Its Shop Time Mondays: Acura, Ford, Hyundai, Kia And Nissan Are In The Hot Seat

1. Unexpected Transmission Downshift

Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Latest Trend: A Record 7 Million Customers At Least 90 Days On Car Payment

• The New York Fed said there were over a million more “troubled borrowers” at the end of 2018 than there were in 2010, when unemployment hit 10 percent and the auto loan delinquency rate peaked. Today, unemployment is 4 percent, and many more Americans have jobs, yet a significant number of people cannot pay their car loan.

• Most of the people who are behind on their bills have low credit scores and are under age 30, suggesting young people are having a difficult time paying for their cars and their student loans at the same time.

(source: Mercury News)

Its Recall Mondays: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Lexus, Ram And Toyota Are In The Hot Seat

1. Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V005000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,299,448

AAA Study: Extreme Heat And Extreme Cold Reduces Driving Range Of Electric Cars

According to a recent study from AAA, freezing temperatures can take the charge out of electric vehicles. Electric vehicle owners may experience a decrease in driving range, compounded by the use of the vehicle’s interior climate control. 

New research from AAA reveals that when the mercury dips to 20°F and the HVAC (Heat Ventilation Air conditon) system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range is decreased by 41 percent. This means for every 100 miles of combined urban/highway driving, the range at 20°F would be reduced to 59 miles. When colder temperatures hit, AAA urges electric vehicle owners to be aware of a reduction in range and the need to charge more often to minimize the chance of being stranded by a dead battery.

2019 Genesis G70 2.0: The Luxury Brand’s BMW 3-Series Fighter

Highlight: The G70 shares underpinnings with Kia’s hatchback-like Stinger.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $45,895 (Base model: $35,895)

Seating Capacity: 4 (limited rear seating)

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; vehicle stability control system; a hillstart assist control system; a forward collision avoidance assist system with pedestrian detection; a lane keep assist system; a blind spot collision warning system with a rear traffic cross alert system; a radar activated stop and go cruise control system; an automatic high beam assist headlights; heated outside mirrors; an electronic parking brake; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a rearview camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 4x2: One Of The Most Luxurious Car-Like Trucks In The Industry

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: $54,480 (Base Model: $33,340)

Seating Capacity: 5 (tight squeeze in the rear seating area)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; Daytime running headlights; electronic stability control; electronic roll mitigation; an electric parking brake; a hillstart assist system; a rear back up camera; a tire pressure monitoring system a tire fill alert system; a traction control system; heated exterior mirrors; a cargo lamp; a locking tailgate; and a trailer sway damping system

The Mindset Of A Self-Made Black Millionaire: Steve Hightower Talks About His Drive To Create A Billion Dollar Petroleum Business On SiriusXM’s 'Auto Trends'

To kick off our third anniversary on SiriusXM’s Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, we’re honored to have Steve Hightower, the CEO and president of Hightowers Petroleum, a privately-owned, Ohio-based company. 

While we’ve had an opportunity to talk to a host of entrepreneurs and barrier breakers over the years, Hightower, whom we consider to be a ‘master teacher,’ has his eyes set on becoming a part of a super elite club, where individuals like Reginald F. Lewis paved the way in the eighties. Lewis, who died from brain cancer at the age of 50, was the first Black person to create a Billion dollar organization.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate AWD: The Brand's Refreshed Midsize Crossover/SUV

Highlight: The all-new, three-row, seven passenger crossover has been renamed the Santa Fe XL. The Santa Fe Sport name has been dropped.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $39,905 (Base Model: $26,545)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; hill assist control; downhill braking control; heated mirrors; driver’s blind spot; a tire pressure monitoring system; a stability control system; automatic headlights; an auto hold feature at stops; an electronic stability control system; a radar-activated cruise control system; a blind spot collision avoidance assist system; a rear cross traffic collision avoidance system; forward collision assist system with pedestrian protection; a rear view camera with parking monitor; and a lane keep assist system

Airing Friday, January 25 Thru Monday, January 28 On SiriusXM

To listen on your smartphone, access SiriusXM.com.

All-New Detroit Auto Show Debuts: Ram Heavy Duty Trucks, Kia Telluride & Ford Explorer

Ram introduced new heavy duty trucks. Ram claims this is the most capable truck in its class, with the ability to tow up to 35,100 lbs. The Ram also outhauls every pickup available -- with a 1,000 lb ft of torque. The trucks should mirror the light duty truck in terms of ride and handling capabilities.

The Kia Telluride, with its three rows, becomes the brand's largest SUV/crossover. The big body vehicle will built in the U.S. and be available in early spring.

Ford has repositioned its Explorer to ride on a rear-wheel drive platform. This adds to the styling and  the added towing capabilities that escapes most of today's front wheel drive crossovers.