia's halo sport sedan. We spend some quality time behind the wheel.
Mercedes-Benz is taking its Marco Polo camper van family to the next level with the introduction of the eCamper; Ford has introduced its eTransit full-size cargo van - both with an eye toward supplying the RV industry. Do you think the RV community is ready for this?
Definitely as one that is "late" to the EV "party" so to speak, Stellantis is racing to play catch up in the EV space. They are doing the obvious first - with EV and EV hybrid models for their market-leading money machine brands - Jeep and Ram. For the rest of the brands that they offer in the United States - Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, the path is less clear.
A number of major American metropolitan areas are considering the unthinkable: taking our major Interstate highways that provide access to the city core and restoring a number of neighborhoods that has been damaged as a result of being invaded by a major highway. Seem far fetched? Some thirty American cities have simply shut down major stretches of poorly-planned, badly-aging highways.
During this episode, I review the all new Volkswagen Taos compact crossover SUV. Named after a small community in New Mexico as homage to John Muir, a long time author of a funky VW Beetle repair manual that first debuted in the late 1960's, the Taos is the smallest SUV in the company's American vehicle line-up.
The Ford Motor Company is separating its EV and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) businesses into two completely separate business units. One will highlight the growth in EVs, while the other will manage the "long goodbye" of ICE based vehicles. Ford Pro, the company's commercial vehicle business, will be the third business in this reformulation. Will it work? Is it executive folly? We discuss.
It seems that Lucid Motors had done everything right - groundbreaking elegant vehicle design, industry leading vehicle range and recharge times, slow build up. But as EVERY manufacturer knows, what can go wrong, will go wrong. Find out how the automaker is responding to its "growing pains".
Traditional and non-traditional aircraft makers are flocking to Miami to be some of the first to launch an Urban Air Service, using Virtual Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft - some of which are being designed to be fully autonomous. Will this concept actually take off? We investigate.
Ken and Chase dig into the history of the manual transmission, the current market offerings, and what the future looks for the "stick shift."
Despite the lack of federal regulations, several automakers are moving forward with plans to introduce unsupervised autonomous vehicles in the United States.
The Porsche Taycan EV has earned a place in the Guinness World Records due to a recent cross-country trip from Los Angeles to New York City.
We here at RoadWorthy Drive readily admit that we were amongst the naysayers when considering if Elon Musk and Tesla could pull off the task of becoming a major vehicle manufacturer. Well the results are in and we take a look at the numbers.
NASA excells at keeping its mission critical ultra heavy Crawler-Transporters operating, even though they are over 50 years old! Find out how the pros do it.
In recent years, Honda has resurrected the Passport nameplate for an all-new SUV that it introduced back in 2018. Updated for 2022, the automaker also added a TrailSport trim level that takes things to the next level. I get behind the wheel to experience the Passport for myself.
Executive Order 14028 issued by the President in May of last year has given the cyber risk mitigation tools and procedures collectively known as zero trust a healthy push forward throughout the Federal Government. The zero trust architectures are also being widely adopted throughout private industry. Learn how this new initiative will help to protect privacy and security in the years to come.
Nope, we are not done talking about this yet. Crude Oil prices are seemingly immune to the basic laws of economics - that is, if the price of a commodity rises high enough - 1. it brings previously uneconomical sources into the market and 2. Alternatives to the commodity become economically feasible. There is another force at work that is jamming up the machinery so to speak. We investigate.
The pandemic, the continued rise of ecommerce and the general recovery of the US economy has increased the demand for all kinds of goods. With trucking moving 70 percent of all the cargo in the United States, increased demand means increased trucking. But there is a problem - all that tonnage on the nation's highways, byways and surface streets are exacting a toll on the already crumbling infrastructure. Years of underfunding by states and municipalities means that many will be starting from a place of deficit when the federal money from the Infrastructure Bill is distributed.
We take a look at recent data from the US Department of Commerce to determine who the number one exporter of vehicles from the United States was for 2021.
EV maker Faraday Future, who famously introduced its FF91 luxury SUV to America at the 2018 CES, has finally unveiled its pre-production version of the vehicle. To be built at a former tire plant in Hanford, California, the company has been written off for dead several times, only to cling to life through several resurrections. Will the vehicle actually see production?
In China, hundreds of EV battery swapping stations are being built despite the dramatic improvement in EV battery performance. It seems that the methodology has found a place in the market that makes sense and fills a need on several fronts. Plans call for this to reach the United States in the near future.
Approximately 20 percent of all vehicle purchases are paid with cash. Today's car dealers, looking to maximize every opportunity in this post pandemic world, are actively discouraging the use of cash, preferring to loan consumers the money. Find out why.
Real Estate data analytics firm NeighborhoodScout recently released a study that listed the most dangerous cities in America. Using reported violent crime statistics for cities over 25,000 in population, the data analytics firm crunched the numbers and developed this list. Interestingly enough, the results may not track with what you would normally expect.
The continuing rise of extreme weather with the resulting extended power outages are leading an increasing number of Americans to consider alternative sources of power than the regular centralized electrical grid. Did you know that your pure electric EV could double as a temporary source of power for your abode?
A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences suggests that corn-based ethanol produced for blending with unleaded gasoline to make E85 fuel is at least 24 percent more carbon-intensive than gasoline. As usual, its not what you think. Listen to learn more.
The Lexus ES is the automaker's most popular sedan. Last year, Lexus added an all-wheel drive variant to the model line, as well as an F SPORT model. I spent a week with the vehicle to experience its inner goodness.
California's Green Energy Subsidies have turned humble cow manure into "gold". The state's clean-fuels grading system gives natural gas derived from manure a much better score and higher subsidies than landfill-sourced gas. This has led to a gold rush mentality as investors swoop down on the farm to sign up farms for their biowaste.
What will racing look like in the future? Perhaps more like Formula E. The full name for this racing circuit - ABB FIA Formula E World Championship - is a single seat motorsport championship for electric cars - with several novel twists to increase fan interaction.
Does vehicle reliability lead to owner satisfaction? We ponder this question and more as we discuss the most recent Consumer Reports survey. We also consider if the member-sourced survey has a built in bias against particular automakers.
With the price of crude oil approaching $100/bbl, you would think that the shale oil industry would be in a rush to bring production online to benefit from the run up in prices. However, those companies that are publicly held are noticeably absent. Find out why.
The National Brotherhood of Skiers has been around for over 50 years, promoting inclusion of black skiers on the nation's ski slopes. Now with over 5,000 members in over 50 affiliated chapters around the country, a new crop of young skiers and snowboarders are looking to push the effort even further.
"Transcend the Ordinary" with the 2022 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV. I take one home from the 2022 Chicago Auto Show to learn all about it at highway speeds for over 300 miles. Let's just say I learned a lot.
Although supplies of computer chips remain tight for the global automotive industry, shortages are not uniform for the many types of chips used by various industries throughout the world. Computer chip makers are spending billions of dollars for increased capacity, little of which will benefit the automakers. Learn why.
After almost fifty years of use in gasoline powered cars, the rise in the value of the rare earth metals used in the average catalytic converter has prompted a dramatic upswing in thefts. A certain hybrid car is particularly vulnerable. Is your vehicle at risk?
Panasonic's sprawling manufacturing plant in Wuxi, China would hardly be the place you would think where the company would work to develop a plan to reduce the emissions to zero. As its highest emitting plant in the country, it wasn't easy or complete. It took six years and is on-going. Learn how they did it.
Honda believes that there is a market for a well-made compact sedan. For your consideration, the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic sedan. I take one for an extended road trip. Find out how it did.
Calling it the worst drought since the year 800, climate scientists say that climate change is largely responsible. The ground is so dry and the air is so warm, that even full and above average snowpacks in the mountains will not be able to erase the water deficit, particularly runoff into the Colorado River. Find out how this weather situation is already impacting your diet.
It produces upto 335 horsepower and a bone-jarring 443 lb-ft of torque. It weighs just 63 pounds and is just a bit larger than an energy drink can. Meet the Quark electric motor.
When it comes to the most efficient and most "green" forms of transportation, which do you think is more effective - trains or buses? There are actually computations for this sort of thing, as well as actual facts. We discuss.
Vehicle to Everything connectivity, better known as V2X is the future of transportation. Using 5G networks, V2X applications will deliver new capabilities using better connectivity and lower latency (load and response times) than current vehicular dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) systems. We explore.
For those who don't know, this is the opening of our full radio show. We dip into a few topics in a more casual setting. This week: Ford stops taking new orders for the Maverick, Cadillac's vision for the future is you guessed it: electric and autonomous.
The all-new 2022 Lexus UX250h is the automaker's smallest crossover SUV in its lineup. We take one for a spin to discover its goodness.
We examine the dark side of ride-hailing services with a look at one Uber customer's nightmare.
It appears that autonomous commercial trucking is a lot closer to reality than autonomous private vehicles or even ride-sharing. Record-breaking freight hauling opportunities combined with a growing truck driver shortage, is pushing the industry in this direction. We investigate.
Under Mayor Rey Leon's leadership, the small rural community of Huron, California has been able to overcome years of neglect by regional transportation planners by tackling several challenges that face the poor farming community. A modern twist on an old idea has brought the town into the limelight when it comes to ridesharing and electric vehicles.
Transmission & Distribution (better known as T&D) is an electrical industry website/magazine that covers the electric power generation, transmission and distribution industry around the world. The magazine just came out with the top five trends that it believes will impact the industry in 2022. We discuss.
We discuss the evolution of the direct air carbon capture industry - the ability to remove existing carbon dioxide from the air, regardless of how long it has been in the atmosphere. Could this be part of the solution in the management of climate change?
From the parts bin is the first segment of our show. Ken and Chase pick out a story they find interesting and discuss it in a more informal way. This week: Bollinger motors makes a slight shift in the EV world and it makes a lot of sense.
