'Auto Trends' Talks To Bloomberg Intelligence About New Vehicle Affordability And More

Bloomberg Intelligence Global Director of Automotive Research Kevin Tynan

For car buyers who have been out of the market since the pandemic, they might be somewhat alarmed when price shopping for a vehicle. The question everyone seems to be asking is when will new car prices begin to slide in reverse. This week on Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, Bloomberg Intelligence's Kevin Tynan, who is also known as a senior auto analyst, joins us to recap the first quarter sales, while discussing vehicle affordability. 

After a C-Suite Toyota executive announced in 2023 that the average price of a new vehicle would top $50,000, we'll deliberate about where average transaction prices are currently in 2024, as we examine non luxury, luxury and fully electric vehicle prices, as compared to 2021, when consumer demand outstripped inventory.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum TRD Hybrid 4x4: The Brand’s Three Row Flagship SUV

Highlight: The Sequoia is only available with a hybrid powertrain.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $81,610 (Base Model – SR5 4x2): $63,125

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a back up camera; a 360-degree camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; an electronic blind spot monitoring system; and a hill start control system; a lane departure system; a full speed radar activated cruise control system; a lane tracing assist system; automatic beams; a road sign assist system; and a trailer merger warning system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Ford Is Recalling The Bronco Sport And Escape For Fuel Leak Concerns

 

Cracked Fuel Injector May Leak and Cause a Fire

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V187000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize Electric Sedan

Highlight: A rear optional steering system is available, helping to reduce the turning radius.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 106,515 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an adaptive lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; rain-sensing wipers; and a tire pressure system

Standard Equipment 350: 19-inch wheels; single motor: 288-horsepower; 280-mile driving range; rear wheel drive; a 12-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; smartphone charger; a comfort charger; a variety of driving modes; a keyless ignition system; illuminated door sill plates; a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication; and a power a panorama sunroof

2024 Hyundai Kona N Line AWD: New Stylish Design, More Tech And Roomier

 

Highlights:  An all-electric model is also available. An unlike most shared gasoline and electric vehicle platforms. The Kona was designed with the electric vehicle being primary and other existing powertrains being secondary.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,790 (Base SE Model: $25,625)

Seating Capacity: 5

2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Premium Plus AWD: The Brand’s Other Compact Crossover

Highlight: The stylish CX-50 is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $37,500 (Base Model): $31,675

Seating Capacity: 5 (depending upon size)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; AWD; hill decent control; hill launch accent; off-road traction assist; tailer stability control; rearview camera; rear cross traffic alert; lane keep assist system; a lane departure warning system; an electronic blind spot monitor; hill launch assist; an automatic brake hold feature; automatic high beams; a radar activated stop and go cruise control system and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (2.5 S AWD): 17-inch wheels; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a leather wrapped shifter; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a keyless entry system; a push button keyless entry system; a rear roof spoiler; dual exhaust outlets

SiriusXM's 'Auto Trends' Talks To A Multicultural Auto Sales Analyst About The 'Future Majority' (Two Shows)

 

Marc Bland, S & P Global Mobility's chief diversity officer, joins Auto Trends with JeffCars.com to talk about the car-buying trends of the 'future majority.'

In a two-part conversation, Bland, who is also known as a multicultural sales auto analyst, joins us to discuss the new vehicle buying habits of women and ethnic minorities. We'll explore 2023 CYTD new vehicle sales by gender and ethnicity, while examining hybrids, gasoline vehicles and electric cars. 

Its Shop Time Mondays: Kia And Subaru Are Recalling Vehicles For Airbag Or Rollaway Concerns

Air Bag May Not Deploy

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000

Manufacturer Subaru of America, Inc.

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 118,723

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum AWD: Longer, Wider And Roomier

Highlight: The Grand Highlander offers three powertrains.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $55,298 (Base Model – XLE): $44,715

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

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE AWD: The Brand’s All-New Midsize Performance Oriented All-Electric Crossover

The Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV is utilizing the brand's first all-electric charging station hub which is located on the grounds of the luxury brand's U.S. headquarter. 

Highlight: A gigantic hyperscreen, which houses the digital instrument cluster, audio system, 360-degree camera and navigation system, extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. In essence, the massive computer screen extends from the driver’s door to the front passenger right door.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $132,200 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an active lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; rain-sensing wipers; a pre-safe monitoring system and a tire pressure monitoring system

A New Safety Startup With High Profile Executives Talk To 'Auto Trends'

Andrew Coetzee, an ESS chief safety advocate, is standing in front of a vehicle using his organization's technology. (photo credit: JC)

Andrew Coetzee, who serves as the chief safety advocate of the Houston-based Emergency Safety Solution, talks to Auto Trends with JeffCars.com. Coetzee, a retired Toyota executive, discusses why the new startup was formed and how they plan to save lives by preventing crashes involving disabled and stopped vehicles.

New York Int'l Auto Show Preview: Genesis Goes Performance

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept

The Genesis Magma Concepts

Genesis Motors GV60 Magma Concept

New York Int'l Auto Show Preview: Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Tuscon And Kia K4

 

Hyundai Tuscon sharpens its exterior and interior styling with its mid-cycle update.

The 2025 Hyundai Tuscon will be available as a hybrid and a plug-in.

Kia makes a name change, dropping the Forte and replacing it with the K4.