#269, Renowned automotive journalist talks future of car-sharing

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:23 — 55.6MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreMichael Coates has done it all as an automotive journalist, from writer and editor to publishing and broadcast analysis. He’s currently the editor and publisher of Clean Fleet Report, a well-respected automotive website focusing on automotive environmental issues. Coates, who also serves as Automotive Editor at Innovation & Tech Today magazine and writes for Autoweek magazine, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. A recently updated post on Clean Fleet Report discussing the evolving and revolving companies involved in shared mobility

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2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R too much pickup truck

Owners of pickup trucks, station wagons and electric vehicles sometimes get stereotyped as having specific political beliefs and varying lifestyles. It’s a ridiculous notion. What’s intriguing is to consider why a neighbor, co-worker or passerby would purchase a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor for $118,000 or a 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage for $18,000. A potential buyer of one of the most expensive pickup trucks on the market would likely never consider purchasing the cheapest available new vehicle in the United States. The reverse buying scenario is also likely true. Both vehicles are on the bookends of the auto industry and both have

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5 vital considerations when buying a car

Buying a car is many consumers’ first major purchase. It can nearly be a rite of passage and exciting, so carefully considering the best choice is recommended. It may take a long time. To make the right choice, take the time to consider every step of the purchasing process. It will be worth it. Here are five vital steps to consider before buying a car: Consider Your Costs The price of your car isn’t just the sticker price. You could pay noticeably more, and you’ll need to be prepared. Opting for add-ons or an extended warranty will add to the

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How to incorporate sustainability into personal transportation

Environmental concerns are increasing and there are good reasons. Climates are changing globally. It’s getting hotter and seasons aren’t the same as they once were. Consumers need to consider their energy usage habits. How transportation affects the environment is a major issue. Increased sustainability is particularly important, particularly for drivers. Here’s how sustainable transportation can be incorporated into daily life, from buying groceries to driving to work: Consider Walking or Biking There are many health benefits to cycle commuting. Many cities have cycling lanes with safety-oriented laws. Not all cities have designated road lanes for cyclists, but it’s important to

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Bicycle commuting: healthy, cheaper, faster

There’s no doubt cycling has amazing health benefits. But bicycling isn’t always easy. It often changes commuters’s routines and may take a concerted effort. But commuting to work on a bicycle not only provides exercise, it’s less expensive than driving and good for the environment. Although no one looks forward to it, bicycling to work could increase the chance of an accident but there is available legal help after a bicycle accident. Cycling to work is a good alternative to paying for fuel and the costs associated with driving. Still don’t overlook safety to avoid being under the wheels of someone

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2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country ideally modernizes station wagons of yesteryear

Nearly 55 years after the original popularity of station wagons began to wane, modern styles — the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country to the new Porsche Taycan — are still respected. They’re automotive sentinels to yesteryear when families traveled in three-row chariots with folding bench seats and visited train stations with packed trundle suitcases About 10 manufacturers still make wagons (they’re rarely called station wagons), and like Audi and Mercedes-Benz, Volvo believes in the versatility of the segment. But a lot has changed. The 2023 Volvo V6 Cross Country isn’t a new generation, but it’s been updated. A mild-hybrid is

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Tesla Gets Approval For Diner and Drive-in Movie Supercharger in Los Angeles

In a groundbreaking move that underscores Tesla’s commitment to enhancing the EV charging experience, the company has secured the necessary permits to establish a unique Diner and Drive-In Supercharger in Los Angeles. This development, as confirmed by documents from the LA Department of Building and Safety, is a testament to Tesla’s innovative approach to the EV infrastructure. Tesla’s Supercharger Network, already the most comprehensive of any global automaker, is set to be further revolutionized. While advancements in charging technology have reduced wait times, the allure of a multifaceted experience at these stations remains. Enter Tesla’s latest venture: a combination of

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Tired Truckers: The Importance of Keeping America’s Backbone Safe

Truckers are undoubtedly America’s underappreciated backbone. They single-handedly help to keep the supply chain moving. Even though their jobs are vital for society, there is a major concern when it comes to their position: fatigue. Their long hours and far distances required can make it difficult for them to stay awake while on the job. Driver fatigue is the state of physical and mental exhaustion that is usually caused by long periods of driving without the opportunity to rest. This can cause danger to themselves, and others on the road. Throughout this guide, we will look into the issue of