From the parts bin is the first segment of our show. Ken and Chase pick out a story they find interesting and discuss it in a more informal way. This week: BMW's last V12 and VW's Electric Motorbus
Automakers have been researching alternative materials for use in vehicles for years. From Henry Ford's soy-based plastics in the 1940's, to coffee bean husks and wood-based cellulose for headliners, many of the materials that DID make into vehicle production were used in places often not seen by customers - until now. Technology and advancement in materials development are leading the automakers to use and display these materials front and center in ways that the customer can directly interact with them.
During this segment, we bring you upto date on the latest goings on in the world of autonomous vehicles. Its been awhile, and we didn't want you to get behind in the knowledge you are used to getting from us on a regular basis. Enjoy!
Despite six-figure salaries and perks galore, working in America's tech sector isn't all its cracked up to be. As a result, American educated immigrants are returning home - to India in particular - to participate in the wide open business start-up culture that is drawing in billions of dollars in seed capital from all over the world. Frustrated by the slow and complicated machinery that is the legal American immigration system, these "best and brightest" are going where they feel the best opportunities are for them. However, I have both concerns and questions - not to mention a bone to pick with American industry writ large.
Cleaner Air, Safer Roads, Better Drivers. These are some of the ways that truck maker PACCAR, the parent company of the storied Peterbilt and Kenworthy big rig brands say that new technology working its way into their trucks is and will improve life for everyone. We discuss.
A recent interview by The Detroit Bureau with new Chrysler brand head Chris Feuell attempts to answer that question. We discuss the opportunity and the challenges that lay ahead.
Ken reviews the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Kona crossover. Available in gasoline, electric and performance variants, this review is about the standard gasoline models only.
Ken and Chase discuss NVIDIA, a technology which can serve as the central computer of the autonomous cars as a sort of fail safe if things go haywire - but we have questions.
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AT&T and Verizon recently rolled out its 5G network offerings after several delays. Despite the knowledge that this technology would soon be implemented, the nation's commercial airlines went into panic mode - and warned the federal government of dire consequences if the cellphone carriers were allowed to deploy the new networks.
The nation's tire makers have reimagined how tires will function and look like to meet the very different needs of both autonomous and electric vehicles. New trends suggest the rise of the "smart tire" which will actually communicate with the vehicle's systems to report condition, wear and even road conditions in real time.
Japanese-based start-up SkyDrive, Inc has a dream of building and selling flying cars - or virtual take off and landing vehicles to be exact. Despite the presence in the space of a number of larger and better financed competitors ranging from Google founder Larry Page's Kittthawk to Boeing, Uber Elevate, Airbus and a host of others, the company believes that it can compete.
Often when it comes to mobility and theft, the focus is on cars and trucks. During the pandemic, an increasing number of Americans have taken to two-wheeled travel, often opting for expensive bicycles that rival the cost of a good used car. With that trend, has also come an increase in theft. Not only that, but the high-end bicycles are being whisked out of the country - much the same way that stolen high-end cars are. Only many of these bikes have ended up in Mexico.
Despite the major shift from offices to home-based work, all is not dire for the acres of office space across the United States. Companies are still working to define what office space and face-to-face collaboration might look like in this brave new world Post COVID.
The Toyota Highlander. American made in Princeton, Indiana, designed for Americans by Americans. We spend some windshield time behind the wheel to discover what this popular people hauler has to offer.
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Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov first developed the three-rules for robotics. This concept was featured in the futuristic 2004 movie i, Robot starring Will Smith. With the advent of artificial intelligence, deep machine learning and the rise of fully autonomous Level 4/5 vehicles on America's streets and highways, what must developers due to design in the kind of safeguards that Americans will trust when traveling in one of these vehicles? We discuss.
Just when you thought things might be returning to "normal" at the corner grocery store, a combination of "old" and new challenges have combined to impact the supply chain serving the grocery industry. Find out what's goin on and why at your favorite grocery store.
Now in its third generation and riding on its own unique platform, the Acura RDX enjoys a broad upmarket appeal. Ken gets behind the wheel for a spin.
If you have discovered the gritty western series Yellowstone starring Kevin Costner, no doubt you have binged or are in the middle of binging all four seasons. While the vista are more than beautiful and the story line compelling (i.e. from what dark place does actress Kelly Reilly reach into to find the motivation to play Beth Dutton?) In any case, mobility plays an important and also compelling role in the story telling. For example, the Dutton ranch does not own Chevy, GMC or Ford pickups - they run Rams. Also, the ranch also prefers horses to the available ATVs. and Finally, Beth Dutton's over-the-top Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe is way out of place on a ranch in Montana - (or even in Salt Lake City) for that matter. We explore and discuss these things and more.
We discuss Axalta's 2021 Global Automotive Color Popularity Report to find out what are the most popular exterior vehicle colors. Ironically enough, the most popular color isn't even considered to be a color at all.
In the late 1980's a group called TrainRiders Northeast was formed with the intention of getting regular passenger train service from Maine to Boston. Led by Wayne Davis, it took over ten years and a bi-partisan effort. With funding from the state of Maine and a turnkey proposal, the state-backed plan was embraced by Amtrak and the first trains began in 2001. Could this be a blueprint for the future for other states?
Are you and your vehicle ready for winter? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a few winter driving tips for your consideration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips
According to Lending Tree's QuoteWizard website, the differences in equipment between trim levels of the same make and model of vehicle can dramatically impact what you pay for insurance premiums.
Subaru's largest SUV gets a new equipment package for 2022. The Debut of the new Onyx Edition adds character and dimension to the automaker's new flagship. Listen to this podcast to learn more.
As the emerging EV industry grapples with securing supplies of the raw materials required to power the electric vehicles they plan to bring to market in the next few years, they may just find that part of the solution is resolving an end-of-life problem that will demand their attention in the years to come - how to dispose of millions of worn-out EV batteries. The good news is that grappling with one of the problems may actually solve both.
Into our current divisive national discourse, Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushman, two women of color who live in Colorado have created the Inclusive Guide to incentivize businesses who cater to the traveling public to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Combining the best of old and new - the attributes of the old Negro Motorist Green Book with the best of Yelp, an online rating service, the ladies wanted to make travel safer and more predictable for those who typically experience discrimination.
Edmunds.com's first everEditor's Choice award, 2022 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, North American Truck of the Year finalist. All this has happened as the first all-new, fully electric 1,000 horsepower production pickup trucks roll out of Rivian's Normal, Illinois assembly plant. What is going on with this new EV manufacturer and what does the future hold?
Experience Amazing. With that, the automaker introduces the LS sedan. Once considered the flagship for the brand, has SUVs and crossovers overshadowed the iconic car that launched an upscale automotive nameplate? We spent a week with one to find out for ourselves.
Potholes. They damage automotive rims, wheels and tires - with the occasional more extensive damage to vehicle undersides. With an estimated 55 million potholes across the more than 4,000,000 of US roads, the average motorist pays $300 per year as result to repair the damage. Find out which cities get the most pothole complaints per mile of road. Here is a fun fact, its not where you think.
Italian automaker Maserati is entering the Classic Center services business. Tiptoeing in at first with a modest effort, the boutique performance brand will expand its portfolio of offerings over the next year. Its good business to help keep the faithful in the fold. So much so that other manufacturers - most notably Mercedes-Benz , BMW, Porsche and Jaguar Land Rover have been doing it for years. Question: do you think that the traditional domestic automakers are missing a golden opportunity?
Happy New Year! As we enter our 5th year of production, I thought I would share with you what RoadWorthy Drive is and why this program is unique compared to anything else that you will hear this year, if ever! We take a broad look at mobility - from security and privacy issues to insurance and maintenance, as well as the everchanging technology that gets us from Point A to Point B today, and what that will look like tomorrow. You don't need to be a gearhead or car fanatic to enjoy our program, just someone who is either tech-aware or wants to be.
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Sex Trafficking in America. This is an unfortunate and tragic consequence of our transportation network. This segment deals with activities by each state to combat this stain on society. Issued by Shared Hope International, a dedicated non-profit leader in the fight to eradicate domestic minor sex trafficking, the organization has identified six issue areas and forty policy goals. 110 points are awarded based on a particular state's ability to achieve progress. Unfortunately, the highest rated state was rated a 'C'.
Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency Executive Director Julie Castillo has come up with an idea that has been embraced by a regional transit agency in Oregon to battle the twin scourges of a shortage of bus drivers and the need to help people released from prison to reenter communities. Oregon's Sunset Empire Transportation District, working with several state agencies including the Department of Corrections, has developed a transit-specific pilot program to help low-risk prisoners to gain their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) in order to develop a new source of willing and qualified drivers. Listen now to learn how it works.
On our program every week, we concentrate mainly on the hows and whys of mobility and transportation. For this segment, I wanted to concentrate on how a particular ribbon of state highway has impacted my life. That would be Massachusetts State Route 2. Running east across the northern part of the state from the western state line with NY Rte 2 high in the Berkshire Mountains at Williamstown, MA, the highway morphs and changes into various types of two-lane, highway and expressway over its 140 miles, ending at the base of Beacon Hill in Boston. I have covered every inch of it over my life for various reasons at various points - and even though I haven't lived in the state for over 40 years, MA Route 2 continues to affect me - driving it as recently as this past November. What roads have impacted your life?
I found this one man's opinion to be interesting as it was contrarian: should abandoned or otherwise unused railroad right of way be reserved for some future reuse by trains alone? Feel free to weigh in.
Some in the petroleum industry are pointing fingers at the Renewable Fuel Standard and the requirements to blend ethanol into gasoline as the reason for high gasoline prices. We take time to separate the fact from the noise.
