The Weekly Driver Podcast

In this special The Weekly Driver podcast episode, Michael Kahn takes the reins from longtime hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich in an interview with Raia, who reflects on the journey in automotive journalism and podcasting over the past seven years. Raia leans forward and with a bit of a journalistic tone, he casually shares, "After reviewing cars every week for 21 years, I still find myself asking, 'What’s the story behind this car?'” With candid humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Raia shares the story of how he and Aldrich built the podcast from scratch, interviewing everyone from car enthusiasts next door to industry giants like the CEO of Fiat. This conversation covers career-defining moments, memorable guests, and why cars are more than just machines—they’re connections to our history, personalities, and even families. "Some of our best episodes were just like having a coffee with a friend—it’s like you forget the mic is even there," Raia reminisces fondly. Whether you’re a car lover or just love a great story, James Raia and Michael’s final chat offers a look back at the people, places, and stories that made "The Weekly Driver" an enduring success and where it is going from here. Michael Kahn and James Raia driving the 2023 Lucid Air Pure. Transcript Michael Kahn: All righty. Well, weekly driver podcast final episode with James Raia being taken over by myself, Michael Kahn. What are we doing here? James Raia: We're doing a final podcast of the weekly driver Bruce Aldrich and I started it more than seven years ago, and I think we're, we went past 275 episodes. We mostly did it weekly because the site's the weekly driver, and that was corresponding to the fact that I test drove cars for each week for about 20 years before you purchased the site. And Bruce and I decided to do this podcast on a whim and we just had a blast that we got to meet a lot of important people in the car world some internationally famous, some locally famous, people with used cars, people with vintage cars, people with new cars, book authors, all kinds of different people. Analysts, anybody who was marginally related to the automotive field; we interviewed a lot of people. Michael Kahn: Yeah, in listening through all of your episodes over the past seven years, you have such a diverse array of subjects and people you've talked to, friends you've made, and just the way that you ask your questions and tell people or let people tell their stories. It's a really good podcast. James Raia: Thank you. Michael Kahn: And I know that I'm taking over and of course I have my own personality and my own direction, which is fine. James Raia: Sure. Michael Kahn: But I'm excited just to leave these episodes up and let people continue to listen to them. And also they're, they're timeless. The things that you talk about aren't relevant to whether they were published last week or seven years ago, they remain very interesting and they're certainly worth revisits and I'm sure you have plenty of favorites. James Raia: Oh, absolutely. I think, before discussing some of the favorites, one of the things that made the podcast work, at least as far as I'm concerned, is that Bruce and I have been friends for a very long time. Michael Kahn: Yeah, how did you meet Bruce? James Raia: Bruce was a Triathlete, a pretty prominent local triathlete, and I worked at the Sacramento Bee years ago, and I did a story on him. Michael Kahn: Sacramento Bee, being the Sacramento based newspaper. James Raia: Yeah, back then Sacramento Bee was it was the daily newspaper in Sacramento for a long time and now it's six days a week. And it back in the day, you know 30 years ago, it had a large budget and I was interested in endurance sports, I still am. And Bruce, I'd heard about Bruce and we met, did a story on him. And, we struck up a friendship and, Bruce inherited from his father a 1959 Volkswagen bug, and I had an old Volkswagen bug. So that kind of just got the ball rolling in terms of our friendship. And we have, other common interests and his wife knew my then girlfriend and now wife and so the four of us are friends. And it turns out we live down the street now with a new home. But I think in addition to that, Bruce's personality and my personality we're complimentary. I know about journalism and he knows about the automotive world. He rebuilt engines he's gone to a lot of shows, he has friends who are car enthusiasts. So, I think we were able to bounce off kind of the lay person approach that I had with his perspective as a person who knows about engines and other things about automobiles. So that's how it kind of developed. And I think we just had a casual way of approaching it, that was kind of fun. Michael Kahn: And you guys definitely had a great yin and yang conversation. James Raia: Yeah, I always, we always told guests, we'd call up somebody and we'd say we're going to do a little bit of a countdown and then what's just going to be like having a cup of coffee or a beer with somebody, or a glass of wine, it's very relaxed. Some people still didn't know exactly what a podcast was or is. And so we said it was, you know, audio only. And sometimes we interviewed people overseas with a big time difference, sometimes it was somebody down the street. And we always told them that the half hour went pretty quickly and with the very few exceptions it goes pretty quickly if you get into the subject. Michael Kahn: Yeah. That's always a favorite of mine, whether I'm interviewing someone or listening to a podcast, it's just how conversations can flow and you can really tell when both the guests. You and Bruce did that so many times, time and time again. James Raia: Yeah, we started out with literally on a shoestring budget and we had sponsor. Michael Kahn: I've seen the shoestrings James Raia: Had two strings and a tin cup, and then we mostly, we did it in back Bruce's backyard. And we had, as we got into it, we had a little bit better equipment and Bruce was a very good editor and we took different approaches at different times and we was, we would always look forward to having, if nothing else, being friends, but just having the microphone on at the same time and it got us into a few places and we got to interview some important people in the automotive space. Some people were a little hesitant. Some people who were, like the president, we interviewed the president of Fiat one time. We didn't know he was, we were going to interview the president of Fiat. We were at the LA auto show and there were some interesting cars there and we asked the marketing or public relations guy if we could do an interview about some of the new products they had, the guy said sure let's do it tomorrow. And we show up and there's a nice room and this guy walks in and he's the president and CEO of Fiat. Michael Kahn: That's so much fun. James Raia: It was so much fun and it came with a surprise and that would be corresponding to someone who I met in Midtown, Sacramento. One time, I was at lunch and this guy drove up and it was a like a 1930 something Packard and I looked at the guy, happened to see him, and I said, that is a great car. And he said, well, I have a few of them in my backyard. And so it turns out the guy was, lived about a mile away. We went over there one afternoon and sat in the back of his 50 something Lincoln Continental. And he ran a little company to take people out on fancy dates or anniversaries or whatever the occasion was. And he was working on cars with a bunch of other guys and they had, he had 10 or 12 cars and they were all great. So it was just a guy down the street in comparison to the president of Fiat. It was something. Michael Kahn: Yeah. And that's kind of what I really enjoyed about revisitings of your old episodes is just how it can be these automotive executives to marketing people to the guy down the street who just has a real passion for cars. James Raia: Yeah. Michael Kahn: I'm curious. Okay. So what's your story? We talked a little about Bruce, but I'm kind of curious about the story, the origins of James. James Raia: Oh, in the automotive space I was a beat writer for the AP covering the Sacramento Kings. When they first came to town in late 1986 was the first season, 85, 86 season was the first season of the Kings. And I was the, one of the old Arco Arenas. Now they're office buildings. And I was sitting next to another reporter named Jeff Wiedel, and he, just chatting and he said he started to do car reviews and I asked him how he did that. And he said, well, he didn't really know much about cars, but he'd heard about this outfit that has a liaison company to the manufacturers. And he told them who he was and what his experience was as a journalist. And I said, do you know anything about cars, Jeff? And he said, not a thing. And so I figured, well, I don't know a thing either. But I'd been a reporter at that point for, you know, 20 years or so. And so I got started just by providing some clips of other stories. And then I got involved with a very small syndicate in Canada. It was called City Express. And I started doing some reviews for this outfit that distributed columns to a few Canadian newspapers. And developed from there. I met a guy who was early on in the internet business and we developed this Weekly Driver website because I was reviewing each car for a week and then I got to meet this fellow, Mike Kahn, who helped me develop the site and Michael Kahn: Sounds like trouble. James Raia: So it was trouble, a lot of trouble and, but we're still friends. And so I just kept the car reviews going for about, well, I'm on my 21st year now of reviewing. Michael Kahn: That's amazing. 21 years. James Raia: Yeah. And I think Michael Kahn: A car a week, do the math. James Raia: 800 reviews, something like that....

It was just before the opening evening session of the recent2024 Nvidia GTC conference at the San Jose Convention Center and it got quiet quickly. Alwin Bakkenes, Russell Datz, the carmaker's national media relations manager, Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, and I all stepped in and closed our respective doors of the 2024 EX90 electric SUV perched in the corner of the expo hall. The 2024 all-electric Volvo EX90 sport utility vehicle was presented at the recent Nvidia GTC conference in San Jose, California. Volvo and Nvidia, the multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, have had a business partnership since 2016. And with the conference an in-person gathering for the conference for the first time in five years, Volvo was among several manufacturers' representatives in attendance. Despite his software engineering expertise and his explanation, Bakkenes didn't need to apologize for his lack of speaking abilities. He's a skilled corporate spokesperson and he was our guest on episode #284 of the podcast Aldrich and I started in August 2017. "This particular car is the start of the new era for Volvo Cars," said Bakkenes. "It's born electric, it's born software-defined and it's very safe. What we have done is build the software architecture based on what we call our core technology which we built with Nvidia." What Bakennes means, and how the soon-to-be-available EX90 is different from the current Volvo lineup, is the subject of our podcast. Please join us as our guest explains how the new vehicle's powertrain, chassis systems, and the driver assistance features all operate on their own computers and what that means to consumers.

Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson are colleagues in The Wall Street Journal's virtual sports department. Clegg, the sports editor, is an Englishman who lives with his family in New York. Robinson is an American based in London. They share global sporting interests, particularly soccer and motorsports. The duo's reporting expertise has led to a long collaboration away from daily journalism. They're now book co-authors for the third time. The most recent effort, published on March 12, is titled "The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World's Fastest-Growing Sport.” (Mariner Books, 304 pages, ISBN: 9780063318625; $29.99). With co-host Bruce Aldrich on vacation, I interview the two writers on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. The once-faltering circuit is now thriving. With its focus for many years at global venues, except North America, the elite motorsports circuit now has three events in the United States. It debuted in Las Vegas last November in the first year of a 10-year contract, joining U.S. stops in Austin and Miami. With events also in Canada and Mexico, five of the 24 races this year are scheduled in North America. The 11-month circuit began in late February in Bahrain, and it continues through December 6 in Abu Dhabi. The 20-car circuit will travel to 21 countries on five continents. "Both of us grew up in Europe with F1 during its first real peak in the late 80s and early 90s," said Robinson. "We both saw it as it fell away; people got bored. It just didn't have the same cultural relevance for about 15 years. That really changed in the last five or six years." The resurgence was substantially assisted by "Formula 1: Drive to Survive." The documentary series on Netflix debuted in 2019 as a behind-the-scenes look at drivers and races and money. The sixth season debuted in February. "We thought the time was right to kind of explain the rise, fall and reinvention of a sport," said Robinson. Clegg and Robinson also co-authored: "The Club: How the English Premier League Became the Richest, Wildest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports,” and "Messi vs. Ronaldo: One Rivalry, Two Goals, and the Era That Remade the World’s Game." "We spend a lot of time before we commit a single word to paper or a computer screen," said Clegg. "We spend a lot of time sort of thinking about the characters and episodes we want to include in the book and the narrative arc we are trying to unpack with the story we are telling.” What's detailed is compelling. The authors are veteran reporters, skilled scene-setters and writers who write succinctly about rich subject matter. The cars, teams, and staff require extreme budgets. Drivers are charismatic, fans fanatical, rivalries intense. Races are held in opulent locales among pretty and handsome faces and bling. The sport has emerged from corruption. Two additional major themes of the book: Red Bull and the energy drink’s billionaire Austrian owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, and Liberty Media, the American company. It purchased F1 in 2016 in a multi-billion-dollar deal. Mateschitz infiltrated the sport quickly and retains supremacy in Formula 1 unlike any other brand in sport, according to Clegg. Liberty Media drastically changed how the sport is presented. It rebranded the logo, modernized marketing and emphasized streaming broadcasts. For years lapped by the popularity of other motorsports, the authors present F1 as the "world's fastest-growing sport." "I think we realized pretty early on that the one through line that can be traced back from the very beginning of F1 in the early 1950s right through to its current present-day success as a sort of global entertainment monster and streaming property is that this is a sport that has been defined by reinvention," said Clegg. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. All episodes are also archived via the link: www.theweeklydriver.com/twd-podcast.

The autonomous vehicle industry has reduced its speed. Its future is here, but it's not quite as in focus as the next signpost. Even the most fervent believers have re-evaluated their enthusiasm for the human-free driving mode. What's ahead for autonomous driving and an array of other pending driving technology is among the many topics in many industries set for explanation, examination and speculation beginning March 18 during the four-day Nvidia GPU Technology Conference (GTC). Danny Shapiro, Nvidia's vice president of automotive, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. With Co-host Bruce Aldrich on vacation, James Raia interviews Shapiro about the pending conference. "The autonomous space is progressing very nicely," says Shapiro. "It's taken longer than we initially thought. "In fact, the entire industry underestimated the complexity of being able to safely navigate." Shapiro was also a guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast (Episode #123) in February 2020. The conference involves the advancing usages of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for accelerated computing and AI. The naming sponsor, Nvidia, is the Santa Clara-based multinational corporation that designs and supplies graphics for data science and high-performance computing. It's also the dominant global supplier of AI hardware and software. Founded in 1993, Nvidia took its name from invidia. It's the Latin word for envy, the ancient Greek Titan deity of hatred and jealousy. The company chose its name to symbolize its vision and innovation in the fields of graphics and computing. The quickly evolving automotive industry and its AI future will share the conference with similar advancing innovations in healthcare, accelerated computing and data science. Organizers note more than 900 talks, training sessions, workshops and panels and more than 300 exhibitors and demonstrations are scheduled.
" Any companies that are doing work in AI will have NVIDIA in their data center, in their workstations or their vehicles," Shapiro says. "We have hundreds of car companies and truck companies; robot taxi companies have our have our data platform in their vehicles." According to Shapiro, organizers anticipate 20,000 in-person attendees and several hundred thousand virtual attendees. In the automotive portion of the conference, Shapiro details AI's part in improved safety. Humans still have erratic behavior whether they are driving or pedestrians. Many companies, Shapiro notes, are integrating driver assistance platforms. "The owner of the vehicle, the person behind the wheel is the driver still responsible but artificial intelligence is making the road a lot safer,” Shapiro says. "It can alert them (the driver) and it can take over certain functions on the highway, lane-keeping, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control. "These are all very complicated software systems that are getting better and better. Now, there's the notion of a software-defined car or a vehicle that can get updates just like your phone. Vehicles are just getting smarter and smarter."

