James Raia

Articles by James Raia

#113, Fiat 500, Maine cheapest car, state for insurance

Where you live and what kind of vehicle you drive has a lot to do with how much your car insurance is going to cost. carinsurance.com has all the data. It’s crunched the numbers and determined the cheapest cars to insure in every state and the cheapest state in which to insure vehicles. Penny Gusner, a Consumer Analyst for the website, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Gusner talks with co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia about the cheapest cars to insure in every state and how the results were determined. She details how cars are built and how other factors fit into the equation. Road quality, technology, weather, etc., all contribute to a vehicle’s

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2020 Toyota Prius: hybrid sedan still worthy after all these years

The Toyota Prius, a combined gas-electric hybrid, was introduced into the United States in 2000, three years after it debuted in Japan. It was a dream car for the ecologically minded. But its freakish looks and sluggish engine prompted brutal criticism. It was called hideous to a larva on wheels. Key Takeaways Real-world 58 mpg on an 800-mile Sacramento-to-LA test: The reviewer averaged 58 mpg — more than 10 percent above the EPA combined estimate — negotiating Interstate 5 traffic and the Grapevine grades. Fourth-generation facelift finally looks modern: 2020 upgrades include Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, a 7-inch center display, and standard safety connection services across every trim. 121-hp 1.8-liter four handles highway pace without flinching: Even with traffic exceeding

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Kia President Michael Cole stars with new Seltos SUV at LA Auto Show

The name Michael Cole is shared by a television actor, professional wrestling announcer and a prominent Southern California psychologist. Michael Cole, the recently named President of Kia Motors America, has some of the other Michael Cole traits — all intriguing. The latter Michael Cole was named to his new position two weeks before the just concluding Los Angeles Auto Show, and he was ready. A career automotive executive who previously worked for Toyota, Cole, 55, presented the new 2021 Kia Seltos under the show’s bright lights and theatrics and with the enthusiasm of an actor and showman. After the pending subcompact crossover SUV’s unveiling, Cole, a native of England, was as serious as a psychologist, but forthright and humorous. He

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Brembo, Bollinger, Kia presidents interviewed at LA Auto Show

The Weekly Driver Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia spent three Media Days at the LA Auto Show and interviewed the presidents of Brembo, Bollinger and Kia. The show’s public days began today (Nov. 22) and continue through December 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The multi-floor, multi-hall extravaganza will feature more than 500 exhibits and dozens of manufacturers and the North American or global debuts of their vehicles. It’s all about entry-level cars, top-end luxury vehicles, the ever-expanding alternative fuel industry, custom made machines and unique concepts. But unlike visiting a car dealership where the goal of salespeople to sell, auto shows are public question and answer sessions. Attendees are encouraged to ask manufacturers’ representatives, sometimes called

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#112, LA Auto Show, Day 2: Kia president touts new Seltos SUV

The huge banner promotes the 2019 Kia Telluride as the Motor Trend sport utility vehicle of the year. It’s a perfect marketing location for the manufacturer since the signage is hanging above the Los Angeles Convention Center, the site of the 2019 LA Auto Show. Named the 2020 SUV of the year, the Telluride also has a new stablemate, the 2021 Kia Seltos. It’s positioned between the Kia Soul and Sportage as an entry-level SUV. Michael Cole, the newly named President of Kia Motors America, is our guest on Day 2 of The Weekly Driver Podcast special episodes from the LA Auto Show. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and James Raia speak with Cole about two hours after he presided over the

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#111, Day 1: LA Auto Show: Brembo, Bollinger Motors

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:06 — 60.6MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreWelcome to The Weekly Driver Podcast. We’re broadcasting special daily episodes this week from the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center. It’s the day before the showroom floors open for the global and North American debuts of several dozen vehicle debuts. But there’s still plenty to see and discuss. Co-hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich conduct interviews with Daniel Sandberg, President and CEO at Brembo North America, Inc., and Robert Bollinger, CEO of Bollinger Motors. The two executives couldn’t be further apart in their respective areas of expertise in the automotive landscape. Sandberg oversees the industry’s most well-known innovator of

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Shelby Cobra is back as an e-bike to celebrate Ford v Ferrari

Just in time for his portrayal in the movie Ford v Ferrari, the iconic Cobra made by automotive legend Carroll Shelby is back — sort of. Vintage Electric released November 15 a limited edition Two-Wheeled Cobra. It’s an homage to Shelby’s 289 Slabside Cobra in the form of an electric bicycle. Designed with the help of Shelby’s grandson Aaron, the bike has a motorcycle-like profile. It’s painted the same metallic blue with black racing stripes as its namesake. The bike also features hand grips, a matte black fork, retro LED headlamp and leather saddle seat that all reminiscent of the 289 Slabside. And the iconic Cobra logo is also prominent. Shelby’s powerful cars included the Ford GT40 that beat Ferrari

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2019 LA Auto Show: global debuts galore

The yearly LA Auto Show is a must-attend event for experts and those who view automobiles and trucks simply as necessary annoyances. It’s the first major car show of the automotive season despite is unique dates near the end of the calendar year. A multi-floor, multi-hall extravaganza of more than is home for more than 500 exhibits and dozens of manufacturers and the North American or global debuts of their vehicles. The show provides a welcomed automotive overload, and it will be held Nov. 22- Dec. 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It’s all about entry-level cars, top-end luxury vehicles, the ever-expanding alternative fuel industry, custom made machines and unique concepts. But unlike visiting a car dealership where the