For some time now, Chinese automakers have been manufacturing vehicles in Mexico, with an eye toward entering the US automotive marketplace. In fact, some American automotive concerns have teamed up with some of the Chinese automakers to develop, build and market Mexican-specific models under their nameplates. Could some of these vehicles be bound for the US eventually? We take a look.
MidAmerican Energy is building a Level 2/Level 3 public fast charging EV network across the state of Iowa. Using 50 kW and 150 kW chargers, the network is designed to support all types of EVs currently on the road, including Teslas.
Mya Pol is a disability advocate that has been diagnosed with reflex suncope. This means that her blood pressure is not well managed, making mobility a continuing challenge. That has not stopped her from advocating for others when it comes to the mobility issues facing the physically challenged.
This week, I get behind the wheel of the all-new award-winning Genesis GV70 SUV. As the second SUV in the upscale automaker's portfolio, the GV70 is smaller than the GV80 introduced earlier this year.
Denver hasn't seen snow in over 225 days. However, climatologists say that dry conditions in the high country are more worrisome, as they point to the effects of climate change and the resulting impact on day-to-day lifecycles.
As airlines ramp up to handle ever-increasing volumes of post-pandemic traffic, all is not well in the air or on the tarmac. Listen in to learn more.
Portland Oregon is currently operating a pilot project called the Transportation Wallet; a subsidy to help low income residents improve their mobility while reducing the dependence on personal cars and trucks.
Over ten years ago, Nissan led the industry with its development and sale of the Nissan Leaf, the industry's first pure electric. With a then range of 100 miles, it was considered revolutionary. Fast forward to now: EV manufacturing start up Lucid Motors currently manufactures a sedan with a range that is over 500 miles, while pure electrics slated to come to the marketplace in the next several years will boast a minimum range of 300 miles on average. Meanwhile, Nissan has fallen far behind, with a dearth of EVs due to come to market in the next several years and a modest (some say cautious) financial commitment of just $18 Billion to be spread between Nissan and Infiniti. What happened?
Nuclear Fusion. The ability to generate clean energy by melding atoms together (as opposed to Nuclear Fission, which generated energy by breaking atoms apart) - has been the holy grail of the clean energy movement for years. Are they any closer to a breakthru? Listen in to find out.
The ugly duckling has become a beautiful swan! The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV has been infused with magic and modern touches as a result of its affiliation with Renault and Nissan! Find out why this is by far the best new Mitsubishi vehicle in the last twenty years!
The quest to deliver groceries in less than 20 minutes has finally come to the United States. A Turkish delivery company is already making inroads on this insane part of the delivery segment in major American cities, with more on the way. Even Instacart has taken notice and is laying the groundwork to counter with 15 minute delivery times. When will the madness end?
Although the nation's automakers are spending billions on future technology involving different kinds and types of electric vehicles, they are currently falling short of the goals that they negotiated with the EPA back in 2012. Do they deserve a break or should there be consequences for their actions? We discuss.
The Administration has authorized the release of 32 million barrels of oil to the nation's refiners to reduce the price of refined gasoline at the pump - giving beleaguered motorists some economic relief. But considering that Americans consume 322 MILLION gallons of gasoline EVERY DAY, is that even enough, or is it merely a gimmick? We investigate.
While most auto insurance companies say that your credit score is but one of a number of factors that affect the monthly premiums that you pay, they still make up a bigger part of the score than they would have you believe. We review the top ten insurers for those with bad credit.
It is taking a round the clock effort, but industry veterans are starting to see an improvement in the movement of goods outward from the nation's ports. While significant challenges remain, there just might be light at the end of the tunnel. Let's hope its not an oncoming train!
If you are a person over a certain age, your mobility is impacted by your physical health and mental state. Electric bikes - 2 and three wheeled, fully electric and electric-assisted - maybe just the ticket to get back out in the midst and enjoy life. What what and how to choose? We give you a helping hand with this primer on what to look for.
Its bold and stylish - with a body shape that suggests a sedan, but its a liftback and it now has electric all-wheel drive. Its the 2022 Toyota Prius. It's quite a vehicle that is just right for a contrarian in the midst of our truck-crazy times.
Despite investing over a billion dollars into the fledgling EV manufacturer, Ford has decided that it is far enough along in its own EV development to fly solo, without Rivian's help. Obviously, we disagree for so many reasons. Listen in to learn why.
This is a look at one man's journey to develop a sharp retro-looking RV towable, using aircraft fabrication techniques complete with fully electronic modern amenities. See how his teaming up with Zenith Aircraft has yielded a very kewl RV kit for the truly adventurous.
This week, Ken takes the redesigned Hyundai Tucson compact SUV for a ride. Boasting attractive exterior lines, the new Hyundai SUV bristles with all the latest technology. Find out what he thought about it.
In a word, maybe. The nation's automakers are bringing a large number of pure electric vehicles to the American marketplace in the next few years. As a result, all these EVs will make demands of the nation's electric grid. How it does, depends where you live and the utility's approach to how it decides to support the increased demand.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, otherwise known as the MBTA or more simply "the T", has introduced the region's first center-running bus lane. This new approach to alleviating system access and delay is focused on three routes that largely serve low income and minority neighborhoods. The routes also saw the largest increase in ridership across the MBTA system during the pandemic. Could this approach catch on elsewhere?
In the aftermath of the pandemic, millions of Americans are now resisting the call by their employers to return to the office. After proving the ability to be as or in some cases more productive at home than in a central location with their co-workers, many have decided that an improved quality of life and better time flexibility is worth the pushback.
With fourteen different brands under its corporate umbrella, Stellantis has decided to give each the room to run in order to prove their right to exist. In the case of the Dodge brand, this means a brand new electric muscle car by 2024. In the meanwhile, the iconic automaker will be tweaking its ownership experience with after-market upgrades and social media events and networking opportunities. Will it be enough?
In response to the continued and growing risk of cyberattacks up and down the global automotive industry supply chain, the non-profit Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center coordinates cybersecurity information-sharing in the auto industry and has just expanded into Europe.
Everybody knows that drunk driving is against the law and more importantly what the legal definition of drunk driving is. When it comes to driving under the influence of drugs - be it marijuana, prescription or other illicit substances, the definitions get murky and inconsistent. We take a look at what is going on.
We review the all-new 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ hybrid SUV. It is an amazing piece of machinery that will both delight and impress drivers. Listen in to learn more.
Ford Motor Company and Purdue University are working on a new EV charging cable that could reduce EV recharging times to become comparable with refueling a vehicle today. This patent-pending design is slated to be subjected to testing in the next few years.
We run down the list of the top ten most stolen vehicles for 2020. Despite the pandemic, vehicle theft actually rose year over year. While trucks do make the list, you may be surprised at what other vehicles caught the attention of thieves and more importantly, what vehicles did not make the list.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. GM is taking a page out of the Tesla playbook by committing some $750 Million to develop a community-based network of 40,000 EV chargers across the United States. This will also include the automaker offering its own brand of Level 2 EV charges for the home.
Jeep goes boldly into the full-size near luxury SUV marketplace with its all-new Wagoneer. Designed to be a sub-brand along with the full-size Grand Wagoneer luxury SUV, the Wagoneer rides on an all-new platform with some seriously awesome bona fides.
It seems like a throwback to the 1960's in a way. In the late 60's, the nation's four domestic automakers were locked in a battle for horsepower and displacement. While today the battle is moving to the intensity of electric motors, Chevy has decided that there is still a market for a cast-iron, 10.L V-8 engine. Our question is why? What do you think?
Is your favorite vehicle being discontinued this year? We count down the ones that have come to the end of production in 2021.
A number of employers in Northeast Ohio are leading the way when it comes to incentivizing employees to consider more sustainable modes of mobility. Learn what they are doing and the impact it is having on the environment.
With the growing popularity of small and compact crossover SUVs, the safety of such in a side-impact accident has become even more important. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has updated its side-impact crash test to be more in-line with real world situations. The results of its first batch of crash tests with 20 small SUVs is sobering.
Honda is another automaker that is looking beyond its current offerings in order to stay relevant in the years to come. The company has introduced its 2030 Vision which is designed to serve people worldwide with the "Joy of expanding their life's potential". From the ASIMO robot to the Hondajet and Formula 1 racing experience - the company is bringing it all together to expand into areas like an electric vertical take-off and landing eVTOL aircraft, an avatar robot with a goal to expand the range of human ability, and a new challenge in outer space.
Stellantis has introduced a new loyalty app for its customers that differs from every other automotive manufacturer in that it rewards users for walking or taking a bus! Created in collaboration with Miles, an app that rewards its users by amassing miles while using various modes of ground transportation, Stellantis wants customers to earn miles for all their travel, not merely driving.
As people continue to redefine work space, home space, mobility and travel, so must the recreational vehicle adapt from temporary quarters to full on mobile living space. Higher overall interior quality, more creative use of space and more electronics are just a few of the items involved in the mobile revolution. It all starts with a simple question - "if you didn't have to go to an office to work, where would you live?"
Penned at the automaker's California design studio, the all-new Carnival MPV is both rugged and luxurious, roomy and personal. Just the thing when you need to haul people and cargo, but don't want a truck, SUV or conventional minivan.
So, just how quickly do you want your groceries that you purchased on-line delivered? From hours, the competition has moved to minutes in an attempt to carve out a sustainable market share. One industry pundit believes there are parallels with the e-scooter craze of several years ago. Tune in to learn more.
The world is pretty much conditioned by now (courtesy of Amazon and eBay) to locate and purchase a wide variety of items online. How do you feel about tires? Would you trust vehicle safety to tires you have never touched, reviews and comments written by regular people that you don't personally know, and a company that isn't local? We take a look at the pros and cons of this large and growing business.