A strong argument could be made that Ralph Teetor is responsible for what is now called autonomous driving. Blind since he was a young boy, Teetor invented cruise control in the 1940s. It was one of more than 40 patents granted to a native of Indiana who died in 1982. Inventor Ralph Teetor. Teetor will be inducted posthumously into the National Inventors Hall of Fame on May 9 in Washington, D.C. Jack Teetor, the inventor's great-nephew, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Teetor the family legacy and the fascinating life of his great-uncle. Teetor has spent many years making the documentary film “Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story.” Screenings of the film are scheduled throughout the county in the coming months. As Teetor shares, his great-uncle was remembered primarily for his invention of cruise control. But his life was remarkable in many ways. In our interview, Teetor details the circumstances of his great uncle's blindness and well as how the disability didn't stop the inventor from achieving his goals. Please join us for an intriguing episode on Ralph R. Teetor and presented by Jack Teetor. For more information about Jack or Ralph Teetor, visit: www.blindlogicproductions.com. For more information about the National Inventors Hall of Fame, visit: https://www.invent.org

Ken Karklin, the CEO of Pivotal, has had a several-decade career in engineering, aircraft and robotics. He knows technology as license holder of multiple patents. His latest passion is the Helix. Highlighted at the recent Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, the Helix is the only personal flying vehicle in production in the United States. Public sales began January 8. Ken Karklin is the CEO of Pivotal, the manufacturer of the Helix, the electric personal flying vehicle. Image © James Raia/2024. Karklin is our guest on this week's episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Karklin the new vehicle and his experiences flying the Helix. We examine the practical uses of the aircraft, the regulations of the ultralight and the specs of the 15-foot-long machine. It has vertical take-off and a forward-tilting design for flight mode. Weighing just 360 pounds, the Helix falls under the FAA Part 103 (Ultralight) classification, allowing flight without a pilot's license. The EV has dual wings housing eight motors and batteries and can fly for two hours at 62 miles per hour With deliveries scheduled to begin in June, the Helix base model is priced at $190,000. With extensive additional features like 4K cameras and flight-traffic control systems, the price increases to $260,000. Please join us for a look at the future of personal transportation.

Ben Welch blames himself for driving his 1994 Chevy Suburban when he shouldn't have. He knew his van well except for one momentary lapse when the engine warnings were more serious than he thought. It was a long time ago and the vehicle has fared well regardless — it surpassed one million miles on the odometer without any engine overhauls. Welch, a Vietnam veteran who has lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, since 1962, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Welch about his 30-year ownership of his Suburban and his vast experiences driving the vehicle an average of about 33,000 miles per year. Welch, according to information provided by a public relations representative, had driven the Suburban about 400,000 miles before the serpentine belt broke during a long road trip, causing the engine to overheat. The vehicle, of course, was damaged but it "survived," which Welch attributes to only using American-made Conklin lubrication products in his Suburban. He also cites Randy Bloom, his long-time mechanic and friend, for providing great expertise while working on the Suburban. Welch is now an independent distributor for Conklin. When Welch bought the Suburban he planned to retain ownership for about a year and drive it for 35,000 miles trading it in for the next model year's offering. But he didn't like the 1995 Suburban's appearance and some of its features. He kept his original purchase and just kept driving it. Please join Bruce and me as we learn more about the million-mile Suburban.

As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I have for the past several years picked the top cars of the year at the end of the calendar year. This year, as we do most often, Bruce and I interview a guest on the podcast and then drive the week's review vehicle to lunch. We often extend the day to further drive the vehicle, take images and share our opinions. The 2023 Lucid Air is The Weekly Driver Podcast's 2023 Best Car of the Year. Image © Bruce Aldrich/2023. Bruce has certain interests and knows the mechanics of cars and trucks far better than I do. I write reviews of vehicles for several publications, including TheWeeklyDriver.com since 2004. I usually drive every week for a week. Bruce has contributed images for dozens of vehicles and has produced every podcast episode. Like we do every year, we selected best-of-the-year lists is based only on the model year corresponding to the same calendar year. The plush interior of the Lucid Air. Image courtesy of the manufacturer. This year we individually chose our favorite vehicles of the year based on 2023 models of 37 vehicles fully reviewed. As has also occurred several times, we both selected the same vehicle as The Weekly Driver Podcast's best vehicle of the year. It's the 2023 Lucid Air. The Lucid Air (Grand Touring) and Lucid Air (Pure) both were reviewed. Here's what I wrote in part in my review of the Lucid Air (Grand Touring): "Available in Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Performance, and the new-for-2023 Sapphire trims, the Lucid Air is a high-performance, handsome, and the-future-is-now vehicle that provides a new definition of a sedan. "Spacious and wide-bodied, the reviewed Lucid Air (Grand Touring) has 819 horsepower and a 112-kWh battery that provides the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive wonder with a 516-mile range and acceleration from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds." "For performance enthusiasts and the electric vehicle obsessed, the stats are industry-best numbers. For the rest of us, sub-three-second efforts may cause lightheadedness. Conversely, driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles and halfway home isn’t possible in many gasoline-powered vehicles. A recharge isn’t required for long hours behind the racing-styled Lucid wheel." Please join Bruce and me as we further discuss the upstart Lucid lineup and also reveal the rest of our respective Best-of-the-Year lists.

Like many automotive enthusiasts, when Rodney Kemerer talks about cars his enthusiasm abounds. A lifelong enthusiast, Kemerer is the author of Tales From The Garage. As described in its Amazon profile, the "heartfelt book — the half memoir, have the memories of others — is truly a pop culture snapshot of modern society through the lens of the automobile." Kemerer is our guest this week on Episode #277 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Kemerer, a veteran journalist, about his first book and the surprising reactions he's received from readers. "Kemerer understands that car stories can be the gateway to every aspect of our lives," the book's introduction states. During our interview, Kemerer details his quick entry into automotive journalism. He submitted an article "cold" a decade or so years ago to Hemmings, the car collector magazine. The article was published, although its author was never told. Kemerer noticed it when reading another issue of the magazine. The writer's debut was the impetus for other articles in the Los Angeles Times to Old Cars Weekly. He developed a relationship with the editor and publisher of Garage Style Magazine and began writing a column called "Tales From The Garage. The columns were successful and the new book is a compilation of the columns. "I realized maybe I could have a broader audience for the pieces because they seem to have a universal appeal," says Kemerer. "The book is 30 essays and each one has its own graphic language." Kemerer, who lives in Beverly Hills, California, has a vast collection of model cars and most of the vehicles he's ever owned. Please join us for a 30-minute interview with a new author. He's funny and he loves cars. It's a good match. Tales From The Garage (Amazon, $29.95) is available via TheWeeklyDriver.com's affiliate program with the online retailer. Visit: Tales From The Garage

John Vincent is the Senior Editor and Correspondent/Vehicle Testing on the Autos team at U.S. News & World Report. With more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Vincent knows new cars, manufacturers and trends in the industry. The former long-time newspaper reporter is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Honda was recently named one of the best brands for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Image © James Raia/2023. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Vincent about his publication's recent release of its Best Cars of 2023 and 2024. Besides individual rankings throughout the spectrum of the industry, the publication also selected Best Car Brand (Honda), Best SUV Brand (Mazda), Best Truck Brand (Ram) and Best Luxury Brand (Rivian). Vincent details the publication's methodology and the publication's site also explains it: "The Best Vehicle Brand awards are an objective assessment of quality across all of a brand’s offerings in four categories: Cars, SUVs, Trucks and Luxury. "Brand ratings are based on the U.S. News Best Cars overall scores for each vehicle, which incorporate the consensus opinion of the automotive press, as well as safety and reliability data." Vincent also discusses his recent attendance at the Los Angeles Auto Show and his analysis of the show including why several mainstream manufacturers and prominent upstart carmakers weren't there. Please join us for our informative episode #276 as we talk with one of the automotive industry's most prominent journalists.

Craig Jackson is the CEO of Barrett-Jackson, the country's most well-known auction company, and he owns 108 vehicles — from muscle cars to sports cars and modern classics to resto-mods. Immersed in the automotive world since he was a boy, Jackson recently attended the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) annual gathering in Las Vegas. He was our special guest for the latest episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts James Raia and John Berg spoke with Jackson inside the Barrett-Jackson trailer on the showroom floor in one of several exhibit halls that housed the massive automotive showcase. Jackson, 63, discussed Barrett-Jackson's legacy and details of his vast personal collection. He also shared his business philosophy and thoughts on the expanding electric vehicle industry segment. "For an auction house to be over 50 years old, we've through a lot of changes," said Jackson in the wide-ranging episode. "The changes are that when we first started it we were selling all pre-World War II cars. Then it evolved. It started changing when we decided to go after the cars that the 'boomers' like, muscle cars." Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson began in 1971, as an expected one-time-only event. Its success prompted an annual auction. The Arizona event remained the showcase of the company's auctions around the country. It starts each season and is scheduled for January 20-28, 2024. Jackson took over full operations in 1995 following the death of his brother and his father. Jackson added vendors and live entertainment to the auction events. Barrett-Jackson saw increased popularity when the Speedvision network, later Speed Channel, began broadcasting the auctions in 1996. It was the first collector car auction to be televised, and coverage has since continued across several channels. "We are in the live event business," Jackson said. "We are in a very passionate business. And what it's all about is bringing new people into the hobby."

Jessica Dunham is a veteran journalist whose passion as a travel writer is the open road. She knows the well-traveled roads along Route 66 and Interstate 5. And she knows the less-visited locales, like the night sky over Marfa, Texas, which includes mysterious blinking lights. Dunham, the author of "The Open Road: 50 Road Trips in the USA" is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Jessica Dunham has authored numerous travel books, including an updated edition of "The Open Road: 50 Road Trips in the USA. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I interview Dunham about her latest book (it's an updated edition) and also about the pleasures of traveling — on good days and bad days. She discusses how the many places she's traveled were condensed into the 50 places in the book. According to its media information, the book comprises "lists of the best coastal drives, cross-country journeys, trips for kids and awe-inspiring views." The book, available on all major online retailers, is organized by region and includes suggestions for a weekend getaway to a cross-country trip. Descriptions include a leaf-peep along the Blue Ridge Parkway, wildflowers on Arizona's Apache Trail, kitschy roadside attractions along Route 66, crossing the Continental Divide in Colorado and falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves at your campsite in Big Sur. Dunman writes about eating your way through Vermont's farms, dairies, orchards and maple houses. She details gulf shrimp and fried okra in the South, oysters and craft beers Oregon and shaved ice along the scenic Oahu Coastal Loop. The comprehensive book features planning resources from easy-to-use maps, helpful info on things to do, lodging and dining for every route, clear directions to each route's starting point and tips for minimizing your environmental impact along the way. Dunham's enthusiasm for travel, whether on a solo trek, with girlfriends or with her husband and the couple's two dogs is evident in her upbeat demeanor. The book also includes essential tips for health and safety on the road, navigating weather conditions, strategies for road-tripping with kids and four-legged friends as well as playlists and podcasts for accompaniment of the open road. Besides her new book, Dunham has vast experience as a travel writer. She was a travel guide editor at Madden Media and has contributed to PHOENIX magazine, Midwest Living, Modern Luxury and Runner's World. She's also co-written and solo written several other travel books. Please join us for a lively half-hour. Dunham shares her keen insight as a traveler and author, and she shares a few travails from the open road.

Doug Berman is the unofficial third brother of the admired comedy team and automotive soothsayer duo of Thomas Louis Magliozzi and Raymond Francis Magliozzi. They were more well-known as "Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers." They were co-hosts of Car Talk, the NPR radio show, for 25 years. Thinly disguised as a weekly program about automobile repair, the program was more about the banter between the brothers and an endearing relationship with their call-in audience. The former mechanics diagnosed engine problems, but they also provided advice, notably about relationships. Comedy reigned. Ray Magliozzi (L) and Tom Magliozzi co-hosted Car Talk on NPR for 25 years. Image courtesy of cartalk.com. Behind the scenes, Berman has coordinated the show since its early days. A former production assistant and then new director for NPR and several affiliates, Berman took on the producer's role of the then-fledgling auto show as a volunteer. He's remained in charge since. The creator of the NPR show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell," Berman is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. A guest at the recent Best of the Bay gathering of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ) in Santa Rosa, California, the long-time journalist spoke with co-host James Raia and guest co-host John Berg about the enduring enterprise that is Car Talk. Tom Magliozzi died in 2014 at age 77. We discuss with Berman the brothers' relationship and how the program has continued in syndication and most recently, the rebroadcast of the long series from the first episode in podcast format. Berman details his relationship with Tom Magliozzi and his current role editing www.cartalk.com as well as collaborating on the syndicated newspaper column the brothers wrote. Berman also runs the program's vehicle donation program, writes car reviews and is the impetus for the enterprise's continuing success. Car Talk show was honored with a Peabody Award in 1992, and the Magliozzis were both inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2018.

