'Auto Trends' 7th Annual New Car Radio Preview: 2025 And Beyond

 

Who: Our 7th Annual Auto Show Radio Preview (2025 Models And Beyond)

What: Co-Hosted By Michigan's auto analyst Stephanie Brinley of S & P Global Mobility and auto guru Zach Gale of Motor Trend Magazine. 

Both Michigan and California serve as Ground Zero for the auto industry in terms of car design studios, industry research and manufacturing. Brinley and Gale have been co-hosting the program since 2023. And Brinley has been hosting the program since its inception.

Its Shop Time Mondays: Tesla Is Recalling 239,000 Electric Vehicles

 

Rearview Camera Image May Fail/FMVSS 111

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V002000

Manufacturer Tesla, Inc.

Components BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 239,382

'Auto Trends' Talks 2024 New Vehicle Sales, Auto Mergers, EV Incentives And More With AutoForecast Solutions

 

Sam Fiorani, AutoForecast Solutions' vice president of global sales, kicks off the new year with Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, the only syndicated multicultural automotive radio program in North America, discussing a multitude of topics that could possibly drive the industry in 2025.

We'll recap 2024 year-to-date car sales, while also talking about the pending merger between Honda and Nissan.

Its Shop Time Mondays: Tesla Is Recalling Close To 700,000 EVs

TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138

Software Update Repairs Recall

Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V935000

Manufacturer Tesla, Inc.

Components TIRES

Potential Number of Units Affected 694,304

After Two Decades, The Iconic Honda Returns In 2025

 

Honda Preludes future and past. (Photo Credit: Honda)

After being absent from the Honda lineup for over two decades, the iconic Prelude returns in late 2025. Unlike the previous Prelude, this model will only be available in a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. 

Honda says the coupe with debut with an innovative new drive mode. They're claiming the vehicle will provide an engaging driving experience. 

As of now, these are all the details we know. 

  

2024 Mazda3 Carbon Turbo Sedan AWD: The Brand’s Compact Car

 

Highlight: The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $31,750 (Base Model- 2.5 S): $25,390

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a stability control system; a traction control system; hill launch assist; high beam control; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; rear view camera; a smart brake support with pedestrian detection; a blind spot monitoring system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (S): 16-wheels; 2.5, 4-cylinder; 191-horsepower; a brake hold feature; a manual a/c; cloth seats; a push button ignition system; remote keyless entry system; a 9-inch infotainment center; push button ignition starter; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; manual operated front seats; cloth seats; and a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Chevys, GMCs, Hondas And RAMs Are Being Recalled

Loss of ABS/Traction Control from Module Failure

A loss of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, or traction control can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000

Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 317,630

'Auto Trends' Talks To The Only Black Executive Who Managed A $3.2 Billion Car Ad Budget (Two Shows)

Professor Mike Jackson (Photo Credit: MJ)

With DEI being such a lightning rod in schools of higher learning and in corporate America these days, it’s no coincidence America was having this same conversation two decades ago when Mike Jackson was recruited from the beverage industry by Roy Roberts, who at the time was the highest-ranking Black auto executive in the industry.

Jackson, who is currently an advertising professor, oversaw an eye-popping $3.2 billion media budget in North America during his tenure at General Motors, before exiting the industry briefly and then resurfacing a few years later at a startup EV company in a senior leadership role. 

2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport AWD: The Brand’s Lifestyle Crossover Truck

Highlight: The Ridgeline attract more non Honda buyers to the brand than any other vehicle in Honda’s lineup.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $xx,xxx (Base Sport MSRP: $xx,xxx)

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; collision mitigation system; road departure mitigation system; forward collision warning system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a radar active cruise control system; a blind spot information system; a cross-traffic monitor system; automatic high beam headlights; rear camera; vehicle stability system a tire pressure system; and a hill start assist system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Hyundai Is Recalling Santa Fes And Elantras Due To Defective Rear View Cameras

 

Rearview Image May Not Display/ FMVSS 111

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V879000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components BACK OVER PREVENTION

Potential Number of Units Affected 226,118

'Auto Trends' Discusses How The Trump Presidency Will Impact The Auto Industry

Tesla Vehicles (Photo Credit: Tesla)

As a result of the November 6, 2024, Presidential election results, Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, the only syndicated multicultural automotive program in North America, will take a look ahead as to how the auto industry and car buyers will be impacted.

2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Crossover

 

Highlight: Toyota offers a Grand Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle boasts more horsepower and interior space than the stand Highlander.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $55,478 (Base Model – LE): $42,115 (front wheel drive)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8, depending upon trim

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a blind spot monitor; a pre-collision safety system; a lane departure warning system; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Genesis, Hyundai And Kia Are Recalling Over 200,000 All-Electric Vehicles

Loss of Drive Power from Damaged Charging Unit

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V868000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected: 208,000

Consumer Reports Talks To 'Auto Trends' About Their First Used Car Brand Study

Consumer Reports' Connecticut test track (Photo Credit: CR)

With the average transaction price of a new-vehicle hovering around $48,000, buying used is the best option for many of today's car buyers seeking an affordable alternative. Also, in the history of analyzing car prices, this is first time there has been a $20,000 gap between both the average new and used car pricing.

Alex Knizeck, Consumer Reports' associate director of auto test development joins Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, the longest running weekly syndicated multicultural automotive program in North America, for an engaging one-on-one conversation.