Why should affluent neighborhoods alone reap the benefits of cleaner air and less noise pollution? Cleaner, more diverse mobility impact everybody and therefore should include everybody - especially communities of color, and those considered to be on the "fringe" of society.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the implementation of roundabouts into a municipality's traffic flow reduces severe accidents and injuries - to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. A special type of roundabout that is being used in Carmel Indiana takes safety to the next level, with impressive results.
Acura has introduced an all-new MDX Luxury Crossover SUV for 2022. Now riding on an all-new truck platform, find out why this MDX is the nameplate's best ever!
While most Americans have access to some sort of private transportation, there are many who do not. Those with disabilities, the young and the elderly are often at a disadvantage when it comes to the ideal of mobility. A disability advocate organization in Washington State has challenged its local leaders and decision makers to go "A week without driving" in an attempt to get them to see their community from the viewpoint of those who find mobility a daily challenge, and the many ways it impacts their life and livelihood.
Across the industry of heavy truck manufacturing, referred to in the industry as Class 8 trucks, a number of manufacturers have joined forces with autonomous tech companies to develop autonomous big rig trucks for public roads. We discuss the several different approaches by some of the industry leaders and more importantly, when you can expect to see an autonomous big rig operating on an Interstate near you.
Believe it or not, from electricity generation, to fertilizer and even the ethanol that is blended with gasoline to reduce emissions, natural gas impacts most of what you interact with everyday. A perfect storm of conditions and situations have combined to create shortages that continue to drive up the price of the precious gas.
Beyond the recent headlines of Tesla's $1 Trillion dollar evaluation, is the real story behind the deal between Hertz and Tesla. In a nutshell, Hertz needs cars from an industry that is struggling to meet demand and Tesla needs a buffer to offset the onslaught of direct and indirect competition coming to its market segment in the next few years.
According to a recent article in industry website - The Detroit Bureau - General Motors may be ready to take the lead in actual autonomous driving with its all-new Ultra Cruise system. From the number of miles of roadway that it will be operational, to the systems used to make it work, the Detroit automaker has thrown down the gauntlet.
845 miles. Verified by the Guinness Book of World Records, a new Toyota Mirai, an electric vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, accomplished recently in California. Using hyper mileage methods and strategies, the EV sedan proved what could be achieved under the right conditions.
According to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teen drivers stand to benefit the most from the new safety technology that is finding its way into new and late model vehicles. From a dramatic drop in teen driver deaths, to a related reduction in injuries and property damage - new tech is protect your teen - if you can afford it.
ExxonMobil has cranked up a PR campaign in recent years, touting the potential of algae-based fuels as an alternative to their primary business - fuels derived from crude oil. However, scientists and researchers in the field don't buy-in to their claims. Is it a case of the global oil company "greenwashing" its otherwise dirty reputation? We explore.
During this segment, Ken talks about his first impressions of the all-new Ford Maverick pickup truck after the introductory event in Nashville, Tennessee earlier this month.
In today's "New Normal", workers have found that its a seller's market. Increased wages, bonuses and other perks are being offered to a broad range of workers, many of whom have never had this kind of attention paid to what they can bring to the table. How does this bode for the rest of the economy?
Ken got a chance for windshield time in sunny California with the all-new Mazda MX-30 EV. As the first pure electric from the Japanese automaker, Mazda has big plans using it as the base for a number of EVs coming to the marketplace in the next few years.
The history of the US Postal Service predates the existence of America! Woven into the fabric of daily life for several hundred years, new challenges and some onerous requirements by Congress has put the service in a bind that is going to take years to resolve.
We take a look at how stationary LiDAR systems built into street infrastructure in cities, can make streets safer for pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.
Ken spends time with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the nameplate's first hybrid. Things didn't go as planned and he has questions.
Meet Kernza, a perennial grain that could change the very nature of farming and what we eat, while becoming another tool in the arsenal of fighting climate change.
Securing affordable child care is becoming a leading issue for parents looking to return to the "in-person" workforce. Its increasingly unstable nature of available slots, times and staffing have negatively impacted a broad swath of parents that are faced with choosing between their kids and their jobs.
We look in on SunPedal Ride USA, a transcontinental movement sponsored by Oriden. This involves an solar-powered e-bike. Outfitted with a 50Wp solar panel, the plan is to travel some 6,000 miles across the United States in order to create awareness about renewable energy, sustainability and the urgency of climate change.
All new for 2021, the GMC Yukon Denali continues as the top of the Yukon line-up. Big, bold and beautiful, this sophisticated SUV is more luxury car than truck. Listen in to learn more.
Much has been made of the worsening truck driver shortage. But little has been discussed about the income opportunities that await those that may be considering a career in over-the-road trucking. We take a look at the numbers, which include the potential additional income from CDL endorsements.
It ain't over! In fact, automakers are finding out that as the world's leading chipmakers work through their myriad of problems, they are actually moving away from the commodity-priced vintage microprocessors that the automakers have long used to power the many computers in today's vehicles. With the move by the chip industry toward newer, more sophisticated and more expensive computer chips, the auto industry is in a quandary.
At the organization's big climate change meeting this year in Glasgow (COP26), the United Nations is snubbing participation by Big Oil. While they have issued press releases about how they would like to be part of the solution, the UN contents that the oil industry has yet to agree on science-based plans for how it will reduce carbon emissions.
Arvada Colorado - just west of Denver has a neighborhood that has been designed and built to have the smallest of carbon footprints. The Geos neighborhood on the west edge of town employs all the latest high and low technology solutions to keep operating costs low and its impact on the environment light. For the next phase of the development, the developer wants to stray from the basic principles that have made the first phase so successful. The climate-friendly neighbors are having none of that.
In 2009, Paul Elio started Elio Motors. The original concept was simple enough, an enclosed three wheeled autobike with decent creature comforts, a gasoline engine with the ability to achieve 84 miles per gallon and a price tag of less than $8500. Problem is, it turn out that way. Today, he's back and offering an electric powered version for just over $14,000. Fantastic or folly?
The 2021 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey is out and it points to a trend in faulty electronics in a large number of new vehicles. It seems that the more sophisticated the systems, the more problems are being reported by consumers.
Toyota adopts an aggressive look for its limited production Corolla Apex sedan. Does the enhancements do the trick? Tune in and ride along.
One state's solution to address the current shortage of public school bus drivers is to mobilize the National Guard. While a number of officials consider this to be a stopgap solution, they are also unsure of how long it will need to continue. Could this be a viable solution for the rest of the country? We take a look.
Imagine applying for any number of jobs for which you are WELL qualified, only to never even get an interview. Chances are, that although you applied, the company never even saw your application. This is due to HR software that major companies use to screen applicants. Problem is, that the software excludes millions of well qualified applicants from consideration by these very same companies every year. Tune in to find out why.
Recently, the fintech firm Lemonade was hit by a lawsuit in New York State that alleged that the company was using certain biometric information from consumers - without permission or consent and even after saying that they were doing no such thing. With the rise of artificial intelligence and deep machine learning, legislation to protect consumers and provide a level of consistent transparency as to how, what and when information taken from or provided by consumers is used, sold, kept and otherwise manipulated is seriously lacking. We take a look at the issue and discuss.
One thing about business, they stand ready to save a buck. During the pandemic, business travelers found that by using a host of other technologies that they could save a bundle of cash and time by not having to travel. Interestingly enough, employee wellbeing was also being touted as a reason to continue the trend of much less travel. Learn how this is impacting airlines, hospitality and food venues as the lucrative business traveler stays at home.
After almost 15 months of stay at home learning, most kids have returned to in-person learning at school. While much is being made about safety and health protocols during this post-pandemic period, we here at RoadWorthy Drive thought it would be a good time to remind some and suggest to others, some common-sense safety tips about getting to and from school. These tips are for parents, kids and teenagers and cover everything from walking to school, riding bicycles, the bus and even teen drivers.
In case you don't know, Polestar is the performance and innovation brand for Volvo and parent Chinese automaker Geely Motors. Active as a stand-alone brand since 2018, the nameplate is slowly but surely making a name for itself as it expands outside of its home base in China and shares its unique electric offerings with the world. Next stop is South Carolina where they will launch the Polestar 3, on the same assembly line with the Volvo S60 and XC 90 vehicles.
On the heels of the most recent Sorento redesign comes the all-new Sorento Hybrid. We take one for a spin to discover its inherent goodness. Find out why this one is perfect ride for young families.
Fresh food. Uncontaminated. Untouched by human hands. In these post pandemic days, the quality and the safety of the food you consume should be the least of your worries. Sally's mission is to make that happen. Learn all about Sally and the amazing ways to bring fresh food, customized to your preference - to a salad bowl near you.
About ten years ago, the dearth of charging stations combined with the low range of the first generation EVs, spawned the idea of battery swapping - exchanging a discharged EV battery pack for a fresh, fully charged one. The exchange would be quick and simple. And at the time, it held real promise for those early adopters who wanted to get past long recharge times and range anxiety. Today, improved range, falling battery prices and recharge cycle times have made battery swapping mostly obsolete. In an ironic twist of fate, battery swapping might just be what the electric grid needs to even out demand as hundreds of thousands of EVs hit the road in the next few years.
Mobility. While it can take many forms, access to it means freedom - to travel, to live and to work. It determines your access to a job, education, living resources and more. In America, that freedom is associated with a motor vehicle. In other parts of the world, it could be as simple as access to a bicycle.
We take a look at all the costs involved with owning a new vehicle in 2021. To be sure, the costs have risen to all-time highs as the AVERAGE selling cost of a new vehicle has topped $40,000 for the first time ever.
What do you call an SUV that is both aggressively performance-oriented while being opulently appointed? I believe its called the Audi RS Q8 SUV. This amazing roadworthy piece of rolling performance luxury was more than worth the opportunity to drive it - even though it was last year's model. Ride with me and learn just how impressive Audi's SUV flagship can be.