Buying a vehicle made in the United States is essential to many consumers. According to Cars.com, about half of the car buyers in the United States say they will pay more for a vehicle that creates U.S. jobs. Additionally, 24 percent of Americans believe a manufacturer has to be headquartered in the U.S. to qualify as "substantially contributing to the U.S. economy." Tesla holds the top four places in the 18th annual American-Made Index announced by Cars.com. Jenni Newman, the editor-in-chief of cars.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. We discuss consumers' preferences for cars made in the United States. Co-host Bruce Aldrich is away this week, so I interview Newman, a repeat guest, about the online publication's 18th annual American-Made Index (AMI). The index independently evaluates and ranks the highest-contributing vehicles to the U.S. economy for manufacturing, parts sourcing and employment. The Honda Odyssey is a mainstay on the American-Made Index announced recently by Cars.com. Image © James Raia/2016. Newman speaks to the methodology behind the compilation of the list, the disconnect between consumer understanding and the American-made automotive market. This year, the AMI consideration set comprises 388 vehicles. Only 100 made the cut with Tesla sweeping the first four spots, joined at the top by mainstay Honda and returning Acura. Volkswagen is debuting in the Index’s top 10. Here's the list, Nos. 1-10 on this year's AMI list: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model S, Honda Passport, Volkswagen ID.4, Honda Odyssey, Acura MDX, Honda Ridgeline, Acura RDX. Please join me as Newman and I examine the AMI list and further discuss its relevance in today's automotive marketplace. All of the cars.com podcasts: #266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index #224, Cars.com editor reports on EVs, NY Auto Show #202, Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com talks future of EVs #200, Few Carmakers Get Top Grades in Car Seat Installation

Bonnie and Grant Sinclair are high school teachers in Georgia who also enjoy the outdoors as part-time RV enthusiasts. As wife and husband, Bonnie Sinclair has co-authored an RV travel book with her husband Grant Sinclair. Grant Sinclair The Sinclair's first book USA RV Adventures has just been published by Moon Travel Guides. The authors' comprehensive debut includes 25 flexible RV trip itineraries. While taking a break from teaching and RVing, the Sinclairs were our guests on Episode #254 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. We spoke with the couple on their vacation on a cruise ship near Cozumel, the Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with the Sinclairs their enjoyment of RVing and the process of writing about it. They select some of their favorite places. The Sinclair's book is meticulously detailed. Every itinerary includes the road trip loop, ideas for side trips and strategies for linking routes together. The best routes for national parks, historic sites, natural wonders, beaches and pet-friendly destinations are all featured. USA RV Adventures offers locations from coast-to-coast — from camping on the beach in the Florida Keys to following the ruts on the historic Oregon Trail. The Sinclairs offer their expertise on wildlife-watch in Yellowstone, hiking in Acadia with a dog, and enjoying morning mountain-peak views in Colorado. Bonnie Sinclair The book is promoted as a comprehensive planning resource. It features easy-to-use maps that highlight where you can (and can’t) drive an RV. It also provides thorough lists of nearby grocery stores for each campground, plus tips for health and safety on the road, navigating weather conditions, RV-ing with pets and minimizing your environmental impact. Please join us as we get to know the Sinclairs and discover their interest in RVing and all it encompasses. The Sinclair's book is available via all major online retailers. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform: Google Play iTunes Spotify Stitcher iheartradio

Karl Brauer is an automotive analytics wonk. It's a compliment to the work and enthusiasm the lead analyst for iSeeCars.com has for number crunching, comparisons, trends and all things related to buying, selling, appreciation and deprecation of cars and trucks. He's eloquent while discussing what might otherwise seem mundane. Brauer is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. He's a repeat guest for all of the above reasons. The Jeep Wrangler is a prominent car in the used car data compiled by iseecars.com Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I can't get enough of the site. Its surveys include data from millions of cars and the topics are relevant, including the least and most depreciation of new cars from three and five years after ownership. The lowering prices of used. A new study details the cars with the top percentages of value above their MSRP from three years ago. Here's what editors at iSeeCars.com commented on the use car industry. "Depreciation is the most expensive part of car ownership, and with the drastic rise in car prices over the past two years, finding a vehicle that retains its value can provide significant savings for consumers." "In the current high demand, low supply vehicle market, the average new car loses just 16.9 percent of its value after three years, and 33.3 percent of its value after five years. How is Tesla faring in the used market, according to iseecars.com? "However, some cars retain their value and depreciate far less than average (7.3 percent or $2k for the Jeep Wrangler after 5 years), while others do the opposite (56.9 percent or $62k for the BMW 7 Series after 5 years). As an unprecedented sign of the times, there are five models that have actually appreciated over the past 3 years, meaning their current used value is now higher than their original new MSRP. " With the automotive industry always in flux, and particularly during a supply chain shortage, Bauer provides insight into the current buying and selling trends in the industry. We also talk with Brauer about the electric vehicle segment. What's its current status? Can any manufacturer challenge Tesla? How does the depreciation of the EV segment compare to gasoline and hybrids? The Weekly Driver Podcast has featured iSeeCar.com experts, Julie Blackley and Brauer, several times during our more than five years online. Besides the latest episode, we're provided the link to previous episodes: #174, iSeeCars.com: Ford Tops New/Used 2020 Sales #121: iSeeCars.com: Best Used, Enduring Cars #110: iSeeCars.com: Best Deals In A Used Car Color #57: iSeeCars.com: Jeep Gets Depreciation Honors: The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform.

Selecting the cars of the year helps celebrate another year reviewing new cars and trucks, visiting auto shows and talking with vintage car owners, book authors and industry experts about their cars of the year. There are always great and not-so-great moments driving vehicles. The industry is always abuzz. There are always changes, oddball statistics, recalls and new models and makes. What has Elon Musk done now? Will autonomous driving and EVs ever make a significant difference? Will low-profile tires stop blowing while negotiating small divots in the road? Will Audi ever change its front-grille design? As much as the automotive industry changes, sometimes not much happens. In 2007, the year the iPhone debuted, the starting price of the Toyota Corolla was $14,925; In 2022, the year a robotic toy cat that nibbles for human comfort made its debut, the starting price of a Toyota Corolla was $20,245. The average price of a new car in 2007 was $27,958. In 2022, the new car price average surpassed $48,000. Three years after TheWeeklyDriver.com debuted, I began to compile a list of top-10 cars of the year. It was also in 2007. The list is now in its 16th year. The 2022 Ford Lightning is the first full-size electric pickup truck. It was on the TheWeeklyDriver.com's list of cars of the year. Image © James Raia/2022. As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I have expanded my yearly list of cars of the year and detailed the choices during a podcast episode. We're now in our sixth year. Many automotive publications select their best vehicles of the year at the start of the calendar year. I've always announced the selections at the end of the year. Bruce and I agree it's a better approach while reviewing current model year cars throughout the calendar year. Sometimes, a new year's model debuts prior to its corresponding calendar year. Sometimes, new models arrive later in the year. The 2017 Bentley Bentayga is the fastest SUV ever made. It topped TheWeeklyDriver.com's list of cars of the year in 2017. Image © Michael Kahn/Frogstone Media, 2017. This year, as per usual, I reviewed about 40 cars. Bruce also drove most of them, often to lunch after our podcasts and sometimes for extended review sessions. For several years, we made videos before switching to a podcast format. During some years, we've picked a car of the year, like the 2020 Corvette Stingray, the debut year of the mid-engine model. In 2017, the Bentley Bentayga was easily our favorite. In our 250th episode, Bruce and I discuss our respective lists of cars of the year, an exercise we compile individually and then share during the podcast. We mostly make the same selections. The 2020 Corvette stunned the auto world with its mid-engine design and new interior and exterior styling. It was theweeklydriver.com's top pick for 2020 Cars of the Year. Image © James Raia. One exception this year: Bruce selected the BMW M3 Competition; it didn't make my list. We didn't pick a top car of the year in 2022, but we agreed the Ford Lighting was the vehicle we liked the most for its innovation in the expanding electric vehicle segment. The rest of the list doesn't represent the most expensive, most powerful or most of anything else. It's just 10 cars and trucks that stood out for  a reason or two. My lists dating to 2004 are listed below. Follow the year links for more details on each vehicle. Bruce discusses his list on the podcast episode. Enjoy. 2022 Ford Lightning, Genesis GV70, Kia EV6, Mercedes-AMG ESQ, Cadillac CT5, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Genesis G70, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Mercedes-Maybach, Subaru Outback. 2021 Honda Odyssey, Honda Accord Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Genesis GV80, Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE, Genesis GV90, Aston Martin Vantage, Mustang Mach-E, Rolls-Royce Ghost 2020 Corvette Stingray, Aston Martin Vantage, Genesis G90, Ford Bullitt Mustang, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Gladiator,

With the recent announcement of the 2023 Formula 1 schedule, automobile racing's most lucrative series will have three events in the United States for the first time. The international circuit doesn't include any drivers from the United States, but enthusiasts in this country can next year travel to Austin, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Miami, Florida to witness the sport's finest. Formula 1 is expensive for its participants and spectators. A recent article on Robbreport.com detailed one package to attend the new Las Vegas stop on the international circuit for $1 million. The Formula 1 international racing circuit will have three races in the United States for the first time in 2023 — Austin, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Miami, Florida. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss the Formula 1 phenomenon as one of three topics on episode #249 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. "I would just call it the pinnacle of racing, unbridled," Bruce explains. "Obviously there are rules; there's always rules, some kind of rules to keep the price from being astronomical, which it kind of already is in Formula 1. But's only half astronomical because there are rules that limit things. "But it's the fastest cars. It attracts rich people from all over the world. They follow it through the different races and money's no object. Also in this episode: A letter writer commenting on a recent column I wrote about the 2022 Ford Mustang, explained the iconic vehicle is a pony car, not a muscle car. Bruce and I discuss the "gray area" of what defines a pony car and what defines a muscle car. Formula 1 cars and muscle cars don't have much in common, with one exception — performance. "It's a hard topic because you can't win," says Bruce. "A pony car is often a muscle car, but it doesn't have to be. It depends on the motor." Lastly, Bruce and I discuss a recent analysis of the least and most expensive cars to operate. The study was presented by Zutobi, the online international driver’s education company with courses in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, France, and Germany. Lots of automotive sites publish surveys. Bruce and I discuss the legitimacy of surveys, particularly the size of the sampling used to compile statistics. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Charge Cars was founded in 2016 and its first project is now available. Without the manufacturer mentioned, the London-based company has for order 499 of its bespoke "The '67 By Charge Car." Created individually and built like the original Ford Mustang but electric and built from the "ground up," the '67 is on display during the LA Auto Show. Bill Morse, a marketing spokesperson for the London-based company is the first of my three guests during the opening day of the 2022 LA Auto Show. The '67 by Charge Car presented at the LA Auto Show. All images © James Raia/2022. While co-host Bruce Aldrich remained in Sacramento to produce the episode, I traveled to Southern California for the first major auto show of the season. LA Auto Show: Bespoke Icon Stuns A former actor who has worked with several manufacturers, Morse discusses the new company, now six years into its build process. Morse details the long process of making each vehicle, some of which have already been purchased before they've been made. The '67 By Charge Car vehicle features an impressive list of specs and a hefty price. Hagerty had a low-key presence at the 2022 LA Auto Show, but the 1994 Ferrari 248 stood out and it was fun to drive. Charge Cars uses a snowflake as its cars' badge, with Morse explaining "each car is slightly different, "like a snowflake." LA Auto Show: Hagerty Goes Vintage Morse said Charge Cars has two other iconic cars planned but wouldn't name the choices. "If I told you, it would bring a smile to your face." Jeremy Malcomb works for Hagerty, the Michigan-based automotive lifestyle and membership company, specializing in vintage cars. Hagerty had a low-key presence at the auto show. But its booth has prominently situated the front of the main entrance to the show and it had two vehicles available for test drives, including a 1994 Ferrari 248. Pizza Hut uses a small fleet of ElectraMechannica vehicles for theSOLO's convenience and EV efficiency. Three of the company's vehicles were showcased at the LA Auto Show. With Jeremy as my guide and front-seat passenger, I drove the Ferrari on a two-mile loop around the city streets near the convention center. Later in the day, Jeremy was my second guest and we talked about the increase in vintage car values. The Ferrari I drove, cost about $100,000 new and it's now also worth about $100,000. LA Auto Show: Ferrari Cruises Downtown "Certainly, it was probably the cheapest Ferrari at the time, it's a mid-engine V8, a gated manual transmission, a great receipt for a much-loved car," said Jeremy. "Today, they've been widely considered a great place to start if just you're getting into Ferraris." Jeremy and I also discussed the market-wide increase in vintage car prices and Hagerty's ride-share program, Drive Share. Owners from around the country list their collectible cars for rent. ElectraMeccanica is a Canadian-designed and manufactured single-seat electric vehicle called the Solo. It's considered an enclosed motorcycle. Ingeniously designed to be sleek, fun, easy-to-charge, and earth-friendly, SOLO transforms your daily routine with its maneuverability, a top speed of 80 mph, and up to 100 miles of range on a single charge. The company, which debuted last year at the LA Auto Show, presented its update this year and it's my third segment. ElectraMeccanic had three vehicles on display, including one wrap for a Pizza Hut franchise. Its one commercial application that's been a success for the convenient, about-town little machines. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

