Talking Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, The Side-Eye He Got And Winning Over The Black Automotive Community, As BMW’s 1st Black Dealer On ‘Auto Trends’

Sidney Barron and Hank Aaron (Photo Credit: SB)

As Auto Trends with JeffCars.com continues our Black History Month themed shows, focusing on the intersection of race and sports, we are honored to share the story of how Hammerin’ Henry Louis Aaron became BMW’s first black dealer.

On April 8, 1974, Henry Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record, hitting the career-winning 715 homerun. Like our previous radio guest from the sports world, racing pioneer Willy T. Ribbs, the baseball legend faced opposition and death threats too – primarily due to the color of his skin, as he was breaking Ruth’s record and cementing his place in history. Ironically, almost a quarter of a century later, after proving himself, as both a world class athlete and as a successful businessman, Aaron was about to embark upon a brand new venture, becoming a first time new car dealer.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited AWD: The Brand’s New 8-Passenger SUV/Crossover

Highlight: The Palisade shares a platform  with its Korean twin, the Kia Telluride.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $47,495 (Base model: $32,645)

Seating Capacity: 7 to 8

Its Shop Time Mondays: Ford, Lincoln And Toyota Are In The Hot Seat

1. Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture

A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V072000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components SUSPENSION

2019 Ram 3500 Limited Crew Cab 4x4: The One Ton Luxury Power House

Highlight: This is the first truck to feature both a power pull down tailgate and a haptic feature. A simple hand gesture underneath the rear Ram logo opens the tailgate.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $88,130 (Base Model: $35,095)

Seating Capacity: 5

Its Shop Time Mondays: Chevys, Hyundais, GMCs And Rams Are Being Recalled

1. ABS Module May Short Circuit

An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 429,686

Summary

2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport: The Brand’s Midsize Luxury Crossover

Highlight: The Sport trim is all-new for the 2020 model year.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $59,740 (Base Model: $45,090)

Seating Capacity: 5

Racing Pioneer Willy T. Ribbs Talks Family, Race And New Netflix Film "Uppity" With SiriusXM's 'Auto Trends'



Like baseball’s Jackie Robinson, Willy T. Ribbs found himself in the thick of it too, dealing with the intersection of race and sports. As we embark upon Black History Month, the racing pioneer joins SiriusXM’s Auto Trends with JeffCars.com for a wide-ranging, must-hear two-part conversation.

In pursuing his dream to become a race car driver, Ribbs never allowed the hue of his skin tone to hinder his ‘drive,’ no pun intended. In fact, the racing legend was known as the Jackie Robinson of the racing world.

During our riveting talk, just like in his recently released Netflix documentary entitled, ‘Uppity,’ Ribbs gives us permission to ride along with him, as he shares the bumps, road blocks and unpaved trails he encountered on his path to becoming the first black person to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

2020 Subaru Legacy Limited XT AWD: A More Refined Midsize Vehicle With Premium Features

Highlight: The all-new Legacy is now available with an in-vehicle Wi-Fi system.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,095 (Base Model: $23,645)

Seating Capacity: 5



1. Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may not Deploy

In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V024000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,891,976

2019 VW Jetta GLI 2.0T 35th Anniversary Edition: The Sporty Performance Version

Highlight: Jetta’s interior cabin is larger than most of the vehicles in the segment.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $27,890 (S Model: $19,640)

Seating Capacity: 5