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2023 Toyota Crown debuts as a bold family hybrid sedan with SUV persona

Nine of the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the United States in 2022 were pickup trucks or sport utility vehicles. Once the top seller for American families, sedans continue to find fewer buyers. Toyota decided not to embrace automotive conformity with its new 2023 Crown. It’s a large family sedan with SUV tendencies. It replaces the Toyota Avalon, which debuted as a 1995 model. It had a 27-year run until four straight years of diminished sales prompted its demise. The 2023 Toyota Crown, loosely defined as a combination of a Toyota Camry and Toyota 4Runner, is available in XLE, Limited

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2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante honors owner icon

Englishman David Brown was a machinist’s apprentice and he was knighted. He raced motorcycles, built tractors, played polo and bred racehorses. He also bought Aston Martin in 1947 and thus began the British automaker’s use of the initials “DB” on its vehicles. Brown died 30 years ago, around the same time of year this year the periodically struggling niche manufacturer unveiled the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante. The industrialist orchestrated models through the James Bond movie heydays when the sports car’s image was at its apex. It’s also had its share of automotive doldrums when the company’s debts ballooned and

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New, sportier 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid shines in crowded segment

Introduced in 1976 as a three-door hatchback, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid moves the iconic vehicle closer to its 50th birthday as among the automotive industry’s most reliable cars. It’s been the country’s top-selling signature family sedan for decades. The 2023 Honda Accord marks the debut of the car’s 11th generation. It’s also the start of the fourth generation for the Accord Hybrid, and it’s three inches longer than the previous model. The new length means more back-seat legroom and it’s part of the car’s substantial overhaul. Cargo space is also a strength for the sedan at 16.7 cubic feet.

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A Guide to Navigating New Jersey’s Most Dangerous Bridges

Bridges are brilliantly convenient for commuters across the world, yet they can also be fraught with safety hazards that aren’t found on other highways and byways. If you live in New Jersey, or you’re going to be driving through it soon, some of the state’s bridges need to be on your radar due to the risks they pose to motorists. Let’s look at what you need to know about them, and how to cross them in one piece. Troublesome and Trepidatious Paths: New Jersey’s Most Hazardous Bridges New Jersey is home to a network of bridges that are vital connections

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#268 Newport Car Museum Adds Prized Collection of Vintage Porsches

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:58 — 60.3MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreGunther Buerman and his wife Maggie Buerman opened the Newport Car Museum in 2017 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They’ve constantly updated the combined automobile and history museum including its latest presentation — an homage to Porsche. Gunther Buerman, whose interest in automobiles began as a young boy when practiced wax paper transfer etchings of car advertisements from National Geographic Magazine, is our guest on this week’s episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. A repeat guest who was willed a 1966 Ford Mustang nearly 40

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2023 LEXUS IS 500 F SPORT DEFINES SPORT SEDAN’S VERSATILITY

Now in its second year, the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is a manufacturer outlier. The luxury brand extension of Toyota is geared toward upscale interiors and comfort on the open road. The 2023 edition of the V8 sedan is more focused on performance while maintaining the Lexus reputation. Without much change from its debut offering, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport is available in Base and Premium trims. The Launch Edition is gone. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower engine, the small luxury sedan’s engine ia paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has Sport

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What to do when your car won’t start

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as when a car won’t start. Whether you have one or more cars, it’s inconvenient when a vehicle doesn’t start. And it seems it often occurs when at the most inappropriate time — an important meeting or taking children to school. Dealing with a car that won’t start is best to resolve quickly. Here are some top tips to deal with a car that won’t start: Identify The Problem What seems to be the issue with the car itself? Typically, there might be something that indicates where the problem is, and it’s usually a dashboard

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#267, The Voice: John Kraman talks Mecum Auctions, Monterey

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:23 — 67.3MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreJohn Kraman knows the car auction business as well as a broadcaster. He’s the senior member of the Mecum Auctions team and the only announcer who’s been on all 16 years of the country’s largest automobile auctions broadcast. He’s our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. With broadcast colleagues and varied responsibility crew, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Kraman the auction’s participation Aug. 17-19 in Monterey Auto Week. Mecum is the only daytime auction during what is now nearly

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