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#110, What’s in a used car color? Beige saves big bucks

Julie Blackley is a favorite guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast. She’s an analyst for iseecars.com, the Boston-based online automotive search engine and research website. Blackley is a whirlwind of automotive industry statistics, and she’s the first guest who’s joined us three times. During this episode, Bruce Aldrich and I discuss with Julie how certain exterior car colors are more likely to result in significant savings for used car shoppers according to a recent study the company conducted. The automotive research firm analyzed more than 4.1 million vehicles to determine which car colors were more likely to provide deals, defined as savings of at least 10 percent of a car’s market value. The analysis found less-popular colors don’t always amount

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2020 Hyundai Palisade: worthy newbie SUV despite odd name

With the debut of the Nexo as a 2019 model and the Palisade as a 2020 offering, Hyundai now sells five sport utility vehicles. The South Korean manufacturer doesn’t do much wrong. But making more SUVs isn’t much different than making more traffic. There’s nothing good about more driving congestion. And how is it possible to find some area of the SUV segment that hasn’t been addressed? Hyundai‘s answer? The Palisade is the biggest vehicle it’s made. The carmaker’s flagship SUV, the mid-sized Palisade features a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage averages are 19 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 miles per gallon on the freeway. Available with all-wheel drive and

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Stuntman Robert Nagle silent car star in Ford v Ferrari

Actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale weren’t alive when Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles were in their most determined whirlwinds of pride, ego and obsession. Ferrari ruled the automotive world at the time; Ford didn’t like it. Robert Nagle knows the story as well as anyone. He’s the stuntman, engineer and consultant who taught Damon and Bale how to drive in the pending movie Ford v Ferrari. The veteran actors, respectively play Shelby, the visionary American car designer, and Miles, the fearless British-born driver. They’re dispatched in the film by actors playing Henry Ford II and the recently deceased Lee Iacocca to humble Ford. They’re assigned to build the Ford GT40, a new race car with the potential to defeat

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#109, Sacramento collector talks vintage cars

Like other ollectors, Joe Palmer of Sacramento has a passion for vintage cars with character, and chrome. If a vehicle has a long history, Palmern takes pleasure in sharing its pedigree. The real estate businessman and musician currently owns 14 cars and he’s possessed more than 30 vehicles. He likes Lincoln, Cadillac and Rolls-Royce. And he also has a 1956 Bentley and a 1966 Ford Mustang. Palmer, 59, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia talked with the collector recently from inside one of his vintage Lincolns that was just purchased a young woman from Southern California. The Lincoln and many of his other vehicles are located in the backyard

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2019 Lexus IS350, a worthy sporty sedan failing

Comfort, superior ride quality and luxury aren’t often strong sports car characteristics. Feeling the road, shifting gears and making the best of a rugged minimalist interior provides a good chunk of the appeal. The 2019 Lexus IS350 rejects the norm. Defined as a five-passenger small sedan, the IS350 matches a quiet, relaxing and comfortable sedan with an aggressive-looking sports car. It’s ready for some country road shenanigans or long, smooth freeway hauls. The Lexus IS (Intelligent Sport) debuted in North American in 2000; the 350 variant arrived in 2008. Its third and current generation was unveiled in 2013, with a revamp in 2016. While 2020 models have just emerged, the still-available 2019 offering remains largely unchanged from recent years. Three-beam

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#108, Vintage auto poster collecting expert Tony Singer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:48 — 60.1MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEverett Anton Singer, known mostly by everyone as Tony, is a vintage auto poster collecting expert and founder of Automobilia Monterey. It’s the memorabilia segment of Monterey Auto Week, the yearly August gathering of car shows, auctions and nearly every component of the industry. Expanded to three days this year, Singer’s vintage automotive posters were an integral part of the show held at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. And he’s our guest on this week’s episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Singer the world of vintage auto poster collecting and as well the larger scope of

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Mesa tops five Arizona cities with least stressful commutes

Mesa, Arizona is known for its vast parks system, golf courses and dry climate. But it also has a new appealing attribute — the country’s least stressful commute. In fact, Arizona has five of the country’s least stressful commute cities, according report researched released by SleepHelp.org. To identify the cities with the most and least stressful commutes, a composite score was calculated based on the following metrics from several national data collection and environment agencies. The criteria: Average one-way commute time; Average annual days with precipitation; Relative collision likelihood; Percentage of workers who drive; Diversity of times that people leave for work. Here are 10 cities in the United States with the least stressful commutes: 1. Mesa, AZ • Population:

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Detroit synonymous with auto industry but commute horrible

The automotive industry is deeply rooted in Detroit. But the city would rather not have one of its honors. It has the most stressful commute in the country. Here are the stats. In Detroit, the average one-way commute time, 25.4 minutes; average annual days with precipitation, 135 days; relative collision likelihood, 22.9 percent above average; percentage of workers who drive: 83.0 percent; diversity of times people leave for work, worse than average. As a result, Detroit doesn’t fare well in the associated issues with long commutes. Many in the workforce leave jobs because of excessive commute stress. Likewise, lack of long commute times not only increases stress, it decreases job satisfaction and leisure time satisfaction. The combined effects lead to

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