As we do periodically throughout the year, on this week's episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast co-host Bruce Aldrich and I get caught up on the automotive industry news. There's always a lot happening, and our topics cover a wide range. First, car names can mean a lot toward the success or failure of an automobile. We found a recent list on a prominent auto site that lists the top-25 worst car names in history. The list comes to mind with the not-too-long-ago naming of the pending new Ferrari sport utility vehicle. It will be called the Purosangue. The concept cars at 2021 LA Auto Show included the Mullen Five. The EV sedan hasn't been made. Image © Bruce Aldrich/2021. Ferrari, of course, has long been associated with horses and its "Prancing Pony" logo. The new Ferrari is named after the word for an Italian thoroughbred. It's pronounced PURO-o-SAN-gue, and it's a hideous name. The list of the 25 oddball names of cars is a fun read, so have a listen. Also on this episode this I will be attending the LA Auto Show this week (Nov, 16-18) while Bruce produces my daily podcast interviews from the Los Angeles Convention Center. Electric vehicles will again be emphasized this year, and VinFast, the Vietnamese manufacturer, will be again be part of that portion of the show. VinFast will be the first Vietnamese car available in the United States with the pending debut in 2023. Speaking of debuts, as always the LA Auto Show will have its share of global and North American debuts. Manufacturer ambassadors are always par of the LA Auto Show. Image © James Raia/2014. The 115th The LA Auto Show will be held Nov. 18-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Charge Cars, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Genesis, GMC, Hummer, Hyundai, INDI EV, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Porsche, Subaru, Supernal (Advanced Air Mobility), Volkswagen, Volvo and the abovementioned VinFast will have all exhibitions. But arguably the best bets, the most consistent, the cars for the every person, are presented every year. New models from the top-10 best-selling vehicles from 2021 will all be presented. Ford continued its dominance with the F-Series pickups accounting for 726,004 sales. The Ram pickup (569,388), Chevrolet Silverado (519,774), Toyota RAV-4 (407,739), Honda CR-V (361,271), Toyota Camry (313,795), Nissan Rogue (285,602), Jeep Cherokee (264,444), Toyota Highlander (264,128) and Honda Civic (263,787) completed the top-10. Despite the continuing chip shortage and Covid-19 ramifications, only the Chevrolet Silverado (down 13 percent), Ford F-Series pickup trucks (8 percent) and Toyota RAV4 (5 percent) had lower sales tallies in 2021 than in 2020. Bollinger Motors exhibited its concept vehicles for the past several years at the LA Auto Show. They've never been manufactured. Image © James Raia/2019. Manufacturers aren't required to detail what vehicles will be shown at the LA Auto Show. Some new offerings have been announced, others will be unveiled as late as the week of the show. Honda recently announced the public availability of the 315-horsepower 2023 Civic Type R. It's the most powerful production vehicle the manufacturer has ever sold, and its will have a starting MSRP of $42,895. Toyota has eliminated V6 Highlander, replacing for 2-23 with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder. The new model will also feature new multimedia dashboard-area screens and new exterior paint choice, Cypress Green. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer.

David Felderstein is a passionate collector of vintage automobiles and he shares his interests with friends and neighbors in East Sacramento and at the California Automobile Museum. Felderstein is the Exhibits Committee Chair and Board Secretary for museum, which opened in 1987 as the Towe Ford Museum. It was renamed the Towe Auto Museum 1997 and has has held it current name for nearly 15 years. The California Automobile Museum has a varied selection of vintage cars and trucks. Images courtesy of Gabriel Ionica. Felderstein is my guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. While co-host Bruce Aldrich remains on assignment, I talk with Felderstein about his varied collection of vehicles and about the museum. The museum's largest event of the year, the California CruiseFeast, will be held Oct. 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Proceeds of the event benefit the California Vehicle Foundation - a 501c3 charitable organization. With several prominent streets closed, hundreds of cars of all makes and models and thousands of spectators will take in the varied history of the automobile. Food trucks, music and beer garden are all included in the 11th annual event. Besides its collection of vehicles, the California Automobile Museum has vehicles for sale. Felderstein, who rotates through his collection of vintage cars to complement his daily drivers, discusses his interest in mechanics, the history of cars and his work at the California Automobile Museum. Please join me for a varied episode about Sacramento's enduring automobile museum. For more information Sacramento CruiseFest, the museum's exhibits and community events, visit: www.CalAutoMuseum.org. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Visiting a grandparent as a youngster often includes affection, treats and wisdom, all offered for free. It leads to buying a Bugatti in parts for $150,000 less frequently. Nathanael Greene's childhood visits to New Hampshire resulted in his 65-year history with the iconic automobile introduced by Italian-French carmaker Ettore Bugatti in 1924. Greene owns three, including the 1925 Bugatti Type 35 he's competed in at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for many years beginning in 1997. The former investment executive was my recent guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast during this year's automotive gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. He participated for five straight days in his rare vehicle. Nathanael Greene, 80, and his 1925 Bugatti Type at Weather Raceway Laguna Seca. All images @ James Raia/2022 While co-host Bruce Aldrich was on vacation, talked with Greene about his lifelong passion for cars and his three Bugattis. "I was visiting my grandmother in New Hampshire; I must have been 12 or 14," Greene explained. "One day, there was this blue car going vroom down the street and vroom coming the other way, several different times. "I thought, 'this is fantastic.' I had no idea at the time. Jump forward at least 20 years and I buy my grandmother's house. I got to know the neighbor. He bought Bugatti Type 43 in 1952. He was a great car enthusiast, a great Bugatti enthusiast." The Bugatti undergoing road tests on suburban New England streets was given to Greene's neighbor to sell. It became hugely successful in Europe. It also impressed Greene to the degree that bought his 1925 Bugatti Type in 1997. It was in parts. Nathanael Greene owns three Bugattis. He participates in vintage races around the country. "It (the Type 35) had been taken apart 20 years earlier," said Greene. "But the guy bought another car, concentrated on that and this one got pushed to the back and nothing was done for a long time. I came along and said I would buy it and he said OK." Greene's passion for Bugatti combines his keen interests in fine mechanics, driving, history and the umbrella of the automobile industry. He no longer works on the Bugatti Type 35, but he knows the minutiae of the brand and originator's varied innovation. Greene also has two daily drivers, a Suburb Outback and a Volkswagen Sportwagen diesel. "Bugattis were never the fastest cars, but they were the easiest to drive," he said. "The races were generally 300 to 500 miles. Cars like Maserati would simply wear the drivers out. Everything about this car is so light." The Type 35, is a three-valve, two-liter engine with a four-speed transmission. It weighs 1,700 pounds and has 90 horsepower. The vehicle was driven to more than 1,000 wins, including the 1926 Grand Prix World Championship. Nathanael Greene lives in New Hampshire. He participate in vintage car events at Laguna Seca since 1997 in his 1925 Bugatti. Greene's father was an engineer who had more interest in steam than cars. The younger Greene has a degree in mechanical engineering from Yale University. "I think somewhere between the ages of 12 and 15 there wasn't anything I owned that I hadn't taken apart and put back together," said Greene who retired from an investment management career in 2004. Greene only competes in his Type 35 and has completed more than 500 laps at Laguna Seca. He has also completed the Mille Miglia, the 1,0000-mile roundtrip event for vintage cars from Brescia to Rome. As a vintage race competitor, Greene defines the events as competitions of respect. "For racing, I think the pre-war is the best because everybody really respects the cars much more than the modern cars," he said. "Everybody is really careful. In some ways, it's more high-speed driving around the track as much as it is racing. I am never going to win. I know that. It's the experience." As an octogenarian, Greene says his driving skills, including reaction instincts, haven't diminished. "You have to concentrate pretty thoroughly when it's hot," he said. "You're racing, so this stuff gets hot. But you don't think too much about it because you're really concentrating on driving the car." Although has never dented his Bugatti or been hurt in the vehicle, a race steward once told him Greene he'd hit someone. The driver replied: "It wasn't me." While participating at tracks around the country takes time, money and energy, Greene also had other recreational pursuits. He enjoyed helicopter skiing but stopped because of the Covid-19 epidemic. He likely won't return to the slopes, but his vintage car racing will continue. "It's a terrific feeling," said Greene. "It's a lot of fun; it's fun to show what the car can do. Yesterday in practice, it was the fifth-fastest in the group." Greene has dispatched several inquiries from potential buyers, but says he will eventually sell the Type 35, now likely worth $1 million and not in parts. In the meantime, after a week on the Monterey Peninsula, Greene and his wife returned to their home in Peterborough, N.H. to prepare for The Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix weekend. IT begins Sept. 8 in Watkins Glen, N.Y. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform: Google Play iTunes Spotify Stitcher iheartradio

Todd Lappin is a self-described Japan geek. He visits the country often and says he speaks the language badly. He has also spent several years combining his interest in cars with his fondness for the Orient. A former magazine editor who lives in San Francisco, Lappin has imported two vehicles from Japan, including his latest find, a 1990 Daihatsu HiJet Firetruck. It's named "Kiri." Todd Lappin purchased his 1990 Japanese firetruck in 2020. All Images © James Raia/2022. Lappin, who showcased his truck at the recent The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove during Monterey Auto Week, is my guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Lappin, who bought the truck two years ago, qualifies. While uncertain of its detailed service history, the vehicle's new owner communicates with residents of the city where it lived largely unscathed. "I have gotten to know a bunch of the people in the town where it's from through social media, which is really cute," said Lappin, an interface designer. "They thought they were done with this firetruck and then it shows up on Instagram having the party lifestyle in San Francisco." The firetruck's legacy is unspectacular. When Lappin purchased it had been driven 2,500 miles in 30 years. It has right-hand drive, a three-cylinder, mid-engine and four-wheel drive. It has 12-inch wheels and uses regular-grade fuel. Todd Lappin's petite firetruck had only 2,500 miles on its engine after 30 years of service. "It's not actually slow until it is," Lappin said. "You top out at about 50 miles per hour, but getting to 50, it's actually pretty quick. Unlike traditional firetrucks, the Daihatsu Hijet doesn't have a water tank. Because Japan is a "wet" country, as Lappin explained, firefighters assume a water source is nearby when they respond to a fire. The truck has a removable pump that's brought to a water source and its hoses are utilized. The firetruck served in Kirigamine, a city in Nagano Prefecture. Lappin compared it to a smaller version of Auburn. It had a 30-year tenure as part of the volunteer fire department but was rarely called into service. Relegated to the Japanese auction system it is retirement, Lapin purchased via a wholesale transaction. Todd Lappin purchased in 1990 Japanese firetruck for about $10,000. Shipped to San Francisco, the firetruck arrived intact. With all costs involved, Lappin paid less than $10,000. "I have always been a car person, too, and the two things started blending," said Lappin, 55. "I imported a Nissan Skyline from Japan about five or six years ago, which I always say was my gateway drug to the firetruck."

