'Auto Trends' Celebrates 9 Years On The Air

 

Nine years ago this weekend Auto Trends with JeffCars.com drove onto the airwaves in Atlanta with a monthly program. Today the program is the only and the longest running weekly syndicated multicultural automotive radio program airing in North America. This expansion into North America is due to our partnership with HURVoices and SiriusXM, the largest audio entertainment group in the United Station. 

While it took nearly fifteen years to turn this dream into reality, it's been a ride and grind we couldn't have imagined. When the high-energy multicultural program was launched, our focus then and now continues to center around pioneers, influencers and trendsetters in the industry. And just like founder John Johnson's Ebony magazine, our car-themed program was also created to share the stories of the voiceless.

Its Shop Time Mondays: Hyundai And Genesis Are Recalling Over 54,000 Vehicles Due To The Fuel Pump

Loss of Drive Power from Fuel Pump Failure

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V528000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

'Auto Trends' Talks To Two Pioneering Black Households Owning Multiple Electric Vehicles (Extended Video Conversation)

Dr. Reggie Tucker-Seely (l) and Dr. India Calhoun Williams (r) households have owned multiple new and used electric vehicles. (Photo Credit:TSICWGD)

For the first time, Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, the only weekly syndicated multicultural automotive program in North America, is talking to two Black pioneering households, who have owned multiple electric vehicles, both new and used.

Dr. Reggie Tucker-Seely and Dr. India Calhoun Williams, who are based in California and Georgia, respectively are considered early adopters in the electric vehicle movement. While only 7 to 8 percent of the U.S. population currently owns electric vehicles, both the Hispanic and Black community are barely a drop on the radar. 

On the other hand, white men and the Asian community are driving electric vehicle sales in the U.S. 

2024 Subaru Ascent Touring AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Crossover

Highlight: This is the brand’s flagship vehicle.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 49,931 (Base Model: $35,740)

Seating Capacity: 7- 8 (depending upon trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a tire pressure sensor system; an incline start assist system; a rear-view camera; hill descent control system; a traction control system; and automatic pre collision braking

Its Shop Time Mondays: 2014 Ford-150s And Newer Model VW Crossovers Are Being Recalled

Unexpected Downshift Can Cause Loss of Control

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

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components POWER TRAIN

Potential Number of Units Affected 552,188

J.D. Power Releases 2024 Models 90-Day Customer Quality Study: Smartphone Connections And EV Start Ups Drag Down Scores

In its inaugural year incorporating franchise dealership repair visits with the Voice of the Customer (VOC) data to create a more expansive metric for problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), released today, the industry average is 195 PP100. Mass market brands, with a combined average of 181 PP100, outperform the industry average. Meanwhile, premium brands—often including more complicated systems and thus more reliance on connectivity—average 232 PP100. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.

2024 Subaru Solterra Touring AWD: The Brand’s Only All- Electric Vehicle

Highlight: The Solterra shares a platform with the compact electric vehicles from Toyota and Lexus.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 54,558 (Premium Model: $46,340)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a tire pressure sensor system; a rear-view camera; a rear cross traffic alert system; a lane departure warning system; a radar activated cruise control system; a hill start control system; electronic blind spot; a pre-collision braking system; front radar sensors; and a hill descent control system

Its Shop Times Monday: Chrysler, Dodge And Jeep Are Recalling Over 1-Million Model Years 2021-2023 Vehicles

 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000

Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Activ AWD: The Brand’s All- New Subcompact Crossover.

Highlight: The Chevy Trailblazer shares a platform with the Buick Envista.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,670 (LS- Based FWD): $24,395

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; automatic emergency brakes; front pedestrian braking; a forward collision alert system; a lane keep assistance system; a lane departure warning system; automatic high intelligence auto high beam; OnStar safety and concierge system; a rear camera; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a hill start assist system; a compact spare tire; and a tire pressure monitoring syst

Standard Equipment (LS): 17-inch wheels; front wheel drive; a 9-speed automatic transmission;11-inch infotainment screen; black front and rear lower fascia; solar absorbing glass; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a single zone manual ventilation system; chrome shift knob; an 8-inch digital instrument screen; manual operated front seats; and cloth seats

2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outboard AWD: The Brand’s Four Door Midsize SUV

Highlight: The 130 is the longest model in terms of length in the Defender family.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $93,338 (Base Model Defender S: $70,575)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 8 (depending upon seating arrangement)

Standard Safety Features (Test Model): airbags; ABS; a 360-degree rearview camera; electronic brake force distribution; an electronic blind spot monitor; a stability system; a low traction control system; lane keep assist; an adaptive speed limiter; an adaptive dynamics to reduce body roll; a roll stability control system; a terrain response system; a cornering brake control system; a full size spare wheel; an air quality sensor; a wade sensing system; a trailer assist system; a perimeter alarm system; a tire pressure monitor system; and outside rear mounted tire protection

All Kia Tellurides Should Be Parked Outside, While 2022-23 Toyota Tundras And Lexus LX600s Are Being Recalled For Engine Debris

Fire from Overheated Power Seat Motor

A fire increases the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V407000

Manufacturer Kia America, Inc.

Components SEATS

Potential Number of Units Affected 462,869

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium AWD: The Brand’s Compact Crossover Is All-New

Highlight: The Wilderness trim offers 9.3 inches of ground clearance.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $29,935   (Base Model: $26,540)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a tire pressure sensor system; an incline start assist system; a rear-view camera; hill descent control system; a traction control system; and automatic pre collision braking

IIHS Safety Testing: Two Popular Large SUVs Fall Short On Crash Tests (VIDEO)

 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently evaluated the crash worthiness of three large of the most popular SUVs in terms of sales volume. The vehicles tested were the Cheverolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer. 

The newly designed Toyota Sequoia and the dated Nissan Armada wasn't included. The Nissan is slated for a redesign in the near future.

Its Shop Time Mondays: Tesla And Lincoln Are Recalling Over 200,000 Vehicles

Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208

A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000

Manufacturer Tesla, Inc.

Components SEAT BELTS

Potential Number of Units Affected 125,227