'Auto Trends' Rolls Into New Orleans Airing On WBOK 1230 AM This Saturday Talking 'Car Mortgages' And More

As the automotive industry faces 25 percent new-car tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and used car buyers wrestle with monthly car payments averaging over $500, Auto Trends with JeffCars.com will be rolling into the Big Easy every Saturday, helping the community navigate this ever-changing industry.

Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, a weekly 30-minute program, is the only syndicated multicultural automotive radio program in the U. S. Host Jeff Fortson, who considers himself to be a student of the industry with over three decades of both corporate and retail experience from the automotive industry, says “every week pioneers, influencers and trendsetters from the industry will join the program for a one-on-one conversation imparting their knowledge or expertise.” Fortson’s hope is that the New Orleans community will feel empowered, enlighten and/or inspired each time they tune in.

'Auto Trends' Goes Behind The Scenes Talking To The Host And EP Of The Program

It's been eight years since Auto Trends with JeffCars.com landed on the airwaves. For the first time, Jeff Fortson, the host and executive producer of the only syndicated multicultural automotive program in North America, allows the listeners to go behind the scenes, learning more about him and his program. 

Response To Chrysler's Refusal To Recall 2.7- Million Jeeps, The Editor Provides Consumer Tips On CNN

Editor Jeff Fortson with CNN's Suzanne Malveaux



Here is Jeff Fortson's on-air conversation with CNN anchor Suzanne Malveaux, regarding how consumers should handle Chrysler's refusal to recall 2.7-million Jeeps. Because of timing, we have been unable to access the live video footage.

Transcript.....

We're following another big story here. This is Chrysler, refusing to recall 2.7 million -- that is right -- Jeep SUVs. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the gas tank design used in the 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and the 2002 to 2007 Jeep Liberties is unsafe. The government agency found more than 300 people have died when their Jeep SUV caught fire after rear-end collisions. 

Jeff Fortson, of jeffcars.com, is joining us to talk about this. 

I'm surprised by the fact that they can refuse to recall the vehicles. I wasn't even clear that that was possible. Do we know if it's even necessary? 

Six Hours And 27 Tv/Radio Interviews, Discussing The Revamped Large Car Segment

On April 30, the editor and industry analyst Jeff Fortson conducted a whopping 27 back-to-back Tv and radio interviews with GM's vice president of Consumer Affairs, James Bell, discussing the revamped large car segment and Chevy's latest entry, the Impala.

Editor's Note: Five Things I Am Thankful For This Year

As we take a moment this holiday season to slow things down and pump the brakes, I wanted to reflect upon the top five things I am truly thankful for this year.

1. Attended the Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Conference And Expo. On the same day that Oprah wrapped-up her 25 year-old daytime talk show, I had an opportunity to witness history, attending a one-on-one personal conservation with Earl G. Graves Sr., the founder of Black Enterprise Magazine, and his son, Earl G. Graves Jr., president and CEO of the magazine. The intimate conversation, which revealed both their professional and personal lives, was led by President Obama's (and Michelle's) Harvard law professor, Charles Ogletree. I was just glad to be in the house to witness history. This is the first time that the Graves held a forum such as this. It was spell bounding to witness the respect interaction between a black father and his son. ( As a side note, I periodically provide auto content to the magazine.)
2. First Published Car-Buying Feature Story In Essence Magazine. Earlier this year a good friend of mine, who happens to be a senior editor at Essence, gave me a once in the lifetime opportunity to write a feature story for the magazine. Unlike my other published articles, I wasn't required to quote other experts in the article. I was allowed to write the article from my point of view, sharing my own personal experiences and referencing my website. I guess this seals the deal and truly makes me an expert (LOL).
3. Having the Opportunity to Review A New-Vehicle Weekly. In many ways, I still feel like a big kid. Every week I have an opportunity to review a different ride. I no longer have to depend upon the opinion of others in the industry regarding today's hottest (or not so hot) rides.
4. Attended the American Black Film Festival in Miami. During the fourth of July holiday weekend, GM provided me a front row seat to the American Black Film Festival. Not only did I get a chance to have lunch with the founder of the festival, but to also hang out with some of the movers and shakers in the film industry, while at the same time getting a chance to kick-up my hills and chill on Miami's infamous South Beach. All I can say is what an experience. This once in a lifetime experience rated right up there with being a VIP guest of Toyota at last year's Soul Train Music Award where I was caught on tape dancing. I still marvel at the fact that I was in attendance for both events.
5. Of Course, I Am Thankful for Family and Friends. Just a few months ago my independent mom, who is in her early seventies, had major eye surgery to restore her failing sight. I thought my aging parents were going to become dependent upon me for everything, since I am the youngest in the family for all of their errands plus more. Thank God due to the miracle of modern medicine she now has 20/20 vision and she no longer needs me (or my brothers) to take her to the store (or run other errands). She actually has her independence back again, allowing her the ability to tool around town in her Ford Mustang convertible. Since eye surgery, I think her vision is actually better than mine. And, I am extremely thankful for everyone who continues to use my website as a point of reference, before buying or servicing a vehicle. You just don't know how much I truly appreciate you.

Live Video: Editor Takes Several Laps In 638-HP Vette

At 3:30, check out Jeff's reaction, as the professional driver begins to shift into gear, burning rubber!

Don't try this on the back roads or on the open highways boys and girls, unless you want to end up in a ditch. Jeff Fortson, the editor of JeffCars.com, takes several laps in Chevy's Corvette Z06, with a professional race car driver, at the Texas Motor Speedway.

The base ZR1, which lists for approximately $106,000, is capable of kicking out 638 horses from underneath the hood and can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in just under 3.4 seconds. In fact, this is Chevy's fastest mass produced Vette in the history of the company.

For Jeff, the experience of being a co-pilot was like riding a roller coaster. As you can tell from viewing the video, he could barely keep his behind planted in the passenger seat, as the professional driver was topping record speeds, while cornering the track. Now if this Vette is out of your reach, check out our review of a convertible Vette, with a little less horsepower, but with just as much sting.


To configure a Vette or another new ride, visit our New Vehicle Pricing Guide.

Background Info About Jeff And JeffCars.com

Jeff Fortson is the host and the executive producer of the only and longest running syndicated multicultural automotive radio program in the industry, Auto Trends with JeffCars.com. The weekly program, which airs on SirusXM and several traditional radio outlets, includes one-on-one conversations with many of the industry's pioneers and influencers. 

Fortson, who considers himself to be a student of the business, has worked for the Chrysler Corporation and several dealerships. Currently he serves as the editor of JeffCars.com, an educational car-buying website with a new-car pricing guide and configurator. 

In addition to JeffCars.com, the car fanatic has also penned several extensive car-buying guides throughout the years for Black Enterprise, Ebony and Essence, three of the premier magazines in the Black community. Thus, this makes him the only auto writer who has contributed to all three magazines.

Moreover, in April 2009, Essence recognized him as a "The top guru for sound car-buying advice." His contributions and articles have also appeared in The Washington Post, Jet, Bet.com, BlackAmericaWeb.com and Aol.com. 

In fact, he was tapped in 2009 by AOL's BlackVoices.com to author a new blog, bvAuto. Added to that, he has appeared on such programs as CNN and NPR, serving in the role of an automotive analyst. 

Furthermore, he created a car-buying clinic, which is copyrighted with the Library Congress, as a means to combat predatory auto lending practices with minority consumers.

Lastly, Fortson has partnered with several schools throughout the years to create minority outreach educational school programs centered around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and financial literacy.