After nearly 20 years at Consumer Reports, Jon Linkov is an expert among automotive experts. The Deputy Auto Editor, Linkov is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast to discuss one of the publication's most popular features — its annual most reliable cars list. Join co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia as we discuss with Linkov the "Top 10 Most Reliable Cars For 2022." The 2022 Mazda MX-5 has a few upgrades and it's on Consumer Reports' most reliable cars list for 2022. Photo © Gretchen Gaither/2022 "What we do is survey our members, our millions of members, and ask about their experiences with the cars they own or have owned," said Linkov of the most reliable cars list. "We just don't look at current vehicles, we look at used cars, the ones they've had for years. We have data going back 20 years." 2022 Most Reliable Cars The current most reliable cars list involves a database of information for about 320,000 vehicles. The publication's analysts calculate the list on their prediction of which new car models will give car owners the fewest number of problems covering 17 trouble areas. The criteria range from ranging minor nuisances to expensive repairs. "We have data for all different years of vehicles," Linkov said of this year's most reliable cars list. "But we also have robust data that allows us to predict for the new model year." The 2022 Toyota Highlander is among the most reliable cars in 2022, according to Consumer Reports. Three Toyota models, two vehicles from Mazda and one car each from Cadillac, Honda, Kia, Lexus and Subaru are also on the list "We've been around for more than 70 years; We certainly have evolved over time in the sense of our relationships with manufacturers," said Linkov of Consumer Reports' enduring reputation. "We still hold them accountable. I've been there almost 20 years and early in my career and before I was even there, there might have been a little bit of an adverbial relationship." Most Reliable Cars 2022: Three Toyotas "They didn't really understand us and we really wanted to have a closed-off wall from communicating with them. Now it's different. We don't take advertising. We pay the rent of the getting a press car from them. But we do have a better sharing of data and a better rapport. In the end, that makes a vehicle for a consumer." The 2022 Lexus GX, a luxury midsized sedan, is Consumer Reports' most reliable vehicle for 2022. It has a price range of $56,125 to $65,365. It's rated at 12 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway. Here's the top-10 list: 1. Lexus GX Price Range: $56,125 - $65,635 CR MPG: Overall 17 / City 12 / Hwy 24 mpg 2. Kia Niro Electric Price Range: $39,090 - $44,650 CR MPGE: Overall 112 / City 123 / Hwy 102 mpge 3. Toyota Prius Prime Price Range: $28,670 - $34,450 CR MPG: Overall 69 / City 56 / Hwy 81 mpg 4. Toyota Prius Price Range: $25,075 - $33,370 CR MPG: Overall 52 / City 43 / Hwy 59 mpg 5. Cadillac XT5 Price Range: $43,995 - $55,895 CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 30 mpg 6. Mazda MX-5 Miata Price Range: $27,650 - $38,550 CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 25 / Hwy 42 mpg 7. Honda Insight Price Range: $25,760 - $29,790 CR MPG: Overall 54 / City 44 / Hwy 62 mpg 8. Toyota Highlander Price Range: $35,855 - $51,460 CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg 9. Subaru Crosstrek Price Range: $23,145 - $36,345 CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 39 mpg 10. Mazda CX-9 Price Range: $35,630 - $47,560 CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 32 mpg For additional details of the Consumer Reports' most dependable car for list for 2022 as well as the publication's diverse content, visit. www.consumerreports.org. As always, The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Reporter Joe White of Thomson Reuters. Joe White has reported on the automotive industry for more than 40 years. Primarily based in Detroit throughout his career, White worked for The Wall Street Journal for 28 years, including tenures in Brussels and the United Kingdom. Since 2015, White has been employed by Thomson Reuters, the international data company and news service. He writes Auto File, a free, three-day-per-week electronic auto newsletter. It's chock-full of business-oriented news stories and trends in the automotive industry. While co-host Bruce Aldrich is traveling, I interview White on this week's episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Like the always changing financial landscape, the automotive industry is ever-evolving. White and I discuss the landscape, Elon Musk to autonomous driving, start-ups like Rivian and Lucid, to continuing saga of the supply change strain. A graduate of Harvard University, White and former Wall Street Journal bureau chief Paul Ingrassia were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for beat reporting for their 1992 coverage of the management turmoil at General Motors Corp. "I started doing the Auto File almost as a personal side project, most to connect with sources and to connect with people on the (auto) beat," says White. "I was using a free and easy-to-use email service. Anyone who follows the auto industry knows it's a total fire hose of news every day; it just is." White determined there's so much news, enthusiasts and even those immersed in the industry likely couldn't keep up. Auto File is White's way to aggregate the news and inject his analysis into an electronic auto newsletter. "Newsletters have definitely become a creative, vital and growing form of delivering news," he says. "A lot of the traditional outlets, like The Wall Street Journal, are starting to use newsletters for the very same reason. They realize that people are just swamped. They're looking for someone to cook down the news in a certain sector." White was producing the auto newsletter five days a week, but the three days per week is the current format. "Three days is both plenty and not enough at the same time," jokes White. "You could do a whole newsletter on Elon Musk. You might regret it, but you could do it." While writing seriously in his auto newsletter on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, White also presents the news with clever headlines, such as references to rock & roll music. He also incorporates  images and video. "It's to lighten things up a bit and not be excessively serious," he says. Please join me during this episode as my guest provides his opinion of the founder of Tesla, autonomous driving, electric start-up and his preferred personal vehicle of choice. Subscribe to Auto File and other free newsletters at Reuters Newsletters . The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Jen Collins knows digital business partnerships from more than two decades of career experience, Fox Entertainment to the Los Angeles Times. In her current capacity, Collins is senior vice president of business development at TuneIn, the world’s leading live streaming audio service. Collins is our guest this week to discuss TuneIn's new relationship with Rivian, the electric pickup truck and sport utility vehicle manufacturer. TuneIn and Rivian have a new partnership. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Collins the TuneIn platform and its integration with the innovative manufacturer as well as other carmakers. TuneIn Expands in Auto Industry "We are really a one-stop shop for the automotive field," says Collins of the expansive TuneIn collection of global music, podcasts, news and sports content . TuneIn is really the radio for Rivian. AM-FM dials are really far away from where we are today." Bruce and I also talk with Jen about TuneIn's partnership with more well-established manufacturers. "This is really an exciting time to be working with the automotive industry," she says. "Whether it's upstarts like Rivian or brands that have been known for generations that are reinventing themselves. There's so much creativity, there's such a spark of innovation. Rivian has the access to the full catalog. But I anticipate that how forward-thinking Rivian we will be evolving the service for years to come." TuneIn: News, Sports, Podcasts, Etc. TuneIn reports it has more than 75 million monthly active users and broadcasts over 100,000 owned & operated and partner radio stations. The platform's premium subscribers get exclusive access to commercial-free news from CNN, Fox News Radio, MSNBC, CNBC and Bloomberg, as well as live NFL, NHL and college sports programming and commercial-free music channels. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Marc O'Dell is the expert you want to talk with when there's an issue with your car. For the past two-plus years he's worked as an auto expert for JustAnswer.com. The platform connects people with live doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, mechanics and other verified and vetted experts for real-time assistance, insight and answers to just about any question or problem. The service, available with different payment tiers, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. JustAnswer.com has experts in many areas including car repairs. O'Dell, who has more than 25 years of automotive repair industry experience, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver podcast. Car Repair Needs? Answers Online Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Marc how JustAnswer.com works and how he's used his expertise to help customers. "It just kind of depends on who you are speaking with and what you are talking about," says O'Dell about how he balances his answers between a lay person and an expert seeking his expertise. "If it's a dealer technician who has specific measurements and specifications ready to go. With that type of stuff you need to be really technical. But dealing with the general public, looking for answers to general questions, like how can I make this work better, you don't need to be so technical." Marc O'Dell of JustAnswer.com assists customers with their car repair problems. O'Dell, who works at the dealer and corporate levels with Ford and Chrysler, has helped consumers with mechanical and electrical repair as well as communications and engine performance issues for all domestic and most foreign vehicles. Car Issues? Let JustAnswer.com Help "I've been a getting quite a range of questions lately," O'Dell says. "They've ranged from different maintenance tips to diagnostic questions or how do I test the wiring. "A lot of people are asking how they can get better fuel mileage and what they can do to save gas and money. A lot of questions are also about maintenance and people trying to make sure their car is well-maintained." JustAnswer.com, founded in 2003, has more than12,000 experts across 150 categories. It has helped more than 16 million customers across 196 countries. Join Bruce and me as we talk with O'Dell for 30 minutes about his virtual mechanic responsibilities. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has a diverse annual motorsports calendar. It began this year in April with the Trans Am Superfest and continues through mid-October with the Velocity Invitational. Next month is the busiest time of the year with the iconic facility heavy into the mix of Monterey Auto Week. Barry Toepke, Director of Heritage Events & Public Relations at WeatherTech Raceway, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. A guest three times previously, Toepke shares with co-host Bruce Aldrich in Episode #233 the upcoming schedule, notably the Monterey Pre-Reunion (Aug. 13-14) and Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (Aug. 17-20). The annual Reunion, according to raceway officials, is a "museum revving to life with hundreds of historic and period-correct race and sports cars from nearly every era." WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is approaching its busiest of the season, Monterey Auto Week. Besides the usual collections of vintage racing, the venue this year is the official start of a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Barry Toepke, Director of Heritage Events & Public Relations at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Cultivated from private collections or museums and no longer driven in competition, more the 50 vehicles with pedigrees as overall winners or first in class at LeMans will be highlighted in a heritage legends building. The cars' histories will also be detailed in video, historic images and storyboards. The first Porsche (1970) and the last Ferrari (1965) to win the overall title will be included in the historic display. "It will arguably be the largest collection of authentic Le Mans-winning cars ever in one place in America," said Toepke. "We'll be the kickoff launch event for a year-long celebration. It's quite an honor and we don't take it lightly." Representatives of the race held yearly in June on the Circuit de la Sarthe have been invited to the festivities. Motorsports Reunion officials recently announced Tom Kristensen of Denmark, the record-holding, nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will serve as Grand Marshal and will autograph sessions. The previous week at WeatherTech Raceway more than 300 historic race cars, most competing days later in the Reunion, will get valuable track time in a more relaxed and less-crowded environment. The field is comprised of carefully selected entries by our selection committee. Bruce and James also discuss with Toepke the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey (Sept. 9-11) as well as the selection of Bill Warner as Chief Steward, a newly created position. Listen to our previous discussions with Toepke: #185 West Coast Bike Week Set For Monterey Peninsula Debut #170 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Set For Racing Season #128 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Adjust To Covid-19, Stays On Course  The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below: Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Chris Bright remains as enthusiastic and energized as the vintage car enthusiast and businessman was last July when his new company Collector Part Exchange debuted. Bruce Aldrich and I interviewed Bright last summer, just before Monterey Auto Week, for Episode #190 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Collector Part Exchange: Nearing One-Year Anniversary Chris Bright is the co-founder of Collector Part Exchange. A few weeks later, we met him and his business partner and co-founder Aaron Laliberte at the annual show to talk all things vintage cars and online businesses. Bruce is on vacation this week traveling on another sojourn with his wife Alene in their new Recreational Vehicles So I interviewed Bright from his home in Portland, Oregon in Episode #225. Much has happened for Collector Part Exchange in its short tenure. It's promoted as a modern-day global automotive swap meet for vintage parts. The niche wasn't being addressed online, but it is now. "It's all been moving in the right direction, which is what you hope for when you start a business," said Bright, a tech entrepreneur who switched careers when his previous company was acquired to start Collector Part Exchange. "One of the things I've always been frustrated with as a car person was trying to find parts for my cars." Collector Part Exchange: Niche Market "Trying to find parts online was very frustrating. It's typically more of an old school space with telephone calls and lots of back and forth trying to get what you need." Bright, who has a master degree in international affairs from George Washington University, worked in high tech startups for more than 25 years. Most recently he co-founded a legal software company called Zapproved. It was acquired by Vista Equity Partners. Collector Park Exchange also recently featured its first auction, and Bright also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter. Each edition features an interview or opinion from the author, and it highlights available vintage parts area on the site. Visit: www.collectorpartexchage.com Collector Part Exchange: Let The Weekly Driver Podcast Assist The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