With the evolution of the automotive industry to both EV-powered and autonomously driven vehicles in the coming years, a number of automakers are reimaging just what personal transportation could be . Audi shares the first of three prototypes in their view of what the future may hold for motorists.
Ag Tech continues to transform work and productivity on the farm. With a number of companies working on everything from autonomous tractors to weeders, sprayers and even harvesting equipment, we take a look at one new start-up's offering that is designed to work WITH harvesters in the field, making them much more productive.
Extreme weather, COVID-19 and seasonal demand. It seems that we have been on a pricing roller coaster when it comes to fuel prices over the past 18 months. What's going on? We investigate.
There is something that every citizen of the world can do right now to battle the nasty impact of climate change: plant a tree. We talk about this low tech but extremely effective way to think globally by acting locally.
With the introduction of the all-new Ford F-150 pickup truck, comes the automaker's first ever hybrid. Available across all models and configurations, the F-150 hybrid promises to be a gamechanger, even as the all-electric version of the truck, poised to bow next year, is waiting in the wings.
With mobility evolving at an ever increasing rate, the demands and new expectations by those who both use and live near public transportation demand new thinking and a new approach. One such concept has to do with the commuter rail station as a multi model hub and comunity center of sorts.
Right now, thousands of partially assembled cars and trucks are sitting in overflowing storage lots and fields. They are waiting for parts, and not just semiconductors. A number of factors have conspired together to kneecap the automotive industry - up and down the supply chain. As a result, manufacturers and suppliers have a large amount of work in process inventory. They are all afraid that if they DON'T build them, even if they have to sit for a bit, that these sales will be forever lost. We discuss the impact on the availability of new and used vehicles as a result in the coming months.
During the pandemic, the food delivery and grocery delivery companies like Instacart, Shipt, DoorDash and UberEasts have come into their own. But with the attempt by the country to open back up, its a question of whether or not the "new behaviors" have caught on. Just what is the ultimate convenience worth to the American consumer and is it sustainable? We discuss.
We really haven't discussed in detail what is going to happen to all the EV batteries that will pile up when they are no longer useful in EVs. It is estimated that upto 1.6 million battery sets per year will need to be repurposed and/or recycled by 2030. A recent article in T&D World, an electric utility publication, suggests that utilities take the lead in encouraging and repurposing these EV batteries as they become available.
When it comes to your choice of prepared salads, do you have a preference on who or what prepares it? We explore the brave new world of retail fresh food prep by robot.
The Federal Government has reversed the loosening of fuel economy standards, looking for a voluntary ten percent fleet improvement for the 2023 model year and 54 mpg by 2026. This is four years LATER than the original agreement hammered out by the Environmental Protection Agency and a majority of the nation's automakers back in 2012. By 2027, even heavy truck manufacturers will have to meet tough EPA fuel economy standards for the first time.
Introduced to American motorists at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, the all-new Volkswagen Arteon is the sophisticated successor to the vaunted CC. The Arteon started rolling into American dealerships in April of the following year. Freshened up for 2021, the elegant Volkswagen offers consumers another reason to consider a new passenger car instead of an truck or SUV.
With a major infrastructure bill working its way through Congress, we talk about the ten states that could benefit the most from the new funding to improve the various aspects of their infrastructure. We consult the recent comprehensive survey completed by the CNBC television business network as part of their annual America's Top States for Business survey for 2021.
When it comes to urban public transportation, the city bus has no equal. While ridership has been declining overall for the last ten years, a growing number of metropolitan areas have succeeded in reinventing the concept, improving its relevance and actually increasing ridership. With the challenges of COVID-19, this mode of transportation is getting a fresh look and a make-over.
In the United States, some sixty-one million Americans identify as having at least one disability, making them the largest minority group in the country. Cutting across social, economic and educational status, disability is often a challenge for those confronted with a society that was not built for them.
Automakers have been offering motorists freebies of one kind or another for years. From a deferral of your first several car note payments, to free gasoline and maintenance, freebies have been one of the favorite lures to attract consumers into showrooms. In the early days of the EV industry, Tesla was the first to offer their early customers "free electricity for life". While the offers of today are not that generous, a number of EV makers and EV charging industry suppliers are taking a leaf out of the Tesla playbook and offering new owners a bit of free power. Listen here to learn more.
Supplying water to seven states and Mexico, as well as for agricultural and industrial uses, the Colorado River is a lifeline to many in the American Southwest. A twenty-two year draught, made worse by climate change as triggered a Tier I water shortage emergency in the river's lower basin. With no end to the crisis on the horizon, it also promises to cause problems for the states that get their water from the Colorado's Upper Basin as well. Find out how this will change where people live and work for years to come.
After an almost twenty year absence from the marketplace, the long-awaited Toyota Supra has made an impressive return to the streets and highways of America. Co-developed with BMW and manufactured by Tier I OEM contract manufacturer Magna Steyr, the Supra is a fast little tourer that delivers miles of fun driving. Listen in as I run the car through its paces.
With gasoline prices currently some forty percent higher than before the pandemic, we wanted to know if these higher prices would translate into higher EV sales. More models are coming to market and along with improved access to EV charging across the country, American have more practical choices then ever before.
The State of Maine has started taking the necessary steps toward sustainability for it's residents. From the promotion of EV ownership, the elimination of fossil fuels and now a tax on consumer packaging, the state may very well best California in the scope of its activities in this arena. Listen to learn more.
Due to policies originally instigated by the Federal Government during the Great Depression designed to help Americans keep their homes, neighborhoods were rated according to risk, with ethnic and minority neighborhoods rated the most risky. This resulted in years of low property evaluations and years of underinvestment by city leaders. Today these neighborhoods are literally killing its residents. Listen in to learn how.
If you are a conscientious global citizen, you are aware of the impact of all the waste that humans generate and its impact on a planet with over 7 billion souls. To help you along your way, we discovered a growing concept in the United States called the zero-waste store. Its one more effort directed at resolving some of the planet's ills, one customer at a time.
Do red cars really cost more to insure? Does my auto policy cover damage that wasn't due to an accident? We discuss and dispel six common insurance myths.
This year, most Americans are experiencing the impact of climate change in real time. The amplification of both severity and frequency of extreme weather is now upon us - with often devastating result. We discuss.
This is the concept that brought the 2017 New York International Auto Show to a complete halt. Up to that time, nobody had ever seen an SUV concept quite like the GV80. Beautiful and stunning from every angle, inside and out, the press couldn't get enough. The automaker even teased that it might even come equipped with a fuel cell as a prime mover. While I am still waiting for the fuel cell electric version, I did get to drive the gasoline-powered production version. Come along with me for the ride.
The mall. If you are a person of a certain age, no doubt many of your fond memories during your teenage years involved your local mall. Obviously, in this e-commerce world, that has dramatically changed. Are malls dead? Tune in to find out.
Join me as I slide behind the wheel of the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck - updated for 2021. Now with all models equipped with all-wheel drive, learn just how Honda is working to get this truck in the hearts and minds of truck-loving Americans.
We follow one country's experiment toward the implementation of a shorter paid work week. Delightful or Disaster? Listen in to learn the outcome.
While we are in the midst of the summer season, Ken and Chase share travel and safety tips for new RVers - whether they are buying one or just renting for the weekend.
With the United States experiencing extreme temperatures across the country, we share some heat mitigation strategies that can work regardless if you are in a house or an apartment.
Down but not out - could also describe the world's demand for coal. With the shift toward renewables fully underway and coal mines going off-line, a brief up-tick in the demand for the black rocks has also increased prices. Find out why coal may be with us for quite awhile.
Geely Motors, the parent of Volvo, launched the Lynk & Co brand several years ago. And so much like several other automotive companies over the years that have attempted to reimaging the whole vehicle use and ownership experience, Lynk & Co takes it to another level with electric vehicles and a unique vehicle "ownership" model that gets less expensive as you share with more people.
Learn more about commercial space travel and the plans of Virgin Galactic after Sir. Richard Branson's history-making flight to the edge of space.
During the abbreviated version of the Chicago Auto Show for 2021, other makes made some pretty serious electric vehicle news, too. We cover the all-new Kia EV6, BMW iX iDrive 50 and the Volkswagen ID4.
This year, the Chicago Auto Show was held in July for the 1st time ever. The 2021 CAS was an abbreviated show that still made news. As a result, RoadWorthy Drive was there and we share with you the highlights - first a primer on what's going on.
The biggest news during the abbreviated version of the Chicago Auto Show for 2021, was the introduction of the game-changing 2022 Ford F-150 EV. we got the low down on this all-new truck - just for you.
New Factory, new product, new market segments, iconic nameplates. With Jeep's new Detroit plant, the first in over 30 years for the city, the legendary nameplate is looking to break into the full-size SUV and luxury full-size SUV market segments. Will the new Jeeps deliver? We review and discuss.
With the recent events of billionaires traveling to the edge of outer space - this is a primer to some of the terms that have been thrown about that we explain to you for a better understanding of what just happened.
Although he has not traveled into space himself, Elon Musk has made quite an impact with his company SpaceX. And while late to the business of commercial space travel, SpaceX will not be left at the launch pad. Check out this episode to learn more.
Learn more about Blue Origin and Amazon's Jeff Bezos as his company moves closer to commercial space travel. Discover everything about the company and how it is so much more than space tourism.
Those who participate in regular video conferencing meeting may pose a danger to others when they also get behind the wheel.
Public transportation in rural areas face its own set of challenges. Here are a few ideas to overcome them.
A recent Federal investigation of reported UFO sightings over the last twenty years has yielded some interesting results.
A group of electric cooperatives in the Upper Midwest have banded together to create their own EV charging network.
