Welcome everyone to another edition of “The Drive” with Alan Taylor. Today, we have contributor and friend BJ Killeen, automotive journalist, and voice of reason. She announced the return of the Honda Prelude as a 2026 model after its discontinuation in 2001. The new Prelude is expected to feature a hybrid engine with a price range of $31,000 to $38,000, potentially including a stick shift option and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing around 200 horsepower. The production location is uncertain, though North America (likely Mexico or Canada) is speculated. Killeen also noted the decline of sedans and the fading popularity of station wagons. In related news, Stellantis has delayed the full electric Ram pickup until 2026, opting instead for a hybrid model reminiscent of the original Chevy Volt, as the industry shifts toward electrification. Recent discussions between Nissan and Honda have ignited rumors of a potential merger with Mitsubishi Motors, involving Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan CEO. Ghosn was praised for enhancing efficiency but left amid scandal, leading to Nissan’s struggle to compete in the EV market post-departure. Critics argue that embracing Ghosn’s vision might have positioned Nissan better in autonomous driving and electrification.

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, has tested Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz electric microbus, noting its attractive design and spaciousness but highlighting a major drawback: a 231-mile range for the all-wheel drive version raises concerns about charging availability, particularly for highway driving in Los Angeles. He questions the practicality of the ID. Buzz compared to traditional vehicles. He also discusses a promotion in Colorado for leasing Fiats at low upfront costs, around $1,200 to $1,300 for a 27-month lease at about $50 a month. He recalls leasing a Fiat 500E for $49 monthly in 2017, pointing out that such pricing hinges on government credits rather than solid financial backing. A study by ISeeCars shows that warmer weather tends to increase used car prices, with the best purchasing times being New Year’s and January, while June is least favorable. Upcoming regulations, like the EPA’s plan to phase out gasoline cars by 2035, may also influence consumer decisions.

George Kennedy III, co-founder of Cartender.com and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, discussed the shutdown of Cruise, GM’s robo-taxi startup that aimed to compete with Waymo using modified Chevrolet Bolt EVs. He attributed its failure to the sunk cost fallacy and criticized the rush into self-driving tech without proper readiness. Kennedy emphasized that autonomous vehicles must perform nearly flawlessly to gain public trust, noting mixed feelings about semi-autonomous features that can reduce driving strain but may also lead to complacency. He advocated for a cautious approach, prioritizing safety and reliability over speed in development. Kennedy also recently test drove the 2025 Mazda CX-70, a midsize SUV competing with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Positioned as a luxury alternative with a starting price around $40,000, it offers a driving experience similar to the BMW X5, featuring two turbocharged inline-six engines. However, its infotainment system relies on a central console dial rather than a touchscreen. Overall, the Mazda CX-70 is a sophisticated SUV with strong performance.

Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, discusses Nissan’s urgent challenges due to declining sales, particularly related to their CVT transmissions and electric vehicle offerings, which lag behind competitors like Toyota. Following the 2018 scandal involving former CEO Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s reputation has faltered, enabling rivals like Hyundai to gain market share. In response, Nissan and Honda are forming a strategic alliance to share software and components, potentially strengthening their position in the electric vehicle sector. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved California’s waiver to ban gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, despite pending legal challenges. Critics raise concerns about the implications for the broader U.S. auto industry, as manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Tesla face mounting pressure from stringent fuel economy standards. Alan and Lauren also discuss political influences on the electric vehicle market, particularly Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle current EV mandates and tax credits, a move surprisingly supported by Elon Musk, who holds a significant market share in EV sales. Additionally, Musk’s influence extends through social media and potential acquisitions to challenge media bias. Lauren concludes by expressing her vision for transportation policy changes, emphasizing reforming the EV mandate and credit system. The conversation illustrates the complex interplay of wealth, influence, and policy in shaping U.S. transportation’s future.

[00:00:00] – Contributor BJ Killeen
[00:06:52] – 2026 Honda Prelude
[00:12:30] – Goshn’s Vision
[00:20:21] – Contributor Karl Brauer
[00:30:51] – 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz
[00:37:21] – More Regulations
[00:43:11] – Contributor George Kennedy III
[00:50:15] – Robo-Taxi
[00:55:42] – 2025 Mazda CX70
[01:03:32] – Contributor Lauren Fix
[01:12:35] – EPA At It Again
[01:19:32] – Dismantled Mandate

CREDITS

Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Dave Milligan
Copy Editor: Colleen Mahi

Contributor: BJ Killeen
Contributor: Karl Brauer

Contributor: George Kennedy III
Contributor: Lauren Fix

EXPLORE MORE WITH HELPFUL LINKS:

• Contributor: BJ Killeen | Automotive Journalist and Voice of Reason..
• Contributor: 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.  
• Contributor: George Kennedy III | Co-founder of Cartender.com, and the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. He contributes to U.S. News & World Report, CarGurus, Forbes Wheels, and here on The Drive
• Contributor: Lauren Fix |  Editor in-Chief for Car Coach Reports, Laurenfix.com

Vehicles Discussed:

2026 Honda Prelude, 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz, Fiat, 2025 Mazda CX-70

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• Foundation of Human Understanding
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