The VW Golf is the third best-selling car in history, behind the top-selling Toyota Corolla and Ford F-Series of pickup trucks. More than 35 million of the versatile vehicles have sold since the car's debut as a 1974 edition. With the motoring icon approaching its 50th anniversary, author Russell Hayes has expanded and upgraded his book The Volkswagen Golf Story to include the full Golf 7 range and the latest incarnation, the Golf 8. The new edition is available from Behemoth Publishing  Co-host Bruce Aldrich is on assignment, so I interview Hayes this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Russell Hayes has authored his eighth book and second on the VW Golf. "Europe has always been the Golf's natural habitat; it's been one of the top sellers for a long time and I believe it still might be right now, " said Hayes while describing details of his eighth book. "But in the U.S., it's had a very interesting up and down career. VW: The long winding road "Although largely it's been replaced by the Jetta, I found the story of the Golf in the U.S. very interesting because they built them here between 1978 and 1987. It was trying to be a homegrown Golf and it was quite different than the European one." As Hayes details in Episode #222, VW Golf buyers in the U.S. eventually decided they'd rather have a European edition and U.S. production shutdown. The marketing for the second edition of The Volkswagen Golf Story elaborates: "The Volkswagen Golf is a motoring paradox, seemingly never really changing its look but always pushing technical development forward as a ‘classless’ car which still carries a ‘premium’ feel about it. While the VW Golf wasn’t the first front-wheel-drive hatchback, its interpretation established the template for others to follow and the benchmark by which they are still judged today." VW: Lots of key industry players Author Russell Hayes discusses the history of VW in his book Volkswagen Beetles and Buses. From the development of the first VW Golf to interviews with key figures — Volkswagen's first designer to its former chairman — the book is the definitive history of the iconic vehicle. A London-based motoring author, Hayes has written eight books, including the first edition of The Volkswagen Golf Story in 2014. He has also written about the VW Beetle and Type 2 van. Other subjects have been as mixed as Lotus, the Ford Cortina, Aston Martin V8s and the Earls Court Motor Show. Hayes, also a guest on The Weekly Driver Post on Episodes #209 and #153, was formerly a motoring journalist for British magazines and national newspapers. He has also worked for TV programs such as Top Gear, The Car’s the Star and Driven. VW: The little car phenomenon Please join me for an intriguing 30 minute-episode as Hayes and I discuss the phenomenon of the Volkswagen Golf. Hayes was also a guest on: Episode #209: The Big Book of Tiny Cars Episode #153: Volkswagen: Beetle to Buses, Smaller and Smarter. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Matt Moore, Senior Vice President of Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), oversees the organization's research program, the collection of vehicle information and the production of loss data. A complementary company to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, HLDI processes insurance data from companies that represent approximately 85 percent of the U.S. private passenger auto insurance market. IIHS, HLDI, Progressive work together for improved auto safety. Moore is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia interview the automobile safety expert with an emphasis on his involvement in a new study released in conjunction with Progressive Insurance titled Does Tech Make Driving Safer? The HLDI reported in 2020 that forward collision warning combined with automatic braking reduced front-to-rear crashes by 50 percent and crashes with injuries by 56 percent. Moore reiterated the importance of the report's findings. "The big one and the I feel the most personal satisfaction about is front auto-braking systems," says Moore. "These are systems that eliminate a lot of problems related to human error, inattention or rapidly emerging circumstances. "The vehicle is just watching the road and the environment ahead and if it senses a crash-imminent situation it's going to hit the brakes for you." "The great news is that in September of this year, as a consequence of the work that IIHS and HLDI did and with the voluntary commitment of the National Highway Traffic Administration that the vast majority of vehicles sold are going to have that front auto brake system." Join Bruce and me as we discuss with Moore the collaborative work of the IIHS and HLDI to further increase driving safety. To read the full Progressive study, visit: Does Tech Make Driving Safer? The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Spencer, Kristi and Kade Stevens, otherwise known as the Adventurtunity Family, live full-time in their RV. The family is traveling throughout the United States, embracing a lifestyle they've determined is best — at least for now. Spencer is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with the husband and father about the trio's RV adventures. He discusses the beauty of seeing the country to the challenges of the road. The Stevens' lifestyle is also the family's business, both achieved from the confines of a Class A, 2017 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36H. The Adventurtunity Family on the road and celebrating in front of their RV. With their website and other social media outlets and with the RV and lifestyle sponsors' support, the husband-wife and their 5-year-old young are about as far removed from their previous corporate employment world as feasible. It's an RV lifestyle many families may dream about, but not many accomplish. "In April 2019 we returned from a six-week trip to New Zealand and Australia where we quickly realized our current day-to-day life wasn’t aligning with the direction we wanted for our family," Spencer details on the family's website and as he reiterated to us in episode #219. "We had goals and dreams, like everyone else, but weren’t taking steps to make them a reality. It wasn’t until we asked ourselves one simple question, “If you had everything you needed to make a change, would you?” that we finally took action." "We sold it all to live in our home on wheels, traveling the countryside together. Little did we know that selling most of our things and living small would actually give us more than we ever had before!" Last September marked the family's one-year anniversary on the road. They sold their home and most of their possessions and began living full-time in their RV. Reaching the family in Texas, Bruce and I cover discuss with Spencer many areas of life on the road, from meals to educating a child, meeting people to driving. Please join Bruce and me for a lively episode. The travels of the Adventurtunity Family can be followed on the family's social media presence: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/adventurtunityfamily/ FACEBOOK: https://youtu.be/DnF7pzJsVEo HOLIDAY RAMBLER: https://www.holidayrambler.com/travel-blog/ WEBSITE: https://www.adventurtunityfamily.com The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Mike Mueller is an automotive expert among automotive experts. A journalist for more than 30 years, he has written and provided accompanying photography for more than 30 books on the Ford Mustang. He's contributed images to many additional books and he's written for many prestigious industry publications. Mueller is my guest this week on episode No. 218 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Author Mike Mueller on the iconic Ford Mustang. Co-host Bruce Aldrich is on vacation, so Mueller and I discuss his latest and just-released updated and revised book, The Complete Book of Ford Mustang. Ford Mustang: A nearly 60-year icon It's a coffee table-sized volume with more than 550 color photographs and complementary text included in 320 pages. Created in cooperation with Ford and providing extensive details, specifications and photographic coverage, the book is the "ultimate resource on America's best-loved pony car." According to the book's marketing materials, the Ford Mustang is the only vehicle that deserves the title "pony car." Ford Mustang: Original Pony Car "From the first six-cylinder Mustang of 1964 1/2 through the fire-breathing, world-beating Boss and Shelby versions of the 1960s and early '70s, to today's Mustang Mach 1 and Shelby GT500, the Complete Book of Ford Mustang offers an in-depth look at prototypes and experimental models, the anniversary and pace cars and the specialty packages for street and competition driving that have made the Mustang an automotive legend for nearly 60 years." Please join me for an upbeat 30-minute podcast with Mueller about the Ford Mustang and his long career as an automotive journalist. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Every winter for the past 17 years, proprietors of Lapland Driving School in Sweden prepare acres of frozen tundra for the specialty automotive niche of drifting while ice driving. The facility, offering 14 varied circuits on nearly 3,000 acres, is located at Lake Udjaur near Arjeplog in Sweden. It's a three-hour airplane flight from Munich, Germany or Paris, France. Ice Driving: Fast & Controlled The lure of learning the skills to maneuver elite vehicles at high speeds on challenging, albeit on controlled surfaces, attracts participants from around the world, California to Brazil. Ice driving in Lapland is a niche sport for three months every year. Alix Masson, marketing director for the driving school, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia contacted Masson in Paris as the driving school was preparing for the first of this year's guests. Ice Driving: Five Formula-1 Tracks Masson explains it takes 10 professionals with more than 40 years of combined experience to prepare the ice driving circuits. Among the courses are at 1:1 scales formula-1 tracks such as YAS Marina in Abu Dhabi, Circuit Paul Ricard, Nürburgring, Le Mans and Silverstone. Oval tracks and other training tracks are also offered. "We are the biggest driving center in the world," says Masson, whose career has included marketing different automotive racing disciplines. "We have 30 cars in the fleet and in the months from January to March when it is the coldest, you are welcome to come with us and everyone learns how to drift." In drifting, a driver forces their car to slide sideways while ice driving through a turn. Accomplished drifters can control what occurs when their vehicle's tires no longer grip the road. Ice Driving: Practice Takes Times "After two or three days of training you are able to reach 200km per hour on the ice," Masson says of the skills learned at Lapland Driving School. "But the most important thing is to take as much fun as you can." According to the website: "14 Circuits in total spread over our nearly 3,000-acre private frozen lake, the equivalent of 6 times the area of Monaco. It’s a Herculean task, with more than 5,000 man-machine hours necessary from November 1st to ensure that the world’s largest driving center is operational by January 8th. The officially-licensed Formula 1 circuits are constructed to meter accuracy thanks to GPS coordinates." Please join Bruce and me in our discussion with Masson about the unique world of drifting while ice driving. We discuss the vehicles used, what the instruction involves and the various travel packages available for potential participants. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio Spotify

Al Unser Jr., born into one of motorsports’ most prominent racing families, won the Indianapolis 500 twice and two IndyCar Championships. But he was also troubled. Unser abused alcohol and drugs and it destroyed a marriage. Friendships ended and he was arrested multiple times for drunken driving and domestic violence. Unser’s struggles and his winding […]

Joe Wiesenfelder is the executive editor of Cars.com and he's immersed in the future of EVs — electric vehicles. According to the website's recent data, about one-third of car buyers are actively looking to purchase their first electric vehicle. But many questions remain with the anticipated growth. Wiesenfelder and his colleagues are counting on it. Wiesenfelder is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Rivian and it electric trucks and SUVs are potential competitors for Tesla and are part of the new segment of EVs entering the automative marketplace. Images © James Raia. EVs: Marketplace will expand Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss with the long-time journalist the future of the electric vehicle market and the goal of Cars.com to assist consumers with their buying decisions. "Cars.com bought its first plug-ins a decade ago, a Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, and we have since continued to evaluate scores of other electric models," Wiesenfelder said. "Expanding beyond just how the cars drive, we live with EVs and test the range, as well as the cost and setup associated with home charging." "With all the buzz surrounding EVs, our team will cover everything from charging setup and other considerations to our thoughts on some of the more popular EVs.” The Tesla Model X, which debuted in 2015, is part of  current leader among EVs. Electric vehicle information comprises only about five percent of the current searches on Cars.com. But by its calculations, more than 100 new options are expected to join the market in the next five years. EVs: West Coast Growth Expected The EV market share is predicted to grow, notably Cars.com believes, in Denver, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle. With the pending market expansion, Cars.com hosted a live webinar: Guide For The EV Curious, on Oct. 28. We interviewed Wiesenfelder before the event, but his thoughts on the industry are relevant anytime. EVs: Buying, Leasing, Charging With other editors and contributors to the publication, Wiesenfelder discussed the rise in consumers’ interest in EVs, buying/leasing EVs, charging barriers and the most popular new EV makes and models. According to Cars.com, local dealerships also have to prepare to meet demand. Currently, only 37 percent of local dealerships are selling electric vehicles, while 63 percent are actively planning for EV sales, service and training. On Cars.com 41 percent of new car dealers listed inventory of new electric vehicles. EVs: Uncertainty Remains “On Cars.com, searches for EVs have almost doubled since last year — however, sales of EVs are growing at a slower rate," said Wiesenfelder "There’s no doubt that consumer interest in EVs is growing, especially as more major automakers commit to the category and offer more SUV and pickup truck options for shoppers, but to the average person, uncertainty still exists." All of the cars.com podcasts: #266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index #224, Cars.com editor reports on EVs, NY Auto Show #202, Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com talks future of EVs #200, Few Carmakers Get Top Grades in Car Seat Installation The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. All episodes are also archived via the link: www.theweeklydriver.com/twd-podcast.

Colton Herta is 21 years old and he's been behind one steering or another since he was age six. Go-karts to Indy cars and several racing classes between, Herta is now competing at his best as the NTT IndyCar Series concludes this week in Long Beach, California. Herta (Andretti-Autosport), the youngest driver to win an IndyCar race, successfully defended the Grand Prix of Monterey title he won two years ago on Sept. 19. He completed the 212.61-mile race at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 32 seconds and at an average speed of 104.114 miles per hour. Colton Herta is the youngest driver to win an IndyCar race. Herta's season of crashes and other misfortunes was reversed with a dominating performance as smooth as well-performing tires. After attending the event for three days and getting the opportunity to interview the young star one-on-one during the weekend, his performance and revisiting the IndyCar circuit is the subject of Episode #198 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Colton Herta, then age 18, after winning his first IndyCar race. Colton Herta Interview Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss the enduring series and we've included my brief, varied interview with the race winner, a Southern California native. After a cool, misty morning, the championship was held with temperatures reaching into the low 70s and with track surface increasing to more than 100 degrees. The finale thus included its share of tire changes. We also cover that component of racing. Bruce and I also discuss Herta's relationship with his father, Bryan Herta. The elder Herta, a four-time Indy winner including twice at Laguna Seca, is now his son's strategist. The father-son team communicates during races via radio. "I made mistake or two," Herta said after his win. "I dropped a wheel or two. It wasn't a perfect weekend, but it was pretty close." Herta had a monetary concern late in the race. He ran over something on the track, near turn 8, the famous "Corkscrew." "It was either a squirrel or a bunny," he said. "But he came along with me to win the race. He's done a lot more than some IndyCar drivers." Herta's 2019 win in Monterey occurred a few months after his historic first career IndyCar series title. He became the youngest winner in the circuit's history at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas at 18 years, 359 days old. Please join us for a varied conversation about IndyCar racing as well as the skills of Colton Herta. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is approaching its fourth year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com iheartradio iTunes Spotify

Giles Chapman is a prolific automotive journalist whose book topics have ranged from the importance of car badges to the history of Land Rover. His latest title is "Jaguar Century: 100 Years of Automotive Excellence." Jaguar Century chronicles the company and its remarkable vehicles. It covers the manufacturer's start in 1922 by William Lyons and William Walmsley, and it reports on the current F-Type sports cars to the F-Pace SUV. a 1961 Jaguar XKE presented a recent Jaguar event in Sacramento, California. Image © Bruce Aldrich. Chapman, who began his career in 1984 in automotive consultancy, is our guest on episode #195 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. New Jaguar book: Aches, pains at 100 Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia reached Chapman in England where he enthusiastically discussed all things Jaguar. As the book's advanced materials detail the book covers the transformation of the Swallow Sidecar into one of the auto industry’s most revered car brands, synonymous with performance and luxury. It's filled with images, history, and in-depth analyses of the incredible cars Jaguar has created year after year." Jaguar Century is the latest book by Giles Chapman. "The task was to really cover the entire century, from the very beginning of the company to now, says Chapman. It takes you from a period from before they even made a car. The first thing they did in 1922 was to produce a sidebar on the side of a motorbike." The book details the brand in the trying economic times leading up to World War II. It also covers the resetting of Jaguar during England’s bleak postwar years, first with its XK120, then the XK140 and XK150. As the press information states, the new volumes also chronicle sporting saloons (i.e., sedans) like the Mark 2 and Mark X standards for four-door luxury in the 1950s and 1960s. And it reports on the unveiling of the E-Type in 1961, the vehicle often cited as the most beautiful car ever made. "I accepted the commission to do it because I thought there was a fantastic story to tell there, not just of the cars but of the people," says Giles. As the author of more than 50 books, Chapman is an award-winning writer and commentator on the industry, history and culture of cars. In 1991 became the editor of Classic and Sports Car, the top-selling classic car magazine. Giles Chapman is a prolific automotive journalist. Giles has been a freelance writer since 1994. In addition to his books, Chapman contributes to national magazines and newspapers and is a commentary on automotive history. "What I really have enjoys is stitching this whole thing together in a way I hope somebody who drives a Jaguar now and doesn't know a tremendous about the history would get to know it," Giles says. While Giles has a great appreciation for Jaguar, he doesn't own a new or used model. But he's driven many. "The original XJ6 is just an amazing pinnacle of Jaguar did," Giles says of his favorite of the manufacturer's varied offering. "It was such an extraordinary comprise between the handling of the car and the ride comfort. It's amazing how they did it. I just love driving old XJ6s. "At the time, they were like nothing else and now they continue to feel like that. It's hard to express if you haven't driven one. They're very soothing and they make you feel very proud." "Jaguar Century: 100 Years of Automotive Excellence" is scheduled for publishing Sept. 28, 2021, by Motorbooks. The hardcover is 224 pages and is priced at $75. With Chapman's other books, it's available via Amazon.com. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform: Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify Stitcher