You may be surprised at the answer. Learn how NASA is approaching this question during this segment.
We explore several ways that your cellphone can save your life in an emergency - even if its NOT on!
Jeep has brought online Detroit's first new assembly plant in over 30 years. With a fairly new workforce and an opportunity to start from scratch, the folks at Jeep elected to make the most of it with the launch of the new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L - the first product from the new plant. We take a look.
The Federal Trade Commission is stepping into the legislative void with respect to personal privacy protections. Recent actions by the Commission are designed to give them the ability to act against the most grievous of the violations and security lapses in an effort to better protect consumers.
Toyota has reimagined the Sienna for 2021. Now exclusively a hybrid, the minivan proves its worth in an otherwise truck and SUV marketplace.
Is the Pacific Northwest the "canary in the coalmine" when it comes to extremes in our climate? This summer's triple digit temperatures in the Pacific Northwest are testing parts of the electric power grid in ways it was never designed for. It could be a sign of things to come for the rest of the country.
With the end of stay at home restrictions, many Americans are heading for the open road this summer. While you may have prepared for your trip, have you prepared your home for the time you will be away? Some things to remember before you go.
Recent statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show an increase in accidents in states where marijuana is newly legalized. Is this a cause or contributing factor to a corresponding increase in motor vehicle accidents in those states? We discuss.
Its coming. the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed a new system to detect inebriated drivers. This promising new technology will first appear in commercial vehicles later this year with consumer applications set to appear in private vehicles around 2024. Listen to learn more.
After years of literally ignoring the shift toward electric vehicles, the folks at Stellantis is making electric vehicles a priority, and this includes their Dodge brand. Yup, the "Brotherhood of Muscle" is getting an electric boost in the next few years that promises to dwarf their current over-the-top gasoline offerings. Listen in to learn more.
In response to increasing competition in the EV performance segment, Tesla has introduced a performance version of its fullsize Model S sedan called the Model S Plaid. Learn how it stacks up against the coming competition.
The Lexus IS F SPORT sedan. A personal statement if there ever was one. Find out why this aspirational sedan was designed to be not for everybody.
While thousands of Americans have been able to stave off eviction over the last year through the government moratorium and other local mediation initiatives, the fact that an eviction action may had been started against a tenant - EVEN THOUGH IT WAS RESOLVED and the tenant was not evicted, may be reflected in that person's credit file for YEARS - impacting a wide variety of things such as the ability to buy a home, finance a car or secure affordable insurance. In essence, a person's future quality of life and level of mobility.
For most of the last twenty years, the folks at Lincoln have been struggling to carve out a successful identity in the upscale segments of the American automotive marketplace, but with largely unremarkable results. Although its had a hit with their top-of-the-line Navigator SUV, it has had more misses than successes. The company has committed to an all SUV and eventually all-electric strategy between now and the end of the decade. Find out what they have planned for the future.
Are you the kind of driver that needs or wants a track-ready performance SUV with a launch mode and programmable SRT performance settings? If this is you, than this is your SUV. Ride with me to learn more.
Believe it or not, this segment has little to do with fuel cells or EV batteries! A team of Russian engineers have reimagined the requirements of airborne heavy hauling with a unique solution that can be tailor-made for the need.
A number of big-rig truckers have no legal right to operate a heavy truck on the nation's roads, yet, due to lax reporting of violations by many state's regulatory officials, the notices that should have taken them off the road languish - resulting in a number and frequency of accidents, injuries and deaths that could have been preventable. Learn which states are the worst offenders.
General Motors and railroad locomotive manufacturer Wabtec have teamed up to develop powerful emission-free locomotives using the automaker's Ultium batteries and Hydrotec fuel cell technologies. The results are dramatically reduced CO2 emissions and operational costs. This could be another watershed moment, just like when the first generation diesel-electric locomotives displaced steam engines.
In a segment that is a bit off into the weeds, we take a look at how nature - namely wild animals of different kinds - its more than just squirrels - have interacted with the power grid - causing various degrees of power interruptions. Amazingly, some of the critters actually survived. We discuss.
With the recent resignation of the CEO and CFO of EV truck maker Lordstown Motors, there was speculation about its ability to continue as a going concern. Accusations of order padding suggested that management painted a much rosier picture than the actual facts. We take a look at the facts and the company's future.
With the scarcity of new vehicles and the increasing prices being asked of late model used vehicles, Americans are keeping their current ride for even longer. Find out how and why this is an important development that will impact automotive sales for years to come.
When it comes to passenger cars, automakers continue to bring their "A" game to the marketplace. So it is with the Volkswagen Passat sedan. Built in Tennessee, the sedan makes its own case for the hearts and wallets of American motorists in a truck crazy world.
The increased occurrences of high temperatures is reeking havoc on those Americans with respiratory challenges, as well as older citizens with compromised immune systems. Could climate change be to blame? Either as a direct cause or contributing force? We investigate.
Evictions, Stay at home orders and changing preferences with respect to the work experience has forever changed how Americans view home. For some that are behind on their rent/mortgage, the question is where will they live in the months to come? For others, its finding the house of their dreams and making an offer high enough (even above the asking price) in time to be the successful new owner. For still others, what possibilities are available for living and a better quality of life, when all you need is a fast internet connection to go to work? We take a brief look at all of these possibilities.
With the lifting of pandemic restrictions, many companies and their employees are grappling with the impact of working from home. Depending on the company and the attitude of many employees, it has changed the relationship between employer and employee forever. Question is, do you have what it takes to work "remotely" for the rest of your work career? Ken and Chase explore the attributes that may suggest if working from home would be the best choice for you.
During the FROM THE PARTS BIN segment, Ken and Chase introduce the all-new Kia EV6 crossover - the first vehicle on the automaker's all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
The transition to sustainable, renewable energy means the eventual winding down of the fossil fuel industry. For the millions of oil and gas wells, pipelines and related equipment, this will also mean decommissioning, sealing, capping and clean up. Unfortunately, the petroleum industry has not set aside anywhere near enough to tackle the enormous cost, leaving the states and eventually the Federal Government ill-equipped to handle the clean up. Tune in to learn more.
32 years and still going strong! The iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a fan favorite for years. The fun of a British roadster with the bulletproof dependability of Japanese engineering and manufacturing - it continues to be a match made in heaven. Now offering consumers the choice of a retractable hardtop, the MX-5 continues to be relevant in a truck crazy world.
If you own a Ring doorbell or Echo smart speaker, there is a technology built inside that allows them to make a new kind of wireless network called Sidewalk that shares a slice of your Home internet connection with your neighbors' devices. That's NOT ok. Find out what we learned.
While a number of US states have made it illegal to ask for or require proof of immunization for COVID-19, many European countries have taken the oppose approach in their attempt to reopen their economies. Americans traveling abroad could run afoul of these requirements, without the proper paperwork.
Much has been made about the coming mountains of used EV batteries as the industry goes full throttle toward the development and manufacturing of EVs. The good news is that even after about ten years an EV battery set may not be good enough for an electric vehicle, it still possesses about 80 percent of its useful life - and is perfect for a wide range of other applications - including but not limited to stationary energy storage. Learn what the future holds.
Some folks may believe that electric vehicles are a brand new thing. Truth is, that electric cars tried to make a stand in the early days of the motor vehicle - with varying amounts of success. Tune in to learn about one of the earliest electric vehicles and the plight of some of the earliest electric vehicle brands from over 100 years ago.
Ken and Chase discuss a list of the deadliest highways in the United States as recently published by FleetOwner magazine. HINT: They are not all Interstates!
The push to go green is entering another phase as local governments consider bans on the use of natural gas in new residential and commercial construction. Is this overreach? Too far too soon? We discuss.
With the increase of privately owned and operated drones in the United States also comes an increase in complaints as some actually attempt to foul the commercial aviation industry. Increasing concerns also involve automated drones operating near critical infrastructure. The FAA and other government officials are looking at a variety of ways to mitigate this potential risk.
For the first time in over twenty years, the Chevy Tahoe gets diesel power. Ride along as I investigate just how far diesels have come in this world of EV power.
Out in the countryside, adjacent to major interstates within striking distance of major metropolitan areas, real estate speculators are building scores of large warehouses. Find out how this will impact the flow of goods in an e-commerce frenzied economy.
Ken reviews the all-new Ford Bronco Sport SUV, which is NOT to be confused with the recently reintroduced Ford Bronco. Find out if the new Ford SUV has what it takes to compete.
No doubt you have heard about the new Space Force, but did you know about the Outer Space Treaty? Its real and its enforceable. Find out the details during this segment.
With the automotive industry's move toward a tsunami of electric vehicles in the next few years is a new way of manufacturing. EVs require fewer parts and are easier to manufacture - leading automakers to reimagine the way they are made. Using AI and automation, it appears that lower unit cost, higher production volumes and better quality will be the result. We review the progress so far.
As the Cruise Industry attempts to woo passengers back onboard its ships, Ken and Chase take a look at the cruise ship lines that are currently offering active cruises right now.
As Americans return to the freedom of travel, the insurance industry and the CDC make a compelling case for why travel insurance should be considered. Ken and Chase take up the cause during this segment.
Ken and Chase review the list of cruise ship companies and available cruise liners that will be making the return to the waters off the coast of Alaska this summer. Also learn how the Federal Government had an active role in making the summer Alaskan cruise season possible.
So you are craving an European cruise? We have the details on what cruise ship lines, ships and dates that will be available as various companies return to the open water.
During the recent past as the story goes, an automaker can't make a profit by selling electric vehicles. And while that may have been true as little as five years ago, it isn't the case now. From Tesla to Volkswagen to BMW, automakers are developing platforms that are easier to automate and cost less to build. As a result, they are generating a profit from the first unit of the product run on. See how this will impact the future of mobility.
