If The “Crown” Fits, Wear It! The Global introduction of the 2023 Toyota Crown Hybrid Sedan | #510
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Alan welcomes contributor and friend Karl Brauer – Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com.  The guys discuss a recent study on how many drivers have switched over to a hybrid. Where is it changing the most?  Where has it gone up the most?  Mississippi 241%, Hawaii, then Utah.  Growth in unexpected areas says Karl. Next the gentlement discuss the Global unveiling of the new 2023 Toyota Crown Sedan.  A standard hybrid, all wheel drive.  The base engine will get 38mpg and but the performance version will only go 28mpg, however it will have a turbo charged engine that’s tuned to make maximum torque between 2000 and 3000 rpm.  Gonna feel like a rocket ship. Karl says that he is not an “anti” electric car guy.  He and Alan talk about how the Ford Mustang Mach E was profitable when they first started selling it, but not anymore. With infrastructure issues, cost issues, profit issues, supply chain issues cars aren’t being made as fast -not only EV’s, but gas powered as well. Projections are not being met, Karl says, the word that should be used is “aspiration” instead of “projection”. Joining Alan next is Brian Moody – Executive Editor of Auto Trader.com.  Alan shares with Moody about working on his 1979 Chevy Half Ton C10 Short Bed with a Factory Big Block 454 Engine. He compares it to the 2023 Raptor R with the Shelby GT 500 engine, the TRX with the Dodge Hellcat engine.  Alan is gearing up to take it to Hot August Nights.  He asks Moody if people put specialty vehicles on Autotrader? Yes, from classics 50-80’s,  late 80’s to 90’s, to newer things, in fact he has a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser Straight 6 Turbo Diesel with 13k Miles, if you know, you know! Next they discuss how BMW is up-charging through subscriptions – In-Car monetization.  Brian says that’s a tough sell. Alan calls it “insanity”.  Taking a premium brand and holding me hostage in order to use the heated seats.  Insane! Brian say’s there are more used vehicles then new vehicles in inventory.  Average listing price is now down, because there is an abundance, that’s the good news. Bad news is that new cars, average listing price is $46k, with options and packages over $48k.  Credit is hard to get and if you do, there are high interest rates. In the next segment, long time friend and contributor, BJ Killeen – Automotive Journalist and ‘Voice of Reason’ joins in on the future of car manufacturing. GM and Ford have no control when it comes to driver free vehicles.  They want to have up to 2500 vehicles that are self driving.  No steering wheel, no brake pedal.  Made for ride sharing and package delivery.  Alan says this is a problem.  In case something malfunctions what do you do?  BJ is concerned about being a passenger.  Are you brave enough?  Alan says it’s taking away jobs and the human touch. BJ says that the supply chains for the car industry are “just nuts”.  Getting simple things is absurd.   She shares that Stellantis and Ford are talking about shutting down a plant.  Alan expresses that the cost of vehicles now is outrageous, price gouging.  BJ briefly sheds light on the situation with Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of Nissan who got arrested in Japan and was confined in his home but then escaped.  He feels that he was set up. He explains how he escaped from Japan and ended up in Lebanon where he is basically a prisoner. Closing the show with Alan is Dan “Boots” Longenette – Founder and Host of Auto Smarts Radio.  Calling from Westerville, Ohio, Dan shares that on his radio show he talks about NASCAR, Good Guys, and Classics.  “What do you think about manufacturers becoming all electric?” asked Alan. “It’s coming whether we like it or not.
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