Tesla isn't new to controversy and nor is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and both are back in the news. The NHTSA, previously critical of the electric vehicle manufacturer, recently said its conducting a preliminary evaluation into the carmaker's self-titled "Autopilot" systems after 11 crashes in nine states. NHTSA has questioned Tesla after 11 of its cars were involved in 11 accidents with emergency vehicles. The concern, the agency reported, is how the driver assistance technology works to "monitor, assist, and enforce the driver's engagement with driving while Autopilot is in use." Bryant Walker Smith, an associate professor in the School of Law and the School of Engineering at the University of South Carolina, discusses the Tesla situation on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Tesla questioned again by NHTSA Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Smith about a full range of emerging transport technologies. "I will refer to automation technologies generally," Smith explains during the opening of the podcast. "But I think we will be specifically talking about driver assistance technologies of which Tesla has questionably named AutoPilot and the future of automated driving technologies, that is those that could truly deserve the name self-driving." Smith is also an affiliate scholar at the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School and co-director of the University of Michigan Project on Law and Mobility. He previously led the Emerging Technology Law Committee of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies and served on the US Department of Transportation's Advisory Committee on Automation in Transportation. A graduate of New York University School of Law, Smith also has a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He advises cities, states, countries, and the United Nations on emerging transport technologies. "In a lot of ways, the stats are old news, the roughly dozen crashes involving Tesla vehicles and Emergency Responding vehicles have been widely reported and discussed," says Smith. "What's news is the NHTSA's formal inquiry into them which to could potentially lead to a finding of defect or an effort to get some sort of recall. "In that way, it's not terribly big news. It's one piece t it's a piece of a much larger set of questions about Tesla, its technologies and really its marketing. That's a much more important story." Bruce and I further discuss with Smith the quickly changing auto technology in several areas. "Drivers in all kinds of vehicles, unfortunately, do collide with emergency vehicles," he says. "Emergency vehicles tend to be in dangerous places. That is a problem. Driver distraction is a problem. Tesla's driver assistance technologies may have very serious problems in their design and their interactions with the drivers and in the marketing and all of that is worth examining and it's important in a broader context." The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is approaching its fourth year. We've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify

Donald Osborne is an opera singer, museum CEO, international business owner and one of the voices of the Concours on the Avenue in Carmel, California. He knows cars and people and the gift of gab. Osborne recently returned from Europe but in plenty of time for Monterey Auto Week. The coronavirus and its variants are in different stages in Italy and England, where he attended globally renowned automotive events. On Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, the proprietor of Audrain Auto Museum in Newport, R.I., was in his usual perch nearly the judging platform on Ocean Avenue, looking dapper in his official blazer, bowtie and Panama hat. Osborne was among four guests co-host Bruce Aldrich and I spoke with him during the first of our three days of days attending Monterey Auto Week. Kim (above) and Rick Franke own a 1960 Buick Electra 225 and showcased at the Concours on the Avenue during Monterey Auto Week. Images © Bruce Aldrich/2021. "This year we are in a different place," said Osborne, a short while before he sang the national anthem. "It's a testament to both the strength of this event and the enthusiasm for cars that people will do what they have to do come and share an event like with other people." The Concours on the Avenue, abiding by amended COVID-19 regulations, required attendees to show proof of being vaccinated or were required to wear a mask. Car owners, officials and car enthusiasts in attendance with proof of vaccination were light blue paper wristbands. Monterey Auto Week: Classic Cars, Classic Owners Show attendees moved through vaccine stations with short lines and with no longer than brief delays. Enthusiastic covid rule compliance was matched only by the enthusiasm for the oxymoron of common rare cars — Ferrari to Porsche — to rarities even unfamiliar to industry devotees in attendance. Bruce and I also spoke with Kit and Rick Franke, owners of a 1960 Buick Electra 225 and David and Pam Hibbert, owners of 1974 Jaguar Type E 4.2 liter. Its Regency Red exterior was as eye-catching as the Buick and its black sheen. Kit and Rick inherited a 1960 Buick Electra 225 and showcased what they call a "land yacht" for the first time at the Concours on the Avenue. The family has owned the vehicle since 1962. A Regency Red 1975 Jaguar XKE Type E 4.2 was displayed at the Concours on the Avenue during Monterey Auto Week. The Buick, 20-feet long, has been upgraded with disc brakes, LED lights and seatbelts. Its exterior black paint is vivid black, a shade making the darkest of dark black enticing. At the opposite end of Ocean Ave. from the Frankes, the Hibberts sat in short lawn chairs watching over Jaguar. Its Regency Red exterior was as eye-catching as the Buick’s black sheen. We discuss its legacy and Rick's Jaguar is his native England. On Wednesday, Aug. 11, Bruce and I attended the Little Car Show in Pacific Grove. Like the Concours on the Avenue, the Little Car Show is free and has the same welcoming atmosphere for those who appreciate vintage cars and trucks We interviewed Jessica Denecour of Pacific Grove, the owner of a 1947 Crosley Convertible. She bought the car as a retirement gift to herself and now drives the car throughout the Monterey Peninsula, but never on the freeway. Like all vintage car owners, Denecour has plenty of stories to tell about her light blue Crosley. It's the way it is during Monterey Auto Week. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify

Learning how to operate a manual transmission car or truck was a rite of automotive passage for drivers of a certain age. It's now a rarity, with a few exceptions including a campaign introduced by Hagerty. The American automotive lifestyle and membership company, Hagerty in July announced, as part of its 10th anniversary of the Hagerty Driving Experience, a mission. Its goal: to teach 500 people to drive a stick shift in 50 days. Rachel Ventimiglia, Assistant Manager of Car Culture at Hagerty, is my guest on Episode #192 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Hagerty started a program in July to encourage more drivers to learn how to drive manual transmission vehicles. Co-host Bruce Aldrich is on assignment, so I discuss with Ventimiglia the ever-increasing disappearance of manual transmissions and the importance of Hagerty's mission. Consider some drastic statistics: • The first car to use a manual transmission with synchromesh (single clutching) was the 1929 Cadillac; • The first automobile model to use an automatic transmission was the 1948 Oldsmobile; • In 1980 models, 35 percent of cars produced for sale in the United States had manual transmissions;. • In 2011, the number had fallen 13 percent; • In 2020, only 2.4 percent of new cars sold in the United States had manual transmissions. Want to drive a manual? Hagerty can help • In a recent report published by U.S. News & World Report, only 18 of current U.S. drivers can drive a vehicle equipped with a stick shift. To reach the 500-person goal, Hagerty is calling on manual drivers to connect with an untaught friend or family member and spend an hour in a parking lot or quiet road to teach the basics. Many vintage cars were equipped new with manual transmissions but far fewer new cars and trucks have stick shifts. Drivers are asked to share their experience on the Hagerty Community website, after which they will receive two "Shift Happens" hats for their participation. "Being able to drive a manual transmission is exhilarating and empowering, and we want to offer people the chance to get behind the wheel of a cool car and experience the fun and passion that enthusiasts know so well," said Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty. "Teaching others how to drive stick is at the heart of car culture, and we hope to pass down this skill to the next generation of car lovers." Since 2011, Hagerty and its volunteers have trained more than 4,000 people how to drive a manual transmission through initiatives such as the Hagerty Driving Experience and Hagerty Driving Academy, a series of more than 40 events nationwide that teach safe, proficient driving skills and the art of shifting a manual. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit www.hagerty.com. Join me for my discussion with Ventimiglia. She provides a few unusual stories of drivers who've learned to operate a stick shift for the first time. We also discuss some of our personal experiences learning how to drive a manual transmission. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify

Chris Bright is a vintage car enthusiast with an empathetic ear toward other automotive fanciers who can have difficulty finding parts for their unique vehicles. Or maybe they have a garage full of parts and don't know what to do with the load. To help, Bright recently debuted CollectorPartExchange.com. It's a modern-day swap meet. As the site is promoted it's "Open 24/7/365 and spans the globe. Oh, and the weather is always perfect." Bright, a competitive age-group cyclist who lives in Portland, Oregon, is our guest on Episode #190 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Collector Part Exchange is a new online automotive resource. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Bright the idea for Collector Part Exchange and the impressive response it's received in its short time online. Collector Part Exchange "We have thousands of rare, authentic, and remanufactured parts," the site details. "Plus, we welcome project cars, automobilia, and services too." As Bright further explains on the site: "Time to get real. You're not using all the parts you've been saving, and someone out there needs them. Why not list them in minutes — for free? You'll have shelf and floor space, and cash - to buy parts you can use now." Win-win." Collector Part Exchange also features a Part Ping. It's the site's part locator. The site's text explains: "Can't find what you need Use Part Ping and we’ll see if we can find it for you through our network. The cost? Nada." In its brief time online, the site's offerings have become increasingly varied. How about a 9000cc Marine Motor? Or maybe you're seeking a 1955 Chevy Body Shell or an original Porsche 356-B Original Speedometer? Bright explains how Collector Part Exchange works including the key FAQs: It's free to post on the site and the site receives five percent commission on transactions. Please join Bruce and me for a lively 30 minutes with Chris Bright. And if you're considering buying or selling, car stuff, check out CollectorPartExchange.com. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform: Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify Stitcher

Tesla innovation has changed the automotive world with a lot of industry firsts. Its latest designation is the top spot on the latest American Made Index (AMI). Introduced 16 years ago by the editors of Cars.com, the AMI analyzes a range of factors to determine the  percentage of new cars and trucks made American The Tesla Model 3 has a new title: the most Anerican made Kelsey Mays, the assistant managing editor at the online motoring website that debuted in 1998, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. He discusses with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia the latest index result and Tesla's top spot. "We like to think that the index is fairly relevant," says Mays, a staffer since 2006. "When we survey consumers this year we found out 72 percent said that the domestic nature of a vehicle is an important part of their shopping position." "The whole point of it is to really help the consumer deduce what the economic contribution to a given vehicle he or she may buy turn out to be." Tesla Gets Top American Made Honors Using a five-point criteria, the Tesla Model 3 became the first electric vehicle to claim the top sport considering where a vehicle is assembled to the amount of American and Canadian made parts. Three other components of what Mays calls a matrix also determine the index rankings. The top-five positions on the AMI for 2021 include: Tesla Model 3 (Fremont, California), Ford Mustang (Flat Rock, Michigan), Tesla Model Y (Fremont, California), Jeep Cherokee (Belvidere, Illinois) and Chevrolet Corvette (Bowling Green, Kentucky). According to the AMI findings, 68 percent of car shoppers said they would consider an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car. Additionally, 29 percent of respondents found it unpatriotic not to buy American. Please join co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia and Mays as we examine this year's ratings, including some surprising results as well as what Tesla's designation means to the auto industry. Visit Cars.com to read the complete index. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify

Tim McGrane has a long, varied career in the automotive industry. It's steered him to his current role as the CEO of M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. The 87-acre playground for auto enthusiasts includes the world’s largest community of Private Garages and a 1.5-mile Performance Track with its own private Motorsports Club. A native of England whose previous experience tenures at Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, McGrane is my guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-host Bruce Aldrich is on assignment. The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan is back with a full calendar of events for the 2021 season. McGrane assumed his latest position in March and like the management of other automotive facilities, M1 Concourse has had to adapt its business during the Covid-19 pandemic. M1 Concourse, will proper protocols, is now ready for its full season of activities, and we discuss it during Episode No. 186. In the current issue of his regular online newsletter, McGrane describes M1 as "a place where enthusiasts can keep, show and exercise their vehicles in the company of other enthusiasts and enjoy unforgettable experiences in a social setting unavailable to people who keep their cars at home or in a traditional storage facility." M1 Concourse: A Family Affair "In short, M1 Concourse is the epicenter of all things automotive in metro Detroit and provides the largest concentration of auto enthusiasts in the world a venue to enjoy their passion with friends and family." A new featured event this season is the Woodward Dream Show, August 19-21. The gathering was initiated to complement the famed Woodard Dream Cruise with historic and legendary hot rods and muscle cars on display. This year's schedule also includes Motor Bella (September 21-26) and the American Speed Festival (Sept. 30-Oct. 3). The remaining M1 Cars & Coffee are scheduled July 24, Sept. 4. and Oct. 16. The M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, is the hub for regional and international motorsports activities. McGrane details all of M1 Concourse events and his experience in his new role at the five-year-old facility. Event specifics are available here: m1concourse.com. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify;