The all-new Kia K5 sedan. Its more than a worthy replacement for the outgoing Optima - it represents the best current engineering and design of what Kia thinks a modern four-door passenger sedan can be. Ride with me as we discover how close the automaker came to the mark.
As climate change and other weather incidents wreak havoc, many people in communities that are subject to that continuing risk keep a GO bag of essential items so that they can be ready to leave on a moment's notice. But what about your pet? Insurance officials suggest a list of items that should be in a GO bag for your pet.
The newest global automaker that was created by a merger of Europe's PSA Group and FiatChrysler LLC has announced that all of its fourteen brands will get a chance to prove their worth. The company chairman will give the brands ten years to prove that they have the right to exist. If only the marketplace was so forgiving. Listen to this segment to learn why we think this approach won't work.
If its one thing that the recent pandemic has laid bare, its the uneven availability of high speed broadband service. From deep in our major cities, to a wide swath of the rural landscape, American continue to be negatively impacted by a lack of access to the internet and the world. The administration is working to change that in real time. Listen to learn more.
While much has been made of electric propulsion, other fuels are being developed for the future. Could ammonia be one of them? We explore.
Its not where you think! Ken and Chase go down the list of the ten cities in America that have the most car accidents.
It seems that 2021 will see the reappearance of a number of major American auto shows in some form. Discover what the planners have in mind for sharing the shiny metal creations with US motorists.
Ken slides behind the wheel of the very capable Toyota 4Runner SUV. Discover why this is the one you want as your companion when the road is much less than a suggestion - far off the grid.
Recent events have focused a bright light on the shortcomings in American infrastructure when it comes to cyberthreats. Join the conversation to learn what is being done about it.
The US birthrate has been falling for a number of years. The pandemic actually made it worse. Learn how this trend will affect mobility and our society in the not too distant future.
Ken and Chase discuss the pros and cons of crowdfunded health insurance. From China to the United States, consumers are seeking more effective ways of paying for major health events when insurance falls short.
With available transportation on Mars, could it be much longer before man can travel between planets on something else besides a rocket? Ken and Chase investigate and discuss.
Ken and Chase separate fact from fiction about current gasoline supplies as a result of the Colonial Pipeline hack.
During this segment, Ken and Chase talk about the current white hot used car market and offer tips and techniques designed to help you get the best deal you can when considering buying and/or trading in a used car.
Despite the haters, Elon Musk has proven that Tesla CAN make money building electric vehicles. Now solidly profitable, the sky seems the only limit for the successful EV manufacturer. Listen to this segment to learn more.
The automotive industry is full of ideas and concepts that sound promising, but never see the light of day for one reason or another. so is the case with the disappearing car door. Listen to this segment to learn about this compelling piece of automotive history.
Ken gets behind the wheel of the svelte and sophisticated Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Discover why this ride will turn heads downtown, on the highway or in your driveway!
The commercial trucking industry in the United States is in a crunch. A chronic shortage of qualified drivers has left money on the table for the nation's common carriers. Recent proposed legislation may offer a way forward.
As one of the last ones to join the already crowded tent of EV manufacturers, the company is attempting to play catch up with several offerings that will be coming soon to the US Marketplace. Listen to learn more.
Genesis is emerging out of Hyundai's shadow and on its way to becoming an impressive luxury marque in its own right. Find out why the G80 is a bonafide contender for the hearts and dollars of the upscale marketplace.
Across the oil patch, a growing number of oil and gas landmen are turning their skills toward the renewable energy industry. Tune in to learn more.
Lemonade, one of the growing number of fintech companies that are upending all things financial, is expanding its insurance offerings into the automotive space. Learn what changes this will bring to the marketplace.
Recently, Shanghai China hosted the first actual IN PERSON auto show. What is more important is that the world's automakers showed up in force. Check out this segment to see how things went.
The concept of space travel for civilians is nearing reality. Blue Origin is one of several companies racing to certify their craft for space travel. If you are considering an "Out-of-this-world" travel experience, this may be just the thing for you, providing you have the funds.
Imagine a future where an eighty year old person has the health, mental capacity, vim and vigor of a thirty five year old. The implications for society would be huge! Work, play, life and mobility would change dramatically from what we have come to accept about aging. No sickness - the pharmaceutical industry would be turned on its ear. Therapies called senolytics are in clinical trials NOW. Listen to this segment to learn more.
Yes, there's an app for that! AI is combined with a multi-sensor smart insole to improve the many different aspects of your daily run. Surprisingly affordable and currently available, this tech could have long term effects on your health and technique.
The recent deaths of two men riding in a Tesla Model S sedan reinforces the need for the public to understand that full autonomy is not yet available to the public in a private motor vehicle - ANYWHERE. Listen to learn what happened.
Heidelberg Germany is working to develop a community where not only gasoline and diesel cars are not welcome, but even electric ones too. Interestingly enough, the reasons behind this push and the progress being made so far is not as "out there" as you might think.
After a short five year hiatus, Toyota has reintroduced the Venza. Now exclusively available as a hybrid with all-wheel drive, this second generation has plenty to offer. I take one for a spin to find out, just how much.
A number of over-the-road truck manufacturers have come together to adopt a set of standards - both software and hardware - that will govern the roll out of their autonomous truck models in the next few years. Discover how and why they could do what Detroit and Silicon Valley could not.
Vehicle to Everything, better known as V2X, is a communications protocol that will permit your vehicle to "communicate" to everything from traffic lights, pedestrians and even other vehicles. Listen in to learn how this is impacting vehicle design RIGHT NOW and how it will impact you in the near future.
Does your vehicle define your lifestyle? Do you have a desire to be more connected to the brand that you drive? The world's automakers are hoping so. Here is a look at several nameplates that are trying to expand their relevance to their owners beyond just selling vehicles.
The National Transportation Safety Board recently unveiled its most wanted list of transportation safety improvements in the United States. Learn just what they are seeking.
Old name, brand-new vehicle. Forget everything you know about the Chevy Trailblazer! Its back in a smaller and compelling package. During this segment, discover how this latest addition to the Chevy line-up fits in.
There has been plenty of conversation as of late regarding the need to invest in America's public infrastructure. From roads, dams and bridges, to river locks and more, there is plenty that needs fixin. Find out what's going on.
A recent study issued by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that women are often at greater risk of serious injury then men in vehicle accidents. Ken and Chase cover the details.
As been widely reported, the pandemic has not affected all Americans the same. Find out why some essential workers are struggling to keep their wheels.
Since the dawn of the electric age, electricity was generated in large central plants and transmission lines delivered it to cities, towns and neighborhoods. In the future, your neighborhood and by nature your very home or apartment may generate enough power for your daily needs. Find out how decentralized power generation is becoming a thing.
Ken and Chase talk about the rise of LuquidPiston, a company that has reimagined the internal combustion engine with amazing results! Find out why the Department of Defense is so interested in this technology.
Hot or Hype? Ken reviews the brand-new Land Rover Defender 110 SUV. Find out why he was a lot less impressed than the advertising would have you believe.
Mazda has upped the ante for 2021 with the introduction of the more powerful CX-30 Turbo. Find out why this may very well be the subcompact that you want in your driveway.
Even in 2021, intercity rail travel is good for business and good for the communities it serves. Learn how one city is looking to add an Amtrak stop and how it may bring economic development and other financial incentives to the town.
Ken and Chase review the vast impact of the current global shortage of semi-conductors and the various ways it is impacting American consumers in real time.
Learn how a tiny town on North Carolina's Outer Banks is dealing with a pending climate change disaster - in real time. It's tradition vs cold reality and the need for hard cold cash as the town fathers attempt to maintain their town and their way of life - even as the community is in danger of being washed into the Atlantic Ocean.
During this segment, Ken and Chase discuss the potential impact of self-driving big rigs on the trucking industry as a whole and with human drivers in particular. Will this offset the growing shortage of human drivers in the coming years? Tune in to learn more.
Did you know that nuclear power currently provides about twenty percent of all electricity that is generated in the United States? Or that some forty years after the Three Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania that US Utilities are still building NEW nuclear power plants? Or that the United States produces more electricity from nuclear power than any other country in the world? Tune in to learn more about this underreported corner of the electric industry.
Nope, this is not another rehash of what went wrong with the power grid, but it IS about the far reaching impact that the power outages in Texas will have on a broad swath of the American and global economies. In one word its this: plastics.
After e-commerce and pharmacy, Amazon is doubling down on the nation's grocery business. From the ability to order dry goods on its regular site, to cashierless Amazon Go stores, and the advantages of Amazon Prime, the company is expanding into bricks and mortar stores in a serious way with Amazon Fresh. Tune in to this segment to learn more.
The world's automakers are doing more than just talking about going electric. In a growing number of cases, its all-electric or nothing! While the internal combustion engine is not going away anytime soon, its dominance as the leading power source for mobility will wane over time, starting next year. Listen in to find out the why and how.
Ken and Chase discuss the impact of the recent merger announcement between the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads and its impact on consumers.
Even as the world continues to recover from the many and varied aspects of the pandemic, travel and energy consumption has changed in parts of the industrialized world that growing demand from developing countries will not offset. Find out who said that we may have already passed the point of peak gasoline demand in the world.
This segment reviews the all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra sedan. Beautiful, modern, and unlike anything on the road today! Check it out!
In case you didn't know, the auto industry is still designing and manufacturing passenger cars for the US marketplace. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released a list of the safest midsize cars for the 2021 model year. Ken and Chase take a look.
Ken and Chase continue the conversation around the question "Can Autonomous Weapons fight Ethical Wars?"
During this segment, Ken and Chase go back "into the weeds" with a discussion of the substance Graphene as another option for energy harvesting.
This segment explores the continued risks of IoT devices in the home, and the lack of security features to protect home owners against various hackers and other bad actors.
