Welcome back to “The Drive” with Alan Taylor as our first guest is George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, highlighted significant automotive developments from the L.A. Auto Show. Hyundai unveiled the all-electric Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV competing with the new Kia EV9. A key focus was hydrogen fuel cell technology, showcased through a dynamic concept vehicle. Kia also expanded its electric range with the EV9 GT, updating the existing V6 variant. While no groundbreaking supercars were presented, Volkswagen revealed substantial updates to its T1 model. The trend leaned towards producing practical, high-volume vehicles appealing to a broad audience. The L.A. Auto Show is becoming increasingly important, but events like CES are now crucial for unveiling innovations like advanced infotainment systems that support vehicle automation, emphasizing the “software-defined vehicle” concept. The SEMA Show has also gained prominence for aftermarket modifications and advocating for automotive enthusiasts. George experienced driving the 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line V6 all-wheel drive, which he views as Kia’s flagship model, blending luxury and practicality with features like heated, ventilated leather seats and advanced infotainment. The Telluride offers impressive cargo space and a commanding driving position, providing exceptional value under $50,000, akin to luxury SUVs priced between $75,000 and $150,000. He praises Kia’s approach to maintaining distinct design identities across models like the Telluride, Sportage, and Sorento, highlighting the clean, sophisticated aesthetic that enhances both appeal and performance. Overall, George underscores the Telluride’s popularity, combining style, functionality, and a competitive array of features.



Up next is friend and contributor BJ Killeen, an automotive journalist and Voice of reason, who emphasized the significance of Carlos Tavares’ resignation from Stellantis, citing ongoing challenges with Chrysler products like poor quality and low sales, especially in the electric vehicle sector. He mentioned that this leadership change could provide a fresh direction for a struggling company. Killeen noted the decline of brands such as Alfa Romeo and Fiat while lamenting the difficulties faced by the company. On a separate note, Nissan is facing major challenges, having laid off about 9,000 employees and cutting U.S. production by 100,000 units. Their luxury division, Infiniti, is particularly affected, averaging only 24 vehicle sales per month, leading to discussions about merging Infiniti and Nissan dealerships. The fallout from the Carlos Ghosn saga has contributed to these issues, leaving current management to tackle significant operational hurdles. Killeen also recently tested the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which impressed him with its innovative design as a “sport adventure vehicle.” Priced from $28,500 to around $41,000 for the limited model, it offers a car-like ride with some truck features. The 2.5-liter turbo engine delivers 281 horsepower, and the vehicle can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. While the cargo bed is only four feet long, making it less suitable for larger loads, it remains a practical option for those needing a compact vehicle. The Santa Cruz includes advanced technology, such as a surround-view monitor, enhancing its appeal as a versatile alternative to full-size trucks.



Karl Brauer, Automotive Industry Analyst, Forbes Autos Contributor, North American Car and Truck of the Year juror and board member and Executive Analyst for ISeeCars.com recently tested the 2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid. This high-performance vehicle delivers 771 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under three seconds. Priced around $225,000,