Motorcycle racing and lots of related activities will add to the always-full calendar of motorsports with the debut of West Coast Bike Week at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The community-focused, 10 days of racing and fan interaction will be geared toward those who enjoy all things on two wheels. Barry Toepke, Director of Heritage Events & Public Relations for the raceway, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. The inaugural West Coast Bike Week will be held July 9-18 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and other Monterey Peninsula locations. Co-hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich discuss with Toepke the new series as the racetrack's future as pandemic restrictions have been upgraded. Activities will begin July 9 at the MotoAmerica in downtown Pacific Grove from 5-9 p.m. The new showcase of events will be highlighted by the GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey, July 9-11, followed by exciting vintage racing with the AHRMA Classic Motofest of Monterey, July 16-18. West Coast Bike Week: Family Fun "It's going to be fantastic," said Toepke of the Superbike Speedfest. "They were here last year during the pandemic to a close paddock and had some super racing. "There were some people who came into the park to watch. But now that we are open to the public, we are selling tickets. As of now, we are open and mask-free for those people who are vaccinated. We are excited." For the Pacific Grove event, Lighthouse Avenue will be shut down between Forest Avenue and Congress Avenue, where live music, merchandise and other surprises await at this free event that is presented by the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce. Fans are encouraged to bring their motorcycles to help launch West Coast Bike Week. The inaugural West Coast Bike Week will be held July 9-18 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and other Monterey Peninsula locations. Toepke is enthusiastic about all things at Laguna Seca, but he stressed the unique "bagger" competition. It's called "King of the Baggers." Harley-Davidson and Indian touring bikes – complete with saddlebags – compete. "To see these bikes go through the corkscrew and accelerate out of that is something you actually have to see," said Toepke. "It will bring a smile to your face. People are enjoying their bikes." During the podcast, the co-hosts and Toepke also discuss the year-long calendar and the new racetrack management. It has revitalized the racing calendar and improved marketing, public relations and community outreach programs at the famed track and surrounding recreational area. Please join for a comprehensive look at the new West Coast Bike Week in Episode #185 For additional information on West Coast Bike Week, visit: www.weathertechraceway.com. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify

Proud car owners aren't often at a loss for words. It's part of the enjoyment of sharing artwork of wheels. The artists at Respoke Collection offer another way to showcase a favorite machine or a showroom full of automobiles or motorcycles. Forward a quality image online to the company's online presence, and it will return a vehicle rendering on canvas or on paper in dimensions as large as 24x36. It's an ideal, unique Father's Day gift for the car collector in the family. A 1959 Bug is the subject of a new offering from Respoke Collection. On this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss Father's Day gifts for auto enthusiasts. We start with the Respoke Collection. According to the website, here's how the idea works: Find the best photo of the car you're looking to print. The image can be taken from any angle but with clear quality and lighting.A new book on the history of the Ford Model T is an ideal Father's Day gift. Respoke Collection's designers will recreate a detailed illustration. Customers approve the rendering with unlimited revisions from printing on canvas or poster. All pieces include hanging hardware and an acrylite front protector. Framed posters feature black frames made from semi-hardwood alder wood. Canvas prints have oak frames. All artwork is made in the United States. Company response occurs within 24 hours with a three-day turnaround on designs. Secure checkout is done via Shopify. Visit: respokecollection.com for sizes and various collections. We also discuss several books perfect for Father's Day, June 20. Here's a synopsis of a few gift options: Here are three other Father's Day gift ideas for automotive enthusiasts: A new book on the history of the Ford Model T is an ideal Father's Day book. * Chas Parker is a long-time motor racing enthusiast and veteran motorsports and historic racing car author. He has a new title: Ford Model T an Enthusiast’s Guide 1908 to 1927. The model T, according to the book's marketing, transformed American society. It brought mobility through car ownership to millions of middle-class Americans when horses and the railroad were previously the only viable means of transportation. The author, who has also has written about Jaguar, Buggati and Lola, among other topics, explains how arguably the most influential car in history was made on assembly lines. An estimated 16.5 million model Ts were made between 1908 and 1927. The 160-page book includes more than 220 images. Carmaker Henry Ford's legacy was astonishing. By 1918, half of the cars built in American were Model Ts. About 8,000 made daily. The selection of body styles varied from two-and four-seat open and closed models – tourers, town cars, runabouts, landaulets, cabriolets, vans and pick-up trucks. The iconic vehicle's racing history and the restoration projects of three England-based Model T owners provide more further context of the car's importance. Visit: www.quartoknows.com or online booksellers. BMW has a new line of sunglasses. * Vehicle technology is ever-advancing, but it has drawbacks. Navigation systems and other infotainment visuals aren't always legible with polarization and other eyewear features. The new BMW Eyewear Drop Collection is optimized with a polarization filter. It allows clear views of LCD screen map road signs and other environment details pending on the road. Developed by Dalloz Creations, the sunglasses, launched this summer, are integrated with Vi/ON lenses. They reduce the polarization filter and protect again intense forms of glare. A wide range of modern and easy-to-wear men's and unisex models are available and are offered with the BMW community and followers in mind. They're sunglasses for drivers. Styles range from sporty to youthful, with racing-inspired color-block combinations and dynamic profiles. Visit: www.shopbmwusa.com. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates f...

Many cars have failed, but none quite like the Edsel. Scott Gunnari knows all the stories. But the vintage car collector enjoys the car Henry Ford II named after his son as much as any collector of any brand. Gunnari, the lead inspector for Page One Automotive, the automotive fleet and event management service company in Brisbane, California, has had six of the much-maligned machines in his collection. He now owns three. 1958 Edsel. The car was only made for three years. Gunnari is our guest this week on Episode #182 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talk with Gunnari about three 1958 Edsels — a Corsair 4-door and Pacer 2-door and 4-door. He also owned a 1958 Bermuda nine-passenger wagon, which he sold about three years to another Edsel enthusiast. Edsel: 'It's Weird; That's Why I Like.' "I've been an Edsel nut for years," said Gunnari. "It started at a very young age. I was about 7 or 8 years old when the Edsel came out. I was fascinated by the design. It was so different than anything else. It was weird and that's what I liked about it." "The three that I have I would say are in various states of disrepair I like to say rather than show cars or even driver quality at this point. They're projects and I seem to have an affinity for that sort of thing, for bringing a car back to life, making it a decent driver and enjoying it." The Edsel was short-lived but has a following among vintage car collectors, including Scott Gunnari. Edsel vehicles were manufactured from 1958-1960. Deriving its name from Edsel Ford son of company founder Henry Ford. Edsels were developed in an effort to give Ford a fourth brand to gain additional market share from Chrysler and General Motors. "It was just mistimed," said Gunnari of Edsel's short tenure. "There are many, many reasons for the demise. One of the major reasons is that it came out at the wrong time. It was too late. If it had come out in 1955, we might still have an Edsel. But it was late in 1957 there was a recession." Please join Bruce and me for an entertaining conversation about Edsel. We encourage and appreciate feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify  

RVTravel.com is the country's pre-eminent recreational vehicle website. It reports on every conceivable component of tthe ever-expanding industry. It has expert text and video, twice-weekly newsletters, daily tips, a huge social media presence and a forum. Its new feature is a weekly podcast. Scott Linden, a long-time television and radio broadcaster and an avid RVer, is the host of the podcast which debuted in early April. Scott Linden is the host of the new RVTravel.com podcast. Linden our guest on episode #176 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss with Scott the back story of how he started the podcast via his friendship with Chuck Woodbury, the publisher of RVTravel.com. Scott also details how he plans to host the podcast and topics it will cover every Sunday. "There's so much to be done in the works of RVing," Linden says. "Especially now when there are some many people trying it for the first time. That's probably the most exciting part about it for me is trying to help people have more fun. A long-time hunter and fisherman, Linden will combine his television and broadcast experience and enjoyment of RVing into the podcast every Sunday. RVTravel.com is the industry's leading website “Podcasting is much like radio broadcasting,” he says. “Yet one advantage podcasting has over radio is that you can listen to podcasts on your own schedule. The library of past episodes is always available if you happen to miss a good topic.” Linden will strive to make the podcasts about topics RVers want to know about. He won't make it a show geared toward his interests. Chuck Woodbury, Publisher of RVTravel.com, welcomes a podcast to the popular site.   "I want to cover topics of interest to them instead of what's of interest to me," he says. "The feedback has been very positive. We are really ringing the bell of a lot of folks." The new podcast is available on RVTravel.com and will soon expand to popular podcast outlets. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify Stitcher RELATED CONTENT RV industry awash in chaos; readers' advocate speaks out

After a postponement and cancellation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, LA AutoMobility and the LA Auto Show will be back later this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Collectively, the automotive industry can't wait. Plenty of other auto shows didn't occur last year and won't until later this year. But organizers of the Los Angeles show, the first major industry event of the season, decided to offer a glimpse into the future. The 2021 Toyota Mirai was discussed during the recent LA Auto Show virtual Media Day. A virtual media gathering with representatives from many carmakers was recently held, and The Weekly Driver Podcast was part of it. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia listened to several presentations and follow-up question-and-answer sessions. We even submitted a few questions that were answered. The LA Auto Show will be held Nov. 19-28. In the meantime, on episode No. 175 of The Weekly Driver Podcast, we'll hear from representatives from Magna, Toyota and Volkswagen. Magna International is a Canadian mobility technology company for automakers. It produces automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components supplied to BMW, Fiat-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Tesla. The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was introduced during the 2021 LA Auto Show virtual Media Day. Toyota's presentation is the introduction of the 2021 Mirai. It's one of only three mainstream hydrogen fuel cell cars available in the United States. LA Auto Show: EVs on the horizon In the ever-expanding electric vehicle segment, Volkswagen's latest offering is the ID.4. It debuted in late 2020 in Europe and in early 2021 to North American customers in early 2021. It's the fully electric crossover SUV under the Volkswagen brand. The German manufacturer is marketing the ID.4 as a high-volume, mass-market electric vehicle — a car for “the millions, not the millionaires." We'll hear VW's presentation, too. Please join Bruce and me for this virtual presentation hosted by the Motor Press Guild. It's an audio-only preview of the pending LA Auto Show. The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. The idea of more eyeballs on more content works for us. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. A graphic display at the bottom of the post links to automotive selections of the online retailer. But there's also a search function for anything available directly from the site. If you shop via this site, we receive a small commission. It helps us continue to produce independent content. The site began in 2004 and includes more than 700 reviews. The podcast is in its third year, and we've had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform. Several of the more prominent platforms are listed below. Amazon.com Google Play iheartradio iTunes Spotify Stitcher

There's always a lot happening in the auto industry. But it's been a particularly wild ride lately. Tiger Woods crashed a new 2021 Genesis GV70. I test drove a 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost for four days. And a new coffee table-sized book on the new mid-engine Corvette C8 has been published. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss the three topics and more on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss Tiger Woods, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost and a new book on the mid-engine Corvette C8 on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Image © Gretchen Gaither/2021. Woods sustained multiple leg injuries early February 23 when he was involved in a single-car accident in Los Angeles County. The accident continued the golf icon’s years of misfortune while driving. After removing Woods from his vehicle with the “jaws of life,” the golfer was taken by ambulance to Harbor UCLA Medical Center. It was Woods’ third car accident since 2009. Woods, 45, an 82-time PGA Tour winner, was in the Southern California area for his annual Genesis Invitational golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades. A lot still remains unknown about the accident and Woods' future. Bruce and I give our opinions, which mostly streamline to: "Hey Tiger. Live Longer. Hire A Driver." Tiger Woods suffered multiple leg injuries Feb. 23 in a single-car accident in Southern California. It was Woods' third car accident since 2007. Woods recently had another in his long series of back surgeries and he recently said his recovery could recent back surgery could keep him out of the upcoming Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost attracted as much attention as any vehicle I've reviewed in 16 years as an automotive journalist The entry-level Ghost and siblings Cullinan, Dawn, Phantom and Wraith attract attention like no other carmaker’s offerings. Global sales of 5,125 in 2020 continued the brand’s reputation. It’s a name everyone knows, a car few see. The Cullinan, the company’s first SUV, debuted in 2018. It catapulted sales to record levels. The Ghost is described as the carmaker’s “purest expression.” Podcast No. 172: Tiger Woods, Rolls-Royce, Corvette CB Book Who’s to argue? Newness abounds this year in the long-anticipated five-passenger sedan’s second generation. The so-called entry-level Rolls Royce was the brand’s top-seller for the previous decade. The new Ghost features a 6.75-liter, twin-turbo, 48-valve V12. It produces 563 horsepower and advances from zero to 60 miles per hour, via its eight-speed automatic transmission, in 4.6 seconds. The top speed is 155 miles per hour. The drive is powerful, smooth, quiet and carried on 21-inch, 10-spoke wheels. And while the wheels spin, the RR center emblems remain upright. It’s all impressive for a vehicle that weighs 5,540 pounds and extends slightly more than 18 feet. And speaking of beauty, consider the new Corvette. The debuts of the 2020 C8 and its 2021 sibling, both delayed in production by the coronavirus pandemic, feature what Chevy considered for decades — a mid-engine. With diminishing sales for several years, the eighth generation is unlike any previous Corvette. Its engineers, like other renowned American artists, were influenced by European supercar masters from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren. Some purists were aghast, others welcomed the change. With a starting price of less than $60,000 and stunning specs — a 6.2-liter V8, top-speed of 194 miles per hour and 0-60 mph in less than three seconds — the new Corvette has global sales aspirations. Chevy hopes its sports car flagship’s reputation, cultivating since 1953, accelerates across continents and into competitors’ domains. The new Corvette also disrupts previous signature traits. An eight-speed, double-clutch transmission replaces a stick shift. Please join us for another episode as we examine the ever-changi...