Ken and Chase discuss the existence of "musical roads" - designed to "play" a specific tune when driven on.
Ken reviews the 2020 Ford Expedition MAX SUV. As the automaker's answer to the long running and very successful Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, Ken checks in to see how it stacks up.
Ken and Chase discuss the recommendations from an International group for making traffic literally "disappear" from urban city streets.
This segment takes a look at Waymo's recent attempts to use simulations to make the case that autonomous cars are safer than human operated ones.
During this episode, learn why the same hope that brought reliable power to South Australia will soon become a thing in Texas.
During this segment, Ken and Chase discuss the recent pivot and motivations of Big Oil as they seem to beginning to embrace the Green Movement.
For this segment, Ken and Chase explain why you don't need to be a "tree hugger" to appreciate the economics of the newest crop of electric vehicles.
Ken slides behind the wheel of the all-new fourth generation Kia Sorento SUV. manufactured at Kia's manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, find out why this latest Kia will continue to draw consumers to the brand.
During this episode, Ken shares a new app that offers dementia patients relief from pain. Learn why this is a very personal topic for him.
So, how much information are you willing to share in order to get a better deal on your car insurance? A number of major insurers believe that the time has come for user-based auto insurance. What say you?
Clearview AI, the company behind the problematic software that misidentified women and people of color on a regular basis, has recently filed a NEW patent that takes things even further - with applications for dating apps, identifying homeless people and illicit drug users.
Will carrying a digital "pass" improve your life? Israel looks at issuing a "green pass" that will allow those who have received the COVID vaccine free reign in the country. But what does that mean for those who have not? Ken and Chase discuss the implications.
Is there still a place in the market for a gasoline-electric hybrid? Volvo seems to think so with it's latest rendition of their midsize SUV - the XC60 Recharge.
Space tourism will get a major boost over the next few years as one company makes progress toward building the first hotel and cinema in space. Ken and Chase explore the concept.
During this segment, Ken and Chase talk about the city of Petaluma, California and efforts by city officials to end the construction of new gasoline stations.
Ken slides behind the wheel of the sophisticated Nissan Kicks, the automaker's latest addition to its growing crossover/SUV line-up. As a new entry in the increasingly crowded urban CUV market segment, the Kicks has a lot to offer. Find out just how much by listening to this review.
Ken and Chase review a recent list of the least expensive cars to insure in the American marketplace. Is your pending purchase on the list? Tune in to find out.
Apple is taking no prisoners with its pending launch of its "iCar" in a few years. It appears that Kia will be the tech company's manufacturing partner - and Apple's direct investment in Kia could total Billions of dollars and more activity at its West Point, Georgia facility. Ken and Chase discuss the specifics.
With the advent of autonomous vehicles, you knew it was coming to this: can autonomous weapons fight an "ethical war"? Ken and Chase attempt to approach the subject in this thought provoking segment.
This segment will introduce you to Ford's Blue Oval Vehicle Certification Program - which offers motorists buying used vehicles upto ten years old, new piece of mind.
Ken and Chase discuss the reasons for the failure of the electrical grid in Texas during the recent cold snap.
Now for something completely different: Ken reviews the 2020 Ford Transit van. As the successor to the popular E-Series full-size van, the Transit has enabled Ford to claim some 57 percent of the full-size van market in recent years. Learn why this Kansas City-built vehicle is so amazing.
This segment makes the case for why Tesla, not Waymo, will dominate autonomous driving in the coming years. Some of the facts you already know. Tune in to find out about the facts that you don't.
During this segment, Ken and Chase discuss a recent article by Consumer Reports, which details a low income bias against customers of several of the nation's largest automotive insurance companies.
During this segment, Ken & Chase share what they know about HopSkipDrive, a school age student ride-sharing service that was started by three working moms in Spokane Washington. Learn why they are growing so fast.
During this segment, the implications of Virginia's new privacy law are explored. Find out why this legislation may not be the last as the states attempt to react to personal data privacy and security rights in the midst of a federal vacuum.
Ken and Chase take a look at the Union Cab Cooperative of Madison, Wisconsin to learn what happens when drivers rule.
Ken and Chase discuss the new rules issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as they relate to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that govern occupant safety in the new autonomous cars.
Ken reviews the sleek and sophisticated 2021 Acura TLX sedan. Learn why that owning a four-door sedan in today's truck-crazy market still has its advantages.
Ken & Chase discuss the evolution of the Ford Motor Company into an EV manufacturer with the company's latest news and updates.
Ken and Chase explain the basics of energy storage and its relationship to the electric grid - and most importantly, why this should matter to you.
Ken & Chase discuss new software used by Amazon and aided by artificial intelligence to monitor the activity of their third-party delivery drivers.
Ken talks about why his recent personal vehicle purchase wasn't an EV as many expected.
Electrofuels. By using electricity and carbon dioxide, diesel and jet fuel can be made for use in trucks and jet planes - with NO modifications and NO crude oil or harmful hydrocarbons. Learn how.
Ken and Chase discuss the findings from a recent survey by iSeeCars.com which explores which SUVs are kept by the original owners for at least fifteen years or more.
Ken reviews the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition SUV, now in its final year of production.
V2X - Vehicle-to-everything communication holds much promise to increase road safety. In one view, this technology should be standard on all two-wheeled vehicles first. Ken and Chase explain.
Ken & Chase discuss several new technologies that offer motorists the opportunity to recharge their EVs without having to stop at a recharge station.
Heavy truck maker Navistar is teaming with General Motors to develop a hydrogen-powered big rig truck that they expect to have its International RH Series fuel cell electric vehicle in real world testing by the end of next year and available for sale for the 2024 model year.
Solid state Lithium-Ion batteries are coming into their own. Safer and more compact than the current offerings, this new technology holds promise in moving the needle for increased range and reduced charging times for EVs.
Each year, some 17,000 immigrants are smuggled into the United States - victims of human trafficking. The numbers of fellow Americans being trafficked within the country, across state lines is even higher. Trucking companies and Mass Transit agencies are working to identify potential situations and offer victims help and safety.
Ken reviews the all new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. Now in its fifth generation, the long time staple of the Chevy lineup has gone decidedly upscale in comfort, performance and appearance.
Since EVs represent the direction that the transportation industry is heading, it seemed reasonable that we took a look at how the American power grid might respond over time.
Boston is taking action now to prepare for the increase in sea levels over the next fifty years. Find out why the city feels compelled to make these changes now.
As the nation's electrical generation plants march toward a green future, coal and even nuclear power are NOT part of the mix. Listen to find out why.
A major automaker has been granted a patent for a car that will drive itself to the car wash to be cleaned when it senses its dirty. Learn more by listening to this segment.
Automakers are moving forward with more sophisticated ways for their coming self-driving vehicles to "see" and perceive the conditions around them. Find out what 4D radar is all about and how it may just revolutionize the self-driving industry.
During this segment, Ken & Chase explores the security risks of the Ring Neighbors app used by homeowners.
During this segment, Ken & Chase review a list of the safest cities to live in during COVID-19.
General Motors is going all in on electric vehicles, and is actively developing flying prototypes as well. Listen to learn more.
Mad Men chic meets RV practicality in this modern tiny home on wheels. Learn the story of the Colorado couple who developed the concept and why its so neat.
During this segment, Ken and Chase discuss the ways that transportation safety advocates are pushing the new administration toward adopting more aggressive safety initiatives.
Ken reviews the Honda Odyssey minivan. Still active in the segment, Honda is pulling no punches and taking no prisoners. Find out how the automaker is working to keep its minivan relevant in a truck crazy marketplace.
Spin, the micromobility unit of the Ford Motor Company is incorporating Drover AI's PathPilot tech into the next generation of the company's Spin Insight e-scooter monitoring platform, available to cities across the United States. Its all about managing micromobility expectations and outcomes. Listen to learn more.
RoadWorthy Drive reports on a recent account of a military spy plane that utilized Artificial Intelligence to help in flying the aircraft during a recent training sortie.
Ken and Chase review the potential consequences of the recent merger of FiatChrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA that created the world's 4th largest automaker. Its a mine field with a variety of consequences. Find out what the future may hold for the manufacturer.
A new driver-centric app is offering competition to Uber & Lyft. By paying drivers more and giving them a greater say in how the business is run, they think that their business could be a hit with riders that have been disappointed by the main services, but still positive on ride-sharing.
The Elon Musk venture known as The Boring Company, plans to expand their underground transportation system in Las Vegas. Will this be boom or bust for the young company? Listen in as Ken shares the details.
It took a malfunction for an Eastern state to discontinue the use of an intrusive camera system on its unsuspecting residents. Find out who and why.
RoadWorthy Drive reviews the fun and engaging 2020 Subaru WRX STi sedan. Based on the automaker's World Rally Competition car, the STi is perfect for those motorists who prefer to be one with their car and the road. Find out how much fun you can have behind the wheel.
Ken & Chase discuss the recent reporting concerning Apple and its quest to bring a pure electric car to market by 2024.
This segment explores the reasons for the current truck driver shortage during the pandemic. For the most part, its not what you think.
The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on automotive shows around the world. See what the Motor City is doing in place of it for 2021.
It seems that our semi automatic vehicles are resulting in drivers zoning out - with potentially dangerous consequences.
After five years of solid gains in corporate average fuel economy by the automaker's fleets, they suffered a setback in 2019.
A recent study examined levels of car ownership in communities where Uber and Lyft set up shop.
The rise of standard automatic rear braking systems may be good news for lower insurance premiums.
Both big tech and the a number of major health organizations are exploring the possibilities of a digital vaccine passport.
The great American City is undergoing changes - more micromobility with fewer cars, trucks and SUVs.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is behind the effort to improve the quality of vehicle headlights - learn why.